teachinherts.com › ... › 41228 › school_bro… · Web viewThey also have the opportunity to learn to play the ukulele and recorder. Private piano, guitar and violin lessons

St Mary’s School Brochure 2016/17

An OUTSTANDING Church School “The School is Outstanding at meeting the needs of pupils”. SIAMS Inspection 2014

GOOD in all areas “Pupils make good progress in all year groups”. Ofsted 2014

Achieved GOLD Award for the RE Quality Mark in July 2016

1

St Mary’s School Brochure 2016-17

Dear Parents/Carers,

A very warm welcome to St Mary’s Primary School.

St Mary’s C of E Primary School has the reputation of being a warm, friendly and caring school that works hard to achieve high standards in learning. We hope that the time your child spends with us will be happy, stimulating and rewarding and that you and your child will feel a part of our school community.

We are a caring school where every child’s personal and academic development and wellbeing is important.

Our dedicated staff are committed to ensuring each child is valued and reaches their full potential. We work hard as a team, reviewing progress and exploring new strategies to capture the energy and enthusiasm of young learners and inspire them to develop a love of learning. Academic attainment is consistently high and we were graded Good by Ofsted in May 2014.

The school was founded in 1864 as an endowed Church of England School for local families, which means that in 2014 we celebrated our 150th anniversary. As a church school we have close links with St Mary’s Church, next door to the school site, as well as the Diocese of St Albans. We follow the Christian ideal and seek to give our children a sense of belonging to a community which cares for each and every member. This was recognised when we were graded Outstanding in the SIAMS inspection (National Society Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) in June 2014.

It is important to offer children a secure, safe and caring environment in which to develop. The school is set in the heart of Northchurch and has excellent resources and facilities. We became a primary school in September 2014, following an extensive programme of expansion and refurbishment.

There is opportunity to study science, geography and history using the fantastic resources in the local area. The playground provides areas for busy and quiet play, whilst the field allows the children to be active and healthy. A range of clubs and links to local organisations ensure our children develop all their interests.

We look forward to sharing with you the next exciting stage in your child’s development and to providing a successful and memorable educational experience – and working in partnership with you, to ensure your child is happy and grows into an outstanding member of the community.

Vanessa HuntHeadteacher

2

Contents

Welcome to St Mary’s …………. Page 2 Church services …………. Page 10Our aims ………………………… Page 3 General information ……… Page 11Our Golden Rules ……………… Page 5 School Uniform …………... Page 12Curriculum ……………………… Page 6 Home School Links ….….. Page 14Educational visits ………………. Page 9 Governing Body …….…… Page 16Special Educational Needs Policies …………………… Page 16

& Disability …………….. Page 9 Contact details …………… Page 18Extra Curricular Activities …….. Page 9

St Mary’s School Excellence Together, Learning through Faith

St Mary’s Church of England Primary School is a one-form entry school situated in a rural setting on the outskirts of Berkhamsted, benefitting from beautiful grounds.

The standard published admissions number for St. Mary’s School is 30 pupils and we admit up to that number in any year group. We currently have 218 pupils on the school roll.

St Mary’s, formerly a First School, became a primary school in September 2014 to reflect the growing demand for school places in Berkhamsted. Our school buildings are a blend of Victorian and modern with a substantial expansion and refurbishment programme completed in October 2014.

The staff, governors, parents and pupils are fully committed to our vision of “Excellence Together, Learning through Faith”.

3

Aims of the School:

With a whole-hearted commitment to putting our Christian faith and spiritual development at the heart of St Mary's we aim to:

Achieve excellence in all that we do; Deliver the highest standards of teaching and learning; Develop happy, confident children, instilled with a life-long love of learning; Create an environment where everyone in the school can reach their full potential; Encourage mutual respect, acceptance and tolerance throughout our community; Encourage a true partnership between the school, parents, the Parish, Governors

and the local authority, for the benefit of our children.

Foundation Stage

Our Foundation Stage consists of a Nursery and Reception class. Nursery and Reception can learn alongside each other, to provide a personalised learning experience in a safe, creative environment.

There is a dedicated outdoor space, providing a safe and enabling environment. The classes are involved in whole school activities such as assemblies and other celebrations.

Nursery

Children are usually admitted to Nursery in the academic year in which their fourth birthday falls. The Nursery admits children twice yearly in September and January. However, we now accept all children aged 3+ in September on a full-time basis but this is up to parents’ discretion. The Nursery class operates a separate Admissions Policy and procedure.

Nursery children attend school for the morning, 8.45am to 11.45am. Because our Nursery sessions are mornings only, we offer wrap-around care through St Mary’s Pre-school, which has been graded Outstanding by Ofsted (October 2014). They offer lunch club and afternoon pre-school sessions (11.45 am to 3.30 pm). For more information, please email [email protected]

In Foundation Stage the teaching and learning focuses on the following areas from the Early Years Foundation Stage:

Personal, social and emotional development; Communication and language; Physical development; Literacy; Mathematics; Understanding the world; Expressive arts and design

The children learn through a blend of child-initiated learning and adult-led activities, which focus on individual children’s interests and needs.

Reception

Children are admitted into Reception in the September of the academic year in which their fifth birthday falls. Pupils continue to follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum with a focus on play and practical experience. In the summer term pupils prepare for the transition into Key Stage 1 by having playtime in the main playground and on the field, as well as visiting their new class and lining up on the playground first thing in the morning with the rest of the school.

4

Key Stage 1

Key Stage 1 comprises school years 1 and 2. During Year 1, pupils make the transition from the Early Years Foundation Stage to the National Curriculum.

At the end of Key Stage 1 teacher assessment is used to obtain SATS results. St Mary’s assessments at the end of Key Stage 1 (in Year 2) indicate consistently high standards which are significantly above the national average.

Key Stage 2

Key Stage 2 at St Mary’s comprises school years 3 to 6 where children continue to follow the National Curriculum, which includes learning a Modern Foreign Language (French). At the end of Year 6, pupils move to local secondary schools. We work closely with the secondary schools to ensure a smooth transition.

We offer wrap around care as follows:

Breakfast Club : 7.45 am to 8.45 am

Lunch Club (Nursery children only) : 11.45 am to 12.30 pm

Pre-School (Nursery children only) : 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm

After-School Club : 3.30 pm to 6 pm

5

Golden Rules

At St Mary’s School we follow these four Golden Rules, chosen by the pupils themselves:

- Care about each other - Care about our school and community- Always do your best - Care about yourself

Key Stage 1 Teacher Assessment

% at expected standard or better St Mary’s NationalReading 87% 79%Writing 87% 71%Maths 87% 77%Year 1 Phonics

2013 2014 2015 2016St M Herts Nat St M Herts Nat St M Herts Nat St M Herts Nat

% Y1 reaching expected standard

53% 71% 69% 89% 77% 74% 77% 80% 77% 90% 83% 81%

Key Stage 2

% at expected standard or better St Mary’s Herts NationalReading (test) 93% 72% 66%Writing (teacher assessment) 79% 79% 74%Spelling, Grammar & Punctuation (test) 71% 76% 72%Maths (test) 64% 73% 70%

Overall (combined) 64% 59% 53%

Our Curriculum

The core subjects of the National Curriculum are Maths, English and Science.

Maths and English are taught daily and are also interwoven into the topic-based approach to teaching with science and all the foundation subjects: Art, Computing, Design & Technology, Foreign Language (French), Geography, History, Music and Physical Education.

Religious Education is reflected throughout the curriculum and also taught within a weekly hour-long session.

We believe that the children need a broad range of skills, taught through suitable topics of work to enable them to become independent and self-motivated. The individual needs of pupils are met through the delivery of the curriculum, ensuring challenge and support.

EnglishOur pupils follow the National Curriculum programme of study for English and each class takes part in a daily Literacy session.

Reading:Phonics is taught in Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 using the Read Write Inc programme. We use a range of reading scheme books in the early stages to introduce reading. These are supplemented by non-scheme books and a language-rich environment.

6

Writing:Children are given opportunities to write for many different purposes and acquire the necessary skills to achieve this. Handwriting, Spelling and Writing progression are carefully structured throughout the school and we work towards all children writing fluently, in a joined-up style by the time they leave St Mary’s.

Speaking and listening:The children learn to express themselves in a variety of situations, not only to each other, but also to adults and groups. Drama is used to explore the curriculum and widen their understanding and personal experience.

MathsMaths is taught through the National curriculum programme of study. Much emphasis is laid on quick mental recall and mental strategies. Knowledge of number bonds and facts involving addition, subtraction, multiplication and division are priorities. Investigation and problem solving are vital skills taught for applying Maths in a variety of situations.

ScienceWe encourage the children to explore, investigate, and reach conclusions. Science is taught both as a discrete subject and through Science-related topics.

HistoryPupils learn about significant people, events and places from both the recent and more distant past. They use different sources of information to help them investigate the past, both in depth and in overview, using dates and historical vocabulary to describe events, people and developments.

GeographyPupils investigate our local area and a contrasting area in the United Kingdom and abroad. They find out about the environment in both areas, the people who live there and start to make links between different places in the world. They find out how people affect the environment and how they are affected by it.

Art, Craft, Design & TechnologyThrough topic work, pupils develop their creativity and imagination by exploring the visual, tactile and sensory qualities of materials and processes. They learn about the role of art, craft and design in their environment.

ComputingEach classroom has an interactive whiteboard and access to two sets of laptops. Other computing equipment includes programmable floor robots, CD players and digital cameras. Computing skills are taught and used throughout the curriculum. Pupils explore computing and learn to use it confidently and with purpose to achieve specific outcomes. Children use the internet for educational research and we ask all parents read our policy for E-safety and sign a permission slip for their child.

7

Physical Education (PE)Pupils develop their skills in movement and coordination and enjoy expressing and testing themselves in a variety of situations. They enjoy communicating, collaborating and competing with each other. Years 3 and 4 have blocks of swimming lessons at the Berkhamsted Sports Centre throughout the year, funded by Northchurch Parish Council. St Mary’s has excellent outdoor space for teaching and learning PE.

MusicPupils listen carefully and respond physically to a wide range of music. They play musical instruments and sing a variety of songs from memory, adding accompaniments and creating compositions. Year 3 learn the recorder and Years 5 and 6 learn the ukulele. Children perform to the school and wider community and some children take part in local school music events.

Modern Foreign LanguageOur modern foreign language is French, which is taught to all pupils in Years 3 to 6. Children learn simple phrases and vocabulary. A French assembly is held in the summer term for pupils to show off their skills.

Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)RSE is not covered as a separate subject until Years 5 & 6, but is integrated into the curriculum, focusing on self-respect and positive relationships.

Religious Education (RE)As a Church of England school, RE is incorporated throughout the curriculum and the ethos of the school through the promotion of Christian values. In RE, pupils explore Christianity and other principal religions. They learn about different beliefs about God and the world around them. Pupils encounter and respond to a range of stories, artefacts and other religious materials and learn to recognise that beliefs are expressed in a variety of ways, as well as beginning to use specialist vocabulary. Pupils will understand the importance and value of religion and belief, especially for themselves, other children and their families. Pupils ask relevant questions and develop a sense of awe and wonder about the world, using their imaginations. They talk about what is important to them and others, valuing themselves, reflecting on their own feelings and experiences and developing a sense of belonging.

We hold daily acts of worship and children are taught Christian values through Bible stories and discussion. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from Religious Education and Collective Worship if they wish. To do so, a meeting with the Headteacher and Chair of Governors must be arranged.

8

Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE)Pupils learn about themselves as developing individuals and as members of their communities. They learn the basic rules and skills for keeping themselves healthy and safe and for behaving well. They have opportunities to show they can take some responsibility for themselves and their environment.Pupils will begin to learn about their own and other people’s feelings and become aware of the views, needs and rights of other children and older people. As members of a class and school community, they learn social skills, such as how to share, take turns, play, help others, resolve simple arguments and resist bullying. They begin to take an active part in the life of their school and its neighbourhood. Social Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL) materials are used to support the delivery of PSHE and focus on emotional connections to learning.

Educational VisitsThroughout their time at St Mary’s all children have many opportunities to go on class visits, which extend their learning. Outside organisations also visit the school often. Recent visits include The National Space Centre, Celtic Harmony Stoneage Village, Woburn Safari Park and St Albans Cathedral. The cost of these outings is met through voluntary parental contributions (see Charging Policy). If parents have difficulties making contributions, the Headteacher would be pleased to talk to them in confidence.

In Years 4 and 6 pupils are given the opportunity to attend a short residential visit to develop self-confidence and independence, in preparation for transition to secondary school.

Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND)St Mary’s is an inclusive school and offers equal opportunities for all. Pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEND) or those who are High Potential Learners are identified as early as possible. Early intervention, support and encouragement ensure pupils make appropriate progress.

Pupils may be given a Learning Passport with targets which are discussed regularly with parents and pupils. Our Special Educational Needs Disability Co-ordinator (SENDCo) assists class teachers in identifying needs, and developing provision and strategies for individual pupils. We regularly seek help and advice through working in partnership with outside agencies.

The school has access to outside agencies such as the Educational Psychologist and the Thomas Coram School Specific Learning Difficulties base, which offers support to all schools in Berkhamsted.

High Potential Learners pupils are provided with encouragement, stimulation and challenge to ensure that they progress and reach their full potential.

Extra Curricular Activities

MusicYears 3 to 6 have the opportunity to join the choir. They also have the opportunity to learn to play the ukulele and recorder. Private piano, guitar and violin lessons are also available.

9

Lunchtime and After-School ActivitiesMany after-school and lunchtime clubs are run on a voluntary basis by parents and teachers, as well as by outside providers. They change termly and can include: Football, Running Club, Drama, Story, Choir, Drawing Club, French Club, Cookery, Art, Sewing, Netball, Dance and Green Team.

St Mary’s ChurchWe are very lucky to have the lovely St Mary’s Church next to the school site.St Mary’s Church plays a big role in the life of the School. Pupils attend monthly services at the church. Parents and carers are welcome to attend and join us in worship. The services include key events in the school and church year, such as Harvest Festival, Remembrance, Christmas Carol service, Easter, Mother’s Day and a Leavers’ service. There is also a weekly collective worship assembly in the school hall taken by Rev Jonathan Gordon.For more information about St Mary’s Church see www.stmarysnorthchurch.org.uk

10

School Day

Nursery …………………….…….. 8.45 am to 11.45 am

Reception and Years 1 & 2Morning lessons ……………..….. 8.55 am to 12.15 pmLunchtime …………………...…… 12 pm to 1.15 pmAfternoon lessons ………………. 1.15 pm to 3.20 pm

Years 3 to 6Morning lessons …………….….. 8.55 am to 12.15 pmLunchtime …………………..…… 12.15 pm to 1.15 pmAfternoon lessons ………………. 1.15 pm to 3.20 pm

Children may enter their classrooms from 8.45am onwards, Years 1 to 6 line up on the top playground when the bell rings and are taken into their class by their teacher. Nursery and Reception pupils enter school via the Foundation Stage outdoor area.

All children should be in school by 8.55am. The school does not accept responsibility for the children before 8.45am.

General Information

Travelling to SchoolSt Mary’s travel plan is committed to encouraging pupils and parents to walk and cycle to school. Walking and cycling to school are an excellent way of fitting exercise into your day and reduce congestion in Northchurch. Pupils cycling to school must wear a cycle helmet. For pupils’ safety please do not drive cars onto the school site.

If you park in the road adjacent to Shaftesbury Court, the residents have asked that cars are not brought in past the ‘dead end’ sign.

School LunchesIn partnership with Hertfordshire Catering we offer a successful pupil choice menu. Lunches must be paid for in advance. You can pay online via the School Gateway app. Cheques need to be made payable to “Herts Catering Limited”. Cheques and cash should be sent to the school office in an envelope clearly marked with your child’s name and class. Reception to Year 2 children receive a Universal Free School meal. If you receive Income Support your child may be eligible for free school meals. If you are eligible and choose not to take them up or have a universal Free School Meal, we would still ask you to register, as your child and the school will benefit from additional funding.

Children may bring a packed lunch. Packed lunches should be healthy and we ask that parents rarely include treats such as chocolate (see Food Policy).

SnacksA government scheme provides a free fruit or vegetable snack each day for children from Nursery to Year 2. Pupils in Year 3 to 6 are asked to bring in their own piece of fruit – no other snacks are permitted. All pupils need an unbreakable, leak-proof water bottle in school each day.

School MilkHertfordshire County Council offers parents the opportunity to purchase milk at a subsidised price for children until the end of Year 2. No charge is made for Nursery children or those eligible for Free School Meals. Children who do not wish to have milk may either drink water or bring in a named carton of fruit juice.

11

School UniformWe have an online buying system so parents can buy uniform at their convenience (see school website). All items must be clearly named.

Shoes should be black, practical and safe in style (but not trainers).

For PE all children, except Nursery, need trainers, navy shorts and a white T-shirt with school logo, in a PE bag (PE bags and T-shirts with logo are available online).

All children also need trainers and a dark (navy or black) pair of jogging bottoms for games on the field.

For Art, children need an apron – an old, cut down shirt is ideal.

As a Health and Safety precaution and in line with guidance from Hertfordshire County Council, we ask that no jewellery is worn to school and that any earrings are studs and can be removed if necessary. Make-up, nail varnish and tattoos are not permitted and long hair should be tied back.

AbsencesParents are requested to telephone the school before 9.00 am if their child will be arriving late or will be absent. A letter explaining the absence should be sent with the child when he/she returns to school. If you need to take your child out of school for a medical appointment please notify us prior to the event.

Children who have suffered symptoms of sickness or diarrhoea must be kept at home for 48 hours after the symptoms have subsided.

All requests for other leave of absence must be made in writing to the school using the appropriate form from the website. Authorisation for holidays during school time is not normally granted, in line with the policy agreed by all local schools, other than in exceptional circumstances.

12

Winter Trousers Uniform Summer Trousers UniformPale blue polo shirt with school logo Grey short trousers if preferredGrey trousers or shorts Pale blue polo shirt with school logoNavy sweatshirt with school logo Years 5 & 6: White shirt and school tieYears 5 & 6: White shirt and school tie

Winter Skirt Uniform Summer Skirt UniformPale blue polo shirt with school logo Navy check dressGrey skirt, pinafore or trousers White socksNavy sweatshirt or cardigan with school logo Years 5 & 6: white shirt and school tieNavy tights or grey tights or navy check dress if preferredYears 5 & 6: white shirt and school tie

Health and Medicines

Please notify us as soon as possible if your child contracts any infectious disease that might affect the other children in school. The school will keep parents updated on diseases in school. We will administer prescribed medicines at our discretion, providing that parents complete a permission form. Children with asthma/nut allergies need to have their inhalers/Epipens with them at all times and the school needs to be notified of this. We ask that children know how to use their inhaler. Any medicines, including inhalers, must be clearly marked with your child’s name and dosage required and taken home termly in line with school policy to check that they are in date.

Child Protection and SafeguardingThe school works in partnership with parents to support children in every way possible. The school is responsible for ensuring we work together with other agencies to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children. Our designated teachers in charge of Child Protection are the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher.

St Mary’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and all staff and volunteers share this commitment. Rigorous vetting procedures are applied to all staff and governors. Visitors, contractors, providers and volunteers in the school are subject to the same scrutiny. A single central record is maintained by the school and assessed by Herts County Council in accordance with their guidelines.

BehaviourAt St Mary’s we promote positive behaviour and high self-esteem in all our children. The distinct Christian ethos of St. Mary’s School promotes care and concern for others and a clear understanding of what is right and wrong. Each class is responsible, with their class teacher, for establishing their own class rules. In Years 1 to 6 each class sets aside 30 minutes each week where pupils are allowed to choose activities and games. Each pupil begins the week with 30 minutes of “Golden Time”. Pupils may lose Golden Time for breaking a Golden rule or a class rule, but can earn Golden Time back by turning their behaviour around. Every child has a safeguarded five minutes so that they get a taste for how special Golden Time can be and as an incentive to improve on past behaviour. Our Positive Behaviour Policy is on our website for reference.

Health & SafetyIn partnership with parents, pupils are taught about road and water safety. A risk assessment is undertaken for any potentially dangerous activities during school and visits out of school. We ask all volunteers and visitors to take responsibility for their own health and safety whilst on site, reporting any broken or dangerous resources. Governors carry out a termly health and safety audit and a comprehensive Health and Safety Policy is in place.

Year 4 children are trained in pedestrian and road safety in the summer term as they are encouraged to begin to walk to school independently from Year 5. Road Cycle safety training is offered to children in years 5 and 6. This is all to help offer a smooth transition into Secondary school when the time comes.

13

HomeworkThe type and amount of homework given will depend on the age and stage of the child and is set by the class teacher. The timing of when homework is given out and expected back is explained by class teachers at the start of the year in our “Meet the Teacher” meetings (see Homework Policy for further details).

Children are expected to read regularly at home for 10-15 minutes each evening and this should be recorded in their link book. Children are expected to practise their times tables and spellings, as provided by the teacher.

School AssociationThere is an active School Association, to which all parents and carers automatically belong. It organises social and fundraising events to benefit the school. Getting involved is a great way to meet people. Any amount of help given by parents is gratefully appreciated. You are welcome to join the friendly meetings at any time. Please look out for information in our weekly updates.

Public Access to DocumentsMany policies are available on the school website. If you wish to see other documents, including your child’s school records, please make an application in writing, to the Headteacher, stating entitlement to see records. An appointment will be made for the entitled person to see the records. If a copy is required, an appropriate charge will be made to cover costs of copying.

Data Protection ActIn line with Hertfordshire Education Authority’s policy on Data Protection, data held by the school is used only for specific purposes allowed by law.

Home/School AgreementYou and your child will be invited to sign a Home/School Agreement, which promotes close co-operation between parents and school.

Home School Links

VisitsWe try to involve parents as much as possible in school. Initial visits can be arranged with the Headteacher or Secretary when parents are considering St. Mary’s School for their child. Before your child starts, you will be invited to meet the class teacher and pupils will be given an opportunity to come into school before starting full time.

Parents are welcome to come in and talk to the class teacher or Headteacher but it is usually best to make an appointment. The best time to approach class teachers is at the end of the school day. In the event of an urgent concern messages can be left with the office staff and will be communicated to class teachers.

14

Teaching Staff

For the names of teaching and support staff, please refer to the website:

www.stmarys916.herts.sch.uk/about-our-school/staff/

Parent HelpersWe value parental support. Parents are encouraged to help with various activities in school. Parents who wish to help in school should contact the school office. You will be required to undergo a DBS check and volunteer briefings are held as required.

CommunicationWeekly newsletters are sent home via School Comms. On entry to school we ask for an email address and mobile phone number. We can then use School Comms to send all correspondence straight to you. This helps reduce the use of paper and ensures that relevant information is received. If you are unable to receive emails, a hard copy will be produced for you.

Link BooksShort messages can be written between teachers and parents in the pupils’ link books, which are monitored daily.

Parent ConsultationsThese are arranged by appointment, in the Autumn and Spring Terms and there is an Exhibition Evening in the summer when the children show their families around the school. Further informal ‘Open Classrooms’ are held once per half term when parents and families are welcome to come in directly after school to look at the children’s work. An annual report on each child’s progress is sent home at the end of the school year. This report will include assessments of attainment for those children at the end of Key Stage 1 (Year 2) and Key Stage 2 (Year 6).

Complaints Procedure SummaryWe aim to do the best for everyone at St Mary’s. However, if there is something you are not happy about, or if you don’t understand why we are doing things in a particular way, please come in and discuss it with the class teacher or other appropriate member of staff, such as the Special Educational Needs Coordinator, if the problem is about special needs.

We can usually resolve any concerns in the first instance. However, if the first person you talk to cannot help, feel free to make an appointment with the school secretary, to speak to the Headteacher. If after that, you still feel there is a problem, then you can complain formally, in writing, to the Chair of Governors.

Should the matter continue to need addressing, you will be given a formal complaint form which, when returned to the Chair of Governors, will be passed onto the Complaints Panel of the Governing Body. This panel will investigate and then reply to you within ten working days, either to give you a progress report or an answer. The Governing Body must accept the findings of the panel, but may discuss and change the recommendations. Following that, if you are unhappy with the outcome of the investigation, complaints about Special Educational Needs can be referred to the Local Authority. Complaints about denominational Religious Education or Collective Worship should be referred to the Diocese of St Albans. The school secretary can give you the names and addresses of who to write to. For other complaints there is no appeal beyond the Governing Body, although you may write to the Secretary of State for Education.

15

The Governing BodySt Mary’s is a voluntary-aided church school, which means that the Governors are directly responsible for a number of aspects of school life. The Governing Body takes a strategic role in the running of the school. They set the aims and objectives of the school, set its policies and review the progress of the school.The Governing Body is made up of a Local Authority representative, parent governors, the Headteacher, a teacher governor, a Parish Council representative, Diocese of St Albans representatives, with the majority being Foundation governors, appointed by the Parochial Church Council. Each governor is nominated, or elected, for a four-year period. The Chair of Governors is elected annually.

Appendix: School PoliciesSpecial Educational Needs, Behaviour, Admissions and Charging Policies, as well as many others, are available in full on the school website.

Policy Statement on Equal OpportunitiesAt St. Mary’s Primary School, we are committed to providing a school environment that promotes the educational progress and achievements of all pupils, irrespective of origin, religion, race, culture or gender. We recognise that to do this we need to make each pupil feel confident that he/she has a positive and unique contribution to make to the school community, and that this contribution will be both recognised and respected by all the members of the school community.

It is expected that all members of the school community show respect for one another and deal with one another sensitively and fairly, whatever their background or status.

Aims:• To ensure that the principle of equal opportunities permeates all aspects of school

life;• To seek the support of parents, governors, pupils, the local community and all

teachers and support staff, in implementing this policy of equal opportunities for all; • To provide a curriculum that supports the principle of equal opportunities;• To ensure that the school’s learning resources support pupils of all origins, by making

the curriculum accessible to them as far as possible whatever their cultural origins or first language;

• To discourage the stereotyping of groups of people, in the curriculum, in resources, or in the school itself;

• To value the languages and dialects of all pupils and endeavour to allow individual pupils to take full advantage of their linguistic diversity;

• To provide support for any isolated individuals who may have particular needs andmonitor the effects of that support;

• To foster respect for the cultures of all the members of its community;• To respond actively to any incidents which give offence to others, on the grounds of

gender, race, ethnic origin or disability; • To ensure that the Equal Opportunities Policy and its implementation is monitored

through the school’s management structure.

16

School Governors

For a list of current school Governors, please refer to the website:

www.stmarys916.herts.sch.uk/about-our-school/governors

Statement on Racial HarassmentThe essential difference between racist name calling and other forms of name calling is that whereas the latter may be related only to the individual characteristics of the child, the former is a reference not only to the child but, by extension, to their family and more broadly, their ethnic community as a whole.

Racial harassment and any racist behaviour will be recorded, as with any other unacceptable behaviour, and will be dealt with in accordance with the school’s policy for equal opportunity. The aim of recording is to ensure that violence, bullying, harassment (racial, sexual, classist etc.) is dealt with promptly and to monitor its occurrence. After recording an incident, staff should make any other adult in contact with the child/children aware of what has happened. Support will be offered to the victim and, if thought necessary, to his/her parents.

Incidents will be dealt with sensitively and with discretion, especially with very young children who may not understand the reason for disapproval. All staff, pupils and parents should recognise and demonstrate that this policy applies to them.

The information in this brochure was correct at the time of going to print. Changes may occur during the year before the next printing.

September 2016

17

18

Contact Details:

St Mary’s C of E (VA) Primary SchoolNew Road

NorthchurchBerkhamstedHertfordshire

HP4 3QZ

Tel: 01442 389040Fax: 01442 390589

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.stmarys916.herts.sch.uk