St Joseph's Catholic (VA) Primary School & Nursery

Last updated: 05/09/2023

 St . Josephs' Catholic Primary school and Nursery is a voluntary-aided school located in Newbury, within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth and the West Berkshire Local Authority.

We are a single-form school for children from Nursery to Year 6 (ages 3 to 11). Each of our classes consists of approximately 30 pupils, and we typically have around 200 pupils at St Joseph’s at any time.

We aim to provide a complete Catholic education to our pupils, encouraging integral human development of body, mind and spirit through worship, work and play.

With this aim in mind, our mission statement is to educate our children by following in Jesus' footsteps, recognising the Holy Spirit in ourselves and each other, and nurturing our God-given gifts. 

 

Who to contact

Contact Name
Tracey Privett
Contact Position
Inclusion & Pupil Premium Co-ordinator
Telephone
01635 43455
E-mail
office@stjosephs.w-berks.sch.uk
tprivett@stjosephs.w-berks.sch.uk
Website
St Joseph's Catholic (VA) Primary School & Nursery

Where to go

Name
St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School and Nursery
Address
Newport Road
Newbury
Berkshire
Postcode
RG14 2AW
Notes

Our Nursery class opened in September 2019 and we offer either full or part time places (30 hours or 15 hours).

Our Nursery class has 26 full time places or part time equivalent. Children may join our Nursery class the term after their third birthday.

We provide places for both 30 and 15 hour funded places.

Full time place (30 hours) is 8.30 to 3.15 five days a week (with optional chargeable

lunchtime club)

Part time place (15 hours) is either 8.30 to 11.30 or 12.15 to 3.15 (both with an optional

chargeable lunchtime club.)

Please see Nursery admissions policy and application form and for more details.

The Nursery admissions policy only applies to Nursery admissions.

Attendance at our Nursery class does not guarantee a place in Early Years Foundation class; the two admissions procedures are independent of each other.

 

Other Details

Costs

Table of costs
Table of costs
AmountCost Type
£3.00 (Lunch club) Nursery class per day
£3.00 (Breakfast Club) per day
£10.00 (After School Club) per day
Details
Lunch Time Club (Nursery class)
We run a lunch time club from 11.30am to 12.15pm. The cost for the club for the day is £3,
invoiced termly in advance. You can provide your child with a packed lunch or alternatively
pay for a school dinner (currently £2.35) Please indicate on the Nursery class application
form if you would like a place.

Breakfast Club

We run a breakfast club with limited places from 8am to 8.30am at a cost of £3.00 per session.

After School Club (Link Club)

We run an after school club with limited places from 3.15pm to 6pm at a cost per session of £10.00.

Please enquire at the office if you would like application forms for Breakfast and After

School Club.

Inclusion Information

Dietary Needs

Has Provision
Yes
Experience with
Yes

Childcare Information

Vacancies

Immediate vacancies
Details
Please contact the School Office for more details
Date updated
05/09/2023
Vacancy range(s)
Vacancy range(s)
PlacesStart AgeEnd Age
4 3 4
15 4 11

Funded Places

3 & 4 year old funding
2 year old funding

30 Hours Extended Entitlements

Are you intending to provide 30 Hours?
Yes
Are you registered to provide 30 Hours?
Yes
30 Hour Partner Summary
N/A

Waiting List

Do you have a waiting list?
No

Opening Times & Facilities

Opening Times
Opening Times
DayOpening TimeClosing Time
Monday 08:45 15:15
Tuesday 08:45 15:15
Wednesday 08:45 15:15
Thursday 08:45 15:15
Friday 08:45 15:15

School Pickups

Offers pickups

Local Offer

Description

St . Josephs' Catholic Primary school and Nursery is a voluntary-aided school located in Newbury, within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth and the West Berkshire Local Authority.

We are a single-form school for children from Nursery to Year 6 (ages 3 to 11). Each of our classes consists of approximately 30 pupils, and we typically have around 200 pupils at St Joseph’s at any time (not including Nursery class).

We aim to provide a complete Catholic education to our pupils, encouraging integral human development of body, mind and spirit through worship, work and play.

With this aim in mind, our mission statement is to educate our children by following in Jesus' footsteps, recognising the Holy Spirit in ourselves and each other, and nurturing our God-given gifts.

Contact Name
Mrs Tracey Privett
Contact Telephone
01635 43455
Contact Email
tprivett@stjosephs.w-berks.sch.uk
SEN Provision Type
Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties, Medical, Specific Literacy Difficulties, Speech & Language Difficulties, Behavioural, Emotional & Social Difficulties, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Physical Disability, Hearing Impairment, Moderate Learning Difficulties, Severe Learning Difficulties, Visual Impairment
Local Offer Age Bands
1 to 4
5 to 7
7 to 11
Needs Level
Low

Mainstream

1. Identification of SEND
1.1: How does the school identify children/young people with special educational needs and disabilities?

St. Joseph's Catholic School identify pupils with SEND as part of the whole school monitoring and assessment process and in consultation with parents, teaching staff and other professionals. 

A child or young person has SEN if they have a learning difficulty or disability which calls for special educational provision to be made for them. A child of compulsory school age or a young person has a learning difficulty or disability if they:

(a) have a significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of others

of the same age; or

(b) have a disability which prevents or hinders them from making use of

educational facilities of a kind generally provided for others of the same age in

mainstream schools or mainstream post-16 institutions. 

Special educational needs and disability Code of Practice: for 0 to 25 years, Department for Education (June 2014)

 

1.2: What should I do if I think my child has SEND?

In the first instance any concerns regarding your child's academic, social or emotional progress and/or development should be discussed with your child's class teacher. 

 

2. Support for children with special educational needs
2.1: If my child is identified as having SEND, who will oversee and plan their education programme?

Your child's class teacher has responsibility to plan and assess their education programme. This will be monitored by the Leadership Team and the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo).

2.2: How will I be informed / consulted about the ways in which my child is being supported?

Parents have statutory rights to contribute to the decision making process about their child’s education. At. St. Joseph's Catholic school parents will be invited to meet with the class teacher and/or the SENCo to discuss results of assessments and to contribute to the planning of provision and support.

 

2.3: How will the school balance my child's need for support with developing their independence?

At. St. Joseph's Catholic school Learning Support Assistants (LSA) are deployed to each class during the teaching of core subjects.  LSAs receive training on supporting pupil's learning whilst developing independence. 

Helping a child develop independence in all aspects of life is a key part of the LSA's role; this includes allowing a child to make mistakes and to look for ways to solve problems rather than just being told the right answers or solutions. Rather than taking over when a child is struggling to achieve something, they will offer the tools to help the child to succeed. We recognise that effective support will enable pupils to develop the skills necessary to become an independent, competent and confident learner and to feel valued within the school and the wider community.

2.4: How will the school match / differentiate the curriculum for my child's needs?

Class teachers are responsible for adapting their teaching approaches, classroom organisation and differentiating the curriculum to meet the needs of the children. Effective marking and teacher assessments identify where children are in their learning and their rate of progress. Intervention programmes are monitored and evaluated at least termly to measure the impact on pupil progress.  Class teachers are able to seek advice from the SENCo, who if necessary will request additional advice and support from specialists.

2.5: What teaching strategies does the school use for children with learning difficulties, including autistic spectrum disorder, hearing impairment, visual impairment, speech and language difficulties?

St. Joseph's Catholic school use a wide range of teaching strategies to support pupils with SEND. These may include the use of visual aids, specific and individualised programmes of work and ICT resources. Additional strategies are used under the advice of external professionals. 

2.6: What additional staffing does the school provide from its own budget for children with SEND?

As well as the class teacher St. Joseph's Catholic school provides a Learning Support Assistant in each class during the teaching of core subjects.  This enables the school to provide small group support and intervention when necessary. 

2.7: What specific intervention programmes does the school offer to children with SEND and are these delivered on a one to one basis or in small groups?
Type / TitleIntervention Type
At . St. Joseph's Catholic school has trained staff to deliver the interventions listed below. Specific intervention programmes may be offered to pupils following assessment and identification of a specific need. Each of the following interventions have detailed criteria and will suit different needs. Small group
Social Skills/Self Esteem One to one
Mental Health and Wellbeing Support One to one
Catch Up Literacy One to one
Speech and Language Small group
Handwriting/Fine motor skills Small group
Occupational Therapy One to one
Physiotherapy One to one
SNAP Maths One to one
Talking Partners Small group
Play Therapy One to one
2.8: What resources and equipment does the school provide for children with SEND?

St. Joseph's Catholic school strives to ensure that all children are treated equally and included fully in every aspect of school life. It is our aim to provide the highest quality of education for all of our pupils, whatever their background, ability or need. The school will endeavour to ensure that all children are challenged and encouraged to achieve their potential. This does not mean that we will treat all learners in the same way, but that we will respond to learners in ways which take account of their varied life experiences and needs.  

Specialist resources and equipment for children with SEND are provided following advice and recommendations from specialist professionals and are usually individualised. The school will make every effort to ensure that children have access to the resources and equipment they need to be included in all aspects of school life and to reach their full potential. 

2.9: What special arrangements can be made for my child when taking examinations?

St. Joseph's Catholic school adhere to statutory Government guidelines regarding special arrangements for examinations.

 

3. My child's progress
3.1: How will the school monitor my child's progress and how will I be involved in this?

At St. Joseph's Catholic  School children's progress is monitored through regular teacher assessment, Pupil Progress Meetings and termly monitoring of interventions.  Parents will be invited to discuss their child's progress with class teachers at Parents Evenings. 

3.2: When my child's progress is being reviewed, how will new targets be set and how will I be involved?

Your child's progress will be monitored termly by the class teacher. If your child is identified as requiring additional SEN support they will have a Support and Achievement Plan (SAP) which focuses on outcomes for your child and what support the school will provide to enable your child to reach their goals. The SAP will be reviewed with you and your child termly and new outcomes will be identied following discussion between yourself,  your child and your child's  class teacher .

3.3: ln addition to the school's normal reporting arrangements, what opportunities will there be for me to discuss my child's progress with school staff?

Your child's class teacher and/or the SENCo will be happy to meet with you to discuss your child's progress.

3.4: What arrangements does the school have for regular home to school contact?

St. Joseph's Catholic School recognises the importance of working in partnership with parents. For this reason, staff will be happy to arrange personalised contact best suited to the needs of the family. This may take the form of informal meetings or discussions, email, telephone discussions, written communication or a simple 'thumbs up' at the end of the day. 

3.5: How can I help support my child's learning?

Working in partnership with the school is vital. You can support your child' s learning by helping with homework, reading with them daily and alerting the school to any difficulties your child is facing. This enables us to plan appropriately  for your child.

3.6: Does the school offer any help for parents / carers to enable them to support their child's learning, eg. training or learning events?

At different points during the term we offer Curriculum evenings/afternoons, these usually have a focus on supporting mathematics, phonics and reading. 

We are also able to offer parenting courses, which are faciliated by our Family School Support Worker. 

3.7: How will my child's views be sought about the help they are getting and the progress they are making?

As part of the schools monitoring and evaluation cycle pupil views are sought at least termly by a range of staff. This usually takes the form of 'pupil conferencing' (informal group discussions) and it enables the children to share their views in an enabling and non-threatening way. 

3.8: What accredited and non accredited courses do you offer for young people with SEND?

N/A

3.9: How does the school assess the overall effectiveness of its SEN provision and how can parents / carers and young people take part in this evaluation?

The views of parents/carers on the effectiveness of SEN provision are gathered in the form of a questionnaire; which are usually sent out to parents during the Autumn term. Children's views are gathered through pupil interviews. The views gathered are collated to form part of the Inclusion and SEND development plan. 

4. Support for my childs overall well being
4.1: What support is available to promote the emotional and social development of children with SEND?

At St. Joseph's our vision is 'to provide a rich and broad range of learning experiences to ensure all pupils enjoy and achieve their potential whilst further developing a relationship with God within their own journey in faith.' 

Children with SEND have the same opportunities as all pupils in the school. We employ a Family School Support Worker (FSSW). The FSSW works with individual children and their parents. This support is tailored to suit the needs of the children and their family. 

4.2: What support does the school put in place for children who find it difficult to conform to normal behavioural expectations and how do you support children to avoid exclusion?

At St Joseph’s School we celebrate everyone’s uniqueness and individuality and the freedom of choice given by God.

Our behaviour policy reflects the need all staff to support children to make choices that enable them to build good relationships with other children, adults working in school, their family and the wider community. Children will be encouraged to constantly reflect on the choices they make so that they are happy, sensitive and fulfilled. We ensure a positive and therapeutic approach to behaviour, making sure that pro-social behaviour is recognised and that any consequences are educational and/or protective. 

For those children who may need additional support in developing their pro-social behaviours we work closely with the families and where appropriate use strategies such as reward charts, social stories and Therapeutic behaviour plans. 

4.3: What medical support is available in the school for children with SEND?

At. St Joseph's we have a team of qualified first aiders as well as staff trained in administering Epipen and insulin injections. 

Please see our Supporting Pupils with Medical Conditions Policy for further information.

4.4: How does the school manage the administration of medicines?

The school will administer prescription medication only. A permission form must be completed and signed by parents/carers before medication can be administered.

Please see the Supporting Pupils with Medical Condotions policy for fruther information.

4.5: How does the school provide help with personal care where this is needed, eg. help with toileting, eating etc?

At St. Joseph's we have an intimate care policy in place. This ensures that we are able to provide support to children who may need help with dressing, undressing and toileting. We work closely with the Community School Nurse team who are able to provide advice to both families and school on difficulties with toileting and feeding. 

5. Specialist services available / accessed by the school
5.1: What SEN support services does the school use, eg. specialist support teachers, educational psychologists, teachers for hearing impairment and visual impairment, ASD advisory teachers, behaviour support teachers etc?

At. St. Joseph's we work closely with a  range of support services. These include ASD advisory teachers, specialists teachers from the Cognition & Learning Team, educational psychologists, Child and Adolescent Mental health workers, speech and language therapists, occupational and physio therapists.  

5.2: What should I do if I think my child needs support from one of these services?

There is a set criteria for referral to each of the above services which is determined by the service and not the school. In the first instance discuss your concerns with your child's class teacher and/or the SENCo. 

5.3: How are speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy services provided?

Speech and Language Therapy

 At St. Joseph's we have a named therapist  with whom we are able to discuss any issues or concerns related to specific children before making a referral. The therapist will triage the referral and act appropriately. If a referral is made then children are usually seen within school and a programme of support/ recommendations is shared with class teachers and parents.

Occupational Therapy

 All children in West of Berkshire who have a statement /Education, Health and Care Plan (EHC) can be referred to the Occupational Therapy service via the school. Children who do not have a statement/EHC will require a GP/medical referral to the Occupational Therapy service based at the Dingley Child Development Centre in Reading.

 Physiotherapy

 Children in West Berkshire with neurodevelopmental difficulties ( for example cerebral palsy) can be referred to physiotherapy via the school. Whilst a GP referral is not required relevant medical information will be sought prior to  an appointment being offered. This ensures that  any medical issues that may be having an effect on the child’s development can be investigated prior to physiotherapy  involvement.

Referral to the above services require parental consent.

5.4: What should I do if I think my child needs to be seen by a speech and language therapist, occupational therapist or physiotherapist?

If you think that your child needs to be seen by a speech and language, occupational or physiotherapist please speak to your child's class teacher/SENCo.

5.5: What arrangements does the school have for liaison with Children's Social Care services?

The school are able to refer to the Children's Access and Assessment Service (CAAS) team to ask for advice and information regarding children's social care.

6. Training of school staff in SEND
6.1: What SEND training is provided for teachers in your school?

All staff at St. Joseph's have full access to both in-house and specialist SEND training.

6.2: What SEND training is provided for teaching assistants and other staff in your school?

All staff at St. Joseph's have full access to both in-house and specialist SEND training. They are appropriately trained to deliver specific interventions which is responsive to individual children's  need. 

6.3: Do teachers have any specific qualifications in SEND?

The named SENCo for this school is Mrs Kelly Bosher. 

She is supported in her role by Mrs Tracey Privett (Inclusion & Pupil Premium Co-ordinator). 

6.4: Do teaching assistants have any specific qualifications in SEND?

Tracey Privett - Elklan Accreditation - Supporting Speech and Language Skills (4-11 yrs)

Tracey Privett - Mental Health First Aid (Adults and Young People) and Senior Mental Health Lead 

Tracey Privett - Therapeutic approaches to behaviour 

 

7. Activities outside the classroom including school trips
7.1: How do you ensure children with SEND can be included in out of school activities and trips?

Children with SEND have the same opportunities as take part in out of school activities and trips. We work closely with parents and children to remove any barriers that may hinder participation. Our Educational Visits Co-ordinator is responsible for ensuring that all trips and activities are fully risk assessed to guarantee the children's safety off site.

7.2: How do you involve parents / carers in planning the support required for their child to access activities and trips?

Parents/ carers are encouraged to come in and discuss their concerns with the class teacher/SENCo and agree a plan of support which enables your child to participate fully.

8. Accessibility of the school environment
8.1: How accessible is the building for children with mobility difficulties / wheelchair users?

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School plans, over time, to increase the accessibility of provision for all pupils, staff and visitors to the school.  The school have taken actions to improve the physical access these include wheelchair ramps into Foundation Stage and Key Stage 2.

8.2: Have adaptations / improvements been made to the auditory and visual environment?

All pupils have access to interactive white boards/Smart boards in each classroom and in the school hall. The Accessibility Plan states that the provision of induction loops and a review of documentation with a view of ensuring accessibility for pupils with visual impairment will be undertaken as the need arises. 

8.3: Are there accessible changing and toilet facilities?

There are accessible toilet facilities located in Key Stage 1 and 2 and within the office area of the school. These facilities include adapted wash basins at wheelchair height with space under for wheelchair to allow user to get close to wash basin.

8.4: How do you ensure that all the school's facilities can be accessed by children with SEND?

St. Joseph's school Accessibility Plan has been drawn up in consultation with the Local Authority, pupils, parents, staff and governors of the school. We are committed to providing a fully accessible environment which values and includes all pupils, staff, parents and visitors regardless of their education, physical, sensory, social, spiritual, emotional and cultural needs.

8.5: How does the school communicate with parents / carers who have a disability?

The school will do their best to provide written communication such brochures, school newsletters, leaflets  and other information for parents in alternative formats as the need arises. We are happy to communicate with parents and carers in whatever way suits them best. For example, telephone, email, in writing or in person. 

8.6: How does the school communicate with parents / carers whose first language is not English?

The school works closely with the Ethnic Minority & Traveller Achievement Service (EMTAS) and are able to request support for children and parents. In some cases this may include translation services. We have several staff members within school whose first language is not English and if appropriate they may be asked to support communication with parents and carers. Our school website has a translation feature.

9. Preparing my child to join a new school / next stage of education
9.1: What preparation will there be for both the school and my child before he or she joins the school?

St. Joseph's Catholic school operate a single entry point in September, with all Foundation Stage children starting in the September before their fifth birthday. Completed application forms must be returned to the Local Authority by January 2020. The Local Authority will make offers of places on behalf of the school in April 2020.

Once your child has been offered, and accepted their place the school will arrange to liaise with your child's pre-school or nursery to gather information. Your child will be given the opportunity to visit the school with you. In the Summer term before entry we will invite parents to an information session where you will usually be able to meet your child's class teacher and key members of staff. Your child will be invited to attend trial session in early July and a home visit will be arranged for early in the Autumn term prior to your child staring school. We are happy to accommodate any additional visits that your child may need to ensure a successful transition to school. 

9.2: How will my child be prepared to move on to the next stage within school, e.g. class or key stage?

During the Summer term your child will take part in 'Transition Day', this allows the children to spend the day in their 'new' classroom and wherever possible with their new class teacher and the other members of the Learning Support team that will be working with them in September. Welcome books are also provided to children who require additional visual support for the transition to their new class.

9.3: How will my child be prepared to move on to his or her next school?

St. Joseph's work closely with many of the local secondary schools. 'Taster' days are provided throughout the year and additional visits for children with SEND can be arranged and usually take place in the second half of the Summer term. These visits often give children the opportunity to meet key staff, share any worries and familiarise themselves with the site before the Year 7 transition day.

In addition to this the Personal, Social & Health Education (PHSE) curriculum and Social & Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL) assemblies provide a focus on 'Change' during the Summer term and the Year 6 children attend a 'Moving On' workshop run by Christian Opportunities in Newbury Schools (COINS).

9.4: How will you support a new school to prepare for my child?

The class teacher is usually required to complete a transition record for all children which highlights both their academic and social and emotional strengths and difficulties. This enables your child's new school to prepare and plan appropriately. In some cases you may be invited to a transition meeting  where a representative of your child's new school will attend. This enables you to be involved in the sharing of information to ensure that your child and their new school are prepared for the transition.

9.5: What information will be provided to my child's new school?

Your child's new school will be provided with your child's end of Key Stage scores and any information on intervention they may have received to support them during their time at St. Joseph's. Copies of reports and recommendations made by any specialists involved with your child will also be provided.

9.6: How will the school prepare my child for the transition to further education or employment?

n/a

10. Who can I contact to discuss my child?
10.1: Who would be my first point of contact if I want to discuss something about my child or if I am worried?

If you are worried or wish to discuss your concerns about your child your first point of contact would be your child's class teacher. 

10.2: Does the school offer any specific support for parents / carers and families (such as Family Support Workers?)

St. Joseph's shares a Family School Support Worker (FSSW) with five local schools. She provides specific support for families in the form of home visits, individual work with children and/or parents and parenting courses which run at different points during the year.

10.3: What arrangements does the school have for signposting parents / carers to external agencies which can offer support, such as voluntary agencies?

St. Joseph's Catholic school website is updated regularly. Our newsletter displays links to external support agencies and advice for parents. In addition, we are happy to provide information and advice on request.

10.4: What arrangements does the school have for feedback from parents, including compliments and complaints?

At St. Joseph's we strive to ensure that our practice and provision for children with SEND is the best that it can be, we therefore welcome any feedback, good or bad! Your feedback enables us to review and improve our practice. We have a 'open door ethos' and encourage you to come in and share your views. Alternatively you can share your views about St. Josephs' Catholic school on Ofsted's Parent View page (https://parentview.ofsted.gov.uk/)

More information regarding our Complaints Policy can be found at: 

http://stjosephs.westberks.dbprimary.com/westberks/primary/stjosephs/arenas/websitematerials-donotdelete/web/complaintspolicy.pdf

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