Introduction
Stoke Minster C.E.(A) Primary School was opened in the year 2008 having formerly been Bishop Stamer C.E.(A) Primary School, following the amalgamation of St. Peter’s C.E.(A) Primary School and Mount Pleasant C.E.(A) Primary School in 2000. The school then took its name from a famous Rector of St. Peter’s Church who was a great benefactor founding schools and hospitals in the town. Three years later this new school amalgamated with Boothen C.E. (C) Primary School to offer a Christian education to an even wider area of Stoke.
Since the school became Stoke Minster C.E. (A) Primary School it emphasises its links with Stoke Minster Church, where the children go to worship and study throughout the year. We are one of only two schools serving Stoke town with most of its pupils living in the terraced housing in and around this urban setting. However, in keeping with our Church of England foundation we offer education to all children in the local area including those of other faiths and we celebrate our diversity.
We are a true community where everyone has a part to play and a contribution to make. Everyone is valued and our school is a place where we encourage respect for others and also self-respect. We are a learning community and we encourage and facilitate the learning of children, staff and parents who are part of our school.
All children are welcome here but we have high expectations of them and expect commitment from families bringing their children to us. By working together, we can make every child’s time at Stoke Minster a positive and powerful experience as they grow and learn in God’s world.
Stoke Minster C.E.(A) Primary School is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Welcome to the Nursery Class at Stoke Minster C.E.(A) Primary School
The Nursery class is situated within a purpose built Foundation Stage Unit which was completed in 2000. It has its own outdoor area which offers a secure place to play and learn. The Nursery Curriculum is delivered through topics and themes in line with the requirements set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage, Birth to Five document. To enable the children to settle into Nursery they will follow our phased programme of induction which will ensure that they have time to settle, feel reassured and safe in their new environment.
The Nursery class, together with the Reception classes, form the Foundation Stage in the school.
Mrs Dance is our Foundation Stage Lead and Nursery Class Teacher, and Miss Cullum and Miss Barber will be the Reception Teachers for the Academic Year 2016-17.
Other people that you will meet at Stoke Minster C.E.(A) Primary School are: -
Mrs WillisHeadteacher
Mrs BarberDeputy Headteacher
Mrs BrindleySchool Business Manager
Ms KhanSecretary
Mrs VaughanOffice Manager
Mrs Podmore Home-School Links Worker/Behaviour Management Co-ordinator
MrHutton Chair of the Governing Body
If you need to contact us the school address is: -
Stoke Minster C.E.(A) Primary School
Boothen Old Road
Stoke-on-Trent
ST4 4EE
The telephone number is: - (01782) 234800
Email address is
Website address:
The Nursery Sessions
Morning Session: 9.10 am - 11.30 am
Afternoon Session: 12.40 pm - 3.00 pm
Please note that due to government funding only available for the morning sessions, there is a charge for the afternoon sessions, which is currently £15 per week.
The doors to Nursery are opened at 8.50 am to enable a prompt start at 9.10 am. Please help your child to be on time. Children get upset when they arrive late and this also disrupts the class.
If you are unavoidably detained or you are bringing your child after a medical appointment, you will need to report to the office for attention, as the doors and gates are kept locked for your child’s safety.
All children must be collected from the Nursery staff at the end of the day. If you are not able to collect your child,then the Nursery staff will not let your child pass into anyone else’s hands but yours or a designated person. In an emergency ring the school office (01782 234800).
Absences
Your child should attend regularly and punctually unless he/she is ill. A note of explanation is required for the reason of absence but a telephone call, to the office, on their first day of absence would be appreciated.
Other circumstances should be discussed with the school before the absence and we do require sight of all medical appointment cards please. If you require leave of absence for an exceptional reason please complete a leave of absence form, available from the office. Please note that with the new government legislation the Headteacher is unable to authorise any absence for holidays during term time.
An unauthorised absence is when a child is absent without good cause, when the parents do not let us know the reason for the absence or we have had to refuse a leave of absence request.In addition, any child with a percentage attendance of less than 95% will also not have any absence authorised, without medical evidence having been seen.
Administering Medicines
Only ESSENTIAL prescribed medicines should be brought into school, clearly labelled with the child’s name and exact dosage to be given. Where a medicine is prescribed 3 times a day, we recommend before school, 3.30 p.m. and bed-time. The Headteacher is prepared to allow administration of prescribed medicines, if required 4 times a day, but this can only be given if two willing members of staff are on the premises. A medication consent form will also need to be completed by a parent/guardian. We are not able to give eye or ear drops, nor will we give any medicine which has not been specifically prescribed for that child by a doctor.
Inhalers
An increasing number of children require the use of inhalers and a spare inhaler and a spacer will need to be sent into school, which will be kept in the class.
Parents will be asked about this need and if it is because of asthma a School Asthma Care Plan will be drawn up.
A copy of the school’s Asthma Policy is available from the Office.
Common Diseases
Most children will contract one or more of the following diseases whenat school. The following advice about time away from school - subject toadvice from your G.P. may be useful.
Disease / Minimum time away from schoolChicken pox / a minimum of 5 days from the onset of the rash
Diarrhoea and vomiting / 48 hours from the time symptoms have subsided
German measles / 7 days after rash appears
Measles / 7 – 10 days after rash appears
Mumps / 7 days after swelling subsides
Scarlet Fever / 7- 10 days
Whooping cough / At least 2 weeks after coughing stops
Illness in School
It is very important that emergency contact numbers are kept up to date.Always inform the school of changes of home address or parent’s place of work.
If a child becomes unwell at school, home or emergency number will be tried first, places of work will be contacted only if necessary.
In more serious cases, the child will be taken to the Accident Unit, whilst the parent is contacted.
Allergies
The School must be told of pupil allergies, particularly those which may cause a serious problem if treatment is not given rapidly e.g. allergy to bee stings or nuts. Any pupil with an Epipen must have a completed Care Plan drawn up before the pupil starts school.
Head lice
At times individual pupils suffer from head lice. To help prevent the spread of lice we ask parents to co-operate in informing the school as soon as they are aware of the problem. Combing the hair after school and before bed is an effective preventative, and checking hair regularly means treatment can be given quickly if needed.
If we notice live lice in your child’s hair, we will inform you and expect you to treat the whole family. Please note that once treated a pupil can be in school and any absence because of this is not authorised. Your local pharmacy can give you advice about what to do.
SCHOOL CLOTHING
The Governor’s request that parents support the clothing policy of the school, although it is not the policy of the Education Committee to make compulsory the wearing of uniform.
The school has adopted a simple school uniform which can be purchased from a local supplier.
GIRLS
Navy blue, black or grey skirtor trousers (not jeans or leggings)
Navy blue cardigan or school sweatshirt
White blouse
Summer Wear
White short-sleeved polo shirt/navy, black or grey shorts
Light blue checked cotton dress
BOYS
Dark grey/black trousers
Navy V-neck sweater or school sweatshirt
White shirt
White short-sleeved ‘polo’ shirt
Summer Wear
Dark grey/black/navy shorts or trousers
School Shoes: - Black shoes not trainers are required as part of the school uniform.
Our local supplier for uniform is Smart Uniform, off Barracks Road, Newcastle, Staffs.
Freephone number 08000 681782 and their email address is .
All items of clothing, especially sweatshirts, and including both shoes and both wellingtons should be clearly marked with the child's name. This will enable the staff to return lost property promptly to its owner.
- Help your child to become independent at dressing and undressing.
- Encourage him/her to dress him/herself at home.
- Mark a pair of shoes with arrows pointing to the instep so that the child knows that the arrow points must meet when the shoes are on the right feet.
- Where possible avoid awkward buttons. Buy trousers and skirts with elasticated waists. Please avoid belts.
P.E. Kit
Nursery children are only required to havenamed pumps, kept in a bag, at school.
Long hair must be tied up for P.E. lessons.
Play Equipment
This has been carefully selected to withstand the wear and tear inflicted by 39 children. All the equipment used is from reputable firms who care about the health and safety of the children. Their own toys and bags must be kept at home as the distress caused by loss or damage to them can be upsetting.
Outdoor Play
All children need to have a pair of wellingtons and if possible a plastic raincoat(for wet outdoor activities) kept in school. Suncream and a sun hat are essential during hot weather.
Jewellery
For reasons of both health and safety, and distress caused by loss, jewellery should not be worn in school.
NO CHILD WILL BE ALLOWED TO ATTEND NURSERY CLASS WEARING EARRINGS.
Hair
Long hair should be tied back with simple bobbles / scrunchies preferably using the school colours.
During term time pupils are discouraged from fashion hairstyles which include; single fashion braids, shaving, tramlines and dyed or streaked hair.
School Meals
Children have the option of staying for a school meal, bringing sandwiches or going home at lunchtime. We would encourage as many children as possible to stay at lunchtime for a cooked meal in order to provide your child with the necessary skills to participate in the social part of their education. If your child is going home at lunchtime, please collect them at 11.30 a.m. and ensure that he/she is back at school by 12.40 p.m.
The current cost of school meals may be obtained from the school office and as we operate a cashless catering system, payment will be required to be paid into one of the two machines on the premises or paid on-line. Full details of this system can also be obtained from the school office and all meals need to be paid for in advance.
Free meals are available in certain circumstances and parents are advised to contact the school office if you feel you may be eligible.
Snack Time
Every child is provided with a drink of milk and a piece of fruit, free of charge.
Toast is also provided at a cost of 50p per week payable weekly or half termly.
Please do not allow your child to bring sweets or drinks to the Nursery.
NURSERY ACTIVITIES
In the Nursery there will be opportunities for children to engage in activities planned by adults and also those that they plan or initiate themselves. The Curriculum for the Foundation stage will underpin all future learning by supporting, fostering, promoting and developing children’s.
There are three prime and four specific areas of learning, and the three learning characteristics, set out below:
The three prime areas of learning:
- communication and language
- physical development
- personal, social and emotional development
The specific areas of learning:
- literacy
- mathematics
- understanding the world
- expressive arts and design
The learning characteristics:
- playing and exploring
- active learning
- creating and thinking critically
Each of these areas is delivered using a wide range of techniques and approaches. The Development Matters document divides child development across all areas into age/stage bands which can be used to support learning.
Monitoring each child’s progress will ensure that their achievements can be celebrated. During the year there will be opportunities for parents to see their child’s work and discuss their progress. A written report will be sent at the end of the year.
How can you help your child?
Encourage your child to be independent: -
- to take his/her coat off and hang it on a peg
- to use the toilet properly (including flushing and washing his/her hands afterwards!)
- to help tidy away books and toys
- to use a knife and fork properly
- to use a handkerchief or tissue
It takes more time but it's worth it.
Share a story with your child: -
- It's a special time when you are very close
- talk about the story you have just read.
What did they like best about the story? What were the names of some of the people in the story? Was it a happy ending?
Joining a library provides lots of lovely free books and you and your child will be made welcome by the staff.
Discourage 'baby talk', dummies and bottles as this can hold back your child's language development
Encourage your child to notice things around him/her: -
Talk about what you see in the shops. Listen to your child's views.
What sort of cars/lorries are there today? (Being aware of traffic helps with road safety)
Marvel at the colours in the rainbow.
There are lots of games that help your child to build up mathematical understanding:
- 'snap' helps them to match shapes
- 'domino' games help with matching too
- 'sorting' games are fun and needn't be expensive - just a box of old buttons will do. Sort into colours or shape or size.
How can you help us?
Make sure all clothing, especially sweatshirts, and including outdoor clothing, is clearly marked. If the weather is bad don't forget to mark both wellingtons!
Birthdays
Children love to celebrate their birthdays with their friends at school but we would ask that you do not send lollies on sticks for safety reasons.
A chocolate treat or cake would be suitable.
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Nursery Admissions Policy
Stoke Minster Church of England Aided Primary School welcomes children from all backgrounds, faiths and no faith. The Governors of the School are committed to developing an inclusive school that reflects the diversity of the local community. Admission to the school is not dependent on being a member of a particular faith community.
As well as being an inclusive neighbourhood school, as a Church school Stoke Minster has a distinctive ethos and character that reflects the teachings of Jesus Christ and Christian values. We ask all parents applying for a place here to respect this ethos and its importance to the school community. We hope that all children who come to the school will be able to participate (as appropriate) in the religious life of the school (including collective worship and religious education). This does not affect the right of parents who are not Christians to apply for a place. Indeed, through our commitment to inclusivity, we actively welcome families from other faiths and no faith.
The Governing Body is responsible for the admission of pupils to the School and admits 39 pupils to the nursery each September. This admission limit has been agreed between the Governing Body and the Local Authority and applies to the year 2018.
When there are more applications than there are places available, the governors will admit pupils according to the following criteria, applied in the following order of priority:
- children who are in the care of a local authority (looked after children) or provided with accommodation by them (Section 22 of the Children Act 1989) and children who were previously looked after but ceased to be so because they were adopted (or became subject to a residence order or special guardianship.
- children who will have a sibling attending the school at the time of application and at the time of admission.
- children who are themselves, or whose families are, faithful and regular worshippers at a Church of England parish church. Written evidence of the applicants' commitment to their place of worship (in the form of a clergy reference) will be required, using the Supplementary Information Form attached.
- children who are themselves, or whose families are, faithful and regular worshippers of another Christian denomination (as recognised by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland and/or the Evangelical Alliance). Written evidence of the applicants' commitment to their place of worship (in the form of a minister’s reference) will be required, using the Supplementary Information Form attached.
- children with known special medical or social needs. Written supporting evidence should be supplied, at the time of application, from a relevant professional, such as a doctor, social worker or educational psychologist.
- children who are themselves, or whose families are, committed members of another religious faith. Written evidence will be required from the faith leader, using the Supplementary Information Form attached.
- any remaining places will be given in order of the nearness of the home to the school, using a straight line distance measurement. (See below NOTES section (iii))
Tie-breaker