St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School
Learn to love, love to learn
At St. Bernadette's Catholic School you will find us caring, hardworking and co-operative. We follow the ways of Jesus using our talents and gifts to make our school special. We show respect to all and welcome you.
Head Teacher: Angela Cowings
Hob Moor Road, Yardley, Birmingham, B25 8QL
0121 783 7232

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- Parents | St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School
Parents Inofrmation - Diary dates, Term Dates, Uniform Guide, Bedtime Stories Newsletters School Attendance - A Very Important Message for all Parents & Carers Bedtime Stories Diary Dates CALENDAR FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR September 2024 -July 2025 Autumn Term 2024 Monday 2nd September 2024 To Friday 25th October 2024 Half Term Monday 4th November 2024 To Friday 20th December 2024 Spring Term 2025 Monday 6th January 2025 To Friday 14th February 2025 Half Term Tuesday 25th February 2025 To Friday 11th April 2025 Summer Term 20 25 Tuesday 29th April 2025 To Friday 22nd May 2025 Half Term Monday 6th June 2025 To Friday 18th July 2025 INSET DAYS Monday 23rd September 2024 Friday 25th October 2024 Monday 24th February 2025 Monday 28th April 2025 Tuesday 6th May 2025 Monday 21st July 2025 Bank Holiday Monday 5th May 2025 Please note that these dates may be subject to change Parent Meetings Nursery Nursery Welcome Meeting 2024 Reception Reception Welcome Meeting 2023 Reception RWI Meeting 2022 Year 1 Year 1 Welcome Meeting 2023 Year 2 Year 2 Welcome Meeting 2023 SATs Meeting 2025 Year 3 Year 3 Welcome Meeting 2024 Year 4 Year 4 Welcome Meeting 2024 Year 4 Maths Week Resources Year 5 Year 5 Welcome Meeting 2024 Year 6 year 6 FGM / CSE Meeting Year 6 Welcome Meeting 2024 Year 6 Confirmation Meeting 2024 Year 6 SATs Meeting 2025g Nursery Instagram @StBernsNursery Podcasts Bedtime Stories Wishlist If you would like to donate a book to our school, the links below contain items from our Top 20 lists and Book of the Month recommendations. Each book will be stamped with the name of the person who has donated it and will be placed on our class bookshelves. Nursery Year 3 Reception Year 4 Year 1 Year 5 Year 2 Year 6 Wishlist
- Maths | St Bernadette's Cath
Maths Policies Sequence of Work Bar Modelling KIRFs Mathematics is a life skill. It helps us to make sense of our world, providing a precise means of communication using numbers, symbols and shapes. It is a powerful, universal language used to explain, predict and represent events and tackle problems in everyday life. At St. Bernadette’s Catholic School, our aim is for the children to Learn to Love, Love to Learn and to develop an ability to solve problems, to reason and think logically, to work systematically and accurately and most importantly to be curious and resilient learners. New mathematical concepts are introduced using the ‘Concrete, Pictorial and Abstract’ (CPA) approach; enabling all children to experience hands-on learning when exploring new concepts. This allows all children to have clear models and images to aid their understanding. Time is devoted, daily, to teach and practise arithmetic and basic maths skills which ensures key mathematical facts and concepts are embedded and children can recall them accurately. Our mathematics curriculum is designed so that it is accessible and engaging for all pupils to maximise their full potential and make rich connections across other areas of the curriculum, preparing them for their future lives and careers. EYFS Calculation Policy Year 3 Calculation Policy Policies Mathematics Policy 24/25 Year 1 Calculation Policy Year 4 Calculation Policy Year 2 Calculation Policy Year 5 Calculation Policy Year 6 Calculation Policy Sequence of Work Sequence of Work at St. Bernadette’s Catholic School The National Curriculum lies at the heart of Mathematics at St. Bernadette’s. We use the National Curriculum and White Rose to base medium term planning on. The National Curriculum for Mathematics aims to ensure that all pupils: become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that pupils develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately. reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions. The KS1 and KS2 Curriculum specifies ten strands of mathematics, namely: Number - number and place value Number - addition and subtraction Number - multiplication and division Number - fractions (including decimals and percentages) Ratio and proportion Algebra Measurement Geometry – property of shape Geometry – position and direction Statistics The EYFS curriculum specifies two strands of mathematics: Number Numerical Patterns Here you will find our sequence of work for the academic year 2024-25. Reception EYFS/KS1 KIRFs Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Policies Sequence Bar Modelling Bar modelling is a key element when considering teaching for mastery. An amazing and powerful pictorial representation for revealing the structure and patterns within a maths problem, Bar Modelling promotes profound mathematical understanding and insight. The bar model method draws on the Concrete, Pictorial and Abstract Approach — an essential maths mastery concept. The process begins with pupils exploring problems via concrete objects. Pupils then progress to drawing pictorial diagrams, and then to abstract notations such as the +, -, x and ÷ symbols. Bar modelling is a versatile maths model strategy that can be used across a wide range of concepts and topics. It gives pupils a powerful and adaptable strategy for solving increasingly challenging problems that draws on the Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract approach. Below you will find more information on Bar Modelling for each mathematic concept. Addition & Subtraction Multiplication & Division Algebra Other Problems Fractions Ratio Bar KIRFs KIRFs (Key Instant Recall Facts) Y3 Spring 1 Y4 Spring 1 Y5 Spring 1 Y6 Spring 1 Y3 Spring 2 Y4 Spring 2 Y5 Spring 2 Y6 Spring 2 Y3 Summer 1 Y3 Summer 2 Y4 Summer 1 Y4 Summer 2 Y5 Summer 1 Y6 Summer 1 Y5 Summer 2
- Vacancies | St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School
St Bernadette's Vacancies Vacancies Head Teacher SENCO Maths Subject Leader Class Teacher St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School, Hob Moor Road, Yardley, Birmingham B25 8QL TEL: 0121 783 7232 Email: m.smallwood@stberns.bham.sch.uk Website:stberns.co.uk Headteacher: Miss Angela Cowings Head Teacher NOR: 605 Group: 4 ISR 21-27 Required for September 2025 Are children at the heart of your work? Would you relish the opportunity to work with the Governors and the Leadership Team to shape the future of Catholic education at the largest Catholic primary School in the Archdiocese of Birmingham? This is an excellent opportunity for a flexible, creative and committed individual to join our happy, vibrant and skilful team. The Governors, in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Birmingham, are looking to appoint a hardworking, inspirational and strategic Head Teacher, to join this forward thinking School from September 2025 and to build on our many current successes. We are looking for a Head Teacher who: Will ensure that the children at St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School have the best opportunity to realise their full potential through a broad and balanced challenging curriculum in a caring and supportive environment. Is a practising Catholic Head Teacher or Deputy Head Teacher with a passion for pastoral care and has vision and commitment in driving forward the School’s distinctive Catholic ethos. Has a proven track record of successful leadership, management and school improvement. Provides expertise in primary practice and curriculum development. Has excellent interpersonal skills Is resilient and able to respond and adapt effectively to changing circumstances maintaining high levels of performance. Is organised and forward thinking, having the vision, drive and energy to initiate, lead and manage strategies to build on the current successes and achievements of the School. Supports and challenges staff to continue to advance the high quality teaching and learning of the school. Will maintain our high standards of behaviour and wellbeing. Be resolute in providing the conditions for an effective safeguarding culture across the school. Will go the extra mile, bringing something additional to the School. We can offer you: Happy, motivated and enthusiastic children who are keen to learn. A school environment that thrives on delivering outstanding education and opportunities for both children and staff A highly supportive and ambitious staff and Governing Body. A warm and welcoming, professional team of Teachers and Support Staff, who are fully committed to supporting our pupils and their families. A strong partnership with other Catholic schools as part of the Sursum Corda group of schools. Ongoing and continuous professional development. If you are a leader who has the vision and drive to become St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School’s new Head Teacher, we would like to hear from you. You will need to be a practising Catholic who can demonstrate a commitment to Catholic education, further information can be found in the attached document. Catholic schools and the definition of a ‘practising catholic April_2016.pdf We would love to invite you to visit our school to meet our happy pupils and dedicated staff. Have a look on our website to see what St. Bernadette’s has to offer you. www.stberns.co.uk Visits can be arranged by contacting Mrs Smallwood by telephone at 0121 783 7232 or by emailing m.smallwood@stberns.bham.sch.uk An application pack including a CES application form can be found on the school website. Please ensure that all applications are completed on the CES application form. The closing date for applications is 9.00 am on Wednesday 26 March 2025 Shortlisted candidates will be notified on Friday 28 March 2025 Interviews will take place w/c 7 April 2025 St Bernadette’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful applicants. Successful applicant(s) will need to provide evidence of their Identity and Right to Work in the UK. An online search will be carried out as part of due diligence on all short-listed candidates. Head Teacher Head Teacher - Application pack - School website.zip St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School, Hob Moor Road, Yardley, Birmingham B25 8QL, TEL: 0121 783 7232 Email: m.smallwood@stberns.bham.sch.uk Headteacher: Miss Angela Cowings SENCO MPR/UPR + SEN Allowance 0.8 FTE or full time The Governors of St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School wish to appoint an experienced SENCO, or an excellent practitioner with relevant primary experience who is willing to undertake the accredited SENCO qualification starting September 2025 or earlier. Expectations for the successful candidate: Able to demonstrate a clear commitment to securing outstanding provision for all pupils within the school. Highly motivated and able to manage own workload while leading others Demonstrate excellent communication and organisational skills. Keep leaders and governors informed of any updates that may affect the school and our priorities. A team player, committed to working with staff and parents in support of the pupils A practising Catholic or willing to uphold the Catholic ethos of the school. High expectations of pupils’ achievement and behaviour. SENCO role at St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School The SENCO will be responsible for managing and leading SEND provision throughout the school, monitoring the progress of pupils and the impact of the provision to ensure that children’s needs are being met. The SENCO leads our team of support staff and provides training updates for them and teaching staff when required. The role is non class based. The SENCO has a key role within our pastoral team – liaising with parents and other stakeholders. Liaising with incoming parents and other settings is a key part of the role. The SENCO dependent on experience may become part of the Senior Management Team, helping shape priorities for our school. The SENCO will undertake safeguarding training and support the DSL. In return we can offer: A successful and friendly team of staff Children who love to learn within a broad and rich curriculum Teachers, Teaching Assistants and Governors who are passionate about teaching and learning Support with your own professional development Opportunities to progress and develop teaching and leadership skills within our school. We would love to invite you to visit our school to meet our happy pupils and dedicated staff. Have a look on our website to see a sample of what St Bernadette’s has to offer you. www.stberns.co.uk Visits can be arranged by contacting the school office or by emailing the email address listed above. m.smallwood@stberns.bham.sch.uk Application forms are available from the school website. Please ensure that all applications are completed on the CES application form. The closing date for applications is 12 noon Friday 21 March 2025 Interview to be held w/c 31 March 2025 St Bernadette’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. An enhance DBS check is required for all successful applicants. Successful applicants will need to provide evidence of their identity and Right to Work in the UK. SENCO SENCO - Job Description SENCO - Application Form SENCO - Person Specification SENCO - Model Recruitment Monitoring Information St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School, Hob Moor Road, Yardley, Birmingham B25 8QL, TEL: 0121 783 7232 Email: applications@stberns.bham.sch.uk Headteacher: Miss Angela Cowings Class Teacher MPR/UPS Required for September 2025 Are you an enthusiastic, inspirational and dedicated teacher? Would you relish the opportunity to work alongside a friendly, supportive and hard-working team in a school recently rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted? If so, St Bernadette’s may be the perfect school for you! This is an excellent opportunity for a flexible, creative and committed individual to join our happy, vibrant and skilful team. We are looking for a teacher who: Is passionate about ensuring all pupils achieve their potential Is able to demonstrate high quality curriculum skills Is an excellent classroom practitioner and is committed to developing their expertise as a teacher Is able to build supportive working relationships with colleagues Is supportive of the Catholic faith. We can offer you: Happy and well-motivated pupils who demonstrate outstanding behaviour A welcoming, friendly school with a commitment to your continuing professional development A happy, hardworking and supportive staff team A helpful and caring Governing Body Your choice of year band to work in A range of excellent teaching resources An inclusive ethos based on mutual respect We would love to invite you to visit our school to meet our happy pupils and dedicated staff. Have a look on our website or Twitter page to see a sample of what St. Bernadette’s has to offer you. www.stberns.co.uk @StBernsPrimary Visits can be arranged by contacting the school office or by emailing the email address listed above. Application forms are available from the school office/website or via the eteach website. Please ensure that all applications are completed on the CES application form. We welcome applications from both ECTs and experienced teachers. The closing date for applications is 9am on 4th April 2025. St Bernadette’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful applicants. Successful applicant(s) will need to provide evidence of their Identity and Right to Work in the UK. An online search will be carried out as part of due diligence on all short-listed candidates. Class Teacher Person Specification - Main Scale - Class Teacher Mainscale Teacher Job Description Model Recruitment Monitoring Information Application Form - Teacher St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School, Hob Moor Road, Yardley, Birmingham B25 8QL, TEL: 0121 783 7232 Email: applications@stberns.bham.sch.uk Headteacher: Miss Angela Cowings Teacher - KS2 Maths Subject Leader MPR/UPS + TLR 2 Required for September 2025 The Governors of St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School wish to appoint an experienced teacher to lead Maths across Key Stage 2. The job will involve working closely with the head teacher, senior leadership team, staff, parents, and governors to help strengthen and further develop the teaching, learning and pupil outcomes and engagement in maths across the school. The role is class-based and is expected to start in September 2025 (year group to be negotiated). We are looking for a Maths Leader who is: an excellent primary practitioner, committed to raising achievement for all passionate about teaching and learning of Maths and has a strong subject knowledge able to model and develop high quality teaching able to use assessment effectively to raise standards able to effectively work as part of a team committed to making a difference for our children and our community supportive of the Catholic faith. In return, we can offer: a successful and friendly team of staff dedicated leadership time children who love to learn within a broad and rich curriculum teachers, teaching assistants and governors who are passionate about teaching and learning support with your own professional development opportunities to progress and develop teaching and leadership skills within our school. We would love to invite you to visit our school to meet our happy pupils and dedicated staff. Have a look on our website to see a sample of what St. Bernadette’s has to offer you. www.stberns.co.uk Visits can be arranged by contacting the school office or by emailing the email address listed. Application forms are available from the school office/website or via the eteach website. Please ensure that all applications are completed on the CES application form. The closing date for applications is 9am on 17 March 2025 St Bernadette’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful applicants. Successful applicant(s) will need to provide evidence of their Identity and Right to Work in the UK. An online search will be carried out as part of due diligence on all short-listed candidates. Model Recruitment Monitoring Information Teacher - Subject leader - Person Specification Teacher - Subject leader - Job Description Application Form - Teacher Subject Leader
- Education | St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School | West Midlands
St. Bernadette's Catholic Primary School, Yardley, Birmingham St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School 1/10 Parent Pay Newsletter School opening hours Monday to Thursday 8.30am -3.15 pm Friday 8.30am- 2.00pm Total time 32.5 hours Pupil Absence Staff Email 1 2 1 1/2
- Policies | St Bernadette's Cath
Policies Attendance 2024-25 Accessibility Plan 2023-26 Anti-Bullying 2024-25 Behaviour Policy 2024-25 Breakfast Club British Values & SMSC Charging & Remissions 2022-23 Collective Worship Complaints 2024-25 Computing Acceptable Use Policy 23-24 Educational Visits 2021-22 Equality & Diversity 2022-23 Exclusions 2021-22 Food GDPR Data Protection Policy GDPR Privacy Notice Pupils & Their Families Homework Policy 2024-25 Gender Equality 2019-2022 Health & Safety 2023-24 Inclusion 2024-25 Intimate Care Policy 2024-25 Parent Code of Conduct Online Safety Policy 2023-24 RSE Policy Social, Emotional & Mental Health 24-25 SEND 2024-25 Uncollected Children Supporting Pupils with Medical Conditions 22 23 Uniform Policy Sept 2023-2024 Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy 2024-25 Pupil Premium Uniform Winter Uniform (September to Easter) Grey straight legged trousers Grey school skirt or pinafore dress Formal white shirt School tie Plain grey/black/white knee or ankle socks Plain grey/black tights Plain black shoes Summer Uniform (Easter to July) as above or Blue gingham dress Grey shorts White polo shirt. PE Clothing Indoor PE Black shorts White round neck Tee shirt Black pumps Outdoor PE Black jogging trousers White round neck tee shirt Grey hooded sweatshirt Black pumps Swimming One piece swimming costume Swimming trunks All school uniform should be clearly labelled. Uniform Policy 23/24
- Policies & Admissions | St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School
St. Bernadette's Policies & Admissions Policies Attendance 2024-25 Accessibility Plan 2023-26 Anti-Bullying 2024-25 Behaviour Policy 2024-25 Breakfast Club British Values & SMSC Calculation Policy Calculation Policy Guidance Charging & Remissions 2022-23 Collective Worship Complaints 2024-25 Computing Acceptable Use Policy 23-24 Computing Policy 23-24 Educational Visits 2021-22 Equality & Diversity 2022-23 EYFS Policy 2020-21 Exclusions 2021-22 EYFS Food GDPR Data Protection Policy GDPR Privacy Notice Pupils & Their Families Homework Policy 2024-25 Gender Equality 2019-2022 Health & Safety 2023-24 Inclusion 2024-25 Intimate Care Policy 2024-25 Maths Policy 22/23 Online Safety Policy 2023-24 RE Policy 2021-22 Pupil Premium Policy 2024 Parent Code of Conduct PE Gifted & Talented RSE Policy Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy 2024-25 SEND 2024-25 Science Policy 23-24 Uncollected Children Uniform Policy Sept 2023-24 Social, Emotional & Mental Health Policy 24-25
- Online Safety | St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School
Online Safety guides for parents & pupils. Online Safety Day gallery Online Safety Computing Acceptable Use Policy Online Safety Policy 2022-23 About: About Us Online Safety Guides Go to link Go to link Go to link Go to link Go to link Go to link Go to link Go to link Go to link
- SEND | St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School
SEND Information SEND Policy 2024/25 SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND DISABILITY INFORMATION REPORT SEND: Text 2024-2025 Our School “At St Bernadette’s Catholic School, you will find us caring, hardworking and co-operative. We follow the ways of Jesus, using our talents and gifts to make our school special. We show respect to all and welcome you.” At St Bernadette's School, in line with our Catholic ethos, we believe that all our children are individuals and unique. We constantly endeavour to meet the needs of every child in our care. We aim to develop children into confident and resilient learners, to develop a love of learning and to encourage them to explore opportunities to step outside of their comfort zone whilst not neglecting the need to develop wider life skills that they can use to underpin their future development. St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School currently has 625 children on role (January 2024). There are currently 126 children on SEND register with a range of needs. 15 children have an EHCP and 1 child has a SEND Support Provision Plan. We offer three main levels of support – universal, targeted and specialist. All children with SEND get universal support through high-quality teaching and most will get targeted support. Those children and young people with more complex or severe needs will also have specialist support. If your child needs specialist provision, school staff will usually need to get specialist advice. This kind of support is usually given to children and young people with long-term complex needs and/or disabilities, often with an Education Health and care (EHC) plan. Special Educational Needs and Disabilities At St Bernadette’s School, we support children with a variety of differing Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, and we pride ourselves on being a highly inclusive school with an ethos which encourages and celebrates diversity and difference. SEND is categorised into the following areas in the SEN code of practise 2014: Cognition and Learning Communication and Interaction Social, Emotional and Mental Health Sensory and Physical Identifying and Assessing Need When pupils have an identified Special Educational Need or Disability before they join our school, we attempt to work closely with the people who already know them from their previous setting and use the information made available to identify what the possible barriers to learning are so that within our school setting we try to plan appropriate support strategies. At St Bernadette’s School, we work closely as a team and if staff have a concern about a child, staff fill in an SENDCO referral form and discuss concerns with parents. After a half-term of observations and monitoring, we will decide if further support is needed. With your consent, your child will be placed on the SEND register, and we begin to follow the Graduated Response approach of ‘Assess, Plan, Do and Review’. Parents can access these targets and further information about the support their child is receiving online: https://edukeyapp.com/parent/login Some children will be monitored using the Birmingham Audit Continuum; this allows the children working below key stage standards to have small step targets set in lessons to enable them to achieve and begin to work independently. Some children may require more support than is ordinarily available, and we may ask outside agencies to support us in ensuring that we offer the best support we can. Staff can access the Ordinarily Available Guidance (January 2024) to help support children’s learning within the classroom. Our approach to teaching children with SEND At St Bernadette’s School, we offer smaller setting groups with a tailored curriculum and a focus on closing gaps in English and Maths skills in most year groups. Teachers adapt their high-quality teaching to cater for their pupils’ needs and plan individual timetables where necessary. When appropriate, staff are deployed to give children additional interventions in small groups outside the classroom, or to provide one-to-one support. We use the EEF guidance ‘Five-a-day’ and embed the key principles into all our lessons. At St Bernadette’s School, we offer smaller setting groups with a tailored curriculum and a focus on closing gaps in English and Maths skills in most year groups. Teachers adapt their high-quality teaching to cater for their pupils’ needs and plan individual timetables where necessary. When appropriate, staff are deployed to give children additional interventions in small groups outside the classroom, or to provide one-to-one support. We use the EEF guidance ‘Five-a-day’ and embed the key principles into all our lessons. Targeted/Specialist support: Interventions for small groups or individual children for additional Maths support by Teaching Assistants. Buddy systems for support during playtimes, lunchtimes, and class. Provision of specific resources and equipment, e.g. Specially designed chairs and grab rails, if advised by the Physical Difficulties Team (PDSS). Attendance and family support officers who with the families of persistent absentees offer support and guidance. Wellcomm Assessment to focus on Speech and Language Development, and subsequent implementation of support & strategies as required. NESSY Program for KS2 pupils (dyslexia traits). Phonics Groups. Small group reading support in class through guided reading, and individual reading support (Jackanory and Lunchtime Supervisors) Precision Teaching. Support for children with EAL status –Quality First Teaching strategies provided to Teachers (English as an Additional Language) Co-ordinator Miss Bowden. Mrs Payne from the Pastoral Team is available to see some pupils who are a high priority for some 1:1 mentoring work. These services are in extremely high demand and there is often a waiting list to be seen, children are placed on the waiting list in order of priority. Third Space Learning (Maths) intervention. Happy Minds Programme implemented across the school. Gross and fine motor skills interventions. Speech and Language interventions. Sensory Circuits. Play Therapy. We use the Ordinarily Available Guidance produced by the Local Authority to complement our teaching (January 2024). Curriculum adaptations We use a range of strategies across our lessons to ensure we offer an inclusive approach to learning and allow all children to access the classroom environment. We also seek advice and equipment from outside agencies as and when the need arises. Parent Consultations At St Bernadette’s School, we work closely with parents and carers and recognise they have much to contribute to our support for children with SEND. We hold coffee mornings throughout the year where parents can meet up and support each other in a safe environment. During these sessions, we gather parent feedback on the SEND provision at St Bernadette’s School, signpost parents to training courses and support groups and offer opportunities to meet up with outside agencies. For children who have an Education, Health and Care Plan or require specialist support (over and above what is ordinarily available), we will invite you in for further meetings in the year. These meetings celebrate your child’s learning, look at the progress they have made against the targets set, create new targets, and discuss the next steps. During the year, a parental questionnaire is sent to gain views on the school and the SEND provision. Child Consultations Pupils’ views are very important; they have a right to be involved in decisions about their education, and they are made aware of the support that surrounds them in school. Children are fully involved, and their views feed directly into all policies, procedures and daily teaching of children with SEND. Evaluating Provision At St Bernadette’s school, progress is reviewed in senior leadership meetings and with class teachers. The next steps are then discussed. Ideas are shared and discussed in staff meetings to ensure up-to-date research and policy is in place. Children’s individual progress towards their goals is reviewed at regular intervals (three times a year). Children are baselined before receiving interventions and the impact of these interventions are reviewed by the SENCO and staff. Children are asked if they feel the adjustment or intervention is helpful and makes a difference. Annual reviews are held for children with Education Health Care Plans. Staff Training At St Bernadette’s primary, we believe in professional development and aim to ensure all our staff have the understanding they need to enable them to support your child. When a new member of staff joins the school, we ensure they understand the systems within the school and they are given information about the children they are working with. The senior leadership team within the school are constantly moderating needs within the school and, where an area of concern is highlighted, whole school training could be organised to ensure all staff understand specific learning difficulties and appropriate teaching or support strategies that could be utilised. If your child needs specialist support from an outside agency, such as the Speech and Language Service (SALT), Educational Psychologist (EP), Occupational Therapist (OT) or school nurse, we will always discuss this with you first. Some of our staff have completed training in the following areas. When staff go on a course, they have an opportunity to give feedback to the rest of the staff during staff meeting sessions. Transition Support Nursery to Reception We hold a parent and carer session in the summer term for our new reception starters, providing parents with the opportunity to meet with the class teacher and SENDCO. We hold ‘taster’ sessions follow in the second half of the summer term in preparation for their September start. Transition to Reception, and then into each successive year-group, is supported by meetings, information leaflets, and taster sessions in each new class. End-of-Year Transition When children move up a year, the new class teachers hold a welcome meeting for parents. We hold 2 transition sessions during the summer term allowing the children to go up to their new classroom and meet their teacher. Some children may require extra transition visits to their new classroom to help reduce their anxiety and ensure that the transition is successful and positive. Class teachers and TAs meet with each other during the summer term to discuss the needs of the children and share support plans. Secondary Transition We liaise very closely with our partner schools to ensure that the transition from primary school to the secondary school is as smooth as possible. Mid-Year new starters When we are aware that pupils joining us from other settings have identified special educational needs, we arrange a meeting with the family to enable us to gain a greater understanding on the support we need to put in place. Outside Agencies We work with the following agencies to provide support for children with SEND: School Health Advisory Service Behaviour Support Service Pupil and School Support (PSS) - D Smart Communication and Autism Team (CAT) - J Clifford Birmingham Educational Psychology Service (EP) - M Walker Physical Difficulties Support Service (PDSS) – A Begum Hearing Support Team (HS) – C Hasler View the Local Offer website to find out more about the above agencies: https://www.localofferbirmingham.co.uk/send-support-and-information/specialist-send-support-services/ Traded Services or NHS Core Services: Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) – R Rose Occupational Therapy – E Hartland We will ask your permission before we arrange for any outside agencies to come in and work with your child. Once the feedback has been received, we will share this information with you and arrange a meeting. Clubs and Trips All our extra-curricular activities and school visits are available to all our children, including our before and after-school clubs. All children are encouraged to go on our day trips and residential. All children are encouraged to take part in sports day, school competitions, school assemblies and performances, workshops, etc. All children are encouraged to apply for roles of responsibility in school e.g. school council, house group leaders, technical team etc. No child is ever excluded from taking part in these activities because of their SEN or disability. Please read the school’s accessibility plan for further information about the steps we have taken to prevent disabled children from being treated less favourably than other children and the arrangements we have made to help children with SEND access our school. Complaint Procedure Your first point of contact is your child’s class teacher and/or phase leader. If you are not satisfied that your concern has been addressed, then you may make an appointment to speak to the Assistant Heads or Deputy Head Teacher. If they cannot solve your issue, then an appointment can be made to speak to the Headteacher. If you are not happy with the response, then you may contact the governors through the school office. Mr Lenihan – Chair of Governors Mr Carroll – SEND Governor Birmingham Local Offer The Birmingham Local Authority Local Offer can be found at https://www.localofferbirmingham.co.uk/home/parents-and-carers/ It includes information about the wide range of services available to support all areas of a child’s life (0-25 years), especially those with a Special Educational Need or Disability (SEND). This includes support with education, physical and mental health, social care, leisure activities and moving towards independence and adulthood. Every local authority in England has a duty to provide children and young people (0-25 years) with support if they have Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities - this is known as the Local Offer. Every local authority has to publish what support is available on a website: this is called the Local Offer Website. This Local Offer website gives information about the support the local authority expects to be available across education, health and social care. The information on the website is clear and easy to find. It says who a particular service is for, how to apply, and how decisions are made about who gets that service. SENAR 0121 303 0829 School Health Advisory Service 0121 465 5457 Forward Thinking Birmingham 0121 250 1560 Child Development Centre 0121 465 1582 Birmingham Children’s Trust 0121 303 1888 SEND Information Advice Support Service 0121 303 5004 Feedback ‘I would like to say thank you for all your support in helping X thrive’ (Y2 Parent, 2023). ‘Thank you to you and X for your time and support, it's really appreciated by us all’ (Y4 Parent, 2023).
- Our Parish | St Bernadette's Cath
Holy Family Parish Parish Holy Family St. Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School is in the parish of Holy Family Church. "Greetings to all parents and parishioners, May the peace of God be with you and your families. You are always welcome to visit our church" Father Fretch Ballesteros (SDV) is our priest at Holy Family Church in Small Heath. The parish was founded in 1901. The church was built in 1928 and extended in 1966 Tuesday - Friday Mass 10:30am. Sunday Morning Mass: 10.30am. Weekend Mass times at Local Parishes Parish Saturday Sunday Holy Family 4 pm 10.30 am and 5.15 pm St Thomas More 5.30 pm 8.30 am and 10.30 am Corpus Christi 6 p m 10.30 am Holy Souls 5pm 8.30 am, 10 am and 12pm (Noon) The Holy Rosary - 9.30 am and 12 pm (Noon) Fr. Fretch Ballesteros History of Holy Family Church A brick building of the 1920s by George Drysdale, built on a Greek cross plan, and significantly enlarged in the 1960s to accommodate a large influx of (mainly Irish) Catholics, attracted by jobs in local industry. The interior is a fine barrel vaulted space. An intended campanile was not built, the result being that the townscape contribution of the church is relatively minor. The mission in Small Heath was founded by the Revd James Wright in 1901 from St Anne’s in Digbeth and Mass was said in a workshop in Green Lane until a school-chapel was built in 1903, then Mass was said in the upper floor of the new school (this was destroyed by enemy action in 1940.) Subsequently, the first Parish Primary School (Holy Family) opened its doors in Holy Family Church on 11 January 1904. The permanent church opened in 1928. The church is orientated roughly north-south, but this description follows conventional liturgical orientation, as if the altar was to the east. The church was built in two phases. The first, in the 1920s, was on a Greek cross plan, and was built of local purple brown bricks, with Green Westmorland slate roofs. The eastern arm of this was demolished and the nave extended to form a Latin cross, using complementary materials, in the 1960s. An intended northwest campanile was not built. So the present church originated as a Greek cross design by George Drysdale, seating 400, and opened in August 1929 (builders William Sapcote & Sons). It was described in The Tablet as ‘a quiet design …unity of character has been sought in the architecture, in the treatment of furniture and fittings, and also in the arrangement of the forecourt’. The 1920s church had open pediments on the north and south faces with moulded brick string courses and a row of arched clerestory windows. The east end was apsidal. The interior was an impressive barrel vaulted space, with a groin vault at the crossing. Although externally expressed, there is no internal separation into ‘nave’ and ‘aisles’, the nave is one wide space, with the barrel vaulting springing from great steel joists spanning east to west. There is a gallery and narthex at the west end, with a mosaic roundel of the Holy Family fixed to the gallery front (figure 2), possibly from the 1929 church and possibly by Pippet. In the narthex are brass panels to Fr Wright, founder of the mission, and Fr J. P. Dowling, benefactor. At the east, arched openings are located at the corners of the Greek cross. The sanctuary is placed in the eastern arm, and is dominated by a large freestanding altar, with a crucifix and tabernacle in the apse. Side chapels were placed at either side. There is a large organ of 1903 by Steele & Keay of Burslem, acquired c.1993 from Pitts Hill Methodist Church, Stoke. The forecourt was developed in the 1960s when, following a large influx of (mainly Irish) Catholics drawn by jobs in local industry: Birmingham Small Arms;the Chrysler Factory; JJ Gallagher the Builder. The local population used to say that they were either coming out the Blues ground or Holy Family Church. And so the priest, Father O'Keefe extended the church in 1966, and that's why it is so big now. The nave was extended to form a Latin cross plan, increasing the seating capacity to approximately 1,000. The architect for the additions was J. T. Lynch of Jennings, Homer & Lynch, and the extended church was blessed on 25 October, 1967. New sacristies, meeting rooms, a cry room and confessionals were also built, but an intended 100ft campanile was never realised. The total cost was for the built additions was about £120,000. In that period a second Parish Primary School was built on Hob Moor Road, (St Bernadette’s) which served the Irish community. Previously, St Benedict's Church of England School had been used for some of the children because of the enormous numbers. The 1960s additions were a modern and simplified version of the original work. The west front had a brick pilaster/piers at the corners and an open pediment framing a large central ‘feature panel’ faced in Portland stone. A crucifix was placed against this. Below this, solid oak entrance doors were placed beneath a flat canopy, with windows on either side. Flanking the entrance, low flat-roofed wings with recessed stone faced bays incorporating windows were presumably built as the baptistery and a side entrance. Above these, a round arched window on either side lit an internal gallery. Beyond this were raised (but not as high as the nave) and plain ‘aisle’ walls, the ‘aisles’ lit by one rectangular window per bay. The present church was consecrated on 10 June 1976.
- Catholic Life | St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School
Catholic Life As a Catholic School we are always mindful of the teachings of the Church and how we should follow in Jesus’ footsteps. The pupils’ are encouraged to follow the example set by the Saints to do Charity Work in School, in the Parish and the Local Community; through volunteering and supporting peers, fund raising or donating goods and time. Education gives people the grounding they need for life— preparing them for the opportunities, responsibilities, and experiences of later life; helping them achieve positive things and preventing many problems happening later in life. We try to ensure that all pupils have the experiences that will ensure they become valuable and fully rounded members of society who treat others with respect and tolerance, regardless of background. So that they become young people who understand the importance of respect and leave school fully prepared for life in modern Britain. The Charity Work undertaken generally comes under the RE, PHSCE or Enrichment Curriculum umbrella. We have implemented this programme because of relevant legislation. Catholic Life: Support Us The Education Act (2002) Requires all schools to teach a curriculum that is “broadly based, balanced, and meets the needs of pupils.” From this, we must promote the spiritual and vocational, moral, cultural, social, mental and physical development of pupils at school. It requires and looks for children to live ‘full active lives as part of their community’ and into adulthood. It looks for children to feel safe, be happy, fulfil their potential and appreciate others It must promote British Values (‘Prevent’ strategy in 2011.) Teaching British values means providing a curriculum which 'actively promote(s) the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs'. Pupils in each Year band take the main responsibility for Charity Work for one half term per Academic Year. The pupils are encouraged to adopt a Charity of their own choice. Autumn 1 Year 3 Autumn 2 Year 4 Spring 1 Year 1 Spring 2 Year 2 Summer 1 Year 5 Summer 2 Year 6 EYFS (Reception & Nursery) Catholic Life: Text Throughout Autumn 1 and the Summer Term a weekly Charity Enrichment Activity is held which children choose to be part of, where they undertake extra fund raising work for Charities of their choice. During Vocations and Citizenship Day, held annually around May, Yearbands often take a different charitable slant. Often this involves supporting the Homeless found in Birmingham City Centre. The Homeless are also supported at Harvest Time with donations from the Harvest Festival going to the Fireside Centre. There are also whole School Charity initiatives annually in Lent and Advent. The School always gives support to the Diocesan Charity of Father Hudson’s Care and pupils from each Yearband represent the School at the annual Good Shepherd Mass at St Chad’s Cathedral. http://www.fatherhudsons.org.uk/whoweare/history/1.htm The focus of the Advent Charity varies. Previous Advent or Academic Year Charity Fund Raising Initiatives have seen the pupils raising money for the Parish Church refurbishments. Each year the School supports Mission Together, an initiative of Pope Francis. https://missiontogether.org.uk/ The Staff of St Bernadette’s are also heavily involved in Charity Work in many forms. Supporting by donating Raffle Prizes or other goods as needed. Volunteering and giving time to support children and families outside of School. As well as undertaking personal fund raising activities. Read More Catholic Life: Text Vocations It is important that all pupils have a basic understanding that all of us are created in the image and likeness of God and although we are all very different , God loves every one of us no matter what we look like or how different we are. Our curriculum is designed to enable every pupil to reach their full potential and this is achieved through the broad and balanced curriculum on offer and the strong, pastoral support available to all children. Mission Our school mission statement is: At St Bernadette’s catholic School you will find us caring, hardworking and co-operative. We follow the ways of Jesus using our talents and gifts to make our school special. We show respect to all and welcome you. Catholic Life: Support Us Catholic Life: Gallery
- Art | St Bernadette's Cath
Art Art Intent, Implement, Impact 22/23 Art Progression of Skills Knowledge & Skills Year 1 Autumn Year 2 Autumn Year 3 Autumn Year 4 Autumn Year 5 Autumn Year 6 Autumn Year 1 Spring Year 2 Spring Year 3 Spring Year 4 Spring Year 5 Spring Year 6 Spring Year 1 Summer Year 2 Summer Year 3 Summer Year 4 Summer Year 5 Summer At St Bernadette’s we are encouraged to use our talents and gifts in everything that we do. This same principle is applied to the arts. We understand that children have natural and taught talents and it is important for us to develop, encourage and empower these individual talents. We showcase our achievements through displays, assemblies and show and tell sessions. This year, we will be curating year band exhibitions linked to the topic being studied within that year group. We will then create an exhibition of the children’s work to celebrate it. Topics IMG_4399 IMG_4282 IMG_8806 IMG_4399 1/21
- Celebrating Our Faith | St Bernadette's Cath
Celebrating our Faith Throughout the academic year, we celebrate our faith with a number of special events. This academic year we have celebrated the following. No posts published in this language yet Once posts are published, you’ll see them here.