Classification of the School: The school is a Catholic (Aided) Primary School for boys and girls within the age range 4+ to 11+. At St. Luke's Catholic Primary School, we aim to make the transition between home or nursery/playgroups and full-time education as smooth as possible. At this early and formative stage of your child's education, it is important you know the people entrusted with educating and caring for your child and the philosophy and aims of the school in which they work. Prior to your child beginning school, you will be invited into school for an evening meeting. This is an opportunity to meet the staff and receive relevant information regarding your child's education. You will also be able to discuss any areas of concern with the headteacher or a member of staff. To ease the beginning of school life for your child, he/she will be invited to our Sports Day in the summer term and into school for several half day sessions. Additionally, if you wish, a home visit can be arranged prior to your child starting school. Whilst we feel this greatly assists your child's transition to full-time education, we appreciate that each individual child's needs are unique. Please rest assured that we are flexible and are always here to listen and help. If you need any further information or require clarification on any issue, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Coleman, the headteacher.

Philosophy:

We believe every child is very precious, both to us and God. Each is at its own unique stage in their development. We aim to provide the best possible care and quality of education.

We pride ourselves in the happy, caring atmosphere within our school and encourage all children to play as full a part as a member of the school community and show consideration and respect for others.

Organisation:

Classes are organised on an age basis and are of mixed ability. Where the number of children in any academic year exceeds a reasonable number for one class, children of adjacent year groups may be grouped together. The staff and governors recognise the importance and value of small class sizes. Our average class size for the academic year 2005/2006 is 24.

Care and Discipline:

Continued high regard is given to the security of our school by the staff and Governing Body.

We are aware that we share responsibility with parents for the children in our care and make every effort to provide the care which any responsibility parent would be expected to make. Our disciplinary policy is based on the positive approach of praise and encouragement. The children are encouraged to understand the needs of others and treat each other with respect and consideration. Good social behaviour is to be fostered by teachers, parents, helpers and mid-day assistants. Parents are informed of any serious or persistent misbehaviour.

Mission Statement:

St. Luke's Catholic Primary School endeavours to provide a Catholic, caring education for each individual child, enabling them to grow and develop into valued and responsible members of their family, parish and the wider community.

Using the Gospel values as a focus, we aim to provide a broad, balanced, relevant curriculum in a living, worshipping community.

Our School Aims:

• to develop spiritual, social and moral behaviour based on firm Christian ideals
• to provide the experience of learning in a community within the framework of home, school and parish
• to enable the child to develop an understanding of our Faith
• to develop appropriate skills and concepts and the will to use them
• to extend knowledge and experience
• to develop qualities of mind, body, spirit, feeling and imagination
• to enable children to come to terms with their environment, enjoy their particular stage of development and by doing so, prepare them for the next stage
• to acquire some understanding of social behaviour and a reasoned set of attitudes and values
• to develop a sensible independence enabling children to be involved as contributing members of a cooperative group
• to fulfill the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum

- maintain and develop home, school and parish links by:

• fostering parental involvement in school
• sustaining and building upon sacramental preparation programmes
• liaising with other agencies, e.g. St Luke's Parent & Toddler Group, Play Den, High Schools
• developing inter-personal relationships in the school community via open parent evenings, musical productions, sports activities, etc

- support and assist structures for child and staff development by:

• developing respect of children as individuals and expecting such respect to be reciprocated (balance between approachability and over-familiarity)
• encouraging trust, confidence and stability
• giving children responsible independence
• encouraging positive, open relationships between all members of the school community
• enabling staff members to contribute to the holistic mission of the school
• equipping pupils with a set of Christian values
• valuing pupils' contributions to the life of the school

- provide educational experiences in a Catholic Christian environment and context by:

• displaying a welcoming, loving and caring attitude
• ensuring a balanced and well-resourced curriculum
• providing access to a collective worship and knowledge of the church, its rituals and beliefs, the celebration of the Mass as a class, school and parish
• celebrating regular, shared assemblies