Welcome

St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School is a warm and friendly school where staff and Governors work together to provide a caring and safe environment in which children thrive.

We encourage children to become independent, responsible and enthusiastic learners while working in partnership with parents to achieve the very best outcomes.

At St. Mary’s we recognise that we are all part of God’s wonderful creation and therefore all special.

We learn to respect one another as we prepare for life in the wider world.

Our School

Mission Statement

“Growing, Loving and Learning in the Arms of Mary”

The mission of St. Mary’s Catholic School is to provide for each child a warm and secure environment where the values, beliefs and knowledge of the Catholic faith are fostered and nurtured.

This is achieved through our curriculum drivers: Belief, Rights, Environmental and Wellbeing (BREW).

Our School Rules

Our Nursery

Our Nursery offers 15 and 30 hour funded places for children aged 3–4 years.

We welcome children of all faiths and beliefs.

Our Curriculum

Our rigorous and carefully planned curriculum, combined with high quality teaching, helps children become well-rounded young people with a genuine thirst for learning.

Early Years Foundation Stage

• Communication and Language
• Physical Development
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Arts and Design

Key Stages 1 & 2

Our School Day

Classroom doors open from 8.45am and learning begins promptly at 9.00am.

We also offer lunchtime and after school clubs for pupils in Year 2 to Year 6, with activities catering for a wide range of interests.

SEND & Safeguarding

Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND)

St. Mary’s welcomes all children in the community and ensures every child has the same opportunity to fulfil their potential and access the curriculum.

We work closely with families and outside agencies where appropriate and have a dedicated SEND Co-ordinator in school.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding our pupils is our number one priority. All staff are trained in safeguarding and both the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher are Designated Safeguarding Officers.

We work closely with Sunderland Council and Clennell Education Solutions safeguarding teams and follow the guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education.

Our Uniform

Nursery and Reception

• Royal blue sweatshirt
• White polo shirt
• Royal blue school joggers
• Black or white velcro fastening trainers
• Royal blue shorts or blue gingham dress in summer

Year 1 to Year 6

• Grey trousers, pinafore or skirt
• Royal blue sweatshirt
• White polo shirt
• Black shoes
• Grey shorts or blue gingham dress in summer

P.E. Kit

• Royal blue tracksuit bottoms or royal blue shorts
• Black or white trainers
• White t-shirt

Chadwick’s Kitchen

Our award-winning in-house catering team, Chadwick’s Kitchen, provides catering services across the Trust.

• Fresh ingredients prepared daily
• Healthy and nutritionally balanced meals
• Medical diets accommodated in partnership with parents
• ParentPay available for payments
• Packed lunches permitted, but nuts and nut-based products are not allowed
• Food waste and sustainability regularly reviewed

Our Trust

We are proud to be part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust.

The Trust covers the east part of the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, with schools in East Durham, South Tyneside and Sunderland.

Our family of schools work closely together so pupils can flourish, supported by effective transition, close relationships and shared expectations.