--- title: "Starting School Guide" url: "https://st-mary-s-catholic-primary-school-jarrow.schudio.com/starting-school-guide" school: "St. Mary's Catholic Primary School, Jarrow" --- # Starting School Guide starting school guide # St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School Inspired by our Christian faith, enabling children to live life to the full. ## Welcome At St. Mary’s we understand that starting school is a new and exciting, sometimes daunting, experience for your child and in many cases for parents too. We want to make this transition as easy as possible and hope this guide gives you an insight into life at St. Mary’s. Inspired by our Christian faith, our mission is to provide the highest standard of education and opportunity for all pupils, enabling them to live life to the full. St. Mary’s is a family where children are nurtured, encouraged, supported and challenged to reach their full potential in a safe and caring environment. We welcome children of all faiths or none. ## First Steps Nursery ![First Steps Nursery at St. Mary's Catholic Primary School](https://st-mary-s-catholic-primary-school-jarrow.schudio.com/images/banners/Screenshot_2026-10-12_at_08.41.20.png) We offer nursery places for children aged 2–4 years old with both 15 and 30 hour provision available. Three year old children are entitled to spend up to five terms in Nursery, accessing either morning or afternoon sessions. **Morning Session** 8.45am – 11.45am **Afternoon Session** 12.45pm – 3.45pm **Full Day Sessions** Available for children accessing 30 hours provision. Children accessing 30 hours receive a paid-for school lunch. ## School Day **School Day** 9.00am – 3.30pm **Breakfast Club** Opens from 8.00am with healthy breakfast options. **Tea-Time Club** Runs from 3.30pm – 6.00pm with tea provided. ### Wrap-around Childcare We offer wrap-around childcare before and after school. Places must be booked through the school office. ### Extra-curricular Activities We offer a wide range of school clubs including Lego, Netball, Eco and Cooking clubs. You can find details of our latest clubs and activities on our school website. ## Our Curriculum The curriculum is divided into three stages: - Early Years Foundation Stage: ages 0–5 years - Key Stage 1: ages 5–7 years - Key Stage 2: ages 7–11 years ### Key Stage Curriculum **Core Learning** Mathematics, Literacy, Science and Religious Education. **Foundation Subjects** Information and Design Technology, History, Geography, Art and Music. **Wider Curriculum** Physical Education, Personal and Social Education and Modern Foreign Language. We provide a broad and balanced curriculum which supports pupils academically, socially and spiritually. ## School Uniform ![School uniform at St. Mary's Catholic Primary School](https://st-mary-s-catholic-primary-school-jarrow.schudio.com/images/banners/Screenshot_2026-10-12_at_08.45.19.png) Children are expected to wear a blue sweatshirt or cardigan with the school badge and a blue polo shirt. - Grey school trousers or skirt - Black school shoes or black trainers - Blue gingham dress or grey school shorts in summer ### P.E. Kit - School T-shirt - Trainers - Navy shorts or tracksuit - Navy sweatshirt/hoody for outdoor PE No named sportswear is permitted. Preloved uniform is available through the school office. ## SEND & Safeguarding ### Special Educational Needs At St. Mary’s we believe every child matters and every teacher is able to support special educational needs. Children with an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP) have this reviewed annually with all parties involved. We also hold regular meetings with families of children recognised as having a Special Educational Need. We have a SEN Co-ordinator in school who liaises with parents and oversees support. ### Safeguarding St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. Children know they can approach any adult in school if they are worried and they will receive a consistent, supportive response. ## [Chadwick’s Kitchen](https://bccet.org.uk/our-schools/chadwick-s-kitchen) ![Chadwick's Kitchen school meals](https://st-mary-s-catholic-primary-school-jarrow.schudio.com/images/dcfb3ebf-6971-441c-a69b-66e24536d0ff-768x288.png) Our award-winning in-house catering team, [Chadwick’s Kitchen](https://bccet.org.uk/our-schools/chadwick-s-kitchen), provides catering services across the Trust. - Fresh ingredients prepared daily - Healthy and nutritionally balanced meals - Medical diets accommodated in partnership with parents - ParentPay available for payments - Packed lunches permitted, but nuts and nut-based products are not allowed - Food waste and sustainability regularly reviewed ## Our Trust We are proud to be part of [Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust](https://www.bccet.org.uk). The Trust covers the east part of the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, with schools in East Durham, South Tyneside and Sunderland. Our family of schools work closely together so pupils can flourish, supported by effective transition, close relationships and shared expectations. 31 Schools in our Trust 11,553 Pupils in our family of schools 1,415 Staff in our Trust ## Get in touch **St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School** Ayr Drive, Jarrow NE32 4AW Telephone: [0191 489 8336](tel:01914898336) Email: Website: [www.stmarysjarrow.co.uk](https://www.stmarysjarrow.co.uk) Facebook: @Stmarysjarrow *“Do to others what you would have them do to you.” – Matthew 7:12* ### Parents - [Attendance](https://st-mary-s-catholic-primary-school-jarrow.schudio.com/parents/attendance) - [Childcare Provision](https://st-mary-s-catholic-primary-school-jarrow.schudio.com/parents/childcare-provision) - [Online Safety](https://st-mary-s-catholic-primary-school-jarrow.schudio.com/parents/online-safety) - [Parents](https://st-mary-s-catholic-primary-school-jarrow.schudio.com/parents) - [School Letters](https://st-mary-s-catholic-primary-school-jarrow.schudio.com/parents/school-letters) - [School Meals](https://st-mary-s-catholic-primary-school-jarrow.schudio.com/parents/school-meals) - [School Uniform](https://st-mary-s-catholic-primary-school-jarrow.schudio.com/parents/school-uniform) - [Starting School Guide](https://st-mary-s-catholic-primary-school-jarrow.schudio.com/starting-school-guide) - [Term Dates](https://st-mary-s-catholic-primary-school-jarrow.schudio.com/parents/term-dates) ![St. Mary's Catholic Primary School, Jarrow](https://files.schudio.com/st-mary-s-catholic-primary-school-jarrow/images/logo/logo-footer-with-diocese-02.png) ### St. Mary's Catholic Primary School, Jarrow Ayr Drive Jarrow NE32 4AW 0191 489 8336 ### Trust Information - [Website Terms](https://bccet.org.uk/website-terms) - [Accessibility Statement](https://bccet.org.uk/accessibility-statement) - [Privacy Notice](https://bccet.org.uk/privacy-policy) ### Useful Links: - [Staff Login](https://st-mary-s-catholic-primary-school-jarrow.schudio.com/staff-login) ### Social Media - [Facebook](https://en-gb.facebook.com/Stmarysjarrow/) © Copyright 2025–2026 St. Mary's Catholic Primary School, Jarrow School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://st-mary-s-catholic-primary-school-jarrow.schudio.com/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)