St Joseph's Catholic & C Of E Va Primary School

At St Joseph's Catholic and Church of England Primary School, we are dedicated to fostering a nurturing and secure environment where Christian values can thrive. Our mission is to develop and support children in their journey to become lifelong learners, all while providing a solid foundation in the love and knowledge of God. As stated in John 13:34-35, "I give you a new commandment: love each other. You must love each other as I have loved you. All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other."

Christian Life of the School

Our school is a place where faith, community, and learning come together. We strive to create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere that reflects the love of God. Our Christian ethos is woven into every aspect of school life, from collective worship and religious education to pastoral care and extracurricular activities. We believe that by nurturing the whole child - academically, spiritually, and socially - we can help them reach their full potential.

Class Structure

Our school is organised into seven year groups, from Reception to Year 6. Each year group is led by a dedicated class teacher, who works closely with a teaching assistant to provide a high-quality education. Our small class sizes ensure that every child receives individual attention and support, allowing them to thrive in a stimulating and supportive environment.

Key Members of Staff

Our school is led by a dedicated team of professionals, who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their roles. Our headteacher provides strong leadership and a clear vision for the school, while our deputy headteacher supports teaching and learning across the school. Our dedicated team of teachers and support staff work tirelessly to provide the best possible education for our children.

The Governing Body

Our governing body plays a vital role in the leadership and management of our school. Made up of parents, staff, and community representatives, they work closely with the school leadership team to ensure that our school is well-run and that our children receive the best possible education.

Pupil Voice

We believe that children should be actively involved in the life of the school. Our pupil voice initiatives give children the opportunity to have their say on matters that affect them, from the curriculum to the school environment. Through our school council, eco-group, and other initiatives, children learn valuable skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication.

Key Information

Our school is located in Calver Crescent, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S43 3LY. We can be reached by phone on 01246 472798 or by email at info@st-josephsrccofe.derbyshire.sch.uk. Our website provides a wealth of information about our school, including our policies, term dates, and curriculum.

Admissions

We welcome applications from families of all backgrounds. Our admissions criteria are designed to ensure that our school is inclusive and that every child has the opportunity to thrive. Further information about our admissions process can be found on our website.

Pupil Premium

We are committed to ensuring that all children have the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances. Our pupil premium strategy is designed to provide additional support to children who are eligible for free school meals, looked after children, and children from families in the armed forces.

Key Stage Assessments

Assessment is an integral part of our teaching and learning process. We use a range of assessments to monitor children's progress and identify areas for improvement. Our annual reports provide a comprehensive overview of children's attainment and progress in each key stage.

Policies

Our policies reflect our commitment to providing a high-quality education in a safe and inclusive environment. They cover a range of issues, from behaviour and attendance to safeguarding and special educational needs. Our policies are reviewed regularly and are available on our website.

Safeguarding

We take our safeguarding responsibilities very seriously. Our safeguarding policy is designed to ensure that all children are safe and protected from harm. Our designated safeguarding lead provides training and support to staff, and we work closely with external agencies to ensure that children are safe and well cared for.

GDPR

We are committed to protecting the privacy and security of our children and their families. Our GDPR policy sets out how we collect, use, and protect personal data. We have put in place appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure that personal data is secure.

PE and Sport Premium Funding

We are committed to providing high-quality PE and sporting opportunities for all children. Our PE and sport premium funding is used to enhance our sports provision and to provide additional opportunities for children to engage in physical activity.

OFSTED

Our school is regularly inspected by OFSTED to ensure that we are providing a high-quality education. Our most recent inspection report is available on our website.

Early Help Officer

We have an Early Help Officer who works with children and families to provide support and interventions at an early stage. This helps to prevent issues from escalating and ensures that children are safe and well cared for.

Curriculum Overview

Our curriculum is designed to provide a broad and balanced education that meets the needs of all children. It is based on the National Curriculum and is enriched with a range of exciting topics and experiences. We place a strong emphasis on the development of core skills, such as reading, writing, and mathematics, as well as creative and practical skills.

Themes, Sequence and Progression

Our curriculum is structured around a series of themes that are designed to engage and inspire children. These themes are sequenced carefully to ensure that children build on their prior learning and make progress over time. Our curriculum is designed to be progressive, with children building on their knowledge and skills as they move through the school.

Personal Development

We believe that personal development is just as important as academic achievement. Our personal development programme is designed to help children develop the skills and qualities they need to succeed in life. This includes developing their emotional intelligence, resilience, and self-esteem.

Residentials

We offer a range of residential trips and visits that are designed to broaden children's horizons and provide them with new and exciting experiences. These trips provide opportunities for children to develop their teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Maths

Our maths curriculum is designed to provide children with a solid foundation in mathematical skills and concepts. We use a range of teaching approaches, including practical activities and problem-solving, to engage and motivate children.

English

Our English curriculum is designed to develop children's reading, writing, and communication skills. We place a strong emphasis on developing a love of reading, and our reading programme provides children with a rich and varied diet of texts.

Phonics

Our phonics programme is designed to teach children the essential skills they need to become fluent readers. We use a systematic and structured approach to phonics, and children are assessed regularly to ensure that they are making progress.

Reading

Our reading programme is designed to develop children's reading skills and to foster a love of reading. Children have access to a wide range of texts, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. We use guided reading and individual reading to support children's progress.

Further Information

Further information about our school can be found on our website. We also produce regular newsletters and updates to keep parents and carers informed about what is happening in school.

RE

Religious education is an important part of our curriculum. We follow the Derbyshire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education, which provides a comprehensive and balanced approach to the subject.

Collective Worship

Collective worship is an important part of our school day. We come together as a school community to reflect, pray, and celebrate. Our worship is rooted in the Christian faith, but we welcome and respect children of all faiths and none.

Science

Our science curriculum is designed to develop children's understanding of the world around them. We use a range of practical activities and investigations to engage and motivate children.

History

Our history curriculum is designed to provide children with a sense of the past and to help them understand how the world has changed over time. We use a range of teaching approaches, including role-play, storytelling, and visits to local museums.

Computing

Our computing curriculum is designed to equip children with the skills they need to thrive in a digital world. We use a range of software and hardware to teach children about coding, digital literacy, and online safety.

Geography

Our geography curriculum is designed to develop children's understanding of the world around them. We use a range of approaches, including map work, atlases, and pictures, to help children learn about different places and cultures.

PE

Physical education is an important part of our curriculum. We provide a wide range of activities, including games, gymnastics, dance, and athletics, to help children develop their physical skills and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Music

Our music curriculum is designed to develop children's understanding of music and to foster a love of music. We use a range of approaches, including singing, composing, and listening, to engage and motivate children.

Modern Foreign Languages

We believe that learning a modern foreign language is an important part of a broad and balanced education. We teach French to children in Key Stage 2, using a range of teaching approaches, including games, songs, and role-play.

Art Design and Technology

Our art and design technology curriculum is designed to develop children's creativity and practical skills. We use a range of materials, techniques, and tools to help children learn about different art forms and to design and make their own creations.

Parents Online Office

Our parents online office is a secure online platform that allows parents and carers to access important information about their child's progress and attendance. It also enables them to communicate with school staff and to make payments for school trips and activities.

Important Dates

We publish a calendar of important dates on our website, including term dates, parents' evenings, and school events.

Parental Guidance for Online Safety

We provide guidance and support to parents and carers to help them keep their children safe online. This includes advice on setting parental controls, monitoring children's online activity, and discussing online safety with children.

Daily Routine

Our school day is structured to provide a balance between learning and play. Children have a daily act of collective worship, as well as lessons in English, maths, science, history, geography, computing, art, design and technology, music, modern foreign languages, and PE.

Links to Support Parents

We provide links to a range of external resources to help parents and carers support their child's learning and wellbeing. These include links to websites, books, and other resources.

Mental Health

We take the mental health and wellbeing of our children very seriously. We provide a range of support, including counselling, mentoring, and mindfulness, to help children manage their emotions and build resilience.