Sacred Heart Primary School

Byermoor

Prospectus 2013/2014

SACRED HEART R.C. PRIMARY SCHOOL

Prospectus 2013/2014 School Sacred Heart R. C. V.A. Primary School Byermoor Burnopfield Newcastle upon Tyne NE16 6NU Tel: 01207 270396 Fax: 01207 272604 Email: sacredheartprimary@gateshead.gov.uk Website: www.sacredheartgateshead.org LEA Gateshead Director of Education Learning & Children Civic Centre, Gateshead NE8 1HH Tel: 0191 433 3000 Status of School: Roman Catholic Primary (Voluntary Aided) Age Range: 4 - 11 years Currently on Roll: 97 Pre-School: 26 Head Teacher: Mr P Naughton School Governors Mrs Monica Parker Foundation Chair Miss Clare Hagan Foundation Ms Yvonne Hewison Foundation Mrs H McCarron Staff Mr P Naughton Head Teacher Mrs Claire Iles Foundation Mr Anthony Paul Smith Foundation (Parent) Mrs Chris Cottam LEA Mrs Karen Hall Parent Mr Michael Heppell Foundation Mr Kevin Robertson Foundation LEA School Adviser Belita Scott, Head Teacher, Fell Dyke Community Primary School The School is a mixed Roman Catholic (Voluntary Aided) Primary School for children 4-11 years of age.

MISSION STATEMENT Sacred Heart School, Byermoor has thrived for more than 100 years. The heart of the school is centred in the Gospel values of love, tolerance, respect, equality and self worth. Our school is a family community. We value each person’s God given gifts through sound educational practice of the highest quality. This means adapting to change whilst responding to the needs of today's world. INTRODUCTION Sacred Heart School has been serving the Parish of Byermoor since 1871. The present building was erected in 1883 and a large extension built in the 1970's. The school was refurbished in 1997. A new roof and improvements to the road surrounding the school were made in 2004. Brand new toilets facilities and an extension to classroom 3 were completed in 2006. In 2007 an extension to Class 1 was completed and in 2008 year we had a new office area. The school population continues to grow despite lack of a local housing estate to draw children from. This year we have also improved disability access to our school buildings. The building is set back behind the Church, and has extensive views of the Derwent Valley. Our pupils mostly come from the villages of Byermoor, Burnopfield, Marley Hill and Sunniside. At 11 they usually go on to St Thomas More, Blaydon or St Bede's, Lanchester. At present there are 95 children on roll (September 2012). The school building also houses a thriving Pre-school which accommodates pre-school children for both morning, lunch and afternoon sessions. A Mother and Toddler group also regularly meets on Tuesday mornings using the school hall. The building currently consists of five classrooms, a library/study room, a computer suite and a school hall. Meals are brought into school daily from Washingwell Primary school kitchen. Outside we have a hard surface playing area, a soft play area, seating areas, and a football pitch. We also have a garden area for our children. BYERMOOR SACRED HEART Our school aims to create a happy stimulating, secure environment in which children can enjoy learning. We are a family learning to live and grow together, encouraging the normal social and also spiritual growth in all our children. We aim to give the children opportunities to develop knowledge and skills appropriate to the individual needs and capacity of each child. LITTLE HEARTS PRE-SCHOOL Little Hearts Pre-school is situated in a classroom within the main body of Sacred Heart Primary School. They are registered with and inspected by Ofsted and provide places under the Early Years Education Grant. The Pre-school works very closely with Sacred Heart Primary School, creating an Early Years Unit that provides a well-resourced learning unit. The Pre-school aims to ensure each child is in a safe and stimulating environment; provides high quality care and education for children and works in partnership with parents and Sacred Heart. The sessions are mornings 8.30am – 11.30am, lunch club 11.30am – 12.15pm and afternoons 12.15pm – 3.15pm. They also operate a breakfast club which starts at 7.45am.

STAFFING Head Teacher Mr P Naughton

Teachers Miss F Moore (Foundation)

Mrs H McCarron (Y1) Miss L Barker (Y2/3) Mornings: Mr P Naughton/Mrs E Knox (Y4) Mr S Woods (Y5/6) Afternoons: Mr S Woods (Y4/5/6)

Learning Support Mrs E Knox

Music Teacher Mr F Nicholson

Higher Level Teaching Assistant Miss A Barrass

Teaching Assistant

Miss C Smith

School Administrator Miss H Thompson

Caretaker Mr P Dixon

Midday Supervisors Mrs N Brown Mrs L Dodd

Kitchen Mrs J Wilson

STAFF DEVELOPMENT In line with the School Improvement Plan the staff and governors regularly attend courses to develop their skills and subject knowledge and have appropriate professional development. We currently have leading teachers for Early Years, Foundation and Key Stage 2 literacy. PARENTS IN SCHOOL We work to promote good relationships and partnerships between governors, parents and school. We have a vibrant Friends of Sacred Heart School which encourages parents to be actively involved in the life of the school. Parents are invited to visit school at any time to discuss their child's progress, and there are many special events that offer different opportunities to be involved in school life. Frequent correspondence takes place between school and home, and there is a weekly newsletter. All parents who wish to offer their services working in classrooms as voluntary assistants need to be CRB cleared. ADMISSION PROCEDURE Local authorities send out applications forms to parents in the year prior to entry and they should be returned to Gateshead or Durham LEA.

Since September 2004 Gateshead LEA has administered the process of dealing with applications. The Governors of the school though retain their role as the admissions authority of the school. The school operates an appropriate admission policy, which allows children a more relaxed transition from home to school. A parents' meeting is held in the summer term to meet staff, discuss requirements and answer any queries parents might have. At present the vast majority of the children coming to our school are already familiar with the school and its staff by being in the Little Hearts Pre-school. Both sets of staff work closely together to ensure a smooth transition from Pre–School to the Reception class. The school also has very good contacts with surrounding nursery providers and parents can be assured that if their child has not attended the Little Hearts they will have an equally smooth transition to full time education. Children usually spend mornings only in school for their first few days in school and this is gradually built up before becoming full time students. This enables parents and staff to build good working relationships, and gently introduces school routine to the child. Each child is given a 'buddy', an older child who ensures they settle in well and any difficulties are spotted quickly. Any parent wishing to have their child admitted mid-year is also welcome to visit the school and they too will be given a conducted tour. The school holds an Open Day during April/May of every academic year.

This Admissions policy has been formally adopted by the Governing Bodies of the Catholic Primary schools in Gateshead. In each school the Governing Body is the Admissions Authority and is responsible for determining the school’s admissions policy

How and When to apply Applications must be made on the Local Authority Common Application Form. Parents applying to a Voluntary Aided Catholic school should also complete the supplementary information form. All forms must be returned by the closing date set by the Local Authority. Late Applications Any applications received after the closing date will be accepted but considered only after those received by the closing date. Gateshead Council Community and Voluntary Controlled Primary Schools Admission Policy 2014/15 We allocate places at our Community Primary Infant and Junior Schools using our policy below and co-ordinate admissions to our schools using our co-ordinated admission scheme. The policy is as follows: • Your child will start school at the beginning of the academic year in which they

will reach the age of five. (An academic year lasts from 1 September in one year to 31 August in the following year). However In many schools the first year will include an induction period, (a period for your child to get used to school life). This period may last from September until no later than the end of the October half term holiday. Parents who wish to defer their child’s entry

beyond this period must make this request in writing at the time of application for admission to school. Deferred entry must not extend beyond the beginning of the term after the child’s 5th birthday, or beyond the academic year for which the application was accepted. Deferred entry will be considered by us the local authority (LA) in consultation with the Head Teacher and governors of the school.

• We will accept pupils up to the school’s agreed Planned Admission Number for the year group unless we feel there are lawful grounds not to do so.

Oversubscription Criteria

We will consider applications from parents who have named the school as any ranked preference on their application form this is called the Equal preference system. If there are more applications for the number of places available at the school we will than allocate places by using the following order of priority:

1. Children in Public Care (and as deemed under Section 22 of the Children

Act 1989) including a child who was previously “looked after” but immediately after being “looked after” became subject to an adoption, residence, or special guardianship order (see definition*).

2 Children who live in the school’s catchment area and who will have a brother or sister at the school, or at the feeder junior school during the coming academic year. (see definition*)

3 Other children who live in the school’s catchment area. 4 Other children who will have a brother or sister at the school or at the

feeder junior school during the coming academic year. 5 Other children who have exceptional medical or social grounds see point

1 below 6 All other children.

(*see definitions of our criteria in priority 1, 2 and 4 above in our parent’s information booklet and at www.gateshead.gov.uk) Point 1-We can consider exceptional individual applications, particularly in cases involving medical or social needs. If you wish to apply on medical or social grounds you must provide written evidence from relevant registered health professionals i.e. a doctor or social worker. The evidence must demonstrate why the chosen school is more appropriate and what difficulties would be caused if they were to travel to and attend alternative schools. We will not consider such applications if the relevant professional evidence is not provided. The evidence will be assessed by the LA Admission Panel. No assumption should be made that submission of the relevant evidence will, in itself, be sufficient to allocate a place. Whickham Parochial Church of England Controlled Primary School This school has the same oversubscription criteria as priorities 1 to 6 above except that criteria 3 and 4 above are reversed. Priority 1, 2, 5 and 6 remain in the same order however for this particular school their oversubscription criteria places priority 4 children above those children in priority 3. Address For the purposes of deciding whether a child lives in the catchment area of a school we will use the parent or legal guardian's address or the address of a relevant adult who has parental responsibility, as defined under the 1989 Childrens Act, for the child.

Tie breaker If, within any of the above criteria, there are more applicants than places available priority will be given to those children based on the distance they live from the school, measured ‘as the crow flies’ i.e. in a straight line from the centre of the home residence to the school’s main entrance. Children living nearest to the school will have priority. We measure the distance using a geographical information system (GIS). Waiting list If places become available we will consider all relevant applications based on a waiting list. The waiting list will be maintained by the council from the start of the academic year and be kept for the rest of the academic year. All applicants on the waiting list are placed according to the admission criteria and priorities set out above. However children who are the subject of a direction to admit by the LA or who have been referred for admission and have been allocated a place through the Fair Access Protocol will take precedence over any child on the waiting list. Important Dates The closing date for the return of applications is Wednesday 15 January 2014. From Thursday 12 September 2013 you can apply for a place in a reception or Junior class for admission in September 2014 by applying on-line at www.gateshead.gov.uk you must submit your application by no later than Wednesday 15 January 2014. Alternatively parents requiring a paper application form must ensure that they request it in sufficient time to complete and return it by no later than Wednesday 15 January 2014 to The School Admissions Team Gateshead Civic Centre, Regent Street, Gateshead, NE8 1HH. If you live outside of Gateshead and want to apply to a Gateshead school you must obtain an application form from your own Council and return it to them by their closing date or apply through their on-line application system. However you must still consider the information in Gateshead Council’s “Admission to Primary school” booklet so that you know what the admission arrangements are to Gateshead schools. This information is available at www.gateshead.gov.uk . Your own Council will send us notification of your application and they will let you know the final allocation of a school place for your child. Offer Date The offer day is Wednesday 16 April 2014 a letter will be sent to parents who are Gateshead residents by 2nd class post informing them of the school they have been offered for their child. Gateshead residents who apply on-line are informed by email on Wednesday 16th April 2014. General Information and definitions For information on our admission arrangements and definitions of the terms used in this policy please refer to our “Admission to Primary school” booklet for 2014 available at www.gateshead.gov.uk The co-ordinated admission scheme and Catchment areas referred to in this policy can also be viewed at Civic Centre, Regent Street, Gateshead, NE8 1HH and on the website above.

RELIGIOUS AND MORAL DEVELOPMENT

Our School Prayer Dear Sacred Heart, bless our school, the children, teachers and all who

work here. Help us each day to be wise and good, to hurt no one and respect everyone and always try to do our best. When we are happy share our joys, when we are sad comfort us. Father, Son and Holy Spirit make our school your home. Amen.

Religious Education, although part of the Curriculum is far more than a subject to us at Sacred Heart. It influences all aspects of our school life and relationships. By developing the Catholic emphasis we try to build a caring attitude in school, which will be evident in all relationships between staff and children. As a Catholic school we are seeking to encourage and deepen the child's love and understanding of our faith and foster a desire to follow Jesus. The school uses the 'Here I Am' scheme as recommended by the Bishop's Conference. WITHDRAWAL FROM R.E. The Governors are required to inform parents of their rights of withdrawal of pupils from religious education and worship. Parents are also reminded that our school exists to give a ‘Catholic’ education to its pupils. It is therefore expected that parents be in sympathy with the aims and objectives of the school. EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE The Early Years Foundation Stage applies to children from three years of age to the end of the reception year. At Sacred Heart children join our Pre-School setting ‘Little Hearts’ from the age of three before starting in our Reception class at the beginning of the school year in which they are five. (Compulsory schooling begins at the start of the term after a child’s fifth birthday.) Key Stage 1 begins for our children at the beginning of Year 1. The Foundation Stage is important in its own right, and in preparing children for later schooling. The Early Learning Goals set out what is expected of most children by the end of the Foundation Stage. The early years education we offer our children is based on the following themes and principles: A Unique Child – Every child is a competent learner from birth who can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured. Positive Relationships – Children learn to be strong and independent from a base of loving and secure relationships with parents and/or a key person. Enabling Environments – The environment plays a key role in supporting and extending children’s development and learning. Learning and Development – Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates and all areas of Learning and Development are equally important and inter-connected. The curriculum for the EYFS in our school reflects the areas of learning identified in the ‘Development Matters’ and ‘Early Learning Goals’. The experiences that our children meet enable them to develop a number of competencies, skills and concepts across several areas of learning. We aim to meet the needs of our children through planning experiences and opportunities, both indoors and outdoors which build upon and extend children’s

enjoyment, knowledge, understanding, experience and interests. We focus on developing children’s self-esteem and confidence, mathematical skills, problem solving, communication skills, language and literacy, knowledge and understanding of the world, physical and creative development. We use a wide range of teaching strategies based on children’s learning needs and we make regular assessments of children’s learning. We use this information to ensure that future planning reflects identified needs. Assessment in the EYFS takes the form of photographs and focused observations which involve the Head Teacher, all members of our Early Years Team, helpers and any other adults as appropriate. Anecdotal observations are recorded all year round to help build up a clear, well rounded picture of what a child can do across each of the areas of learning. We also rely on parents knowledge of their child to help us work collaboratively and to acknowledge parents and their important role of being the primary educators of their child. SCHOOL CURRICULUM- Developing the Creative Curriculum Our school encourages a creative curriculum which is topic based and the school curriculum policy, based on the QCA national guidelines encompasses all the requirements of the National Curriculum, and is based on a two year rolling programme, to ensure a steady progress in all subjects through the two main Key Stages. Most subjects are taught in a cross-curricular way, which means that themes are selected which cover many aspects of the core and foundation subjects. Each term emphasises either Science, History or Geography as the main parts of the theme. As a school we have organised the way the curriculum is delivered to the children so we can improve the children's learning, giving adequate balance to subjects taught. Your child is offered a quality curriculum with adequate breadth and depth in and between subjects. Teachers plan a range of experiences, which include visitors into school and educational visits to enrich the quality of the children's learning. AIMS The School aims: - • to ensure each child reaches their full potential

• to help the children develop enquiring minds leading to question and discussion

• to give the children the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge in all areas of the curriculum

• to help children work together and show care and consideration for others.

In the Reception year the school teaches to the Early Learning Goals, in the rest of the school the core and other foundation subjects are divided into the two Key Stages. Literacy In all Key Stages a range of genres are taught, including fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Each unit is an integrated programme of speaking and listening, reading and writing. The children set targets at the beginning of each unit and are involved in reviewing the progress that has been made at regular intervals. During lessons the children are encouraged to explore text through role play, freeze framing, hot-seating and many other speaking and listening activities which allow children to develop their ability to communicate as well as build on their own self confidence. English is taught within an integrated programme of speaking and listening, guided reading and writing. The children's abilities in English are developed across the curriculum. They are taught to communicate and express themselves clearly and

effectively in speech and writing and great emphasis is placed on the ability to listen and understand. The children experience a wide variety of reading material at appropriate levels of complexity and interest so that they become competent, enthusiastic and fluent readers. Reading development is seen as a partnership between home and school and children are encouraged to choose books to take home to read to their parents. The school has fully adopted the New Framework for Literacy. Guided reading takes place on a daily basis. Numeracy In Numeracy we hope to help children develop the ability to solve problems, to understand numbers, shapes and relationships, and to predict likely results. All of this is applied in a range of practical tasks and real-life problems. The programmes of study are taught using a range of resources including computers and calculators. The school has fully adopted the National Numeracy Strategy and blocks are taught termly. Science In science children are engaged in practical investigations which will involve working both individually and in groups. The development of scientific skills will be within the context of the programmes of study relating to life processes and living things; materials and their properties and physical processes. Information Technology The use of ICT is promoted in all subject areas and children use computers to enhance and compliment much of their work in school. They are encouraged to use the equipment properly, carefully and safely. Although every classroom has networked computer stations where children experience a variety of curriculum support programmes, our well equipped ICT suite and 15 wireless laptops ensure individual experiences and progress through whole class focused activities. There are Smartboards in every classroom and ICT suite. The school has an Internet access policy and Internet access is run through Gateshead LEA to ensure safety for our children. History In history we introduce children to historical personalities and events through stories, poetry, pictures and TV, at local, national and world levels. We use the children's own lives and environment to make them aware of the passage of time. Children are encouraged to use documentary evidence to enhance their understanding and develop their historical skills. Parents and the local community play a very important part in the development of resources and artefacts for this area of work. We encourage all children to take part in field trips related to their topics. Geography In geography children are introduced to the local area as well as extending their factual knowledge. A wide range of materials are used including maps, photographs, written accounts and other sources. We encourage children to appreciate and protect the environment with the starting point being our school. Technology In technology we encourage the children to understand the significance of design and technology to the economy and to the quality of life. This involves planning and making things, and evaluating outcomes. Our school celebrates children’s achievements in technology through open exhibitions to the school community.

Physical Education In physical education children develop their skills in gymnastics, dance, games and adventure play to develop good body co-ordination and control. This work is connected with our health programme. We endeavour to give each child enjoyment and satisfaction from physical activity and the opportunity to develop positive sporting attitudes. The children in our school carry out a minimum of 2 hours PE per week. We also promote swimming throughout the whole school on a weekly basis and provide opportunities to try netball and football. Swimming All pupils in Years 1, 2, 3 and 4 swim throughout the year. A £2 per week voluntary contribution to the costs is asked for these lessons. Art In art we encourage children to develop their artistic and creative abilities within the whole of the creative curriculum and cross curricular areas. We ensure the children experience a wide range of opportunities to develop a breadth of art techniques and skills. They are also encouraged to plan and to manipulate a range of materials so that they can develop skill and originality. Children are encouraged to evaluate and appreciate their own work and the work of others in order to develop their appreciation of the arts. We are committed to the wider development of young people and encourage collaborations with professional artists and art organisations. Music All children receive expert tuition from a peripatetic teacher. The children are encouraged to make music and to develop an appreciation of different types of music. Good use is made of the expertise of available professionals. Where appropriate children to take part in musical productions on a biannual basis. Children are provided with opportunities to a range of progressional tuition of musical instruments. Drama This is developing as a cross-curricular subject. When possible, visiting theatre groups perform in school. Modern Foreign Languages The school recognises that our children have right to learn about other cultures and communities. The learning of foreign languages is an important part in this process. The school has specific weekly French lessons for our KS2 children. Children in the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 have opportunities throughout the year to develop their foreign language skills with their class teacher. SEN At Sacred Heart we employ strategies for the early identification of children experiencing difficulties in any areas of the curriculum. Pupil’s progress is monitored carefully by the Head Teacher and class teachers, starting with Foundation assessments on entry into school. If class teachers feel that a child is struggling or that they have a specific need, which may be a special educational need, steps will be put into place to ensure that child is catered for so that they can fully access the curriculum. Parents will always be informed and involved in this process. Where necessary, an individual education programme (IEP) may be drawn up to help the child with their specific needs. Wherever possible support will be provided in the

classroom however sometimes individual or small group work may be more appropriate to meet the needs of the individual. The School Council The School Council is the voice of the children. The Council consists of two representatives in each year from across the school from Foundation Stage to Year 6, members of staff and governors. New representatives are elected each school year. The Council meets at least once every month where they contribute to school improvement and work together to ensure the health and wellbeing of all members of the school community. In 2012 we visited London and had a formal tour of the Houses of Parliament. Being a School Councilor provides the opportunity to learn real-life skills take on responsibilities and be involved in decision making. In the last academic year the council dealt with playtime games, attendance, Zambia projects and bullying. Everyone really loves the responsibility of being on the school council. Recently we have made big changes to our outdoor play-area, the available play equipment and we have been involved in lots of activities and initiatives in school. Eco Schools Council The Eco Schools Council meets regularly to discuss environmental issues relating to our school and the wider community. It comprises of pupils elected annually from each year group, staff, a governor and a parent representative. Homework In line with Government guidelines, regular reading homework is given in all classes. As children progress other areas of the curriculum are taken into consideration, e.g. spelling, maths, handwriting, special needs. A copy of the homework guidelines is available upon request. Website Since its launch in 2009, our school website has proven a vey popular multi media tool for our school community, providing instant access to life at Sacred Heart. It is updated by staff on a regular basis and comments are welcome. Between 2009 and 2011 we had over 500,000 hits which was the largest in Gateshead. Home/School Agreement In line with a government directive a Home/School Agreement was introduced in September 1999. This aims to develop links between home and school, sharing common ideas and working together for the benefit of the children. Extra Curricular Activities During the course of 2012-2013 the school has provided at least eight extra curricular activities each week for our children. These clubs usually run on a termly basis Examples of our clubs include: Mathletics, recorder, street dance, art, summer sports and football. Sex Education A Sex Education Policy is in place in line with Government guidelines. The majority of the teaching is undertaken through R.E., Science and PSHE using appropriate language. The School Nurse offers a talk on growing up and puberty to Year 6 children.

Accessibility Arrangements At Sacred Heart RC VA Primary School we are committed to providing a fully accessible environment which values and includes all pupils, staff, parents and visitors regardless of their education, physical, social and cultural needs. We are further committed to challenging attitudes about disability and accessibility and to developing a culture of awareness, tolerance and inclusion. We plan to continue to evaluate provision for all pupils, staff, parents and visitors to Sacred Heart RC VA Primary School through our accessibility plan which can be obtained from the Head Teacher. Wrap-around Care It is hoped that this will operate 3 nights per week in school between 3.10pm and 5.30pm. Further information can be obtained from the school office. Our school has the following facilities, a disabled toilet, ramp access, stair lift and a designated parking bays. The Local Authority has made a commitment that wherever possible, children with physical disabilities will be educated in their local primary school. If shown to be necessary, and is practicable and reasonable to do, then minor adaptations to the building will be considered by the school and the Local Authority to enable a child to attend their local school. In order that children with disabilities are not disadvantaged, the school liaises with the Local Authority when necessary in order to ensure that adequate provision is made. Behaviour Policy We aim to establish good relationships based on trust and love, and to create an environment in school to ensure the safety of all pupils and provide a calm orderly environment in which to work. An inter-house merit system provides the opportunity for reward and positively encourages effort and good behaviour. In serious cases of misconduct or persistent bad behaviour parents are informed and their co-operation requested. It is sometimes necessary to consider punitive measures. Admonition and censure, the imposition of extra work or withdrawal of privileges are among sanctions taken. After consultation with students, our anti-bullying policy was introduced five years ago and is revised annually. Pastoral Care We see each child as a unique individual and the school works to achieve a family atmosphere. We try to satisfy the many different needs of our children, physical, emotional, spiritual and academic. We see parents as partners in this process and encourage close liaison between home and school. Our children are supervised at break times by teaching staff and during the lunch break by two supervisory assistants. Any illnesses or accidents are reported to the Head Teacher, who will take the appropriate action including informing the parents. Parents are always welcome to meet the Head Teacher, Class Teacher or Special Needs Teacher, but an appointment is usually necessary due to teaching commitments. If there is any change in a child's physical condition, use of spectacles, ear problems, use

of inhalers or special medicines, we would request that parents please inform the school. Organisation of Classes: Class 1 Reception Miss Moore Class 2 Year 1 Mrs McCarron Class 3 Year 2/3 Miss Barker Class 4 Year 4/5/6 Mr Woods Charging and Remission Policy (Determined By 1988 Act) It is the school policy to provide educational visits and links with outside organisations and institutions. The Governing Body recognises the valuable contribution that the wide range of additional activities including trips and residential experiences can make towards the pupils' education. The Education Act prohibits the charging for activities during school hours although the Governing Body invites the parents to make voluntary contributions to cover costs. No child will be excluded through inability to contribute, however, if an event is significantly under subscribed, it may have to be cancelled. ACCESS TO DOCUMENTS Documents required to be available are kept by the Head Teacher and are available on request. These include: - Curriculum Policies and Guidelines, Complaints Procedures, R.E. Syllabus and Governors' Reports and Minutes. SCHOOL SECURITY Access to the school during school hours is limited to the main entrance. The door is electronically linked so no access can be gained without contacting an adult on site. The playground is surrounded by a security fence and kept locked during school hours. All visitors are asked to produce identification and sign the Visitors' Book. COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE Any complaints under section 23 of the Education Reform Act in respect of the Curriculum should be brought first to the attention of the Head Teacher. Complaints not resolved at school level must be forwarded in writing to the Chairman of Governors and signed by the complainant. A meeting will then be arranged at which the parent may appear and present the complaint. The parent will then be advised by letter of the outcome of the hearing and advised how to take the next steps if still not satisfied. SCHOOL UNIFORM School uniform is compulsory as listed below;- Boys Girls Red Sweatshirt Red Sweatshirt/cardigan Navy polo shirt Navy polo shirt Grey trousers/shorts Grey skirt/pinafore Red & white checked summer dresses Red/grey tights, white socks Children are asked to wear BLACK shoes. For PE - A white T shirt and navy shorts with suitable footwear. Trainers are not allowed to be worn for school. Parents order uniform direct from Tesco at teso.com/ues.

All uniform should be clearly marked with child's name. Jewellery is not allowed in school, except for wristwatches, which have to be removed for PE, Games and Swimming etc. If parents wish to have their children’s ears pierced, it is suggested this is done at the beginning of the Summer Holiday, so that by the time the autumn term starts, studs can be removed. Any child who has not followed this advice will not be able to do PE of any sort and will be asked to remove any ear-rings during the school day. If a child cannot remove his/her own ear-rings they will be asked to place a plaster over them, to avoid any potential accidents in the playground. This is a policy of Gateshead LA, in line with national guidance, and is fully supported by our school. SCHOOL MEALS Dinner money is £2.00 a day and payable on a Monday. Cheques should be made payable to Gateshead Council. If your child qualifies for free school meals, applications can be made to the Civic Centre for Gateshead children or County Hall, Durham for Durham children. Packed lunches are permitted on a regular basis by arrangement with the Head Teacher/Administrator. If a child wishes to change from school meals to packed lunches or vice versa a week’s notice is required. SCHOOL DAY Key Stage 1 Key Stage 2 8.50/9.00 Prayers

Registration 8.50/9.00 Prayers

Registration 9.00 – 11.00 Session 1 9.00 – 11.00 Session 1 11.00 – 11.15 Break 11.00 – 11.15 Break 11.15 – 12.00 Session 2 11.15 – 12.05 Session 2 12.00 – 1.00 Lunch 12.05 – 1.00 Lunch 1.00 – 2.00 Session 3 1.00 – 3.10 Session 3 2.15 – 3.10 Session 4 School gates open at 8.30am. A teacher is on duty from 8.45am. Please Note - We cannot take responsibility for any child on the school premises before 8.45am. Earlier childcare can be arranged through our onsite breakfast club or morning maths club. TRANSPORT Gateshead Area A bus is provided by Gateshead to transport the children from Sunniside and Marley Hill to and from school. Bus passes can be obtained from NEXUS. Derwentside Area An afternoon Bus service is provided by Nexus for children living in Burnopfield. This is the same afternoon service used by the children travelling back to Marley Hill and Sunniside. It picks up children from school at approximately 3:25 p.m. and travels into Burnopfield village before returning back through Byermoor, Marley Hill and Sunniside. PUPIL ATTENDANCE 2012/2013 If your child is absent for any reason, please inform the school on the first day of

absence and a note explaining the absence must be presented on the child's return. Absence record for day pupils of compulsory school age

Overall attendance 2011/12 96.%

% authorised absence 4%

% unauthorised absence 0.4%

Unauthorised absences are recorded when a parent does not provide the school with a reason for an absence, or if children take more than 10 days holidays during school time.

Sacred Heart Catholic School Attendance Policy Staff and Governors expect full and punctual attendance from all pupils. Principles As parents of registered pupils, you have a legal duty under the Education Act 1996 to make sure that children of compulsory school age attend school on a regular and full-time basis. Permitting unauthorised absence from school is an offence and parents may be reported to the Education Authority if problems cannot be resolved by agreement. Every half-day absence from school has to be recorded and classified by the school (not by the parents) as either authorised or unauthorised. This is why information about the cause of each absence is always required. You are responsible by law, for your child’s full attendance at school. Full attendance is important, not just because the law requires it but because it is the only way of ensuring that a child makes the most of the educational opportunities which are available; every lesson matters. There may be occasions when your child has to miss school – for example if he or she is unwell. Parents do not have the right to take their child out of school during term time. Authorised absences are mornings or afternoons away from school for a good reason (i.e. illness or other unavoidable cause). Unauthorised absences are those which the school does not consider reasonable and for which no “leave” has been given. This includes keeping children off school unnecessarily, truancy, absences which have not been properly explained and children who arrive at school too late to receive a mark in the register. Any problems with regular attendance are best sorted out between the school, the parents and the child. If a child is reluctant to attend, it is never better to cover up their absence or to give in to pressure to excuse them from attending. This gives the impression that attendance does not matter and may make things worse. Parents are expected to contact school at an early stage and to work with the staff in resolving problems together. This is nearly always successful. If problems cannot be sorted out in this way, the school may refer the child to the Educational Welfare Officer (EWO) from the LA. He/she will also try to resolve the difficulties by agreement but, if other ways of trying to improve the child’s attendance have failed,

this officer can use court proceedings to prosecute parents or to seek an Education Supervision Order on the child. Parents or children may wish to contact the EWOs themselves to ask for advice. They are independent of the school. Their telephone number is available from the school office or by contacting the Local Authority at Gateshead Civic Centre 0191 4333000. Procedures The school applies the following procedures in deciding how to deal with individual absences: Illness and Medical Appointments If a pupil is unfit for school, parents are asked to contact the school on the first day of absence by 10.00 am. When the pupil returns, he or she must bring a written note, signed by the parent for each period of absence. Absences will not be authorised without this procedure. In exceptional circumstances, further evidence of a child’s illness, such as a doctor’s note, may be requested. Compassionate Leave and Emergencies In exceptional circumstances, the Head Teacher may authorise other brief absences on compassionate grounds. Each case will be considered on its merits, and whenever possible, permission should be requested in advance, in writing. If a pupil is absent at morning registration and the school has not received an explanation for the absence by 10.00 am, the school will contact the parent by telephone in the first instance or by our text messaging service. Extended leave of absence It is not normally appropriate for the Head Teacher to authorise pupil absence for holidays in term time. In exceptional circumstances (e.g. forces personnel on leave from a foreign posting, family tragedy), leave of absence may be requested by parents in writing to the Head Teacher, who will consider every application on its merits. Permission is not automatic, and if granted, pupils will be expected to catch up missed work at home on their return. Lateness Punctuality is an important life skill for pupils to learn. Late arrival disrupts the whole class. You are expected to ensure that pupils are present in the school yard by 8.50 am. Pupils arriving after 9.00 am will be recorded as late. Pupils arriving after 9.20am am will be recorded as absent. Reviewed: January 2013 SCHOOL PERFORMANCE

COMPARATIVE REPORT

NATIONAL CURRICULUM ASSESSMENT RESULTS Key Stage 1 SAT Results 2012 Subject Level 1 Level 2+ Level 2b+ Level 3+ Reading 92% 92% 92% 18% Writing 100% 91% 82% 27%

Maths 100% 100% 91% 27% National Curriculum Assessment and Testing of Year 6 at Key Stage 2 Key Stage 2 SAT Results 2011 Subject Level 4 above Level 5 Level 6 English 80% 10% Maths 80% 25% 6% Reading 90% 60% Writing 85% 25% HOLIDAYS A holiday list is circulated each year to parents and is also available on the Gateshead Council and school website. All holidays and school closures from September to August will be listed. Lists for the next academic year will normally be available early in the summer term. Please note that the school strongly urges parents to use the school holidays as a time to take family holidays. The school does not currently authorise absences during term time. It is at the discretion of the Head Teacher to authorise holidays. ASSESSMENT AND RECORD OF ACHIEVEMENT Each year a written report is prepared in the summer term by teachers on every child and sent to parents. A special meeting is arranged for parents to discuss reports with the class teacher. Progress meetings are also held for parents during the autumn and spring terms. The children are assessed throughout their years in school and take part in National Standards Assessment Tests (SATS) at 7 and 11. There are meetings with parents of children in these classes to discuss the best ways to help their children. TRANSFER AT ELEVEN It is normal practice for children to transfer to St Thomas More, Blaydon or St Bede's, Lanchester. Transition days take place during the summer term for pupils accepted at these schools. CONCLUSION The information in this prospectus relates to the 2012/2013 school year commencing in September 2012. The particulars stated were correct at the time. It must not be assumed that changes will not be made before the start of or during the 2013-2014 year or in subsequent years. Such changes could arise from variations in Government legislation or the Local Education Authority policy, in so far as these would affect Voluntary Schools.