LIFE CHANGING OPPORTUNITIES START HERE
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WELCOME FROM THE HEAD OF PREP
Welcome to the Preparatory
Department of Methodist College Belfast
- Methody Prep. It is with great pleasure that I welcome you and your family into our school community.
As you begin this next chapter with us, you will quickly discover the opportunity, diversity and excellence that make Methody such a distinctive and special place. Joining Methody Prep marks the beginning of an exciting journey- one where high academic standards sit alongside outstanding pastoral care, ensuring that every child is supported to achieve their very best.
We are immensely proud of our little Collegians, who wear their Methody crest with pride and grow within the wider Methody family, united by our shared values, ambition and a love of learning. From the earliest years, our pupils are encouraged to develop confidence, curiosity and resilience - foundations that underpin lifelong success.
Academic excellence lies at the heart of all that we do. Our confident, motivated pupils are guided by a team of dedicated, caring and highly skilled staff, who are passionate about inspiring learning, nurturing potential, and stretching each child to reach their full capabilities.
Thank you choosing Methody Prep and entrusting us with such an important stage of your child’s education. We value the strong partnership between home and school and look forward to working closely with you as your child grows and thrives within our care.
What makes Methody Prep truly unique is the breadth of life changing experiences we offer our pupils - in the classroom and beyond. Through rich learning opportunities, meaningful relationships, and a strong sense of belonging, children develop not only academically, but socially, emotionally and morally. These formative years shape confident individuals who forge friendships for life and begin their journey as the leaders of the future.
J McConville Head of Methody Prep
TERM DATES
2026/27
AUTUMN TERM
Wednesday 26 August 2026Friday 18 December 2026
HALF TERM HOLIDAY
Monday 26 October 2026Friday 30 October 2026
SPRING TERM
Monday 4 January 2027Friday 19 March 2027
HALF TERM HOLIDAY
Monday 8 February 2027Friday 12 February 2027
SUMMER TERM
Monday 5 April 2027Wednesday 30 June 2027
MAY DAY HOLIDAYS
Monday 3 May 2027
Monday 31 May 2027
STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAYS
Friday 25 September 2026 (Transform Ed)
Wednesday 21 October 2026
Monday 15 February 2027
Monday 25 January 2027 (Transform Ed)
Tuesday 4 May 2027 (Transform Ed)
Tuesday 22 June 2027
• All dates are inclusive.
The Education Authority (EA) has a policy of co-ordinating the dates of school holidays in all the Primary and Secondary schools under its control and of providing school transport only on the dates when their schools are in session. Since the College holidays do not always coincide exactly with those of the EA, there can be occasions when the College is in session but there is no school transport. Based on information provided by the EA, it would appear that there will be a number of dates during the 2026 - 2027 academic year when the College will be open but school transport will not be provided and pupils will not be able to use their bus/train passes. Parents/Guardians of any children who may be affected should note that the dates are:
Wednesday 26 August 2026, Thursday 27 August 2026, Friday 28 August 2026 and Wednesday 17 March 2027.
It is hoped that parents/guardians will make an alternative arrangement to enable their children to attend school on these dates.
NEW TERM AUGUST 2026
START OF TERM
The Autumn terms begins on Wednesday 26 August 2026 at 8.45 am for all pupils.
School will close on the first day at 12 noon for all pupils.
SCHOOL DAY
From Thursday 27 August 2026 the normal class hours are as follows:
Prep 1 - Prep 3
8.45 am - 2.30 pm
From January 2027 Prep 3 will have a finish time of 3 pm.
Prep 4 - Prep 7
8.45 am - 3 pm
Please ensure that your child is collected promptly each day.
SCHOOL START
Children should arrive to school at 8.30 am. Prep 1 pupils will be collected from the infant playground closest to the Lisburn Road entrance.
All other pupils should enter by the side entrance and then make their own way to their classroom.
Registration takes place between 8.30 am and 8.45 am.
BREAKFAST CLUB
Breakfast Club is available from 8 am each morning. This can be booked through the School Gateway App and should be booked by 2 pm on the previous day.
AFTERSCHOOL CLUB
We have an afterschool facility that is available to book up until 6 pm daily. We provide two timeslots to choose from:
2.30 pm - 3 pm Complimentary half hour session
3 pm - 6 pm Sleepy Hollow Afterschool
The complimentary session should be booked through the School Gateway App. Afterschool can be booked and paid for through the Sleepy Hollow App.
PASTORAL CARE
All members of staff are dedicated to support your child throughout their school experience. However, some staff have a very special part to play through the Pastoral Care Team.
The Pastoral Care of your child is at the heart of everything at Methody Prep. We believe that for a child to be successful in and out of the classroom, they need to feel happy and secure in their environment.
Methody Prep operates an ‘open door’ policy with parents. We value your knowledge, experience and views and seek to establish a partnership with you in making appropriate provisions for all pupils.
Pastoral Care Team
On occasions, you may have a serious pastoral concern because of family or personal difficulties affecting your child. You should contact a member of the Pastoral Care team for the appropriate Key Stage as outlined below. Urgent or highly sensitive issues should be brought to the attention of the Head of Prep, Designated Teacher for Child Protection or the Deputy Designated Teacher for Child Protection.
Head of Prep, Designated Teacher for Child Protection
Deputy Designated Teacher for Child Protection
Head of Pastoral Care Foundation Stage/ Key Stage 1
Head of Pastoral Care Key Stage 2
Mrs J McConville
Mrs D Allen
Mrs A Shanks
Mr G Dando
WHO TO CONTACT
If you have concerns about your child, contact their Class Teacher in the first instance. Your concerns will then be raised with the appropriate member of staff as per below:
HEAD OF FOUNDATION STAGE/ KEY STAGE 1 (CURRICULUM AND PASTORAL CARE)
PRINCIPAL HEAD OF KEY STAGE 2 (CURRICULUM AND PASTORAL CARE)
HEAD OF PREP
IF YOU HAVE A SERIOUS PASTORAL CONCERN BECAUSE OF FAMILY OR PERSONAL DIFFICULTIES AFFECTING YOUR CHILD PLEASE CONTACT THE HEAD OF PREP OR DEPUTY DESIGNATED TEACHER
BECAUSE WE CARE
Further support for you and your child includes:
LEARNING SUPPORT
We have a designated Learning Support Co-ordinator to support you and your child. Please contact Mrs Allen should you have any concerns that you would like to discuss.
SAFEGUARDING
We follow government advice regarding our safeguarding procedures. Our Designated Governor for Child Protection is Mr Lowry, our Designated Teacher for Child Protection is Mrs McConville and our Deputy Designated Teacher for Child Protection is Mrs Allen.
SAFER SCHOOLS NI APP
Methody Prep is registered with Safer Schools NI; a partnership formed between the Department of Education and INEQE Safeguarding Group to help keep our pupils safe online. This partnership provides the whole school community with digital safeguarding education and an extensive training toolkit. It has been designed by safeguarding professionals to help make school communities safer online. The Safer Schools NI App helps to educate, empower and protect our entire school community.
TOOLED UP EDUCATION
As a member of our school community, you will gain exclusive access to a digital platform called ‘Tooled Up Education’. This gives you privileged access to a digital library, packed full of evidence-based tips, activities, educational webinars and enlightening podcasts, on all matters relating to mental health, aspiration, learning, digital life and family life.
INDIVIDUALLY, WE ARE ONE DROP. TOGETHER WE ARE AN OCEAN.
GOOD TO KNOW
THE SCHOOL DAY
Breakfast Club 8.00 - 8.30 Registration Period 8.30 - 8.45 Prep 1 - Prep 3 8.45 – 14.30 Prep 4 - Prep 7
– 13.00
Complimentary Afterschool Session 14.30 – 15.00
Sleepy Hollow Afterschool 15.00– 18.00
All pupils should arrive to school at 8.30 am.
Prep 1 pupils will be collected from the gate at the infant playground. All other pupils should enter through the middle doors (at side entrance) and make their own way to their classroom.
Registration takes place between 8.30 am and 8.45 am.
Prep 1 - Prep 3 pupils should be collected at 2.30 pm, if not attending afterschool or any clubs. Prep 1 pupils should be collected at the gate at the infant playground. Prep 2 pupils should be collected from the side entrance. Prep 3 pupils will exit through the main entrance and should be collected at the bottom of the accessibility ramp. Prep 3 pupils should be collected at 3 pm from January 2027.
Prep 4 - Prep 7 pupils should be collected at 3 pm, if not attending afterschool or any clubs. Prep 4, 5 & 7 pupils should be collected
from the side entrance. Prep 6 pupils will exit through the main entrance and should be collected at the bottom of the accessibility ramp.
WRAPAROUND CARE
We offer Breakfast Club from 8 am - 8.30 am and Sleepy Hollow Group run our Afterschool Club from 3 pm - 6 pm.
For parents with children that finish at 2.30 pm and 3 pm, we offer a complimentary half hour session.
Breakfast Club can be booked through the School Gateway App at a cost of £4 per day.
Sleepy Hollow Afterschool must be booked through the Sleepy Hollow App, details will be sent to parents. This will cost £20 per day (£13.60 with NICSSS/ £3 Universal Credit Support).
LUNCH ARRANGEMENTS
The lunchtime is as follows: 12 - 1 pm (Monday - Friday)
Pupils can take lunch in the College Canteen or eat their packed lunch in the areas allocated. The main canteen area serves a 2-course hot meal at a rate of £3.10 per day. Lunch can be booked through the School Gateway App and must be booked by 8.30 am.
Methody Prep is a Sesame and Nut Aware school and therefore we ask that you do not put any products containing SESAME or NUTS into packed lunches.
We encourage positive attitudes towards healthy eating and encourage a balanced and healthy packed lunch to be provided; treats should be reserved for Friday.
There is a Friday tuck shop that runs for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 on alternative weeks. You will be informed of dates by the class teacher.
DRINKS
Pupils are encouraged to drink water throughout the day and water facilities are provided in school. Flavoured water is permitted. Energy drinks are not allowed.
SCHOOL WEBSITE
Methody.org/prep
Please check the school website for information relating to the school.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Stay in touch with all school news and follow our social media channels: Facebook @methodyprep Instagram @methodyprep
Please email marketing@methody.org if you would like to celebrate your child’s achievements outside of school and have them featured on our social channels. Please include a few details along with a clear, high-quality photograph.
PREP MATTERS
Prep Matters is a newsletter that is sent every week to inform you of upcoming events and important information.
SCHOOL GATEWAY APP
Methody Prep uses the School Gateway App for most payments. Following receipt of your pupil information sheet further details will follow via email to allow you to access this App.
REMEMBER TO DOWNLOAD THE GATEWAY APP
ATTENDANCE MATTERS
PUNCTUALITY
Lessons start at 8.45 am. The school has an extensive curriculum and teachers begin working with their classes very promptly so even a few minutes late can be disruptive for latecomers, their classmates and the teacher.
ABSENCE DUE TO ILLNESS OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES
In cases of illness causing absence, please notify the school by telephone 028 9020 5217 or email prep@methody.org, or by message via the School Gateway App. Please contact the school as soon as possible. Extra work will be set for a sick child, if requested.
CLASS ABSENCE
All requests for permission to be excused from classes should be made in writing at least 3 days in advance and such requests should be kept to a minimum. Parents/ Guardians must email the school to explain any absence for any reason.
PLANNED ABSENCE
Clear advance notice is given by the school of all holidays. Parents should not arrange family holidays during school terms unless exceptional circumstances have arisen. Written requests for leave of absence outside these dates must be made in advance to the Head of Prep. No work will be set by class teachers when a family holiday is taken in term time.
SICKNESS
In line with PHA guidelines, if a child has a vomiting or diarrhoea bug, please be advised to keep them off school for 48 hours after the last episode of sickness.
REMEMBER TO DOWNLOAD THE GATEWAY APP
MISS SCHOOL, MISS OUT.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR CONTACT
DETAILS
It is essential that the school is notified immediately of any changes of address, permanent or temporary, of pupils. It is also very important that current telephone numbers, including business ones, are known by the school.
We also use the School Gateway App to send text and email information to parents. It is therefore vital that we hold up to date mobile phone and email addresses for this communication to be effective. The School Gateway App will also be used as the method for paying for most prep activities including trips, afterschool, breakfast club and school meals.
PARENT/STAFF CONSULTATIONS
Parent/staff consultations will take place twice a year in October and February. Dates will be confirmed with parents/ guardians closer to the time.
Prep 7 Transfer interviews will take place in the week following the publication of the SEAG results.
Parents/Guardians are able to speak to teachers at any time throughout the year. Please contact the class teacher via email or through the School Office to arrange this.
REPORTS
An annual progress report is sent home once a year in June.
PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION PTA
The PTA has raised an immense amount of money over the years to provide valuable extra equipment and life changing opportunities to benefit current and future generations of pupils. It is hoped that all parents/guardians will support this valued organisation enabling it to grow throughout 2026/27. Details of meetings are sent regularly to all parents/guardians.
GAMES AND PE
Physical Education is included in the school timetable from Prep 1. Games are introduced from Prep 4 onwards and pupils are transported to and from Pirrie Park by private bus. If pupils are not participating in Games, PE or swimming, at any time, a note of explanation from parents/guardians is necessary.
Children will be reminded at the beginning of term about any equipment required for games and gym. It is important that they bring shin guards and a mouthguard when requested. If they don’t they may not be able to take part.
SWIMMING
Prep 3 – 7 have swimming lessons weekly throughout the year on site.
MUSIC TUITION
In addition to the normal music curriculum, private tuition is available for other instruments. Interested parents should contact the Music Teacher as soon as possible after the beginning of term. Individual music tuition usually commences in Prep 4. Please note the following important information regarding pupils attending tuition in school:
• Children must complete, at home, any classwork missed during their music lesson.
• Children must remember their own lesson times.
VALUABLES
Pupils should not bring large amounts of money, electronic devices, expensive jewellery or other valuables to school. Children should not bring toys from home.
IF EVERYONE IS MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER, THEN SUCCESS TAKES CARE OF ITSELF.
MOBILE TELEPHONES
Pupils should not bring mobile phones to school. The school introduced a mobile phone policy which is part of our Safeguarding Policies booklet sent home to parents/guardians each year. Key points are as follows:
• Pupils are not to bring mobile phones to school unless a parent/guardian feels that it is absolutely necessary.
• If necessary Prep 7 pupils may bring a mobile phone to school. This is considered to be a privilege for Prep 7 pupils and therefore this can be removed.
• A form, available from the School Office, needs to be filled in by the parent stating the reason why their child needs to bring a mobile phone to school.
• The Head of Prep grants permission for a mobile phone to be brought into school.
• Under special circumstances, permission may be given for a younger pupil to bring a mobile phone to school.
• All such authorised phones must be switched off and be given to the class teacher at 8.45 am each day and the phone will be returned to the child at 3 pm.
Full details regarding phones are available in our Mobile Phone Policy.
USE OF COMPUTERS
We strongly advise parents/guardians to restrict access to sites such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Fortnite and other gaming sites to weekends (if at all) and it is recommended for one-hour maximum per night. Please be aware of age restrictions to sites with most social media sites being 13+. Please ensure you monitor your child’s access to the internet and ensure you are vigilant to cyberbullying.
Methody Prep supports the work of REIM Training Solutions and other providers, who have led internet safety seminars for both children and parents/guardians (the latter sponsored by the PTA).
PHOTOGRAPHS
From time to time photographs will be taken of pupils taking part in various activities. These may be used by the PTA, for the school website and social media, the school display boards or in the press. Pupils will be identified by their first name only, not their full name. If you have any objection, please state this on the Photograph Consent Form which you will receive at the beginning of term.
TRAFFIC WITHIN THE SCHOOL GROUNDS
Please keep speed to 5 mph on the school grounds. Parking for drop off and pick up for Prep parents/guardians is allocated in the following areas:
• Spaces outside McArthur Hall to the right of the roundabout.
• In the quad - please note cars must be vacated by 9 am and by 3 pm for senior school pupils.
•
ACCESS TO SCHOOL DURING THE DAY
For pupil safeguarding, pedestrian and access gates on the Lisburn Road and Sports Hall, on College Gardens will close daily at 9 am and re-open at 2.20 pm. Access to Methody Prep between these times will be through the main school gates on Malone Road.
DO ALL THE GOOD YOU CAN, BY ALL THE MEANS YOU CAN, IN ALL THE WAYS YOU CAN, IN ALL THE PLACES YOU CAN, AT ALL THE TIMES YOU CAN, TO ALL THE PEOPLE YOU CAN, AS LONG AS EVER YOU CAN.
JOHN WESLEY’S CHALLENGE
HOUSE SYSTEM
HOUSE SYSTEM
The House System promotes collegiality, competition, leadership and most of all fun!
The Houses are as follows:
DOWNEY HOUSE
FULLERTON HOUSE
The House identities are all taken from the Methodist College Belfast Crest. Each house logo contains the Maltese Cross within because even though the pupils compete for their house, they are all Collegians.
Pupils have been allocated one of the six houses. If you are new to the school and have an historical link to a particular House or House colour and you would like this to be continued, please let the School Office know. Please note we cannot accept requests for houses unless there is a genuine family connection. All information about the Houses can be found on our website.
All pupils will be provided with a House lapel badge that they should wear on their blazer.
WORK HARD, HAVE FUN, MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
WEARING THE CREST WITH PRIDE
At Methody Prep, we wear our uniform with pride. All pupils are expected to align with this and take pride in their uniform and follow our Uniform Policy.
UNIFORM STOCKISTS:
Warnocks, 791-792 Lisburn Road and/or through other stockists.
Skirts, trousers, shirts/blouses, summer dress and socks may be purchased through other stockists. PE Kit can be purchased through the school website and/or through other stockists.
PRE-LOVED UNIFORM
Stocks of pre-loved uniforms are available through our PTA who regularly hold pre-loved uniform sales.
UNIFORM GUIDANCE
• All items of uniform should be labelled with the pupil’s name.
• Any garments worn below shirts should be plain, light coloured and not visible.
• A Methodist College outer jacket may be purchased from Warnocks or a plain navy/black jacket may be worn. Please note this jacket does not replace the school blazer and must be worn over it.
• Hair should be neat and tidy and natural in colour.
• Hairstyles should be moderate in style and appropriate for school. The following are not permitted:
◊ Shaved patterns, lines, skin fades or designs in the hair or eyebrows.
◊ Extreme contrasts in length (e.g. very short shaved sides with significantly longer top).
• Hair must be cut to a minimum of a number 2 clipper grade.
• Long hair should be tied back. Ribbons/bands etc. should be navy/ black/white.
• Jewellery is restricted to a watch (no smart watches) and 1 pair of stud earrings.
THE UNIFORM
NAVY BLAZER with embroidered logo.
GREY, TRADITIONAL SCHOOL TROUSERS/ SHORTS
Trousers or shorts can be worn from Prep 1 - 7. Trousers should be worn with plain black or dark grey socks (no white or trainer socks). Shorts must be worn with Methody Prep socks and worn pulled up to the knee.
PLAIN
BLACK SCHOOL SHOES should be worn. Gym shoes for Prep 1 - 2 are required for PE. Prep 3 - 7 should wear trainers for PE. Prep 4 - 7 should wear trainers for Games.
SCHOOL JUMPER
A Methody regulation navy or grey v-neck jumper is optional.
WHITE BUTTON NECK SHIRT/ BLOUSE
must be tucked in at all times. White revere collar summer blouse (optional) can be worn from after Easter through to the October half-term.
SCHOOL TIE
Tie must be worn up to the top button (fastened) and tied correctly. Prep 1 - 2 are permitted to wear elasticated ties.
NAVY PLEATED SKIRT/PINAFORE
Pleated skirt or pinafore can be worn from Prep 1 - 7. Should be worn with black tights or white knee socks. Blue gingham, cotton, button front summer dress (optional) can be worn from after Easter through to the October half-term.
PE AND GAMES UNIFORM
PE and Games uniform should be purchased from the online School Shop (methody.org/shop), with the exception of those unbranded items marked with an * below. Please note Prep 1 and Prep 2 pupils do not require PE kit.
BOYS’ PE COMPULSORY ITEMS (FROM P3)
• Methody rugby top or navy PE T-shirt or plain navy unbranded T-shirt*.
• Methody navy shorts or plain navy unbranded shorts*.
• Hooped navy/white socks Prep 4 - 7 and/or white ankle socks*.
• Non-marking training shoes*.
• Rugby/football boots are required if playing rugby - Prep 6 - 7 only*.
GIRLS’ PE COMPULSORY ITEMS (FROM P3)
• Methody navy PE T-shirt or plain navy unbranded T-shirt*.
• Methody navy skort or plain navy unbranded skort*.
• Hooped navy/white socks Prep 4 - 7 and/or white ankle socks*.
• Non-marking training shoes*.
PE OPTIONAL ITEMS (FROM P3)
• Methody navy quarter zip top.
• Methody tracksuit bottoms.
• Methody rain jacket.
• Methody girls’ leggings.
• Methody beanie/bobble hat.
It is strongly recommended that:
• in contact sports mouthguards and shin guards are worn.
• in sunny weather sun cream should be applied.
SCHOOL BAGS
• Prep 1 - 3 use a branded Methody Prep book bag which is available to purchase from Warnocks. All new Prep 1 pupils will receive a complimentary book bag at their induction which they can use throughout the Key Stage.
• Prep 4 - 7 use branded Methodist College school bags which are available to purchase from the online school shop or a plain navy school bag, unbranded with no logos which can be sourced from any stockists.
FOOTWEAR REGULATIONS
Please note that the following do not conform to the Methody Prep regulations and must not be worn with uniform:
• Shoes with white or coloured soles/rim/ logos/trainers or trainer type shoes such as Nike Airforce 1s, Replay footwear, black Vans.
• Shoes with suede, nubuck or canvas finish;
• Ballet pumps;
• Boots/fashion footwear above the ankle.
BELOW ARE EXAMPLES OF UNACCEPTABLE FOOTWEAR
EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES FOR UNIFORM
If for any religious, SEN and/or any other unavoidable reason a temporary deviation from the Uniform Regulations is required, a written request should be made to the Head of Prep.
WE WEAR OUR METHODY CREST WITH PRIDE.
AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING THERE IS A LITTLE ACORN THAT GROWS WITHIN SAFE IN OUR SURROUNDINGS WITHIN MCB... THE LITTLE COLLEGIAN WITHIN