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St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Primary School

Our Prospectus A GUIDE FOR PROSPECTIVE PARENTS

“Created by God to love and learn”

Finding their way… Head teacher’s Message

I hope this prospectus gives you an insight into our distinctive school and all the information you need. Founded in 1970 and being

within the Diocese of Clifton, ours is a family orientated school,

which is part of the Parish of St. Augustine of Canterbury, Downend and St. John Fisher, Frenchay. Learning is at the heart of

everything we do and our school is open and welcome to everyone wishing a Christian education for their child. We aim to provide our

children with the best possible education academically, spiritually, culturally and emotionally. We are very proud of our 270 children

and their achievements. It is through the continuing hard work and commitment of staff, governors and parents, that we can provide

an education that inspires and nurtures each child to reach their potential as we are…

“Created by God to love and learn”

Gospel values including love, compassion and service permeate our school in its daily life creating its ethos. We believe that these

values, among many others create a challenging, warm and outward-looking community that supports our children to grow into

fulfilled and well-rounded adults who in turn will make a positive contribution to the world in which we all live.

Don’t hesitate to contact the school for further information or to

make an appointment to see it in action. We look forward in the years ahead to a partnership between home and school that will

provide an excellent and distinctive education for your child.

Julian Clements Head teacher

Contents

Information general

MISSION AIMS

CURRICULUM INCLUSION

SAFEGUARDING ATTENDANCE

FAMILY LINK HOME-SCHOOL LIAISON

BEHAVIOUR HOMEWORK

UNIFORM LUNCHTIME MEALS

CHARGING & REMISSIONS COMPLAINTS

COMMUNITY TRANSPORT

Inserts

1. The School Governors

2. The School Staff 3. Admission Policy

4. Attendance Policy 5. Assessment Data

6. Inspection Reports Ofsted and RE 7. School Term Dates

DIOCESE OF CLIFTON SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL

An Aided Catholic Primary School for Pupils Aged 4 - 11

Headteacher: Mr. Julian Clements

Chair of Governors: Professor Myra Conway

Address: Boscombe Crescent, Downend, Bristol.

South Gloucestershire. BS16 6QR

Telephone number: 01454 866690

E-mail address office@staugustinesprimary.org.uk Web www.staugustinedownend.org.uk

Mission Statement

St Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Primary School provides an education that inspires and nurtures God’s children to succeed to

their full potential as we are…

“Created by God to love and learn.”

Aims

We aim to: Provide an environment where self-worth, faith

and spirituality will grow: through the provision of worship and an enriching religious education.

Deliver a high quality curriculum through excellent, passionate teaching, thereby creating excitement

and the desire to learn: all in a safe and happy environment.

Involve families in all aspects of their child’s education and foster good home/school

relationships. Work in partnership with the wider community to

develop respect and understanding of our world.

St Augustine’s and the curriculum

LITERACY CURRICULUM

Teaching and Learning in literacy starts with the introduction of the 42 sounds that make up ‘synthetic phonics’ in the Foundation Class.

This helps the children to build up their knowledge very quickly and assists them with early reading and writing. Phonic teaching carries

on throughout KS 1. Books are an essential component of learning at school as reading is the single most important activity your child

will ever accomplish. Support from home with daily reading is vital if your child is to achieve and thrive academically. Children are

taught a simple ‘joined-up’ style of handwriting right from the start of Reception and it is linked to key words and spellings as they

move through the school. Children have the opportunity to write in different forms including poetry, reporting, instructional writing and

letter writing for example as well as in a variety of subject areas. Writing is a key development for the school at this time with greater

emphasis on raising attainment. Assessments are a common feature of classroom life. Children are tested in Reading, Spelling

and writing every year.

NUMERACY CURRICULUM

Computation skills in the four rules are the major focus alongside, data handling and geometry. It is vital that children understand

mathematics through its application to real life problems as well as a necessary tool for science and other subjects. Mental ability to

problem solve is also extremely important and forms part of the daily numeracy lesson. Computing is also an integral part of

numeracy with supporting resources available for homework also.

PERSONAL, SOCIAL & SEX EDUCATION

The school follows guidance from the Diocese in regard to promoting within children an awareness of their own health, well

being, safety and value. Following the “God Matters” scheme and other pertinent programmes including “In The Beginning” & “Living

& Growing”, the children engage in a curriculum appropriate to their stage of development. The school has ‘Healthy Schools’ status.

SPIRITUAL, SOCIAL, MORAL AND CULTURAL EDUCATION

It is important that the needs of the whole child are addressed. Our

pupils have a voice through the school council, and they contribute

to the ethos of the school by participating in consultations, moulding policies and practice especially regarding ‘Play’. Pupils

The Wonder Years…

demonstrate their social awareness by fundraising throughout the year, which culminates in ‘One World Week’ and a sponsored run or

walk depending on age. Spiritually, the services, assemblies, liturgy, prayers and quiet reflections that are part of everyday life also

support the children in developing a greater understanding of their role in the world, together with the knowledge of other cultures and

traditions different to their own.

THE ENHANCED CURRICULUM

Our children thrive more when the curriculum is made as creative

as possible. Through the development of the school grounds we are able to enhance the experiences we provide. The local environment

is rich locally, to enable us to undertake river studies, the built environment and historical projects. School trips are a key factor in

this. We regularly take advantage of educational facilities in Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, London, the coast and beyond. Children are

encouraged to undertake at least one residential visit during their

time at school. We regularly invite speakers, writers, musicians and actors into school. Together with visits to theatres, Life Skills Centre,

galleries and concert halls, make for an exciting curriculum. Children in KS 2 will learn to play the recorder and French is also

introduced. Peripatetic music tuition is also available for all instruments, though strings, recorder and keyboards are available

at the moment. Teachers often take extra-curricular activities where sports is a feature. Children from Year 5 onwards also receive

swimming tuition.

Children will visit places where other faiths worship to understand the nature of the multi-cultural society in which they live. Recent

visits have also included the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Stonehenge, a synagogue and other places of educational interest

such as the Natural History Museum. We have many visitors to school including scientists and visiting theatre groups that add

cultural, religious and educational value.

FOUNDATION STAGE CURRICULUM

INDUCTION

We endeavour to get children settled in as quickly as possible into

the Reception Foundation Class. Our programme of induction includes two visits during the Summer Term to help familiarise

themselves with their surroundings before starting. All children will start the new term together and attend mornings with the option to

stay for lunch. After two weeks the children can attend full time. As most children attend some form of pre-school, they cope extremely

well and it’s therefore rare for a child to continue part time attendance, though this is an option, especially if the class teacher

feels your child is not coping. All children attend full-time by the end of October. We offer the facility of home visits from your child’s

teacher to help build up relationships in their own home. The curriculum emphasis is very much on child initiated activities, but

this always supports the teaching of reading, writing, maths, science, as well as developing social skills alongside gross and fine

motor skills. Legally, parents can demand full time attendance from Day 1. However, there is a great deal to contend with in a large

primary school and part-time induction is strongly recommended. We could not offer home visits either if children are in from Day 1

full-time. We believe our induction programme supports working parents as well as (most importantly) the children!

Children who are summer born can now delay their entry into

school for a whole year, though they will be out of their natural peer group. Such decisions should be made in consultation with the head

teacher and are usually linked to developmental issues.

INCLUSION FOR CHILDREN WHOSE NEEDS ARE SPECIAL (SEND) OR HAVE ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE (EAL)

The regular assessment of all children at St Augustine’s ensures

that any child who is experiencing difficulties is recognised at an early stage. This ensures that staff are able to provide support for

the child before they begin to experience severe problems in working towards targets set for the class.

The school employs a designated Inclusion Co-ordinator who

manages our special needs roll, as well as those for whom English is an additional language (EAL). They work alongside our Teaching

Assistants who monitor individual education plans, language acquisition plans, and behaviour support plans in providing

structured support.

As the policy at St. Augustine’s is to maximise each child’s potential, we recognise that many children have different needs and strengths.

Our aim is to nurture these, giving support where necessary and celebrating success. We also aim to foster good learning for those

children who are gifted or talented by adjusting their provision to offer them greater challenge.

SAFEGUARDING

It is of the utmost importance to have good systems in place for

protecting children and safeguarding their welfare in all activities. Staff must always be alert to possible concerns about each and

every pupil and report these appropriately. The school has a vigorous policy in place and maintains appropriate levels of staff

training to ensure its validation.

ATTENDANCE

Governor targets for the school are pre-set at 96%. Holidays are actively discouraged during term time as these often adversely

affect the learning of the pupils. Government guidance stipulates that only in extreme circumstances, will an absence be authorised.

The attendance of weddings outside immediate family, holidays in term time, birthday treats are not considered extreme and will

always end up unauthorised. Any request for an authorised absence is referenced against attendance data. If attendance is less than

96%, a request will be denied. Any subsequent absence will be deemed unauthorised and will draw the attention of welfare officers.

‘He is my Buddy!’

SCHOOL – FAMILY LINK

Through outside agencies, we have a named support worker whose role is to support children and their families who need advice with a

variety of personal issues from, challenging behaviour, family break-ups etc to help and advice where possible on other issues.

SCHOOL and HOME

We endeavour to create an ‘in it together’ attitude to learning. Our

reading records can be used to have written dialogue with parents and carers. Parents’ evenings and curriculum information workshops

together with newsletters all support this notion. Parents will be issued with a statutory ‘Home-School Agreement’ to sign alongside

their child. This sets out the expectations we have of each other. We ask that parents:-

show support for school policies and procedures take an active interest in their child’s education by listening to

their child read regularly, support homework, and by attending parent evenings, workshops, celebrations and services

ensure their child attends punctually, regularly, and equipped for the rigors of the day

insist on the highest standards of behaviour, showing courtesy and consideration at all times

The Headteacher sends out regular newsletters and teachers

produce class newsletters each term outlining the curriculum to be covered. Parents are invited three times per year to meet with their

child’s class teacher to monitor progress. Parents of children with Special Needs or English as an Additional Language will also have

the opportunity of reviewing targets on Individual Education Plans and Language Acquisition Plans with our Inclusion Co-ordinator. An

annual progress report is also sent home with your child’s latest assessments.

BEHAVIOUR

In order to enable children to have the energy and motivation to meet the daily challenges they face, it is important that they are

supported by ensuring they have plenty of sleep and are properly breakfasted. We encourage positive behaviour and reward success

with recognition in our Friday ‘Well Done’ Assembly”. Achievement is also recognised in the awarding of House Points, and Merit

Badges. We want everyone in our community to feel valued, cared for and safe. This can be achieved by following our school Code of

Conduct established by the children themselves.

VALUES

All staff are aware that certain values help create the school we want to enable your children to thrive and become well rounded

individuals. Such values when displayed by pupils are celebrated therefore reinforcing expectations. These are:-

Respect

Responsible Thankful Friendship

Creative Hopeful

Reflect Faith-filled Enthusiastic Service

Truth-seeking Generous Humility

Compassionate Persevere Courageous Honest

Curious Resourceful

HOMEWORK

All children receive homework irrespective of age. In the early years

it starts with reading, learning key words and number bonds. This develops into times tables, spellings as well as regular literacy and

numeracy tasks. Special projects are often undertaken, but we insist that parents listen to and question their child about reading all

through their primary years. Reading is the most important single activity your child will EVER learn. Without a good basis for reading

they will not be able to write with confidence. Much of our stimulus for writing is derived from published texts.

UNIFORM

The new school colours are Grey tops, white shirts and Grey

trousers or skirts. Sweatshirts, cardigans, polo shirts and ties

can be ordered through the school shop together with P.E. kit bags and book bags.

Ties are being introduced and look very smart though they will initially be optional according to individual preference. All socks

should be grey. Shoes must be black. In summer, girls have the added option of wearing yellow/white

gingham dresses.

P.E Kit: Black shorts, plain white T-shirt, indoor pumps, outdoor trainers [Key Stage 2 only].

Your child’s P.E. kit should be hung on their coat peg in a drawstring bag as this takes up little space in what can be very

congested areas. Wellingtons are encouraged if children want to go on grassy

areas in wet weather Grey tracksuit bottoms are accepted in winter periods when

outside. Watches are encouraged, jewellery is not, except for one pair of

stud earrings Girls and boys sporting Long hair must have it tied back and

‘under control’.

LUNCHTIME MEALS

South Gloucestershire Catering Service provides midday meals in

the school’s kitchen. Children eating school meals do so in the refectory. Children can opt to bring in a packed lunch instead if they

wish. Fizzy beverages, sweets and chocolate are not allowed and actively discouraged. A healthy snack is recommended for the

morning break. The kitchen provides a tuck shop that sells fresh and dried fruits and cartons of milk at a reasonable price. The

children also operate their own Fair Trade snack stall for part of the year. From September 2014, all children in KS 1 are entitled to free

school meals.

CHARGING AND REMISSIONS POLICY

Activities that take place during the school day are expected to be

free of charge as part of the curriculum. However, only limited funding exists within any school to pay the costs of theatre groups,

day trips or residential trips. Unless parents voluntarily contribute the amount needed, trips may not proceed. Any finished product or

piece of work remains the property of the school unless parents have indicated they will cover the costs of materials / ingredients

etc. Please note! No pupil will ever be disadvantaged in participating in activities, solely by their parents’ inability to pay. The school

budgets for several activities during the year, that are offered free of charge to the children. Parents are expected to cover up to two

activities a term where possible.

COMPLAINTS If you are not happy about any aspect of the way the school

is run, then we welcome the chance to sit down informally with you to discuss this. If you’re still not satisfied then as a

last resort you are able to contact the Governing body who have a complaints procedure to deal with these situations.

COMMUNITY: PTFA

We are ever grateful to our thriving PTFA association who actively encourage participation and involvement in

fundraising activities. The children have benefited from thousands of pounds worth of equipment raised by the group

over the years. There is always an expectation that parents will join and do what they can in supporting all of our

children.

GIFT AID

Those parents whose time is at a premium can opt to Gift Aid an annual sum or monthly payment if you would like the school to

maintain or improve its resourcing for the school in terms of fabric and curriculum support.

COMMUNITY: PARISH

The school is part of a vibrant parish with a strong sense of community and utilises the church next door for worship and

celebrations throughout the year. Formal catechism is undertaken by the parish outside school time for occasions such as First Holy

Communion and Confirmation. The parish priest acts as chaplain to

the school and supports us in major feasts and celebrations. The parish also sponsors a pre-school group and a scout troop.

We’re Romans today!’

COMMUNITY: Partnerships

The school belongs to the local cluster of schools within

Mangotsfield and Downend. We benefit from liaison with Downend Secondary School. We are also part of the South Gloucestershire

Catholic Schools Partnership alongside Christ the King (Thornbury), Holy Family (Patchway), Our Lady of Lourdes (Kingswood), St

Mary’s (Bradley Stoke), and St. Paul’s (Yate). Another partnership is with the South Clifton Catholic Federation based around St.

Gregory’s College, Bath. This group includes Independent Schools as well as those primaries that serve Bath, parts of North Somerset

and West Wiltshire. We therefore have access to many schools in sharing best practice at a time when the local authority is

diminishing rapidly due to austerity measures.

COMMUNITY LIAISON

Our Reception staff liaises with pre-school groups and nurseries who feed into our school. Year 6 children have visits from their

prospective secondary school year group tutors. Our children transfer to several secondary schools. We are a designated feeder

school for St. Gregory’s in Bath. Children also transfer to: Winterbourne Academy, St. Bede’s, Downend Secondary,

Mangotsfield Secondary, and others depending on where they live. Our children have also been involved in local consultations

organised by the local authority.

The school choir is invited to sing as part of the Downend Christmas festivities. Year 4 children have recently liaised with other Year 4

children from our partner catholic primary schools within South Gloucestershire in a joint retreat.

TRANSPORT

Children are encouraged to walk or cycle to school for health

reasons and to aid parents keep parking problems to a minimum. As our catchment covers a wide geographical area, car transport is

often the only means of arrival. In this case parents are encouraged not to park in Boscombe Crescent, but in streets just a few minutes’

walk away. This is to reduce congestion around the site, though there is extra parking in the church car park next door. Cycling

Proficiency is offered to all ten-year-olds in Year 6. Pedestrian training and initial cycling proficiency is offered to younger children.

We ask that all parents park with goodwill in mind as blocking neighbours’ drives is ill considered and can trigger police

intervention. Parking opposite an already parked vehicle will restrict coach access in the road which is necessary for school trips and

swimming lessons. PUPIL VOICE Children from Year 1 upwards meet termly with the Head teacher to discuss organisational and resourcing issues over lunch. Children need to have their voices heard and class representatives should canvass opinion before meetings to have issues raised.

CHARITIES One local, one national and one international charity is fundraised

for each year at least. In truth, the children do much more, including running a Fairtrade snack stall for part of the year as well

as being committed to CAFOD requests such as the Ebola Crisis and Harvest Fast Day. The school complements the parish and the PTFA

who also have a charitable focus. Recently, the children have supported these charities St. James’ Priory – Harvest Gifts for the homeless. CAFOD - Harvest Fast day and Ebola

Red, White & Blue British Legion Poppy Day and WW1 Memorial fundraiser. Fairtrade – organising an occasional snack shop. Christmas Shoe boxes

Extended Studio We offer the full core of services for extended schools provision. A breakfast club operates from 8am each weekday as well as after school provision till 5:30pm. Snacks are provided during the after school sessions which can be booked in advance through the office. Payments We offer an on-line payment service and are happy to accept cheques and cash for payments. However no cash money must be sent with children for payments as mishaps cannot be traced. The child’s own ‘Tuck’ money can be carried by them.

Conquering the world ?

The 2014 Conker Champion

Team at St. Augustine’s

Julian Clements Head teacher

Sarah Cartwright Reception Class Teacher

Sue Trevelyan Year 1 Class Teacher

Sara Allen Year 1 / 2 Teacher

Key Stage 1 Coordinator

Oliver Bell Year 2 Teacher

Mark Isaacs Year 3 Teacher Key Stage 2 Coordinator

Katy Hillier Year 3/ 4 Teacher

Jess Scott 0.6 & Jen Gibbs 0.4 Year 4 Teachers

Bill Moore Class 5 Teacher

Deputy Head teacher

David Helps Year 5 / 6 Teacher

Isabel Triggs Year 6 Teacher

Deanne Fitzpatrick 0.4 Inclusion Coordinator

Racheal Swonnell 0.6 PPA Teacher

John Rodgers 0.6 PPA Teacher

Kath Jenkins Peripatetic Recorder Teacher

Nigel Maloney Peripatetic Brass Teacher

Abigail Wise Peripatetic Keyboard Teacher

Philippa Jones Peripatetic Violin Teacher

Kerry Stell Teaching Assistant

Janet Lewis Teaching Assistant

HLTA Senior Midday Meal Superviser

Cathy Edler Teaching Assistant

Philippa Maddern Teaching Assistant

Kathryn Loft Teaching Assistant

Bernie Newberry Teaching Assistant

Sam Richards Teaching Assistant

Lucille Clark Teaching Assistant

Carmen Mortlock Teaching Assistant

Leander Pooler Teaching Assistant

Michelle Ravening Teaching Assistant

Claire Hodges Teaching Assistant

Jane Williams Teaching Assistant

Lynn Thomas School Improvement Partner

Rev.Fr.Frank Bermingham School Chaplain

Gabby Foord Midday Meal Supervisor Extended School Supervisor

Ann Bryant Midday Meal Supervisor Extended School Supervisor

Jane Williams Midday Meal Supervisor

Extended School Supervisor

Esther Dow/Hayley Evans Midday Meal Supervisor

Lisa Sanfelice Midday Meal Supervisor

Anne-Marie Wilson Midday Meal Supervisor

Nadia Woodhouse Midday Meal Supervisor

Mel Matthews Midday Meal Supervisor

Louise Henley School Cook

Tina Iles Kitchen Staff

Karen Stone Kitchen Staff

Pedro Estacio School Cleaner

Molly Firth School Cleaner

Nicholas Batten Caretaker

Sue Broad Extended School Superviser

Rosa Parinello Extended School Superviser

Maria Gawler Clerical Assistant

Jo Maine Clerical Assistant

Mandy Elvy School Administrator

Governance

Chair Professor Myra Conway

Vice Chair Micky McKay

Parent Jane Fitzgerald

Local Authority Vacancy

Non-teaching Staff Janet Lewis

Head teacher Julian Clements

Teaching Staff Bill Moore

Teaching Staff Jess Scott

Foundation Andrew Serle

Foundation Jude Ellery

Foundation Peter Taylor

Foundation Tom Ball

Foundation Maeve Hedge

Foundation Clare Davis

Foundation Paula Mainprise

Clerk Mrs Sharon Johnson

He’ll need to grow into it before he can use the

battering ram!

Science workshops during Science Week

“Quick – we need to make these shields before the next attack!”

Intense concentration – excellent!

Ship building – to scale of course!

What do we have here?

Forest Skills Club!

Maths investigations in the Early Years!