The school operates the “Here I Am” National Syllabus for Roman Catholic Schools. It is our policy to employ a variety of teaching and learning styles which will be appropriate to the subject and promote Spiritual and moral values.

This is a Roman Catholic School and all of its rites and ceremonies are of that Church.

The practice of Faith is fundamental to the whole life of the school. Priest, pupil, parents and staff gather to celebrate Mass and other services and assemblies throughout the year. Opportunities are given daily for the children’s relationship with God to grow through silent and spoken prayer.

Sacramental Preparation involves the child, parent, parish and school. Children from Year 2 and above, whose parents wish to make the commitment to support them, can join the group of children preparing for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist.

SEX EDUCATION
During Year 6 our children are actively involved in “The Body Project”. The teacher works closely with the Health Education Team to give a detailed and varied programme. The programme broadly includes:

1) The structure of the body
2) Main organs of the body and their functions
3) Hygiene and keeping healthy
4) Growing Up, including menstruation and sexual development
5) The development and needs of a baby from conception to early years
6) Dangers of smoking and drugs.

Parents are given the opportunity to discuss the contents with the class teacher and are reminded that they can withdraw their child from any part of the programme.

CHARGING AND REMISSION POLICIES

No charges are made to parents for any aspect of the National Curriculum offered to our pupils. There are, however, occasions when voluntary contributions will be required for activities involving educational visits or curriculum enrichment outside school. It must be noted, however, that the school does not have funds to replace voluntary contributions and if sufficient support is not forthcoming activities such as educational visits could not take place. Happily in previous years parental support has always been excellent. If problems do arise however, parents should not hesitate to contact the Headteacher. in complete confidence, so that any problems can be quickly resolved.

GROUPING OF PUPILS
Children are grouped according to age in classes of mixed ability. Where necessary there will be mixed age classes.

HOMEWORK
It is the present policy of the school to set homework when the class teacher deems it appropriate. We urge parents and carers to:

- make it clear to their child that they value homework and support the school in explaining how it can help their learning.

- encourage their child and praise them when they have completed homework.

READING
The children’s reading is continually monitored and Reading Scheme books are carefully matched to each child’s ability. There is a strong expectation that parents will listen to their children's reading and co-operate with Class teachers in any reading tasks which are brought home. Children are encouraged to take home reading books to read with their parents at home. It is essential that book bags are used to transport books. It is expected that all books taken home will be properly cared for and returned in good condition. Parents will be asked to make a contribution to the replacement of damaged or lost books.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE CURRICULUM AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS

The aim of our arrangement is to promote good practice in the handling of complaints by ensuring they are dealt with quickly, fairly and fully. Complaints can be considered at one or more stages - informally in school or formally to the Governors or to the LEA. Parents who have any worries or problems should contact the Headteacher.

PROVISION FOR PUPILS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Within the available resources, arrangements are made to support and help pupils with learning difficulties. This will normally take the form of individual or small group sessions inside or outside their normal classroom, whichever is appropriate, under the supervision of the SEN Co-ordinator.

The trigger for Stage 1 is when a teacher, parent or other professional expresses concern. The class teacher will inform the Headteacher, parent and SEN Co-ordinator who registers the child SEN.

Stage 2 The school seeks further advice and/or the creation of an Individual Education Plan (IEP).

Stage 3 Following discussions with parents the school call on outside specialist help. The needs of the great majority of children are met under these first three stages.

Stage 4 The local authority carries out statutory assessment.

Stage 5 Statementing: Statementing proceeds when the local authority is satisfied that the child’s needs are so significant or complex that a statement is required as a means of access to extra resources. Parental preferences are always taken into account.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
The school has a written policy on equal opportunities which is designed to complement the Mission Statement. Christ be Within Me.

Discrimination on the basis of colour, origin, sex or ability is unacceptable in our school. Every pupil and teacher will endeavour to further this objective by personally contributing towards a happy and caring environment, and by showing respect for, and appreciation of, each other as individuals.

PASTORAL CARE
The school aims to provide an atmosphere of welcome and care for all pupils, parents, staff and visitors. The safety and welfare of each pupil is of fundamental importance. The Headteacher’s responsibility for pastoral care is delegated to the teaching staff and the supervisory assistants employed by the school.

EMERGENCY CONTACT FORMS
Parents are asked to provide emergency daytime telephone numbers and to nominate any other adult who may act for them in collecting children from school. Children will only be released to such named persons. It is important to inform the school if there are any changes to the emergency contact forms.

CHILD SAFETY
The safety of our children is of major importance to us all. If you are late collecting your children they are told to come back into school and wait. Staff remain in school long after the end of the school day. During the school day all parents/ visitors must come into school through the main entrance near the secretary’s office. The other entrances are exit-only locked doors. All children are encouraged to play carefully and sensibly. However, accidents inevitably happen. When pupils are injured at school preliminary first aid is given. Parents are normally contacted if there is an injury to the head or clear evidence of a serious problem. On rare occasions injuries are difficult to identify and can be missed although every effort is made to explain to parents at the earliest opportunity the cause and nature of an injury. Parents are asked to notify school in the same way about injuries which may happen outside school.

SUPPORT AGENCIES

The school makes full use of the support agencies available when required. These include EWO, local police, School Health Service, Special Needs Service, Positive Behaviour Unit, Leeds Libraries, Museum Loan Service, Theatre in School, Music Support and LEA Advisory Division.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR CHILDREN IN RECEPTION CLASS

A meeting is held in July for the parents of September entrants. Opportunities are given for new entrants to visit Reception Class during the term prior to admission. Visits are made to the nurseries of some children who will be admitted to Reception Class.

ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL
A note or telephone call is required to explain the reason for a child’s absence from school. When medical and dental appointments have to be made in school time advance notice, if possible, should be given to the school.

Regular and punctual attendance is an essential element in a child’s progress at school. Missing time at school is a serious matter which disrupts children’s progress. Late arrival affects not only the child arriving late but disrupts the work of all other children in class.

Absences are of two kinds - authorised that is absence/late arrivals for which there is a valid reason. Unauthorised - absence/late arrivals for which no adequate reason is provided.

Only the school can authorise absences. Holiday dates should be discussed with school prior to bookings being made. Following Education Leeds guidelines we are only permitted to authorize 10 days holiday - which are taken in addition to school holiday periods - in the school year. Holidays for pupils in Year 6 will not be authorised during the week of SATS.

In the event of absence school must be notified as soon as possible about the reason for absence with, if possible, the expected date of return. This can be made in a telephone call to school, a message by way of a brother or sister or a note to the teacher. Pupils who return to school without any communication from parents are given a pre-printed absence slip for completion by their parents. It is then the responsibility of the school to decide whether an absence is “authorised” or “unauthorised”.

All absences and late arrivals without explanation have to be recorded as “unauthorised”. A record of such absences has to be kept by the school and reported to the local authority. It is the responsibility of the school to bring to the notice of Education Welfare Officers the names of pupils who have a record of unauthorised absences.