This prospectus is an introduction to the school. We are sure you will find it useful and informative. If there is anything else you need to know please call and ask. We will be happy to show you around the school, just to make an appointment.

The School is a voluntary aided co-educational day first school catering for children in the age range 3 – 9 years.

Our school is a Church Aided School – this means that the members of the Parish Church and the Diocese of Wakefield have contributed towards the building of the school and continue to pay towards its upkeep .

If you have any questions at all about your child or the school, please do not hesitate to ask - at whatever stage in their school life your child has reached.

Dear Parent/Guardian,

I would like to extend a warm welcome to you and your family on behalf of the staff and governors of Gomersal St Mary’s First and Nursery School.

Everyone involved in the life of the school works together as a team to provide a happy, safe and stimulating environment in which your child can learn, grow and flourish. We aim to nurture each child as an individual, enabling them to achieve their full potential and prepare them for the years that lay ahead as they grow into young adults. We are very proud of the friendly ethos of our school and we encourage parents to join in that vital partnership that enables us to provide the best possible start to your child’s education.
Our latest Ofsted inspection confirmed our view that we are “a good school with outstanding features” (Feb 2007). Along with further recognition by SIAS(Statutory Inspection of Anglican Schools) who graded the school as an ‘outstanding’ Church of England school. We are very proud of our achievements!

Yours sincerely,

Mrs S. Scott

Head teacher

Our pupils receive the highest quality of education in line with the ethos of the school. We work to ensure that they are provided with the best resources to achieve understanding, knowledge and the development of skills to enable them to fulfil their intellectual and spiritual potential. At Gomersal St Mary's we aim to ensure that children grow mentally and physically and socially and spiritually.

The school believes it is important for the pupils to see themselves as part of the school, the Church and the local community. Opportunities are provided for the parents, governors, church members and local residents to come into school and for the pupils to be seen to be part of the church and the community.

I am sure your child will be very happy at Gomersal St Mary's.

Susan Loker
Chair of Governors

From earliest times the Christian faith has held learning and teaching at its heart - the monasteries of Yorkshire were centres of education. The Church of England helped pioneer education for all the Diocese of Wakefield now has 104 church schools within its boundaries. For all these reasons we welcome you and your child to this school.

We hope you will find it a happy community where young people are nourished in every way. This school offers all that our educational system requires, but its aims to do this within the context of the Christian faith, where teaching and learning are rooted in faith in God as seen in Christ Jesus, and handed on by the church over the centuries. Alongside this must stand the respect for children of other faiths.

Church schools work to foster those attitudes in children which prepare them to become good, reliable and honest member of the wider community. But good citizenship is also dependent upon and nurtured by the guidance and example received through family life. We invite you, then, to work with the school staff in helping your child to develop into mature and responsible member of the community. This will mean guiding your child to grow spiritually, socially and intellectually, thereby encouraging self-respect, respect for others and faith in God.

We welcome you most warmly and I commend you to God's blessings.

The Rt Revd Stephen Platten
Bishop of Wakefield

'Learning the Christian Way'

Gomersal St Mary's First and Nursery School is a Church Aided School where everyone is encouraged to develop spiritually and intellectually, in a reflective and prayerful manner, within the family of our school, church and community.

Our Aims to support the Mission Statement

We believe that children should develop a happy way of being together, so gaining a respect for themselves, for each other and indeed for the whole of this exciting World - God's World - in which we all live.

We will do this by providing:

	Quality experiences in all aspects of school life.
	A warm and welcoming Christian ethos so that the love of Jesus Christ will be evident to all who come within our walls and so that our children will develop strong Christian values.
	An environment which fosters the child's intellectual, physical, cultural, moral and spiritual development.
	A broad and balanced curriculum which is carefully planned to ensure the needs of all our children are met and that they share responsibility for their learning.
	An awareness of God’s beautiful Earth and our collective responsibility to protect and care for it.

Admission to the Nursery

Gomersal St Mary's serves a wide catchment area centred on Gomersal. We take children from the age of three and aim to support these children within the warmth of our Christian ethos.

The decision regarding a child's admission to the Nursery is made by the governors.

Parents have a choice of a morning or afternoon session, subject to availability.

Full details of our admissions policy can be found on Page 11 of this prospectus

Age of children on admission to Nursery

We try to make sure that all children can have up to three terms of part-time education prior to full-time school. The available places are allocated in two stages:
Children applying up to three terms before admission to full-time school
Any remaining places are allocated to eligible children four or more terms before admission to full-time school.

All children should be toilet trained prior to starting in Nursery. There is an opportunity for parents of new children to attend an informal meeting to hear about the exciting learning experiences and activities we offer in the Nursery. Parents will meet staff and look around the Nursery and the main school building. Prior to their first day in Nursery a home visit will be arranged for children to meet the Nursery staff in their own home. Parents and children are encouraged after the initial meeting, in the term prior to admission to come to Nursery for ‘informal’ integration i.e to come and paint a picture etc.

Our aim is to ensure that you and your child will enjoy coming to the Nursery. We provide a safe and attractive environment where your child is encouraged to become independent, cooperative and develop socially. In the Nursery our school aims are fulfilled by providing an environment that offers exciting and varied opportunities for continuous learning through play.

The Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum

The Foundation Stage class provides each child with a balanced curriculum based on their individual needs. Staff plan for these learning experiences using the Foundation Stage Curriculum Guidance. This covers six areas of learning:

Personal, Social and Emotional development

Children learn how to work, play and co-operate with others through group activities that demonstrate the importance of sharing and working with others.

Communication,Language and Literacy

Children are given lots of opportunities to develop skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing. We encourage children to share our love of books. We have a selection of library books and language packs available for children to take home to read with their parents.

Mathematical development

The structured play environment of the Foundation class offers endless opportunities for learning about many aspects of mathematics. We aim at all times to deepen each child's awareness and understanding. We have a variety of maths packs available to use at home.

Knowledge and Understanding of the world.

We aim to develop children's natural curiosity to help them to explore and learn about the world around them. We take advantage of our beautiful and spacious school grounds and use them as a valuable resource, where children can learn about the natural and built environment.

Physical development

Many activities target the healthy development of each child. We are keen to encourage a love of the outdoors, exercise and personal fitness. Children learn how to move in different ways, play games and have fun.

Creative development

We encourage children to use their imagination, express their ideas and feelings using many creative approaches e.g painting, modelling, sculpture and movement to music.

As a Church aided school we also see spiritual and moral development as a priority. Our ethos conveys our Christian values of caring for others and our environment and for the beauty and wonder of the world in which we live. We aim to show children how to behave in a way that shows consideration for themselves and others. We hope parents will support us.

Nursery organisation

The Nursery is organised into areas, with each area providing specific learning opportunities. Information about the areas is displayed for parent information. Children are free to choose from these activities and are encouraged to plan in advance which activities they would like to partake in for that session. We also provide outdoor play each day.

Children are encouraged to self register on a board at the beginning of the session. This helps to develop children's sense of responsibility. Staff also keep an official register.

Milk is provided free of charge by the LEA for every child. We also provide a healthy snack.

Towards the end of the session children have the opportunity to join in a small group for a focused activity before going home. This could be a numeracy, literacy or music activity.

We ask for a voluntary contribution of £1 per week to put in our nursery fund. This helps to pay for the cost of fruit, baking materials and other costs that enable us to provide the best for your child.

School uniform

We encourage children to wear a jade green school sweatshirt and gold polo shirt, however this is not compulsory. We do provide aprons but it is best if children wear clothing that are suitable for a play environment, as some activities can be messy and we don't want children not taking part because they are fearful of getting their clothes dirty.

Record of achievement

Throughout their time in the Foundation Stage children are observed and their progress is assessed and recorded. This record is continued through into the reception year, your child's first year in school. At the end of that time the record of achievement is yours to keep.

Admission arrangements

Decisions about admission to the school are made by the Governors.The criteria for admission are set out below in order of priority. They are subject to notes (a) and (b).

•  Children who are ‘Looked after' by the authority.

•  Children with a brother or sister attending the school at the proposed date of admission.

•  Children whose parents are regular worshipping members of St Mary's Parish Church , Gomersal and whose names are entered on the Church's Electoral Roll.

•  Children with Statements of Special Educational Need for whom this school is appropriate.

•  Children who are resident in Gomersal Parish and whose parents are active, worshipping members of the Church of England, other than St Mary's and whose names appear on the other church's Electoral Roll and children of parents who are active worshipping members of other churches which accept the doctrine of the Holy Trinity.

•  Children resident within the Priority Admission Area of the school.

•  Children resident within the ecclesiastical Parish of St Mary's Gomersal.

•  Children resident outside the Parish.

• Resident’ refers to the child’s permanent home at the proposed date of admission.
Where the above criteria are not adequate to distinguish between requests for admission which cannot all be accepted without exceeding the Planned Admission Limit, priority will be decided on the basis of the distance from the school to home measured by the shortest safe walking route, those living nearest being given priority.

Children attaining the age of five are admitted to the school as follows:

Birth Dates (inclusive) Term of Admission

1 September – 28 February Autumn Term (Sept)

1 March – 31 st August Spring (Jan)

The School Curriculum

The school curriculum is broad and balanced as required by the National Curriculum. English, Mathematics, Science and Information Communications Technology are the core subjects. History, Geography, Design Technology, Music, Art and PE are foundations subjects.

Children in Y4 go swimming each week - and this forms part of the PE curriculum, where possible Y3 children also attend swimming each week.

We aim to promote the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils at the school and so prepare them for the many opportunities and experiences of adult life. Educational visits are an important part and parents are asked for voluntary contributions to cover the costs. In Year 4 children take part in a residential visit at an outdoor pursuits centre, Cliffe House at Shepley. This is an excellent opportunity for them.

The school has a choir and recorder groups and takes part in the annual Kirklees music Festival each year.

Sex education

The school's sex education policy explains how sex education is taught in school. Explicit sexual education is not given. When questions in this area arise answers are given which the children can understand and appreciate.

Religious Education

In a Church Aided School Christianity has a central place in Relgious Education but within this a respect and understanding of other faiths is encouraged.

The school seeks to provide a moral environment where Christian principles are seen in action. Religious teaching takes place both in class and in assemblies. The school has a close working relationship with St Mary's Church and with other members of the church and the local community. The Rev John and Jenny Barnes and Mrs Sheard take regular assemblies in school.

Parents have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of religious education and collective worship, if they wish to do so the matter should be discussed with the Head teacher.

Collective Worship

The daily act of worship takes place in the school and sometimes the children visit St Mary's Church for a special event or assembly. Members of the church takes collective worship on some occasions.

Behaviour

We encourage a positive approach to discipline and expect all members of our school community to treat each other, and the school, with courtesy and respect. Self-discipline is something we wish to develop and encourage in our children. We have a few rules and these only exist to enable the school to run smoothly and safely.

We work to our school code:

Always be Considerate, Careful, Caring, Courteous to everyone and everything

Special Education Needs

The school Special Educational Needs policy follows the guidance of the new Code of Practice. Meeting children's special educational needs is the shared responsibility of the Governors and teachers. We recognise that all children are individuals, and our aim is to ensure that all children receive an education appropriate to their needs. Pupils with special educational needs are taught within the normal classroom context. Class teachers monitor and evaluate each child's progress with guidance from the Special Needs Co-ordinator. The school actively encourages parents to be involved and to support their child's education.

Children with a disability

The school makes every effort to cater for children with a disability. Where a child with disabilities is to be admitted the Headteacher and governing body work closely with the parents and the asset management team to ensure that all reasonable adjustments are made to ensure a smooth induction to school life. The school liaises with outside agencies whom are able to offer specialist help. The school currently has 1 adult disabled toilet. As the school is on one level the building is suitable for wheelchair access.

Assessment

During the school day the children's learning is assessed by their teacher in order to provide children with the best opportunity to make progress.

In the Foundation Stage we assess children's knowledge and understanding using the stepping stones, which lead to the achievement of the Early Learning Goals in the Foundation Stage.

At the end of Key Stage 1 children take the Standard Assessment Tests (SATs). In Key Stage 2 children take the optional SAT's to enable staff to monitor their progress.

Each term children are assessed in reading, writing, maths and in their attitude and behaviour.

Library

Children with their parents can choose a story book to take home from our school library. The ‘Books +' service provide library books which children can select to take home. We ask that all books be carried in a bag to and from school and we sell a strong book bag for this purpose. We also ask that books are paid for which are lost or damaged.

General Information

Parents and Friends

We value your help in school and are proud of our partnership with parents. If you would like to come into school to help in classrooms please come and see us. You will be very welcome. There is also a ‘ F riends O f S t Mary's S chool' ( FOSS ) for parents to join. This small group organise events for the children e.g disco, movie night etc to raise funds for school improvement. They are a valuable asset to our school and they are always keen to welcome new members.

School Meals

Children may have a school dinner, go home or bring a packed lunch.

Dinners are available at a cost of £1.75 per day (£8.75 per week). The meals are prepared and cooked on the premises. The cook needs to know how many children will need a meal in advance, so it is therefore necessary to give 2 weeks notice if parents change the arrangements for their children.

Packed Lunches

Please ensure that the packed lunch sent to school provides your child with a healthy filling meal. We suggest a sandwich, piece of fruit, cereal bars, yoghurt. Please do not send chocolate, sweets or pre packed snacks (i.e. lunchables, dippers etc) as these are difficult for children to open and do not constitute a healthy diet. Children do not need to bring a drink, as water is provided for all children. Dinner money is collected on a Monday morning for the week and we ask that the money should be sent in a purse or envelope clearly marked with the child's name or paid directly to the office.

Early Birds Breakfast Club

We have a popular breakfast club each morning. It starts at 8.15am – 8.45am. Children have a choice of foods and activities. The cost is 50p per day.

Kirklees Healthy School Standard Gold

The school has achieved the standard which looks at ways of improving the school environment for pupils and staff. There are nine criteria which the school had to meet to achieve the standard. This includes things such as the physical environment, the promotion of healthy eating etc. The school and grounds are no smoking areas.

Financial Help

If parents feel that their children should receive Free school meals or other benefit, enquiries should be made at:-

   The Education Access Department
   The Town Hall
   Dewsbury.

   Telephone Number 01924 326004

Milk

Milk is available free for our Nursery children. Milk is available for children in Reception, Y1 and Y2 at a cost of £7.00 per term, children receiving Free School Meals do not need to pay for milk.

Absences

Parents are asked to let the school know if their child is ill or absent for any reason. We are now required to note which children are absent without reason, and publish these absences along with authorised absences.

On the first day of illness the parent should ring the school office (01274 335260) soon after the start of the school day. If you need to take your child out of school for an appointment for the dentist or doctor - please inform the school office at the beginning of that day. We would suggest that the dentist be visited in the school holidays unless a child has an emergency.

Punctuality

Children who come to school after the register is closed at 9.05 a.m. will receive an unauthorised mark for that session. They also miss an important part of the day which is guided reading. Please ensure they arrive at school in order to get off to a good start to the day. Attendance is carefully monitored.

School Uniform

Although not compulsory most children wear a school uniform which consists of a Jade sweatshirt or cardigan with a school logo and a gold polo shirt. All items can be purchased from school. Legionnaire caps provide protection from the summer sun and can be purchased from the school office together with book bags. We ask that long hair is tied back and does not cover the face. Hairstyles must be appropriate for school. Extreme hairstyles such as shaved, wavy lines, Mohican are not for school.

Holidays

We ask parents to avoid taking holidays during term time. If it is necessary to take children out of school, then the permission of the Headteacher should be obtained. Please request a form from the school office to complete and return in advance of the holiday being taken. Any holidays taken without permission will result in an unauthorised absence.

Holiday Dates – 2009 / 2010

School closure for staff training – Tuesday 1st September 2009, Friday 23rd October 2009, Friday 18th December 2009, Friday 26th March 2010. School closed for local elections: Thurs 6th May 2010

School Curriculum Complaints Procedure

If parents wish to complain about the curriculum for their child they they should first discuss it with the Headteacher. If matters cannot be resolved, then a more formal complaint can be made to the Governing Body, then the Kirklees Local Education Authority.

Details of the complaints procedures are available in school, along with documents that relate to the Education Act 1988 which may be obtained from the Headteacher.

This prospectus is published by

   The Governors
   Gomersal ST Mary's CE (A) First and Nursery School
   Shirley Avenue
   Gomersal
   BD19 4NA

   Tel: 01274 335260
   Fax: 01274 335259

Children are and always will be our first priority. We hope that through them we can provide a better tomorrow for the whole community.

Our father in Heaven.

Thank you for all you have put into our lives

Thank you for St Mary's School

and for everyone and everything in it.

We are sorry for the wrong things we do.

Help us to make our school a better place

By being kind and good and helpful to everyone.

Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.