Welcome

Our school is a small family Catholic Primary which serves the Parish of St. Hilda’s, Southwick. We see it as our mission to spread the Gospel through our aspirations and care for the children in our school.

We believe that we have a mission to our families and the wider community, lived out through our school mission statement.

The school has a Foundation Stage unit where children from Nursery and Reception are taught in an expansive, purpose-built area. Children from Key Stage 1 and 2 are taught in large, light and airy classrooms.

School Day & Uniform

Timings of our school day vary slightly depending on Key Stage.

School Uniform

• Red sweatshirt or red cardigan
• White polo shirt
• Grey trousers, pinafore or skirt
• Black shoes, not trainers
• P.E. kit: red T-shirt, black shorts and black gym shoes
• Preloved uniform is available through the school office

Our Nursery

Lifelong learning begins in our Nursery classroom. Our Nursery team love to get to know the children well and help them become confident members of our school.

In Nursery, we recognise that every child is unique. We foster children’s love of learning by building on their individual interests, knowledge and skills.

Our EYFS is well resourced and benefits from a spacious indoor learning area and our own outdoor Nursery garden.

Our Curriculum

We follow the National Curriculum core subjects in Years 1–6.

• Computing prepares children for a rapidly changing technological world.
• Religious Education encourages each child’s deeper love and understanding of our faith.
• Foundation subjects include Design & Technology, History, Geography, Music, PE, Art & Design, Languages and PSHCE.

Pastoral Care & SEND

We acknowledge the importance of working in partnership with parents and carers to support our children. We encourage children to have respect for each person’s dignity and uniqueness.

SEND

We value the contribution that every child can make and are committed to offering an inclusive curriculum to ensure the best possible progress for all pupils, whatever their needs and abilities.

• Children with SEND are valued, respected and equal members of the school.
• Every teacher is a teacher of children with SEND.
• Differentiated quality-first teaching is a priority for all pupils.
• We work in partnership with parents, carers and outside agencies where appropriate.
• EHCPs are reviewed annually with all parties involved.

Safeguarding & Extra-Curricular Activities

Safeguarding

All school staff have undertaken training in child protection. We have a number of designated Safeguarding Leads and a Governor with responsibility for Safeguarding.

We follow the guidance of Keeping Children Safe in Education and take reasonable action to ensure the safety of pupils.

Anti-Bullying

Bullying is wrong and damages individual children. We work hard to create a safe and secure environment where all can learn without anxiety.

Extra-Curricular Activities

• Multi-sports
• Football
• Eco-warriors
• Computers
• Homework club
• Craft activities
• Music opportunities with specialist teachers
• Sports competitions and tournaments

Chadwick’s Kitchen

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

• Fresh ingredients are used to prepare healthy and nutritionally balanced meals each day.
• The majority of menus are homemade by chefs in our kitchens.
• Staff are trained to accommodate medical diets and work in partnership with parents.
• Parents and carers can pay for school meals using ParentPay.
• Pupils entitled to free meals can purchase food to the value of the daily allowance.
• Packed lunches are permitted, but nuts and nut-based products are not allowed.

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.