Learning through the love of Jesus Christ
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School
Learning through the love of Jesus Christ
Introduction
Anyone who follows you, Lord, will have the light of life.
This Prospectus is designed to give you basic information about St Joseph’s
Catholic Primary School, its work, curriculum and procedures. It will give you a
clear understanding of the aims and objectives of the School, together with the
ideals and standards which we endeavour to pass on to your children while they
are with us.
Mission Statement
We strive to deliver an
excellent and enjoyable Catholic education within the Saint Joseph’s Community.
All adults in St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, through our own faith and
example, will teach children to live the faith, with integrity, honesty and
mutual respect.
We will provide a safe and caring environment within which everyone can grow in
self-esteem, spiritual development and personal achievement
Aims
• To provide an holistic education where each individual, both child and adult,
feels valued
• To provide an inclusive learning environment which recognises and values the
diversity within our School
• To enable children to be responsible for their own behaviour within the
School, the parish and the wider community
• To achieve excellence through the high expectation of themselves and by
nurturing positive attitudes towards others
St Joseph’s has developed an enviable reputation based on the quality of
education provided and its distinctive Catholic nature. Discipline and pupil
behaviour throughout the School are impressive, underpinned by clear and concise
policies promoting a positive ethos which reflects Christian values central to
the School’s mission.
All children who attend will continue to be given a standard of education of the
highest quality. We are a one-form entry School with a roll of approximately 215
pupils. We aim constantly to develop further by building on best practices,
accepting challenges and achieving demanding targets. The ethos of a loving,
caring and
well-ordered community permeates all we strive to achieve and enables
us to fulfil
our mission.
Above all, our vision is one of working with parents, parish and the local
community to ensure that our children reach their full potential. If you wish to
come and visit us, please make an appointment and you will be welcome to ask
questions and be shown around the School.
The School Governors
The Governing Body of St Joseph’s comprises 14 Governors with a wide range of backgrounds, skills and experience. There are several different types of Governor and the standard number of each is in accordance with the School’s Instrument of Government issued by Bromley Education Authority.
Foundation Governors (8) Nominated by the Trustees of the School, which, in practise, means the Archbishop of the Diocese of Southwark.
Parent Governors (2) With a child or children currently at the School and elected by parents.
Staff Governors (2) Elected by school staff to represent them.
Head Teacher (1 – Ex Officio) A Governor by virtue of the office but may elect not to be a Governor.
Local Authority (LA) Governor (1) Appointed by the LEA.
Clerk to the Governors Provides secretarial and administrative support to Governors.
The Governing Body holds a full meeting at least once, but on occasions twice, each term. The bulk of any detailed work is done through committees, which meet as often as needed, but at least once each term, to deal with specific topics. All Governors have a fixed term of office, which may be extended by re-election or re-appointment. The current Governors are:
Foundation Governors
Mrs J McConnell (Chair)
Mr P Iredale (Vice Chair)
Mrs V Kenny
Mrs B Dunnett
Mr M Conway
Fr T McHugh
Mrs J Mellish
Mr S Moss
Mr K Brophy
Head Teacher Mrs S Grange
Parent Governors
Mrs Y Prizeman
Mr J Ross
Staff Governors
Mr M Rose
LEA Governor
Mr P Iredale
Head Teacher
Mrs S Grange
Deputy Head Teacher
Mrs Burns
Teachers
Mrs D Read
Miss D Head
Mrs B Burns
Mr M Rose
Miss T Joyce
Miss C Hughes
Mrs S McDonagh
Teaching Assistants
Mrs S Cullen
Mrs M McGuinness
Mrs A Nash
Mrs L Voyle
Mrs S Nolan
Mrs M Cummings
Mrs K Lynch
Support Assistants
Mrs K Reid
Mrs P Dalton
Miss A Smith
Mrs M Darbo
Office Staff
Mrs L Cameron
Midday Supervisors
Mrs A Kennedy
Mrs S Bennett
Mrs M Turnbull
Mrs S Afzal
Mrs A Humphries
Mrs E Hannington
School Premises Manager
Mr R Abel
Home/School Liaison
We value, greatly, close co-operation between home and School, encouraging parents and guardians to take an interest and become involved in all aspects of School life wherever practical, therefore we regard liaison between home and school as a partnership in which we work hard together to ensure the successful schooling of your child. We ensure you receive clear reports on your child’s development and are alerted to any issues or concerns which could be impeding progress. In return, we seek your support for the School and its aims through commitment to our Home/School Agreement.
There is a range of channels through which we ensure you receive a regular and efficient flow of communication. These include:
Every child receives a contact book, which is used, as required, to convey messages from the teaching staff to parents. We expect all parents to read the notes and to countersign and date the book to acknowledge receipt.
Head Teacher’s Newsletter
Every Friday during term time, the Head Teacher sends out a newsletter containing information of potential interest to parents.
Information Evenings
Each year, once during the Autumn term, Spring term & Summer term we offer parents and carers the opportunity to meet with us after school and discuss the progress of their child’s / children’s progress.
School Reports
During the Summer Term we write and circulate to you individual reports on your child which can be discussed at the Summer term Parent's evening.
School Documents Available to Parents
A range of School policies is held in the School Office. You are welcome to make an appointment, should you wish to examine any of the following:
· The Local Authority’s Statement of Curriculum Policy and the Governing Body’s Statement of Aims for the School
· Published reports relating to the School (for example OFSTED) – also see www.ofsted.gov.uk/reports
· Schemes of work used by the teaching staff
· National Curriculum documents and Diocese of Southwark’s syllabus for Religious Education
· Regulations concerning the School’s financial administration
· School profile
At some stage during the time your child is a pupil at St. Joseph’s, it is possible that you will be concerned about something, which you will want to bring to the attention of the School. Similarly, there may be occasions when a member of the school staff has concerns about your child which they would like to discuss with you. In either case, it is in everyone’s interest that the matter(s) should be resolved satisfactorily.
The spectrum of possible concerns is very broad – ranging from matters like the curriculum, homework, learning difficulty and general progress in the School to discipline, behaviour, bullying and general friendship worries.
Clearly, whatever the concerns are, the only way in which they may be handled effectively is for both the School and the parents/guardians to be aware of them.
At St. Joseph’s, our overriding concern is the education and general well-being of your child; we encourage openness in any discussion with you and will always seek to resolve concerns in an amicable, co-operative and constructive manner. Similarly, we ask that you adopt a calm, non-judgemental and positive approach in raising a concern with any member of the staff.
Procedure
In the first instance, concerns should always be raised with the class teacher. If they cannot then be resolved to the satisfaction of both parties, they should be progressed to a member of the Senior Management Team. It is our opinion that, in the vast majority of cases, this informal approach will achieve a positive result. If, for any reason, the matter has not been addressed to your satisfaction, the issue should be regarded as a complaint to be raised more formally with the Deputy Head Teacher or the Head Teacher. In such circumstances, the procedure to be adopted is that set out our Complaints Policy statement. A copy of this can be obtained from the School Office.
School Organisation
There are seven classes in the School. One Reception class (Early Years Foundation Stage), two Key Stage One classes (Years 1 and 2) and four Key Stage Two classes (Years 3 to 6).
There are four Houses in the School:
Saint Margaret Clitherow
Saint Thomas More
Saint John Fisher
Saint Edmund Campion
Each has two House Captains, a boy and a girl, from Year 6. As a matter of course, we put all the children from one family into the same House. Traditionally, where a parent also went to St. Joseph’s, we try to ensure that the child is put into the same House as the parent.
School Council
Pupils elect members, from their respective classes, to represent them on our School Council. This council meets at regular intervals to discuss issues that impact upon the children directly. They involve themselves, also, in fund raising, both for outside charities and school-based priorities.
Gates into the School playground are open from 8.30 a.m., up to which time parents are responsible for their children. The School day starts at 8.40 a.m., by which time every child is expected to be at the School. A bell is the signal for children to line up in class groups, ready for collection by the teacher, who then leads them into their classroom for registration. Punctuality is important as latecomers can easily disrupt a smooth start to the day. Any child arriving after registration must report to the School Office to be registered as ‘present’. Any child arriving after registration will be marked as late in the register.
There are breaks mid-morning and for lunch.
The School day finishes at 3.00 p.m., from which time parents are responsible for their children. If the person collecting a child has not arrived by this time, the child must go to his/her teacher who will leave him/her with a senior teacher, who will then try to contact the parents.
We encourage parents to walk their children to School wherever practical. If driving, please take care when you park and avoid actions that may endanger others. Please do not park immediately outside our entrance or obstruct driveways of nearby houses.
We have a ‘Travel Plan’ which has been submitted to Transport for London. This plan details the ways in which we intend to encourage the use of sustainable transport.
We cook and serve School meals on the premises. Meals consist of a nutritional and well balanced diet with a choice of both main course and dessert.
Children may either have a School meal or a packed lunch. Lunch money is payable a week in advance on Monday only. Cheques, payable to St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, should be sent in an envelope clearly marked with your child’s class and full name. If paying by cash, please send the exact amount.
Free meals are available to children whose parents are receiving Income Support. Applications should be made to the Education Office, London Borough of Bromley, Civic Centre, Stockwell Close, Bromley, BR1 3UH.
Children who have a packed lunch should bring it in a lunch box clearly marked with their name. For safety reasons, cans, fizzy drinks and glass bottles are not allowed. In addition, there may be children within the School who have serious nut allergies and it should be ensured that food items containing nuts or nut derivatives are not brought into School at any time.
Please note that no sweets are to be eaten on School premises. For the mid-morning break, we encourage children to bring an item of fruit or a plain biscuit.
School Clubs
After the formal end of the School day, various clubs may meet and a number of other activities take place. Some are sports, listed in the Physical Education (PE) section of this prospectus. Tuition in playing a variety of musical instruments is available.
While we make every effort to ensure that our pupils’ personal property is looked after at all times, we cannot and do not accept responsibility for its loss or damage; it is therefore of paramount importance for parents to ensure that all clothing and personal items belonging to their children are clearly marked with their name.
Absence From School
It is very important that children attend School full time, as any interruption can be detrimental to their educational development.
If your child is going to be absent from School, whatever the reason, we require an explanation either by telephone, in writing or in person. Please ensure we receive this explanation as early as possible on the first day away, preferably before 10.00 a.m.
Failure to do so will result in the child’s absence being recorded as ‘unauthorised’ – defined as missing a School session without proper authorisation. At St. Joseph’s, this is triggered automatically when:
· Parents do not explain an absence.
· A child is removed from School for what we consider an inappropriate reason.
· A child is absent for more than 10 days in any one calendar year to accompany parents on holiday (there is a statutory upper limit of 10 days per calendar year which may be authorised for this purpose)
All absences from School for a holiday are solely at the discretion of the Head Teacher, but permission will not be granted to children in Year 6 and Year 2 because of the importance of those years to their education. If a child is absent without permission, we are statutorily obliged to notify the Educational Welfare Officer.
If you wish to take your child out of School please send in a written request addressed to the Head Teacher.
Absence Rates
Authorised Absences 4.8%
Unauthorised Absences 0%
School Uniform
It has been a long-standing tradition and
requirement that children wear the School uniform. The
uniform is neither expensive nor elaborate. We hope it
will be worn proudly and held in high esteem by all the
children. Please click the following link to take you to
our uniform requirements page
Shoulder length hair should be tied back with blue or white hair accessories
No jewellery except single plain studs and watches may be worn
All clothes must be clearly marked with the child’s name
Our Approach To Education And The Curriculum
Introduction
At St Joseph’s we believe in providing a wide and varied curriculum in a happy and safe environment . We have high values and expectations and strive to achieve ambitious standards of academic success and exemplary behaviour.
Because children learn in different ways, we use a variety of methods to nurture and encourage each individual child. Learning may take place in groups, individually or as a whole class and is achieved through a combination of listening, seeing and doing.
If you would like to see the School’s policies and schemes of work, please ask at the School Office.
Inclusion
We aim to ensure that each child has full access to a broad and balanced curriculum regardless of gender, race, ability, ethnicity or personal circumstances. We monitor, continuously, the progress of all our children, including those in minority groups, throughout their school life.
Early Years (Foundation Stage)
Provision of an Early Years education that aims to meet the individual needs of every child in our care is of paramount importance. All our children are encouraged to be independent, to develop positive attitudes towards learning and to reach their full potential.
The Early Years Curriculum is a high quality teaching programme to promote children’s learning. During a child’s time in the Reception Class, he or she will work towards achieving the Early Learning Goals, which is a statutory requirement for all children in the Foundation Stage. The skills learned during this stage will give the children secure foundations on which to build future learning. We offer an educational programme that has ample opportunities for individual development, exploration, decision-making and problem solving.
The Reception Class has a large, bright and colourful classroom, positioned at the end of the building, with direct access to its own toilet facilities. We have a full-time Teaching Assistant and we encourage parents to come in and help. Our resources are extensive, for instance computers within the classroom and an external play area. Structured play provides a key way for your children to learn with enjoyment and challenge and we ensure that they have appropriate resources to fulfil this need.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Our aim is to meet the needs of every child, recognising the entitlement of all children to a broad and balanced curriculum. It is the School’s responsibility to provide support, from the School’s resources, for any child who is experiencing difficulties. This could mean differentiated work in the classroom with our Special Needs Support Staff.
Children who have a Statement of Special Educational Needs are supported in accordance with their individual Statement.
Additional advice and support is available from external agencies should the need arise. Every effort is made to involve parents fully at every stage so that those children may be helped to make the best progress possible.
As a Catholic School, religion is not just another subject in the curriculum but is a way of life. It permeates all our relationships and activities.
The Governors have agreed that the delivery of religious education at St Joseph’s will be in accordance with Diocesan Policy and will be sustained through close links with the home and parish. Currently, we are following the ‘Here I am’ Religious Education Programme. We have linked the ‘Here I Am’ with the Bishop’s document ‘Curriculum Directory for Catholic Schools’. This programme aims to encourage children’s awareness of the presence of God and to help them respond to that presence.
Religious Education also happens through regular prayer, assemblies and Masses. The children are taught hymns and liturgical music, which enhance all our worship. They learn about the liturgical year and what the different parts of the Mass mean.
Underlying our teaching and our relationships are the gospel values of Honesty, Humility, Justice and Mercy. Our aim within this context is that all members of our community show respect and care and extend their concern to the needy by prayer and charitable service.
Parents have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of Religious Education or Religious Worship following discussion with the Head Teacher.
Our aim is to ensure our pupils are literate in line with the School aims, the National Curriculum and the Revised National Literacy Strategy. These are followed at levels appropriate to the child’s year and ability.
English is a core subject within the School curriculum and is broken down into the areas shown below together with their objectives:
Speaking and Listening:
To develop competency and confidence in listening and speaking skills in order to be able to express opinions and articulate feelings in a range of situations.
Reading:
To develop positive attitudes towards a wide and varied selection of texts, so that reading is a pleasurable activity, whilst gaining increased levels of fluency through utilising a variety of reading strategies. To use reading skills as an integral part of learning across the curriculum.
Writing:
To work both individually and collaboratively on written tasks in a variety of genres, whilst becoming increasingly aware of the need to conform to the rules of grammar, spelling and handwriting.
Mathematics/Numeracy
We follow the Revised National Numeracy Strategy, which has a strong focus on mental computation. A range of maths resources are used to support the Revised Numeracy Strategy. Mathematics is important in everyday life, whether shopping in the supermarket, cooking, building, dispensing medicines or managing the economy!
Through this core subject, pupils develop skills of logical reasoning, problem-solving and the ability to think in abstract ways. Pupils at St Joseph’s enjoy their numeracy!
Science
Children learn through investigation, asking questions and planning ways in which to find answers. In this way, they can develop their knowledge and understanding of important scientific ideas, processes and skills and relate these to everyday experiences. They learn a different scientific vocabulary, which enables them to organise their thoughts and communicate their ideas. They also explore their values and attitudes through science.
Information & Communication Technology (ICT)
Each class has two sessions a week on this important subject. In one, pupils develop their skills in using the computer. In the other, they are encouraged to apply those skills as an approach to learning other subjects and as a means of researching additional topics. The School is well equipped, having a network room and computers in all classes.
Design and Technology (D & T)
D & T has a unique contribution to make to a balanced curriculum. It is primarily concerned with generating ideas, planning, making and evaluating an object for a specific purpose. It provides opportunities for pupils to stretch their imaginations, make decisions, create solutions and put their skills into practise.
D & T enables children to choose and use the appropriate apparatus and equipment safely and with control. It is linked to other areas of the curriculum where possible.
Physical Education (PE)
It is our aim to provide and develop the physical and mental fitness of our pupils through various activities.
In Key Stage One, pupils participate in dance, gym, athletics and games. In addition to these, Key Stage Two pupils also learn how to play hockey, football and cricket. Professional coaches deliver these sessions. The children develop an appreciation of the benefits of co-operation and teamwork and come to understand the advantages of healthy, safe exercise. There are opportunities to extend their skills and enjoyment by attending our after-school clubs in skipping, hockey, country dancing, netball and football.
History
Through our history curriculum we aim to encourage pupils’ curiosity about the past in both Britain and the wider world. The children will learn how the past influences the present and will develop a chronological framework for their knowledge of significant events and people. The skills of researching evidence and drawing conclusions from it are skills that are required throughout life.
The children will have the opportunity to learn from first hand experience through site visits and from secondary sources including books, pictures and ICT.
Geography
This curriculum area aims to develop geographic knowledge, understanding and enquiry, an appreciation of the environment, the need to protect it and a greater understanding of the United Kingdom and the wider world. The skills developed include reading maps, fieldwork techniques and interpretation of data. The children’s work will include the study of places and cover a range of physical, human and environmental geography.
Art
Although there are times set aside for this subject, children are encouraged to use and develop their artistic skills in preparing work for many areas of the curriculum, in particular with Writing, History, Geography, Science, Technology and Mathematics.
In this subject we hope that all children will express themselves by using equipment, materials and tools with confidence and flair. The use of colour, shape and texture will enhance their experience and by this expression of their feelings, the children will widen their aesthetic appreciation of the world in which they live.
We also endeavour to develop the artistic ‘literacy and knowledge’ of the children as they mature. This includes an understanding of art, craft and design, the history of art and the variety of artistic traditions and cultures in our world.
We are particularly keen to display the children’s artwork around the School. Parents are frequently invited into School to view the children’s work.
Music
The children are encouraged to compose, listen and perform with a variety of audiences in mind. They learn to appreciate music of different styles, cultures and times and to use their voices and a range of instruments as expressive media.
We try to make music a social, joyful and spiritual experience. We encourage children to understand, appreciate and create music but, above all, to find enjoyment and expression in this practical curriculum area.
We have a number of peripatetic teachers who provide lessons in guitar, trumpet and piano during and outside School hours.
We endeavour to develop children who will make a positive contribution to society by becoming responsible and caring towards others. This is incorporated into everyday life within the School. It is linked on a formal basis to the religious scheme of work ‘Here I am’. Circle time is used as a method of enabling children to discuss issues they encounter in their own lives.
We provide a sex education programme which is suited to the needs of the child and in keeping with the beliefs of the Catholic Church. Love is seen from a Christian perspective which means caring as much about the other person as about oneself, promoting other people’s welfare and happiness rather than using them, serving rather than dominating or exploiting. We have introduced a "All that I am" programme for Years 5 & 6 which has been approved by the Diocese. Parents may withdraw children from all or part of the programme. However, we strongly advise against this. More information will be provided at a Parental Information Meeting.
Academic Results
Included as Annex II are the most recent figures for academic performance Teacher Assessments at Key Stage 1 and in National Tests at Key Stage 2 for:
Key Stage 1 – Reading, Writing and Mathematics
Key Stage 2 – English, Mathematics and Science
We receive a document from central government in which our results are compared with national and local averages, comparisons being made with all schools as well as schools elsewhere which have similar characteristics to our own.
Homework
Homework is an extremely important part of a child’s learning. It helps to develop independent learning and study. We expect parents to monitor homework and support the School by placing a high value on any work requested. Each child should read every night to a parent or older sibling. In addition to reading every night, the average amount of time per week to be set aside for homework should be:
Year R (Reception) 30 minutes
Year 1 30 minutes
Year 2 1 hour
Year 3 1.5 hours
Year 4 1.5 hours
Year 5 Up to 2 hours
Year 6 Up to 2 hours
Types of Homework – Key Stage One (Years 1 and 2)
Every child should read at night. The homework will usually involve the practise of basic skills such as reading, alphabet skills, learning prayers, spellings, tables and other numeracy skills.
Types of Homework – Key Stage Two (Years 3 to 6)
The main focus will continue to be literacy and numeracy. Every child should read every night. In addition, we may set research work or special assignments to reinforce topics being studied in School.
Pastoral Care And Discipline
This concerns the personal, social, emotional and behavioural aspects of the children’s development. Should you have any concerns about your child’s welfare, the first person to talk to is your child’s class teacher. If you feel there is a need to take it further the Head Teacher can then be consulted.
Firm discipline is expected and maintained by good example, use of sanctions withdrawal of privileges and/or discussion with parents by a teacher or Head Teacher. Good behaviour is reinforced through praise and reward.
Our policy on behaviour is founded on being considerate, showing care and observing rules with respect for the safety and well-being of the whole School. The main elements are set out below:
Consideration for others
This includes respect for and courtesy towards those older and younger than themselves, teachers and other members of staff. Children are encouraged to be aware of the jobs and problems that others have and the needs and feelings that they may be experiencing. They are taught to treat others as they themselves would like to be treated.
Consideration for all learning
We encourage children to think how they can best foster an environment which promotes learning, both for themselves and for others. They are expected to do their best at all times.
Care and responsibility in work
We expect children to have a caring and responsible attitude towards their work. This means being punctual, not wasting time, doing homework regularly and handing it in on time.
Care about safety in and outside School
We teach children to observe rules regarding their own safety and that of others. This includes safety in the classroom, in the playground, in games and PE lessons, in the swimming pool, on the way to and from School and at home.
Care about the School
Children are taught to be responsible for their School, to keep it tidy, to move around it in a quiet, orderly way without making a loud noise or fuss.
Care about the School grounds
Children are shown the importance of looking after their School grounds, keeping them tidy and litter free, preserving and protecting all wildlife and respecting the peace of our neighbours.
Care about the problems of others
We encourage children to be sensitive to those who may be unhappy, in trouble or unwell. We expect them to help if they can or to alert their teacher.
In summary, we encourage our children to:
Be polite, kind and show respect for each other at all times
Tell the truth always
Help each other and show tolerance
Do their best always
Exhibit good manners, particularly at lunchtime
Listen when other people are speaking
Remember to smile and make our School a happy place
Bullying
As can be seen from the above policy on behaviour, we are committed to providing an environment for all our pupils that enables them to learn in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at our School and we have a clear anti-bullying policy. All parents should have an understanding of what constitutes bullying and should inform the School immediately if they have any concerns regarding their own child.
Rewards
The staff of St. Joseph’s believes very strongly that praise and encouragement are the most effective tools for raising standards of behaviour and academic success. Our teachers strive constantly to use a variety of methods to commend and highlight the performance of children who have demonstrated excellent levels of achievement in their work, have shown exemplary kindness, good manners and helpfulness or have made an extra special effort in some way.
We have a number of different awards, available to children of all ages and abilities, which recognise and publicise their achievements. These include:
Pupil of the Week
A certificate is given in a weekly assembly to children who have maintained a good attitude towards learning and who are good examples of the ethos of St. Joseph’s. Parents will be invited to share the assembly.
Special Merit Badges
This is awarded to children who have obtained the most House points.
Special Merit Badges are presented during a Special Assembly at the end of each half term.
House Points
Children can win these for special achievements on a day-to-day basis in a range of activities, for instance drawing, spelling, IT or sport, for politeness, hard work, good manners and achievement. They help to foster team spirit, emphasise the importance of teamwork and stimulate strong identification with their House. At the end of each week, the points are totalled to find which House has succeeded in becoming number one and these results are displayed on the House boards in the School Hall. At the end of term, the House with the highest number of points becomes ‘Top House’.
All of the above serve to illustrate that achievements are noticed and given public recognition. The children wear their badges with great pride.
Health And Welfare
The Health and Welfare of the children entrusted to our care is critically important at all times. While our major objective is to ensure they are healthy and safe within the School environment, we have equal concern about their well-being when outside our control.
General Health
The School Nurse makes regular visits to the School and we make sure that every child is medically examined at least twice during their primary School years. Additionally, the School Dental Health Service checks each child’s teeth and oral hygiene.
Epipen
Please ensure these are up to date and given to the class teacher at the beginning of each academic year.
Medicines
For legal reasons, the School cannot administer any medication, wherever possible, prescribed doses should be administered at home. If this is not possible, for instance when a child requires four doses of antibiotics per day, parents are required to attend school and administer the dose to their child. This form details the name of the medicine and the appropriate dosage. Children requiring medication more than once during the School day should be kept at home. If your child has a long-term condition, we will need to agree special arrangements with you.
Allergies
If a child is allergic to anything you should notify the School about the nature and seriousness of the allergy. Together we can decide how best to deal with it.
Asthma inhalers
If your child has to use an inhaler during School hours, please ensure that it is marked clearly with the child’s name and kept in the classroom medical box. You will be asked to sign a consent form, which will be kept on file in the School Office. Please take care that your child’s inhaler is not out of date and is replaced when necessary. All inhalers should be taken home at the end of each term.
Any other medical conditions
If you consider that we
should be aware of any other medical conditions or
welfare concerns, please tell us. Any information you
give will be kept confidential.
Accidents, Sudden Illness and Emergencies
A trained First Aider is on hand to deal with minor injuries. No ointments or lotions are applied and no form of medication can be administered. We maintain an Accident Book in which we record all accidents. Any head injury, however slight, is reported to parents – by telephone if serious or by ‘bump note’ sent home with the child if minor. If we consider an accident serious, we also arrange for the child to go to the local hospital and telephone the parents immediately.
If a child becomes ill during the day we will let you know. If a child becomes ill overnight, please keep him or her at home to speed recovery and prevent possible spread of infection to others. Should your child have diarrhoea or vomiting they should be kept at home for 48 hours.
We only contact parents during the day if we consider it absolutely necessary.
Contact Details
It is vitally important that the School Office has all relevant contact information. Just before your child enters the School for the first time, we will ask you to complete a form giving us the necessary details. Please ensure that we always have up to date information by advising us immediately of any changes as they occur.
We must emphasise that anyone who is likely to be collecting a child from School should be made known to us, so we can guard against unauthorised intervention from any source.
Safety and Security
Once inside the School, we are committed to keeping your child safe and secure. To this end the main door to the School is kept locked at all times and the premises secured out of School hours. Visitors are requested to use the entry phone at the side of the main door and report to the School Office to sign in. A teacher or other competent adults supervise all School after-hours clubs and other activities.
Protecting Children from Harm
The School works in partnership with parents to support children in every way possible. However, the Children’s Act 1989 places a clear responsibility on schools to ensure they work together with other agencies to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children.
As a result, if particular issues are raised within School, or a child or parent reports a situation giving rise to particular concern, it may be necessary for the School to contact Social Services without first contacting the parents. This is in line with Government guidelines and Bromley Education Authority’s guidelines on Child Protection.
School Visits
General
We arrange regular educational visits to places of interest and often need parents to help with general supervision. We use only coaches fitted with seat belts. Parents who use cars to transport children (e.g. local visits, sports matches etc.) must be insured to take them and ensure they wear seat belts.
Consent
By law, parents are required to consent to their children’s participation in ‘out of School’ visits and activities. We therefore ask parents to sign a Consent Form at the beginning of each School year.
Residential Annual Trip for Year 6
Each year, we like to organise a special residential trip for Year 6. Traditionally, this takes place in the summer term and lasts for up to one week. Parents are notified well in advance and planning for the event is done in consultation with them. We make sure that these trips are well supervised.
Funding
The costs incurred in external visits and activities puts a strain on School funds and we are, therefore, very grateful for any contribution that parents wish to make. Under the terms of the 1988 Education Reform Act, donations are purely voluntary and there is no obligation to contribute. Children whose parents feel unable to do so will be included and will not be treated differently from the rest. However, in view of the very limited funds available to the School, certain activities may not be possible if parents are reluctant to support them.
How You Can Help The School
Parents, Teachers and Friends Association (PTFA)
The PTFA has contributed significantly towards improving School facilities over the years and organises a number of events each year, such as the Summer Fair. It is not only a fund raising concern but also provides an opportunity for parents and children to meet socially and provide support for one another.
Parent Helpers
We are always pleased to have Parent Helpers who are a valuable resource and help to forge and maintain strong links with the School. We value their input in the classroom, for instance helping children with their reading, but also with supervision on School trips. We appreciate the help they give and it is clear they derive great satisfaction from this sort of involvement. Should you wish to become a helper, please talk to your child’s teacher.
As a matter of course and because it is a legal requirement, we have to advise you that any helper must be checked by the Police.
School and Community
We strongly believe that we have an important role to play in the community. We maintain close links with the Parish by regularly celebrating Mass on Sunday with children taking part in the service. The Parish Priest makes frequent visits to the School to take or participate in assemblies and to talk to teachers, parents and pupils.
We raise funds for local charities each year and have regular visits from the Police, Road Safety organisations, Fire Brigade and Railtrack Safety.
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Plaistow Lane Bromley BR1 3JQ 020 8460 1976
