Dear families
Welcome to our school.
Our Lady of the Assumption School transferred to academy status on 1st June 2024. This means we are now formally a part of the Blessed Edward Bamber Catholic Multi AcademyTrust ( BEBCMAT).
We are very proud to combine both the long traditions of success of Our Lady of the Assumption with BEBCMAT to further strengthen our journey forward.
Our Lady’s aim to provide happy, secure and exciting learning opportunities and I hope that we can work together to achieve the best for your child, and look forward to working in partnership with you. Parents are a child’s first and enduring teachers, and will always have so much knowledge about your child. We will always seek to work closely in partnership with each of our families.
Our Lady’s has a 70 year tradition of being a strong community working to grow children’s talents and gifts, encouraging them to achieve the very best for themselves and for each other.
We have a skilled and dedicated staff team who work to create a strong foundation of learning.
Our school places Christ at the centre of all that we do and we hope that, with your help and support, we can encourage and inspire all of our children to grow in the image of Christ using His example as our model. We hope to work together as a community of faith in achieving this.
You are most welcome to call in to school with any queries you might have, either to see myself or Gary Smith our Chair of Governors. If you need to speak to one of the teachers, the end of the day is usually more convenient than first thing in the morning, when children need help to get themselves organised, but if you have an urgent query, Mrs Duffill or Mrs Loynd our school administrators will be pleased to try to help.
Yours
sincerely
Dr Dr Elaine Allen Headteacher
Our Lady’s aim to provide happy, secure and exciting learning opportunities and I hope that we can work together to achieve the best for your child, and look forward to working in partnership with you.
Dear Parent
On behalf of the Governors of Our Lady’s I would like to say something about our role in the School.
We are here to work with the Head and teachers in ensuring that your child receives the best possible education.
As a team we are very committed to Our Lady’s and to making it the best for you and your child.
I am sure that your child will find Our Lady’s a happy school, and will enjoy his or her time here.
Yours truly,
Mr Gary Smith Chair of Governors
...ensuring that your child receives the best possible education.
Mission Statement
We seek to grow as a caring Catholic community : with the Gospel Values of faith, care and love as our foundation to build resilience and ambition; Knowledge, skills and understanding; In order to recognise and build our individual talents to achieve the best we can for ourselves, each other and the wider world.
Our Values
All of our work is underpinned by British Values and Gospel Values. On a daily basis we refer to our school values which were created with our children.
British Values
• Democracy.
• The rule of law.
• Individual liberty.
• Mutual respect
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
Our work is underpinned by the following Gospel values :
• Humility, seeing life as a gift
• Forgiveness, reconciliatio n
• Integrity, do what you say
• Peace , committed to peace, nonviolence
• Courage, standing up for truth
• Compassion, empathy
• Kindness, gentleness
• Justice, working for a fairer world
OUR SCHOOL VALUES Care Learn Respect
Kindness Have a go Listening Friendship Aim high Understanding
Manners
The School and its Organisation
Our Lady of the Assumption School was built in 1953 to serve the parishes of Our Lady of the Assumption, St Cuthbert and St Monica. Most of our pupils today are drawn from the immediate area, and the parish of Our Lady of the Assumption.
The school is housed in a two storey building, with infant classrooms, a library and ad d i t i o nal st udy and wo r k r o o m s on the ground floor and junior classrooms upstairs.
There is a large main hall which is used for assemblies, P.E., dance, music and school productions. There is a separate dining room, with food cooked daily on site.
The school is a one form entry school, which means that there is one class for each age group. We are fortunate to have an extensive outside area which includes separate KS1 and KS2 playgrounds as well as a large field. We also have a kitchen garden area and polytunnel as well as a newly developed forest school and woodland area to support opportunities for outside learning.
... an extensive outside area separate playgrounds as well as a large field. We also have a kitchen garden and polytunnel and are currently developing a woodland area to support opportunities for outside learning.
Who is responsible for the School?
The Governors of the School are a group of people who, along with the central trust and the Diocese of Lancaster and the school staff , share responsibility for the running of the school.
The Governors meet regularly as a local body to review various aspects of the management of the school. They bring a commitment to support and challenge best practice. All governors have a desire to support the school success; some are parents, others are parishioners and school staff.
If you are interested in becoming a governor in the future, please contact the Headteacher.
Governors of Our Lady’s School
Gary Smith Chair of Governors Michelle Lonican Co-Vice Chair of Governors Father Chris Loughran Foundation Governor Dave Flanagan Foundation Governor Mark Isaacs Co-opted Governor Candice Heim-Sarac Teacher Governor Anthea Clough Foundation Governor
Headteacher – Dr Elaine Allen Elected Governor
The Governors of the School are a group of interested parents, staff and parishioners, keen to support the school success.
The People Who Work at Our Lady of the Assumption School
The school is a thriving partnership of people who are committed to continuing the development of the school.
Headteacher Dr E Allen
Senior Leadership
DHT & SENCO
Teachers
Reception
Year One
Year Two
Year Three
Year Four
Year Five
Year Six
Mrs F Ormerod
Miss C Heim-Sarac
Mrs E Hollinghurst
Mr L Whetnall
Mrs L Holden/Mrs J Parker
Mrs F Ormerod
Mrs K McVey
Mrs C Murphy
Teaching Support Staff
Miss K Evans
Miss E Simons
Miss A Bowdell
Mrs C Hodgkiss
Miss V Andrew
Mrs G Owen
Mrs R Dunford
Mrs S Connolly
Miss A Murray
Senior Administrator Administrator
Mrs C Duffill Mrs M Loynd
Music ( Blackpool Music Service )
Miss Hope
Extended School Staff
Mrs R Dunford
Mrs S Connelly
Miss V Andrew Miss A Murray
Mrs G Owen
Mrs C Duffill
Kitchen
Mrs M Quinn Miss V Hallett
Welfare
Miss Sanderson Mrs T Howard
Mrs V Andrew
School Caretaker
Mr R Arthur
School Cleaners
Mrs T Howard Mr Arthur
Aims of the School
At Our Lady’s School we work to provide the highest standard of Catholic primary education in our growth and commitment to the love and the service of Christ by:
Living our mission statement:
• Developing the whole child mentally, physically, emotionally, socially, morally and spiritually.
• Providing and delivering a broad and balanced curriculum which has Christ at it’s centre, challenging each person to achieve their true potential.
• Encouraging the children to co-operate with each other by working in groups, individually and as a whole school community.
• Empathising with the problems of minority groups in society and with other religions and their cultural values and traditions.
• Providing many and varied experiences and encouraging the children to develop their leadership skills, their curiosity their kindness, and their desire to be the best that they can be.
We are fortunate to have a highly committed and hardworking staff and together we continuously strive to build positive working relationships with all parts of our community.
We realise that working in partnership is essential if everyone is to grow and develop their own unique gifts and we hope this is characterised in our welcoming and friendly atmosphere.
We aim to grow children who can and want to make a difference. Who have the skills to flourish now and in the future.
Pupils aspire to the many leadership roles available to them, which include librarians, playground activity leaders and buddies to children in the Reception class. They value the opportunities that they have to celebrate their achievements, such as gaining recognition when they exhibit the school’s values of care, learn and respect. Ofsted 2023
Providing many and varied experiences and encouraging the children to develop their leadership skills, their kindness, their curiosity and their desire to be the best that they can be.
Everyone a Leader and Learner
Our Lady’s is a listening school where everyone is seen as a leader. Our relational approach work has developed a culture where everyone is valued. Calm, thoughtful dialogue is promoted to resolve problems. Our children learn to accept each other and to know how to gain the best from each other. This is a fundamental part of giving the our young people the skills they need to navigate every day issues as well as preparing them for the future. Children who have the skills to make a difference and have the skills to make that happen.
The School Curriculum –
Curriculum
Approach
The National Curriculum is taught in seven classes. It is delivered in each year group by following the National Curriculum Programmes of Study and the relevant attainment targets for the pupils’ age and ability levels
Subject specific teaching through planned progressions works to develop skills and knowledge through a mastery approach. The majority of teaching is whole class based with Rosenshine Principles used across the school to ensure that learning is well paced and all pupils have opportunity to succeed.
Where necessary personalised timetables and specific targeting is in place to meet the needs of all pupils.
Leaders have designed an ambitious suite of subject curriculums. They have thought deeply about how the key themes of the curriculum are taught through the broad range of subjects that pupils study.
Ofsted 2023
The curriculum aims to meet the varied needs and interests of pupils. It has Christ at its heart and challenges all to develop strengths and achieve what they are truly capable of.
Data Headlines 2025
Below is the headline data for national tests based on summer term assessments. These are one indicator of the quality of the systems and processes for teaching and learning across our school. We have many children who achieve well against national standards and we continually strive to make further progress.
It is also important to stress that we work to give opportunities to be well rounded, confident and happy children. It is important to stress that each of our children is an individual with strengths across all areas of learning. Our role is to ensure that each child feels valued and loved for who they are.
Reception Class Data
Percentage of children achieving the expected standard = 82%
Year 1
Percentage of children passing the Phonics Screening Check = 76%
Year 2
Percentage of children achieving expected standard in reading = 82%
Percentage of children achieving the expected standard in writing = 68%
Percentage of children achieving the expected standard in maths = 76%
Year 6
Percentage of children achieving expected standard in reading = 75%
Percentage of children achieving the higher standard in reading = 36%
Percentage of children achieving the expected standard in writing = 72%
Percentage of children achieving the higher standard in writing = 14%
Percentage of children achieving the expected standard in maths = 71%
Percentage of children achieving the higher standard in maths = 25%
Percentage of children achieving RWM = 64%
The structure of the school day:
KEY STAGE 1
Registration 8.45 – 8.55
1st Session 8.55 – 10.15 Break 10.15 – 10.30
2nd Session 10.30 – 12.00
Lunch 12.00 – 1.00
3rd Session 1.00 – 2.30
Break 2.30 – 2.45
4th Session 2.45 – 3.15
KEY STAGE 2
Registration 8.45 – 8.55
1st Session 8.55 – 10.30 Break 10.30 – 10.50
2nd Session 10.50 – 12.30 Lunch 12.30 – 1.30
3rd Session 1. 30 – 3.15
In KS2 we do not have a daily afternoon break but teachers can use their discretion to build in a brain break to support quality teaching and learning.
Regular and punctual attendance at school is vital if children are to learn well...
The day begins at 8.45am when the children begin arriving into school. The doors (at the far end of school) are opened slightly earlier at 8.40am to help our older children get into school for 8.45am prompt. The entrance remains supervised until the gates are locked at 8.55am. Registration closes at 9.00am
Anyone arriving on or after this must then come in through the main entrance. We hope you will support us by ensuring that your child arrives at school on time.
At lunchtime the children are supervised safely by our welfare team and as a healthy school we encourage all children to eat, drink and think healthily and therefore are not allowed to bring in sweets or crisps or any kind of fizzy drink. Our KS1 children are given fresh fruit or vegetables as a snack each day and all children are allowed to bring a bottle of still water into class to drink during the day as they require it. All children can access milk in the school day.
At the end of the day we ask you to help us ensure the safety of your child by collecting them promptly (Just before 3.15pm, Key Stage One and 3.15pm Key Stage Two). It is vital that we know all children have been collected safely so please let us know if you have arranged for someone else to pick up your child.
The School Curriculum –
Charging Policy:
There is no charge for admission to the school, nor for the provision of education. The school will provide all necessary equipment for courses in the normal curriculum.
When an activity is provided, in or out of the school day, which is not part of the normal curriculum, we may invite parents to make a voluntary contribution to cover part or all of the cost of the activity. During the school day, where an activity for which voluntary contributions have been called for still takes place, all pupils will be treated in the same manner whether or not their parents have made contributions. However, if enough parents do not contribute then the visit or activity may not take place.
There is no charge for admission to the school, nor for the provision of education.
The School Curriculum –Societies and Activities:
Our Lady’s is a Lead Associate School with the Royal Shakespeare Company and because of this has access to many training opportunities for the children. We have a Shakespeare Club and Shakespeare Ambassadors in school.
There are opportunities for children to learn many instruments and to join the school’s musical activities. There are a variety of sporting activities arranged for both boys and girls and the school teams are selected on merit from interested children who wish to represent the school at football, netball, athletics, rounders and swimming. We have varied sporting activity clubs for both KS1 and KS2 pupils each week.
Choir meets each week. Year 4 all take part in ‘Wider Opportunities’ scheme where every child has free access to tuition to learn an instrument throughout that year. Once children have had this experience they can go on to have small group or one to one lessons in drumming and brass tuition.
Children love to celebrate their talents and have opportunities to contribute to performance in and out of school.
There is an active Parents, Teachers and Friends Association (PTFA) whose aims are social, educational and fund-raising. All parents are automatically members of the PTFA, and you are welcome to join any of the meetings.
Each class has the opportunity of visiting places of interest via educational visits linked to their learning.
There is a popular After School Club which runs Mon – Fri, 3.30 – 5.30 and a Breakfast Club which runs from 7.30
– 8.45. The cost is £5.00 per sessions for each child of a morning and £6.50 per session for each child after school. Places fill up very quickly on some nights – do book early if you need a place.
Regular and punctual attendance at school is vital if children are to learn well – we can’t teach children who aren’t in the classrooms! In the last three years our attendance rate has shown steady improvement, thanks to the continued efforts of parents and pupils.
If your child is ill, we ask you to ring and let us know on the first day of their absence. Early notification is appreciated – we operate a system whereby we follow up on absences which have not been notified. If there is a pattern of poor attendance, lateness or unexplained absence, the Educational Social Worker attached to school may become involved. We reward good attendance in a variety of ways –
• Announcing class attendance each week. The winning class with the highest recorded attendance for that week earn an extra playtime. Individual winner is drawn from all children who have achieved 100% attendance that week. Winner chooses a book/prize in assembly.
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The School Curriculum –School Uniform:
We believe that our school uniform helps the children to feel part of the school family, and we encourage our pupils to wear their uniform with pride.
Parents and staff are expected to ensure our uniform code is adhered to. Our school monitors the quality of students’ uniform continuously. In this way we aim to help our young people develop a sense of pride in themselves and a growing self-worth. We all know that first impressions count – by maintaining high standards of uniform we hope to help prepare our children for the high standards at High School and then hopefully, for the world of work and the expectations of future employers.
We are conscious of the financial pressures on families and keep our uniform requirements as practical as possible. If in doubt about our uniform standards please contact your child’s class teacher, or the headteacher prior to purchasing any items.
We do have pre loved high quality uniform available in school. We ask for a voluntary contribution to Cafod.
SHIRTS
Red or white polo shirts (girls and boys) with school badge.
SKIRT
Grey only, reasonable length eg: no shorter than 6 cm above the knee or grey pinafore dress.
TROUSERS
Tailored mid-dark grey or tailored black trousers. Not jeans, not chinos, not cords.
SHOES
Sensible black shoes. Boots not permitted. Heels must not be high (less than 2.5 cm) on safety grounds. No trainers in class/school (except for PE) Canvas pumps are not acceptable or any shoe that resembles a black trainer.
SOCKS
Plain grey or black socks only. An alternative includes plain red/grey tights in winter or plain white or red knee length or ankle socks. No over-the-knee socks.
MAKE-UP
No make-up, no fake tan, no false nails, no nail varnish, no tattoos.
HAIR
Students may only have one natural hair colour. No excessive styles, shaved heads (as a general guide a “Number 3” is the shortest permissible cut), shave lines, steps, mohicans etc. No coloured hair braids/hair jewellery/ hair extensions. For hygiene and/or safety reasons long hair must be tied back with plain bobbles/ headband.
Headbands should be simple and not large or decorative. No other hair accessories may be worn.
NB: If children attend school with any of hairstyles above, parents will be contacted and politely asked to change style in accordance with school policy, in order to attend the following day.
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our school uniform helps the children to feel part of the school family, and we encourage our pupils to wear their uniform with pride.
The School Curriculum –School Uniform:
Your co-operation in ensuring that children are dressed properly in their uniform is greatly appreciated and we hope you would assist us in checking that your child has the correct clothing or kit available to them. We never want a child to feel embarrassed or upset due to them having something essential missing. All garments should be clearly labelled with your child’s name.
JEWELLERY
One pair of plain ear studs (one in each ear lobe). No other items of jewellery or piercings may be worn to school. Our Lady’s reserves the right to confiscate items that do not conform to its Uniform Code (eg: jewellery, caps). These will be stored safely and will be returned to children/ parents at the end of the school day.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION (P.E.) UNIFORM
A label with the pupil’s name must be attached clearly to each item. Children will be able to come to school in full outdoor PE kit on their designated PE days and wear these all day in school.
Inside Kit
White t-shirt with school badge
Black PE shorts or black cycling shorts
– no skorts for gymnastics
Children are barefoot in hall Trainers needed for outdoor PE
Outside Kit
White t-shirt with school badge
Black Tracksuit bottoms
Red hooded sweatshirt with school badge (No Slogans) Trainers
Children must have earrings removed on PE/Sport Days –or be able to remove earrings by themselves if worn. Tape cannot be placed over earrings. Child would be unable to take part if unable to be removed.
our school uniform helps the children to feel part of the school family, and we encourage our pupils to wear their uniform with pride.
The School Curriculum –Educational Needs:
Sex and Relationships Education
At Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Primary School our school policy is to teach Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) in the curriculum in such a way as to meet the particular needs of children as they grow and develop. We are inspired by Jesus to be the very best we can be. We look after one another and show respect and love through our relationships with one another. Jesus is invited into our hearts. In the Beatitudes, Jesus invites us to lead a full life with him by explaining what makes people blessed or happy. This is about understanding how loving our neighbour enables us to be happy too. Therefore, having a good relationship with ourselves and the other people in our lives makes us grow and flourish and we respect that everyone is a unique and beautiful part of God’s creation. We are all children of God, called to grow in love for him through the person of Jesus Christ and to spread the Good News through the action of the Holy Spirit.
At Our Lady’s we know that effective RSE (Relationships and sex education) will only happen when a Catholic vision is lived out in the ethos of the school, where Christian virtues underpin the whole of school life. RSE in the school will be set against the backdrop of the Church’s teaching and sited within that of their spiritual growth. Curriculum Links will be within the general framework of R.E., science, and Personal, Social, and Health education in accordance with the moral dogmatic teaching of the Catholic Church.
Special Educational Needs
The Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) is Mrs F Ormerod: she is responsible for monitoring the school’s Special Educational Needs policy and to assist the teachers in its day to day operation.
The school follows the guidelines of the Code of Practice for Special Educational Needs. The progress of all pupils is regularly assessed and work is given to match the pupil’s specific needs. Should any issues be ongoing, the SENCO will become involved and an Individual Education Plan (IEP) will be produced for the child. Where a child’s needs cannot be met entirely within the school, outside agencies [e.g. educational support staff, physiotherapists, etc.] may be called in to provide specialist help and advice.
Providing and delivering a broad and balanced curriculum which has Christ at its centre, challenging each person to achieve their true potential.
Admission Arrangements:
As stated in the Letter of Welcome, prospective parents are welcome to visit the School at any time by prior arrangement. However, there is a specific afternoon set aside in the Summer Term for an Induction Programme for parents of the new intake of pupils to reception. During this visit and talk, parents receive information on the various aspects of school life.
The Reception Class Teacher and the Nursery Nurse have produced illustrative booklet titled Welcome to Our Lady of the Assumption School.
New intake pupils are invited into school for several afternoon sessions in the summer term. In September the children will attend on a part-time basis for the first two weeks, gradually building up to full time attendance by the end of the first fortnight.
Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Primary School Admissions Policy and arrangements for admission for September 2026
1. Our Lady of the Assumption is a Catholic primary school situated in the Diocese of Lancaster.
2. The Governing Body is responsible for admissions within the requirements of the law. In doing so, the Governing Body has a regard for:
a) the advice of the Diocesan Trustees on the nature and purpose of Catholic schools;
b) the Governing Body’s responsibility towards the school and the Catholic community it serves;
c) the Catholic character of the school and its Mission Statement.
3. The Governing Body has set the planned admissions number for 2026 at 30. The Local Education Authority and other parties required by law have been consulted on this.
4. No more than 30 children will be admitted to any one reception or infant class.
5. Applications should be completed online. Blackpool residents should apply on-line at www.blackpool.gov.uk/ schooladmissions Note: All applications for a faith school will also be required to complete a supplementary form (these should also be available on admissions website and also from school) Closing date for all applications is 15th January 2026.
6. Parents or guardians will be informed of the outcome of their application in writing by the Local Authority on 16th April 2026.
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Admission Arrangements:
7. For unsuccessful applications the letter will give the reason for the decision and will tell parents of their right to appeal. Guidance on how to appeal will also be included.
8. Children who are admitted will enter the school at the start of the Autumn term.
9. A waiting list for children who have not been offered a place will be kept and will be ranked according to the Admissions Criteria. Letters advising of an unsuccessful application will also inform parents of their child’s position on the waiting list and of the date when the waiting list will cease to operate.
Admissions (over-subscription) criteria
The Governors will admit up to 30 children in September 2025. If the number of applications for admission exceeds the places available, children will be admitted subject to the following criteria which will be used to form a priority order.
A. Baptised Catholic children in public care (Looked After Children), and Baptised Catholic children who have formerly been in public care. This criterion will also apply to Baptised Catholic children who were previously in state care outside of England and have ceased to be in state care as they have been adopted.
B Baptised Catholic children who live in the parish of Our Lady of the Assumption with a sibling in the school at the time of expected admission.
C. Baptised Catholic children who live in the parish of Our Lady of the Assumption.
D. Other Baptised Catholic children with a sibling in the school at the time of expected admission.
E. Other Baptised Catholic children.
F. Other children who are in public care, or have formerly been in public care. This criterion will also apply to Baptised Catholic children who were previously in state care outside of England and have ceased to be in state care as they have been adopted.
G. Other baptised Christian children.
H. Other children whose parents wish them to be educated within the aims and values of a Catholic school.
If the number of children in any of the categories A-H is greater than the places available, applications will be further ranked as follows:
i. children who will have a sibling in school at the time of admission.
ii. children living nearest to the school as measured by the distance between an applicant’s home and school.
Where two or more applications are tied, the distance between home and school, which is measured as a straight line from the Ordnance Survey address point of the home address to the main entrance of the school, will be used as a tie-breaker.
We hope that you and your child enjoy being a part of our school community and would greatly appreciate any comments, if you feel we have missed out any important information which could help future children and their families.