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St Bernadette's Governors Information School Governors Governor Portal Governors: About Us St Bernadette's Governing Body Our Governors are an amazing group of volunteers who serve the parish of Holy Family in Small Heath. They support our school in educating children in a happy, calm and safe environment where they feel surrounded by God’s love. Governors play an important role in the leadership and management of the school. They are involved in the recruitment of staff, formulating the school budget and ensuring the curriculum we offer to the children in school is engaging, challenging and appropriate. The Governors are regular visitors in school, offering support and challenge in equal measures and holding the Head and senior leadership team to account. The Governing Body's aim is to work closely with the Headteacher, the leadership team and the staff, in order to help the children at the school achieve their full potential. They meet as a Full Governing Body four times a year and in addition to this, will meet in smaller sub- committees to focus on finance, staffing, admissions or curriculum. Our Governing Body is made up of 7 Foundation Governors who are appointed by the diocese, two parent governors, appointed by the parents, a Staff Governor and a Local Authority Governor. All serve for a term of four years. If you would like to contact the Governing Body, please forward hard copies of mail to Mr John Lenihan c/o St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School, Hob Moor Road, Yardley Birmingham, B258QL. Emails to be sent to m.smallwood@stberns.bham.sch.uk and given the title 'For the attention of Mr John Lenihan'. The School Governors Mr John Lenihan Chair of Governors (FG) Curriculum Governor / Finance Governor / Mathematics Governor Mrs Quinlan Vice-Chair Parent Governor / Foundation Governor Mrs Gemma Wrench Chair of Finance / Curriculum Governor Mrs Maria Winters Foundation Governor / RE Governor / Chair of curriculum Fr Fretch Ballesteros Foundation Governor / R.E Governor Mrs Vas Panayiotou Parent Governor / Safeguarding Governor Mrs P Moran Foundation Governor Mr Carlos De la Cruz Foundation Governor / Finance Governor TBC Local Authority Governor Mr Carroll Staff Governor / SEN Governor / Finance Governor Services 4 Schools Clerk to Governors Admissions Committee Pupil Discipline Committee School Hearings Committee Curriculum & Standards Committee Terms of Reference Resources Committee Governor Information Terms Of Reference Dismissal Appeal Terms of Reference Curriculum & Standards Terms of Reference School Hearings Terms of Reference Admissions Terms of Reference Pupil Discipline Presentations to Governors RE KS2 English.pdf KS1 English.pdf PE.pdf Maths.pdf School Financial Benchmarking Governors: List Any correspondence to the Governors should be addressed c/o St. Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School. Miss A Cowings Head Teacher I joined St Bernadette’s School in 2002 as Deputy Head and was appointed as Head Teacher in 2006. Since my appointment I have always been a member of the Governing Body and work closely with the dedicated team of volunteers to develop provision within school. As Head teacher it is my duty to deal with the day to day management of the school. As a member of the Governing Body we provide the strategic management. We set the general direction of the school and consider ways that it can best be developed. As a team, we monitor the school’s progress and set annual targets for the school’s performance. The team of governors act as a critical friend to the Head, whilst providing me with the necessary support required to lead the school. John Lenihan Chair of Governors I was appointed as a Governor in March 2019. I am currently a member of the Resources Committee. I previously served as a Governor at Corpus Christi School in Stechford. After spending 50 years in the Printing Industry and having grandchildren in the school I am now looking forward to supporting St. Bernadettes pupils and staff in the challenging world of education. Mr C. Dela Cruz Foundation Governor I have been a school governor for a number of years and have seen a lot of changes throughout the years. I have really enjoyed being on the school governing board, and doing my best to contribute in ensuring the school provides the very best facilities, support for the teaching & non-teachingstaff, and to ensure all pupils to have opportunity and encouragement toreach their full potentials. Kristin Quinlan Foundation Governor I've been a Foundation Governor at St Bernadette's since 2016. My day job is working as Head of Legal and Company Secretary at a water company, so I have experience of working in corporate governance and I hope that I bring some of my skills and experience from that role to my role on the Governing Body. For me, the role of the Governing Body is to support and provide healthy challenge to the leadership team at St Bernadette's for the benefit of the pupils, and I really enjoy playing my part in that. G Wrench Parent Governor I have been a parent governor at St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School since 2018. As part of my role, I am the link Governor for Literacy and also the Chair for the Resources Committee and a member of the Admissions Committee. I believe the children’s education, progress, personal welfare and development should be at the heart of all decision making at school. I am happy to be part of the Governing Body that will support the school in order to get the best outcomes for the children. T Moran Foundation Governor I was appointed as a Foundation Governor in February 2023. I was a teacher at St. Bernadette’s for thirty-three years, and I retired from St. Bernadette’s and teaching almost seven years ago. I hope that I can bring some of my skills and experience from my years of teaching to my role on the Governing Body. I look forward to supporting the pupils and staff of St. Bernadette’s in any way that I can. Fr Fretch Ballesteros Foundation Governor Vasiliki Panayiotou Parent Governor I would like to introduce myself as the new Parent Governor of St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School. My name is Vasiliki Panayiotou (please refer to me as Vas) and I joined the Board of Governor's on 20th December 2019. I am honoured and privileged to have been given this opportunity to represent the parents of the children that attend the school by Miss A Cowings. I will do my utmost for the best interests of all concerned, in connection with the school. Before I became a full time mother to our 2 girls I worked in telesales for a wholesale food distribution company for around 8 years and prior to that, I co-owned a business in floristry for around 20 years in Solihull. My eldest daughter, who is five, is in Year 1 at St Bernadette's and our youngest is 16 months old, going onto 6! I can't speak highly enough about St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School or all the staff in connection with the school. I remember when we visited the school during an open day and my first thoughts were about the impeccable behaviour of the children. Also, during the classroom visits we observed how the teachers interacted with the children and we saw the passion and commitment they have in everything they do. I turned to my husband and said, this is where I want our daughter to come and he agreed. We feel blessed that our children are and will be attending the best school Alex Carroll Staff Governor I have worked at St Bernadette's since 2001 and have been staff governor since 2020???? It is my privilege to be part of such a vibrant and hard working school community, both as a member of staff and governor. Cllr Zafar Iqbal Foundation Governor I was previously a Governor at St Bernadette’s, I have a long association with the school and was previously a Governor some years ago when my son attended. I am now an LEA appointed governor and as I live close by I have a genuine interest in supporting my local schools. Governors: List Governors: List

A-Z List of Composers A-Z of Composers A-Z of Composers: List Isaac Albéniz Isaac Manuel Francisco Albéniz y, more commonly known as Isaac Albéniz, was born on 29th May 1860 in Camprodon, Catalonia, Spain and died on 18th May 1909 in France. To classical guitarists the world over, he is known for his quintessential Spanish guitar repertoire. My younger brother, who is a professional guitarist himself, has been playing his pieces since childhood. Few realise that he was not actually a guitarist at all, but was in fact a virtuoso pianist, composer, and conductor. He is best known for his piano works often based on Spanish folk music. Despite composing mostly for the piano, it is his transcriptions for guitar that are most well known today – particularly works such as Asturias (Leyenda), Granada, Sevilla, Cadiz, Córdoba, Cataluña, Mallorca, and Tango in D. Johann Sebastian Bach Johann Sebastian Bach was a German composer and musician who was born in March 1685 and died in July 1750. This was a period of musical history known as the Baroque. He is perhaps the most well-known of the famous Bach family of musicians: Johann Christoph Bach (1642–1703), Johann Michael Bach (1648–1694), Maria Barbara Bach (1684–1720), Wilhelm Friedemann Bach (1710–1784), Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (1714–1788) to name just a few. He is known for instrumental compositions such as the Art of Fugue, the Brandenburg Concertos, and the Goldberg Variations, and for vocal music such as the St Matthew Passion and the Mass in B minor. A master of the keyboard, Bach gifted the world such gems as The Well-Tempered Clavier and organ works too numerous to name individually. Since the 19th-century Bach Revival he has been generally regarded as one of the greatest composers of the Western art musical canon. Here are links to some of these great pieces. Mr Baker Sept 2019 Art of Fugue Brandenburg Concertos Goldberg Variations St Matthew Passion Mass in B minor The Well-Tempered Clavier Cello Suites 1 – 6 Air on the G string Chaconne, Partita No. 2 BWV 1004 (violin) Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565 Cream (Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker & Jack Bruce) The great drummer Ginger Baker died on 6th October this year aged 80 and so it seemed fitting to continue the musical A-Z with the group he was perhaps most famous for being in – Cream. Cream were a British rock band formed in London in 1966. The group consisted of bassist Jack Bruce, guitarist Eric Clapton, and drummer Ginger Baker. Bruce was the main songwriter and vocalist, although Clapton and Baker also sang and contributed songs. Formed from members of previously successful bands, they are widely regarded as the world's first supergroup as each player was considered to a master of their instrument. Their music spanned many genres of rock music, including blues rock, psychedelic rock, and hard rock. In their career, they sold more than 15 million records worldwide. The group's third album, Wheels of Fire (1968), is the world's first platinum-selling double album. In 1993, Cream were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Here are links to three of their more famous songs. Mr Baker Sept 2019 White Room Sunshine of your Love I Feel Free Claude Debussy Claude Debussy was born 22 August 1862 and died aged just 55 on 25 March 1918. He is regarded as one of the greatest French composers of all time. He is sometimes seen as the first Impressionist composer, seeking to paint pictures in the mind of his listeners by the quality of the sounds they hear. Despite being born to a family of modest means and little cultural involvement, Debussy showed enough musical talent to be admitted at the age of ten to France's leading music college, the Conservatoire de Paris. He originally studied the piano, but found his vocation in innovative composition, despite the disapproval of the Conservatoire's conservative professors. Debussy is responsible for some of the most recognisable piano and orchestral music of the twentieth century. He himself was influenced by Russian and far-eastern musical styles and he in his turn was to be a great influence on later composers such as Bartok, Messiaen and George Benjamin. All his music is easy to listen to but here are some links to some of my favourites. Mr Baker January 2020 La Mer La boîte à joujoux Fantaisie for piano and orchestra Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune Syrinx (for solo flute) Claire de Lune La fille aux cheveux de lin Deux arabesques Children's Corner Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp Edward Elgar Sir Edward William Elgar was born 2 June 1857 and died 23 February 1934. He was an English composer who many consider to be one of our greatest. Many of his works have entered the British and international classical concert repertoire. Among his best-known compositions are orchestral works including the Enigma Variations (including the world famous ‘Nimrod’ often played during remembrance services), the Pomp and Circumstance Marches (including ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ – played every year at the Last Night of the Proms), concertos for violin and cello, and two symphonies. He also composed choral works, including The Dream of Gerontius (based on a poem by Birmingham’s Saint John Henry Newman and first performed in Birmingham’s Town Hall in the year 1900), chamber music and songs. He was appointed Master of the King's Musick in 1924. Although Elgar is often regarded as a typically English composer, most of his musical influences were not from England but from continental Europe. He felt himself to be an outsider. It is worth noting that this self-taught composer was openly Catholic in a Protestant Britain where his Roman Catholicism was regarded with suspicion in some quarters. He never forgot his humble beginnings even when he became successful and achieved recognition for his music. Elgar has been described as the first composer to take the gramophone and recorded music seriously. Between 1914 and 1925, he conducted a series of acoustic recordings of his works. The introduction of the moving-coil microphone in 1923 made far more accurate sound reproduction possible, and Elgar made new recordings of most of his major orchestral works and excerpts from The Dream of Gerontius. Mr Baker February 2020 Nimrod Enigma Variations (complete) Pomp and Circumstance Marches 1 – 4 Pomp and Circumstance March no 1 (from the proms ) Dream of Gerontius Gabriel Fauré Gabriel Urbain Fauré was born on 12th May 1845 and died on 4th November 1924 in Pamiers, Ariège, in the south of France. He was a composer, organist, pianist and teacher. He was one of the most important French composers of his generation, and his musical style influenced many 20th-century composers such as Ravel. Fauré’s was not an especially musical family, but his talent became clear when he was just a small boy. Aged nine, he was sent to the Ecole Niedermeyer music college in Paris, where he was trained to be a church organist and choirmaster. Among his teachers was Camille Saint-Saëns (himself a famous composer of such works as ‘The Swan’ ), who became a lifelong friend. After graduating from the college in 1865, he made his living as an organist and teacher, leaving him little time for composition, so he didn’t become a successful composer until his middle age years. Towards the end of his life, Fauré was recognised in France as the leading French composer of his day and a national musical tribute was held for him in Paris in 1922. Outside France, Fauré's music took many years to become widely accepted, except in Britain, where his work was greatly admired during his lifetime. Fauré's earlier works are among his most accessible and below are some YouTube links to his more famous pieces Mr Baker August 2020 Pavane Op.50 - Piano Solo Pavane Op.50 – Orchestral Version Sicilienne. Requiem Op. 48 Dolly Suite Op. 56 Cantique de Jean Racine, Op. 11 Après un rêve for cello & piano Percy Grainger Percy Grainger was born on the 8 July 1882 and died on 20 February 1961. He was an Australian-born composer, arranger and pianist who, in his adult years, lived in America and became an American citizen in 1918. During his career, he played an important role in reviving the public’s interest in British folk music in the early years of the 20th century. It is highly likely that many will be familiar with his piano and orchestral arrangements such as the folk-dance tune "Country Gardens" among others. It is these well-known folk gems and stylistically similar compositions that I will link to here. Mr Baker August 2020 Molly on the Shore Country Gardens Blithe Bells Handel in the Strand Mock Morris Colonial Song Lincolnshire Posy Shepherd's Hey Walking Tune Joe Hisaishi With Olympics and Paralympics having taken place in Tokyo this year, I thought it would be a good idea to feature a modern Japanese composer this September. Joe Hisaishi was born Mamoru Fujisawa on 6th December 1950 in Nagano – Japan. He is most well known for his film music, especially the classic anime films of Hayao Miyazaki such as Howl’s Moving Castle, Spirited Away, Kiki’s Delivery Service, My Neighbour Totoro and Princess Mononoke among others from the Studio Ghibli company. He started learning the violin and the age of just four and he knew then that music would be central to his life. He also watched about 300 movies a year with his father. These two passions naturally saw him become a film composer after attending the Kunitachi College of Music in 1969 to major in music composition. He enjoyed his first success in 1974 when he composed music for the anime series called Gyatoruzu and he has never looked back. Why does he go by the name Joe Hisaishi when he was born Mamoru Fujisawa? Well it comes down to his admiration for the work of American musician and producer, Quincy Jones. Retranscribed in Japanese, "Quincy Jones" became "Joe Hisaishi". ("Quincy", pronounced "Kuinshī” in Japanese, can be written using the same kanji in "Hisaishi"; "Joe" comes from "Jones".) Below are some links to some of his film music. There is much more to find as he has produced quite a lot! Mr Baker September 2021 From the film – Howl’s Moving Castle Merry-Go-Round of Life From the film – Spirited Away One Summer’s Day From the film – Kiki’s Delivery Service Main Theme From the film – My Neighbour Totoro The Wind Forest From the film – Princess Mononoke Sound-track Suite (1998 version) Other pieces – Asian Dream Song Jacques Ibert Jacques François Antoine Marie Ibert was born on 15th August 1890 and died on 5 February 1962. He was a French composer of classical music. Ibert took to music from a very early age and eventually studied at the Paris Conservatoire where he excelled winning its top prize, the Prix de Rome, at his first attempt- despite his studies being interrupted by his service in World War I. Ibert would go on to pursue a successful composing career, writing several operas, five ballets, incidental music for plays and films, works for piano solo, choral works, and chamber music. He is probably best remembered for his orchestral works including Divertissement (1928) and Escales (1922) – links to these and other works listed below. Mr Baker October 2021 Divertissment Escales Entr’acte (recorder & guitar version – a favourite of mine) Karl Jenkins Sir Karl William Pamp Jenkins CBE, who was born on the 17th of February 1944, is a Welsh multi-instrumentalist and composer, best known for works that include the song "Adiemus" (once used to advertise Delta Airlines), Benedictus and Requiem. Jenkins was educated in music at Cardiff University and the Royal Academy of Music. He joined the jazz-rock band Soft Machine in 1972 and became the group's lead songwriter in 1974. Jenkins continued to work with Soft Machine up to 1984. Jenkins has won the industry prize twice. Something of a musical trademark is his notable use of ‘Vocalise’ where singers sing not words, but sounds. Mr Baker November 2021 Adiemus Song of the Plains Requiem - I. Introit Benedictus (The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace) Requiem - IX. Pie Jesu I'll Make Music

Mini Vinnies At St. Bernadette’s we are developing a dedicated team of Mini Vinnies. Mini Vinnies are 7 to 11 year olds based in schools and parishes across England and Wales, and in several countries across the world. They come together to form part of the St. Vincent de Paul Society England and Wales, a voluntary organization dedicated to tackling poverty in all its forms. The role of the Mini Vinnies is to help to be the religious and spiritual voice of the school. Years 3-6 are represented and members of the group demonstrate how they are filled with God’s love by their willingness to help others, as they put their faith into action. The group meets on a regular basis to pray, discuss concerns they may have and plan events to help live out the group’s motto of ‘Turning Concern into Action’. As Mini Vinnies, they embrace the three key points to: ‘see’, ‘think’ and ‘do’. Mini Vinnies are seen as having, ‘the potential to significantly contribute to the future of our Society’. This aim also fits in perfectly with the key principles of Catholic Social Teaching. The Mini Vinnie Prayer Lord, thank you for our gifts and talents. Lord, show us who needs our help. Lord, use our hands to help those who are hungry. Lord, open our hearts to love and comfort those who are sad and lonely. Lord, let us share our time, gifts and talents with those in need. Lord, help us care for the sick. Lord, may we all help and support each other as Mini Vinnies to build a better world. Amen Fundraising During Lent the Mini Vinnies held a cake sale for Father Hudson's Good Shepherd Appeal and raised an amazing £325 in one day! Together with the money from the cake sale and the generous donations in the Good Shepherd boxes, we raised £728.50 for Fr Hudson’s Care. Some of our Mini Vinnies will be representing our school at the annual Good Shepherd Mass held at St Chad’s Cathedral. The Mini Vinnies team are looking forward to organising more fun events to make a difference!

The Sacraments At St Bernadette’s School, the children have the opportunity to receive three of the sacraments: The Sacrament of Reconciliation in year 3 First Holy Communion in year 3 The Sacrament of Confirmation in year 6 The preparation for these sacraments takes place in school, with meetings held for parents and children in the early evening. The Sacramental Life of the School: About Us Reconciliation Reconciliation is one of the seven Sacraments of the Church. It is one of the two sacraments of healing, the other being the Sacrament of the Sick. Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation we receive God’s forgiveness for our sins, his pardon and healing and reconciliation with the Church. Baptised Catholic children in Year 3 will usually receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time during Lent. This takes place in a special Reconciliation service at Holy Family Church. Preparation for this important sacrament takes place in school through the RE curriculum and during an after school meeting, where parents meet with Fr Fretch and children work with teachers and catechists. All You Need to Know About Reconcilliation The Sacramental Life of the School: Our Mission First Holy Communion The Holy Eucharist is described as “the source and summit of the Christian life.” This is because it is at the very centre of the practice of the Catholic faith. It is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation into the Church, which are necessary for people to become full members of the Church. The other two Sacraments of Initiation are the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. In receiving Holy Communion we are united with Christ in a physical way and we enter more fully in to the Body of Christ. The more we receive Christ the more Christ-like we become. At St Bernadette’s, Baptised Catholic children in Year 3 will make their First Holy Communion during a Mass held at Holy Family Church in the Summer Term. Preparation for this important sacrament takes place throughout the RE curriculum and in the form of after school meetings where parents meet with Fr Fretch and the children are supported by Catechists. All You Need to Know About The Sacrament of The Eucharist The Sacramental Life of the School: Our Philosophy Confirmation Confirmation is one of the seven Sacraments of the Church. It is one of the three sacraments of initiation into the Church which are necessary for people to become full members of the Church. The other two Sacraments of initiation are the Sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist. Through Confirmation the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are received: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord. These gifts can help a person to live as a follower of Christ. Through receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit it is hoped that the candidate will, through their thoughts, words and actions bear the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control and joy. It is a means by which the candidate publically professes their faith and shows their commitment to becoming a full member of the Church. Children at St Bernadette’s usually receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in Year 6, during the Autumn Term. Preparation for this important sacrament begins in Year 5 and is continued in Year 6 through the delivery of the RE curriculum. Children have the opportunity to work closely with Fr Fretch and Sr Maura during this time. They are encouraged to think carefully about their chosen saint’s name and opportunities are provided for them to find out more about their saint and reflect on their life. All You Need to Know About Confirmation The Sacramental Life of the School: Text

All About our School Our School: List Head Teacher's Welcome I warmly welcome you to St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School. Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make. At St Bernadette’s, we provide a safe, secure and happy environment where every child is supported and challenged to achieve their full potential. Our school motto, ‘Learn to Love, Love to Learn’, is at the heart of all we do. Our curriculum places Jesus at its centre and reflects Gospel values, nurturing a sense of purpose and faith in our children. We are delighted to share that our recent Catholic Schools Inspection report praised the exemplary behaviour of our children, recognising their deep understanding of Christian values. The report also highlighted that our staff are outstanding role models, creating a loving and nurturing environment where children are happy, confident and proud to be part of the St Bernadette’s family. We celebrate the uniqueness of each child, recognising every individual as created in the image and likeness of God. Alongside academic achievement, we offer a wealth of enrichment opportunities, encourage pupil leadership, and support the spiritual and social development of our children. Our talented and dedicated staff work closely with families, our parish and the local community. We believe that education is a true partnership and greatly value your involvement and support in your child's educational journey. We look forward to welcoming you and your child to St Bernadette’s. Miss E. Finnegan Headteacher Our School: About Us

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.

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Parent Questionnaire Parent Questionnaire 2024 Results Previous Results Each year we encourage feedback from our parents by asking them to complete an annual questionnaire. These questionnaires give parents the chance to suggest ways in which school can improve as well as letting us know what we are doing well, so that we can continue to provide an enriching, exciting curriculum and learning experience for our pupils. 2021 2022 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

SEND Information SEND Policy 2025/26 sendco@stberns.bham.sch.uk SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND DISABILITY INFORMATION REPORT SEND: Text 2025-2026 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 597children on role (May 2025). There are currently 135 children on SEND register with a range of needs. 10 children have an EHCP. 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’. Targets and further information about how each child is being supported will be shared termly with parents. 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. Dyslexia Gold 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. Pastoral support is available for some pupils who are a high priority for 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).

St. Bernadette's Policies & Admissions Admissions Admission Arrangements If you would like your child to attend St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School, please read the information below and follow the steps for the relevant entry point. School Visits We hold school tours in November. If you are unable to attend, please contact Mrs Smallwood to arrange a visit. Miss Finnegan, our Headteacher, will be delighted to show you around. Tel: 0121 783 7232 Email: admissions@stberns.co.uk Nursery (ages 3 and 4) How to apply: · Nursery applications are made directly to the school. · Please complete the online Nursery Application Form or get a hard copy from the school office. · We currently offer 52 full-time places (30 hours per week). Documents needed: · Child’s Birth Certificate (copy) · Proof of address · Baptismal Certificate (if applicable) Reception How to apply (September intake): · Applications are coordinated by Birmingham City Council (BCC). Please submit your Reception application via the BCC School Admissions portal by the published deadline. Catholic Supplementary Information Form (SIF) · In addition to your BCC application, please complete our Supplementary Information Form (SIF) so that the correct Catholic admissions criteria can be applied. · Provide proof of Baptism (if applicable) with the SIF and return it to the school office. · Documents to include with SIF · Child’s Birth Certificate (copy) · Proof of address · Baptismal Certificate (if applicable) In-Year Applications (Reception – Year 6) You can apply at any time outside the normal Reception admissions round. Children will be admitted where places are available. How to apply: · Complete the In-Year Application Form (available at stberns.co.uk ), or request a hard copy from the office (Tel 0121 783 7232 | Email admissions@stberns.co.uk ). · Return completed forms to: Mrs M. Smallwood , St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School, Hob Moor Road, Yardley, Birmingham, B25 8QL , or email admissions@stberns.co.uk . If there are more applications than places: · We will apply our published oversubscription criteria (see the full Admission Arr angements). · If no places are available, your child will be placed on the waiting list. Details will be included in your outcome letter. Appeals If your application is unsuccessful, you have the right to appeal to an independent appeal panel. · Late appeals will be heard at the same time as previously scheduled appeals or within 30 school days of the appeal being lodged. · Decision letters are normally sent within seven school days of the hearing. Key Contacts Contact: Mrs M. Smallwood, admissions@stberns.co.uk 0121 783 7232 Admissions 2025-2026 Admissions 2026-2027 Nursery Admissions 2026-2027 In Year Application Form Supplementary Application Form Appeal Timetable 2025 Consultation: Proposed Admissions Policy 2027–2028 We are consulting on our proposed Admissions Policy for 2027–2028 If you have any comments, please email Mrs Smallwood at admissions@stberns.bham.sch.uk Parish Boundaries for the Archdiocese of Birmingham

Catholic Social Teaching Catholic Social Teaching (CST) underpins the work of the school and the principles are interwoven within our curriculum and wider school life. As members of the Catholic Church, we are called upon to preserve the dignity of all human beings, to care for creation and to reach our sisters and brothers in need. These principles form part of Catholic Social Teaching, a body of work developed by Church leaders over the centuries. Pope Francis emphasizes that it is our duty to work together to bring about a more just and peaceful world: to put love into action. At St. Bernadette’s we place great emphasis on the importance that our children can articulate the connection between Jesus’ teaching and doing good deeds. We teach our children about the importance of putting the needs of others before ourselves, respecting the dignity of all people and how we are stewards of God’s beautiful creation with a duty to do all we can to preserve it for future generations. We use the CAFOD CST characters with our children to help them recognise CST within lessons. The following video is useful to watch to become familiar with the seven principles: CST in the Science Curriculum Click here for an Overview of 'CST in the Science Curriculum' All of God’s creation is sacred and reflects something of who God is. Caring for this earth is part of what it is to be a Christian. The Catholic Church has a long tradition of teaching about the God-centeredness of the earth, which clearly focuses on the responsibility all people have for caring for creation. The golden thread of ‘Care of God’s Creation’ runs through each science unit which links to the CST principles of: The Common Good Stewardship This ensures children develop their environmental awareness and understanding of their role in protecting our God given planet. What does Scripture say? ‘Humans are commanded to care for God’s creation.’ Genesis 2:15 ‘Creation proclaims the glory of God.’ Daniel 3:56-82 ‘God loves and cares for all creation.’ Matthew 6:25-34 ‘Creation and all created things are good because they are created by God.’ 1 Corinthians 10:26 What does the Church say? Charity in Truth: Caritas in Veritate – ‘The environment is God’s gift to everyone, and in our use of it we have a responsibility towards the poor, towards future generations and towards humanity as a whole…Our duties towards the environment are linked to our duties towards the human person, considered in himself and in relation to others.’ What does Pope Francis say? “Creation is not a property, which we can rule over at will; or, even less, is the property of only a few: Creation is a gift, it is a wonderful gift that God has given us, so that we care for it and we use it for the benefit of all, always with great respect and gratitude.” Laudato Si (24th May 2015) – ‘A scientific consensus says climate change is real and caused at least in part by human activity. A very solid scientific consensus indicates that we are presently witnessing a disturbing warming of the climatic system. In recent decades, this warming has been accompanied by a constant rise in the sea level and, it would appear, by an increase of extreme weather events, even if a scientifically determinable cause cannot be assigned to each particular phenomenon.’ Loving God, We believe that the world is for everyone. We thank you for the gift of Creation. Help us to take care of the planet and all people who live on it. Lord in your mercy Hear our prayer Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is at the heart of our learning at St Bernadette’s, especially in Topic. Topic allows us to develop our historical skills, pursue geographical enquiry, express our creativity, and build valuable projects based on a purpose. However, CST allows us to approach these lessons from a wider viewpoint. We use the CAFOD CST characters with our children to help them recognise CST within lessons. Here are a few examples of where CST has been linked to our Topic lessons. A lesson focusing on how men and women were split in Athenian and Spartan society. Is it right for women to be told what they must do based on their gender? A lesson focusing on the invasion of Greece by Alexander the Great. How would God react to slavery? A lesson focusing on the Viking raids in Lindisfarne. Why is it wrong to harm our fellow man? A lesson focusing on WW2 evacuation and the Blitz. A lesson focusing on the birth of democracy in Greece. Is it right for only rich men to vote? A lesson looking at the impact of Gandhi on British rule. Why did he protest for people who were the most in need? A lesson focusing on the differences between rich and poor Tudors. What can we learn from these indifferences? A lesson focusing on rationing. Why was it important for all members of society to receive the same amount of food? A lesson focusing on natural disasters and how we can help those that have been left in disasters. How can we help those in need? In Year 2, the children learn about important people that have helped other. Including Florence Nightingale, Edith Cavell, and Mary Seacole. Why do you think these people gave up their lives to care for others? During Black History Month, we learn about inspirational black people. Why is it important we celebrate these achievements? A lesson focusing on climate and biomes. How has our impact changed God’s creation? A lesson focusing on the structure of rivers, mountains, and earthquakes. How can we better understand God’s creation? A lesson focusing on glaciers. What can the rising sea levels mean for God’s creations? A lesson focusing on sustainability; reduce, re-use, recycle. Why should we make small changes?

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 23rd May 2025 Half Term Monday 2nd June 2025 To Friday 18th July 2025 INSET DAYS Monday 23rd September 2024 Friday 25th October 2024 Monday 24th February 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 CALENDAR FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR September 2025 -July 2026 Autumn Term 2025 Monday 1st September 2025 To Friday 24th October 2025 Half Term Monday 3rd November 2025 To Friday 19th December 2025 Spring Term 2026 Monday 5th January 2026 To Friday 13th February 2026 Half Term Monday 23rd February 2026 To Friday 27h March 2026 Summer Term 20 26 Monday 13th April 2026 To Friday 22nd May 2026 Half Term Monday 1st June 2026 To Friday 17th July 2026 INSET DAYS Monday 1st September 2025 Wednesday 3rd December 2025 Monday 5th January 2026 Friday 22nd May 2026 Monday 20th July 2026 Bank Holiday Monday 4th 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 2025 Year 6 Confirmation Meeting 2024 Year 6 SATs Meeting 2025g Podcasts 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