PROSPECTUS 2017/18 · We know that great learning happens at St. Matthew’s EYFS when • We...

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PROSPECTUS 2017/18

www.st-matthews.bolton.sch.uk

St. Matthew’s is a Church of England Primary School situated very close to the town centre of Bolton. We currently have 460 children, aged 3 to 11 on roll. St Matthew’s is blessed with large grounds that offer a safe and stimulating environment for both learning and play. The school embraces a child-centered approach to learning, celebrating each individual’s achievements and encouraging all children to realise their full potential.

An extremely welcoming, positive ethos and happy atmosphere permeates our school and we enjoy a close relationship with the immediate and wider community along with local schools and nurseries. Our children are brimming with enthusiasm and are hungry to learn, they are well-motivated, very positive, caring and responsive, reflecting our strong Christian values and ethos. The school has very high expectations and aspirations for each and every one of our children and we aim to be a school to which staff and children are proud to belong, which parents are pleased to support and where everyone feels valued and fulfilled. Our school community is made up of a wide variety of people from many different backgrounds. Our church and diocesan links are very important to us. We work closely with the local churches and clergy and we are proactive in the teaching of Christian values in order to nurture all aspects of our pupils’ development; academic, spiritual, social and moral.

If you are thinking of visiting us, I would be delighted to show you around. We extend to you a warm welcome to visit our school and experience for yourself the special nurturing atmosphere and education that the children at St. Matthew’s enjoy. Please telephone the school to make an appointment to arrange a visit. The children and staff look forward to meeting you and sharing our school with you.

Miss A WorthingtonACTING HEADTEACHER

WELCOME

Call 01204 333005 or email [email protected]

St. Matthew’s Church of England Primary School, a nurturing family that works, shares, learns and prays together

OUR MISSION

ADMISSIONS CRITERIA Allocation of places will be in accordance with the criteria laid down by the Local Authority,

as follows:-

• Priority1 : Children in Public Care (Looked After Children).

• Priority2 : Other children who are considered as “vulnerable” whose application for the

preferred school is supported by the Assistant Director for Social Care. This will include;

a Children for whom there is a child protection plan or has been within a 12 month period

b Children who have had a period in care within 2 years of the admission application and

are still receiving social care services

c Children who are considered to be at significant risk of becoming looked after

d Children who are living in temporary accommodation due to fleeing violence and the

area for rehousing has been identified.

• Priority3 : Children who will have older siblings in years Reception to Year 6 of the preferred

school at the date of admission. Older children from the same family unit, attending a

particular school, can be considered to “qualify” a younger child under sibling link criteria,

provided proof is available to demonstrate that the children are permanently resident at the

same address and part of the same family unit.

• Priority4 : Children who have strong Church connections where the school is a Church school.

• Priority5 : Children who suffer from some medical condition or disability, which makes it

better for them to attend that school rather than another.

• Priority6 : Children for whom the journey to the nearest alternative school would be

unreasonable or difficult. Those children with the easier or shorter journey to an alternative

school have a lower priority for the preferred school. Measurements will commence with

those living closest to the preferred school and then move outwards in a ripple effect using

the shortest available walking route.

STARTING SCHOOL Children start in our Reception classes in the September of the academic year they turn five.

There are two Reception classes and the children start by attending mornings sessions only for

one week then afternoon sessions only for the next week, before becoming full time pupils.

This allows both children and their parents to become familiar with the school procedures and

arrangements. A meeting is held with the Reception parents in the term before their children

start school. This meeting will explain to parents what school expects from them and what they

can expect from school. The meeting will cover many items such as; what the children will be

learning throughout the year, dinner time arrangements, medical issues, attendance and how

parents can activity help their child achieve in school.



EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGEAt St. Matthews School the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) refers to the co-ordination of the

Nursery and Reception Classes. The staff within the unit work as a team to make the Early Years

a positive experience for both children and parents, by providing a structured broad and balanced

curriculum based on the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework.

St.Matthew’sEYFSVisionStatement

In the EYFS at St. Matthew’s Church of England Primary School, we believe every child, family and

member of staff matters.

We want to build a successful learning community which celebrates diversity and challenges

prejudice. All St. Matthews’ children, regardless of race, religion, culture and ability will be

supported to reach their potential within a stimulating and purposeful Christian environment,

growing and learning spiritually and academically.

We know that great learning happens at St. Matthew’s EYFS when

• We commit to giving our children the best possible start to their school life, teaching them

skills to motivate their aspirations and future successes

• We invite parents and carers to work in partnership with our staff in helping their children

develop their enthusiasm for learning and celebrating their achievements

• We encourage children to develop a positive attitude towards themselves and others with a

strong sense of self-respect

• We ensure children have time to reflect, practise and learn with a sense of pride

The use of the outdoor/covered areas and equipment will be timetabled so that each class has a

daily session of physical play.

OUR NURSERYSt Matthew’s has a fantastic, well equipped Nursery which offers a safe and enjoyable start to our

young children’s education. It is supported by highly trained and approachable staff who through

structured play allows your child to reach their full potential. It is an excellent way for your child

to start their school life. Children are admitted into our Nursery from the age of three. Places

are allocated as they become available, primarily on the age of the children. Medical factors or

serious social disadvantage may also be taken into account. Our Nursery offers both morning

and afternoon placements free of charge.

Our session times are:-Morning 8.30am – 11.30am

Afternoon 12.15pm – 3.15pm


PARENTAL VISITSParents who wish to consider sending their

child to St. Matthew’s are most welcome to

visit us and to tour the school.

Please make an appointment via our School

Business Manager on

01204 333005


ATTENDANCE & PUNCTUALITYTheschooldaystartsat8.50amwiththeEYFSdoorsopenfrom8.45am

Parents are responsible for ensuring their child arrives at school on time. Punctualityisvery

important. The first few minutes in class are vital for setting the atmosphere for the day and for

discussing with the children what they will be doing for the rest of the day. A child who misses

this part of the day is at a disadvantage and disrupts the start of the day for others in the class.

If a child is ill, we expect parents to contact school by phone or in person before 9.00am. If school

has not been notified you will receive a telephone call by the office to determine why your child

is absent. School employs a Pastoral Manager who may come out and visit you. Our Pastoral

Manager is also there to help and advice you on any issues you may have. Written confirmation

on the child’s return would be appreciated. In the case of a long term absence or injury, please

contact school should you wish for any work for your child. Absences for illness, hospital, doctor

and dentist appointments are authorised but please try to make them outside school time, as

these are carefully monitored by school and the Local Authority. All appointments must be

accompanied by a letter from the relevant department or an appointment card and presented to

the school office. Failure to do this will result in the absence been marked as unauthorised.

AnyotherleaveofabsencemustberequestedinwritingtotheHeadteacher.

ChildProtection

All children need to feel safe and to encourage security we require all visitors to report to the

school office to sign in and be given a badge so that everyone knows they are legitimate visitors.

Schools have an important part to play in the detection and prevention of child abuse. Parents

should know that where it appears to a member of staff that a child may have been abused, the

school is required to report the matter to the Social Services Department immediately. In such

situations, it will be our Pastoral Manager in the first instance followed by a Social Worker who

contacts the parents and not a staff member from school.

Discipline

We feel sure that our parents/carers would wish their child/children to attend a school where

they can be assured that there is “good discipline” but this can only be achieved through

cooperation between the school and the parents/carers. Discipline is highly regarded at St.

Matthew’s School. We strive for good, effective discipline throughout the school, encouraging

the self-discipline, within each and every individual pupil. We consider a disciplined person

to be hard-working, sociable, cooperative and thoughtful to others. Anti-social, uncaring,

uncooperative attitudes or behaviour are unacceptable. In the event of continuous bad behaviour

parents will be invited into school to discuss the matter in more detail.

Thefollowingfourrulesarerecognisedthroughouttheschool1. Listen to and follow instructions.

2. Be kind, caring and respectful.

3. Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself.

4. Look after the school; inside and out.

ThefollowingareexpresslyforbiddenandwillresultinparentsbeingcontactedbytheHeadteacher

a. The wearing of jewellery and make-up.

b. Extremes of hair style.

c. Earrings other than studs.

d. Shoes with an unsuitable and unsafe heel height.

e. Shoes which contain metal studs or metal toe-caps.

f. Weapons of any description.

g. Chewing gum/sweets in class and assembly (unless given by School).

h. Leaving school premises during school-time.

i. Children on the school car park, in the boiler house or school kitchen.

j. Swearing.

k. Spitting.

l. Violent behaviour.


GENERAL INFORMATION We send out a weekly newsletter every Friday via email to keep you up to date with everything

that is going on in school. Please go to www.st-matthews.bolton.sch.uk and sign up by filling in

the simple form in the website footer. We also have our website, access to Twitter, a Facebook

page and a school blog to show all the good things that happen in school. So whatever your

preferred mode of reading St Matthew’s offers it.

It is extremely important that the school office is kept up to date with contact numbers, change

of address and any medical issues your child may have. This is in case we need to contact you in

an emergency. The welfare of all our children is of the utmost importance to us.

School employs a Pastoral Manager who is here to help you and your child with any issues you may

have. Feel free to call into school to make an appointment. Alternatively, weekly drop in sessions

are available. Please speak to the office for further details.

HealthandSafety

All children need to feel safe and to encourage security we require all visitors to report to the

school office to sign in and be given a badge so that everyone knows they are legitimate visitors.

Schools have an important part to play in the detection and prevention of child abuse. Parents

should know that where it appears to a member of staff that a child may have been abused, the

school is required to report the matter to the Social Services Department immediately. In such

situations, it will be our Pastoral Manager in the first instance followed by a Social Worker who

contacts the parents and not a staff member from school.

MedicalInformation

It is most important that the school is aware of any medical problem your child may experience.

Parents are requested to keep the school fully informed.

It is always preferable for parents themselves to administer prescribed medication to their child,

but in cases where it is impossible to arrange this during the school day (if the dosage is more

than three times a day) then prior arrangements must be made at the School Office. Parents

must give clear and accurate instructions for administration and sign the parental consent form.

Patent medicines cannot be administered to children in school.

Asthma

The school recognises that asthma is an important condition affecting many children. We

encourage children, as soon as they are able, to keep their reliever/inhaler available at all times.

• Younger children’s inhalers will be kept in their classrooms.

• All inhalers must be clearly marked with the child’s mane.

• An Asthma Registration Form must be completed by parents/carers for each child.


IllnessorInjuryatSchool

SchoolhasfourqualifiedFirstAider’sinschoolwhodealwithanyminoraccidents.Should

yourchildbecomeunwellorinjuredatschool,everyattemptwillbemadetocontactyou,

oryouremergencycontact,ifyouareunavailable.Shouldyourchildrequireemergency

medicaltreatment,wewillendeavourtoactquicklyonyourbehalftoensureevery

reasonableactionistakenuntilyoucanbecontacted.

Pleaseensuretheschoolhasaccurateanduptodatecontactnumbers.

LostProperty

Theschooldoesnotacceptresponsibilityforlossordamagetoclothing,jewelleryorany

othervaluables.Lostpropertyboxesarekeptineachclassroomwherefounditemswillbe

kepttilltheendofeachhalfterm.


SchoolUniform

All children will be expected at all times to wear school uniform which is recommended by the

school and has been approved by the Governors and parents of the school.

RecommendedSchoolUniform–asfollows

Girls: Grey Skirt/Grey or Black Trousers

Navy Blue Sweater/Cardigan

White Blouse/Polo-necked Shirt

White Socks/Grey/Black Tights

White/Blue check or stripe cotton summer dress

Black overcoat

Boys: Black/Grey Trousers

Navy Blue Sweater

White Shirt/Polo-necked shirt

Grey/Black Socks

Black overcoat

Footwear Black shoes (this includes black trainers).

Nursery Uniform Navy Blue Sweater/Cardigan

All the above items are stocked by ParkersinBolton and available throughTescoSchools

embroidery service www.clothingattesco.com both stock the navy blue sweatshirts with the

school logo. Uniform can be bought from elsewhere on the condition that garments comply with

the above list.

PhysicalEducationClothing

For P.E. each child will need:

Boys & Girls: White T-shirt

Blue shorts/Leggings

Footwear Pumps (indoor) and trainers (outdoor)

These items should be put into a draw string bag and hung up on the child’s coat peg in the class

corridor. The P.E. kit should be brought into school at the start of each term and taken home to

be washed at the end of the term.

Children will attend swimming lesson in Years 4 and 5. A letter will come out to parents nearer

the time explaining where they will be swimming and what the child will need.


LUNCHTIME ARRANGEMENTS St Matthew’s has its own kitchen and catering staff. All meals are freshly made on the premises.

Children may choose one of the following options:-

• A delicious healthy school meal which provides 2-3 choices of main meal and dessert

from our cafeteria system. HMC registered Halal meals are also available.

• A packed lunch from home which complies with our healthy eating ethos in school.

Click on this link to find helpful suggestions

Children with specific dietary needs can be catered for. Please contact the School Office who will

endeavour to make arrangements with the catering organisation. We regard lunchtime as a social

occasion and we expect good table manners from the children.

Lunchtime supervisors care for the children during this period and children are not allowed to

leave school unless prior arrangements have been made with the Headteacher and children are

collected by parents/carers.

Dinner money is payable on the first school day of the week and should be sent in an envelope, a

purse or tin (all marked with your child’s name and class) for your child to hand to the class teacher.

Changes in type of school meal can be made at the end of each half-term provided the School

Office is notified one week before each break.

If your child is entitled to free school meals, please ensure that the renewal is made promptly as

we are not allowed to provide meals beyond the expiry date without payment. If a renewal is not

obtained meals must be paid for, a packed lunch provided or your child should have lunch at home.

FreeSchoolMeals

There is extra funding attached to Free School Meal that becomes available to school if parents

register. It is in the financial interest of the school that every family who qualifies for free school

meals should register, even though they may not intend to take up free school meals. If you think

you may qualify for free school meals, please call into the school office for advice or contact ‘One

Stop Shop’ in Bolton Town Hall who will be able to advise you on your eligibility.

Forinformationorqueriesregardingschoolmeals,pleasecontacttheschooloffice.

BreakfastClub

The school has a breakfast club which opens at 8.00am and is free to all our children. Breakfast

available to the children is toast, an array of healthy cereals and fruit juices; however children

must arrive by 8.20am to get their breakfast.


THE SCHOOL CURRICULUMSt. Matthew’s appreciates the importance of the foundations laid down by parents/carers, which

develops into a shared responsibility between home and school.

Appropriate knowledge, concepts and skills are introduced at the correct developmental stage

in line with school curriculum, which is based on the National Curriculum. This consists of the

core subjects English, Mathematics, Science, Religious Education and Computing; the foundation

subjects of Design and Technology, History, Geography, Music, Art and Design, Languages and

Physical Education. To this list we add Personal Social Citizenship and Health Education.

We present the curriculum in a varied and imaginative way to involve a child’s natural enthusiasm

to learn. This teaching process is designed to develop a pupil’s interest, understanding,

awareness, confidence and knowledge with which an individual can better understand and

appreciate the world around him/her.

Within all classes there is an efficient and effective mixture of class, group and individual teaching

which involves pupils in a combination of listening, discussing, reasoning, experimenting,

problem-solving and recording situations. Many activities are cross-curricular, which means one

learning situation would involve two or more curriculum areas.

Great emphasis is placed on the hidden curriculum where children are encouraged to respect

others and to have pride in themselves, their school and neighbourhood. We also concentrate

on treating each child as an individual, no matter what his/her strengths and weaknesses, and

through talking with pupils and parents/carers; we hope to solve any problems that might occur.

SexandRelationshipsEducation

After careful consideration, the Governors of the school have decided that no formal “Sex

Education” programme will be delivered to Nursery, Reception and Year 1 to 5 pupils. The principle

has been adopted that during these years aspects of informal sex education will be included within

the School’s curriculum as an integral part of the “Health/Personal and Social Education”. Children’s

questions which arise spontaneously and naturally in school concerning family life, plants, animals

and literature, will be answered sensitively. Regard will be given to the differing age groups,

levels of understanding and cultural traditions represented within these age groups. A formal “Sex

Education” programme will be delivered to Year 6 pupils. It will be delivered to both boys and girls

within single sexed groupings. Content will be the same for both groups. Parents/carers will be

fully informed of the programme content before presentation to the children.

EqualOpportunities

All children have access to the curriculum irrespective of gender, race, first language, class,

disability and special educational needs.


SpecialEducationalNeedsandDisability

It is the policy of the school to identify the special educational needs of a child as early as

possible. Such needs may be temporary or long term and may be medical, behavioural or

academic. If a child is identified as having special needs, parents/carers and staff are involved in

discussing what steps to take to develop the best interests of the child and in accordance with

the SEND Code of Practice.

An annual audit and regular reviews of all children with special educational needs are carried out

and appropriate provision may include additional teacher input to support children or liaison with

outside agencies.

Children who receive a statement of special educational needs may require the support of a

Teaching Assistant – SEN or adaptation to the school building for those with physical disability.

Parental permission is always sought before any referrals are made. Our aim is to work as a team

to help each child reach his/her potential.

ReportingtoParents

The school arranges two parent/teacher meetings each year in the Autumn and Spring terms.

Parents are provided with a written report each term. The school has an “open door” policy and

parents are able to arrange informal meetings with teachers when necessary.

AccesstoInformation

Further detailed documentation relating to the school’s policy and practices is available on

request from the Headteacher or Chair of Governors.

ComplaintsProcedure

If you have any concerns, please bring them to the attention of your child’s class teacher. Should

the concern need to be taken further then the Headteacher should be consulted.

If having consulted the Headteacher you still feel that your concern needs to be addressed, please

contact the Chair of Governors, c/o St. Matthew’s C.E. Primary School.

ChargesforSchoolActivities

A range of activities and educational visits are organised to enrich and broaden the curriculum for

all children. For such activities, parents may be asked to make a voluntary contribution towards

the costs. If insufficient monies are received, the activity may be cancelled.

Year 6 pupils are given the opportunity to participate in an annual residential visit.


Extra–CurricularActivities

These are activities which take place outside school hours and are voluntary for both children and

teachers alike. St. Matthew’s offers a range of activities as extras in which our children can participate.

During lunchtimes, after school, and sometimes at weekends, the staff give opportunities for children

to participate in extra activities which St. Matthew’s feels are important in the education of the whole

child. Typical activities may include:-

Sport

Cross Country, Athletics, Football, Swimming, Gymnastics and Cricket.

Academic

Recorders, Choir, Percussion, Art and Craft, Drama and Computers.

Trips

Day excursions, both educational and social.

Visitingspeakersandperformingartists

We actively encourage all our children to involve themselves in as many of these extra activities as possible.

The cost of some activities is met by the school but on a number of occasions contributions are

asked for from parents/carers. No child is excluded from any activity because of lack of funds.

Where the cost of trips or theatre visits etc. cause difficulty, parents/carers are encouraged to

contact the child’s teacher or the Headteacher in confidence.

TheSchoolDay

8.45am - 8.50am Doors open – children come into school

8.50 am Start of the school day and registration

10.00am - 10.15am Morning Break

11.45am – 12.30pm Reception & Key Stage 1 Lunch

12.15pm – 1.00pm Key Stage 2 Lunch

1.00pm Registration

3.00pm End of afternoon session

Teachingcontacttime

KS1 = 22 hours 55 minutes

KS2 = 23 hours 45 minutes.

There are separate arrangements for children in the Nursery,

details of which are available to parents of children starting Nursery.


ACTING HEADTEACHER - Miss A Worthington

ST. MATTHEW’S CofE PRIMARY SCHOOL, Kentford Road, Bolton, BL1 2JLT 01204 333005 E [email protected] W www.st-matthews.bolton.sch.uk

Follow us on Twitter @stmattsboltonFind us on Facebook: facebook.com/stmattsbolton

SFVS StandardsOutstanding 2016

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