Prospectus Contents
Pg 3 Headteacher’s welcome
Pg 4-5 Why choose our school?
Pg 6 Our school day and wraparound care
Pg 7 Our school uniform
Pg 8-9 Our curriculum
Pg 10-11 SEND
Pg 12-13 Our Trust
Pg 14-15 Admissions
A very warm welcome to St. Charles Catholic Primary School
At St. Charles, we believe that every child deserves the best education, and we have the highest expectations for every child who attends our school. As a school within Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust, our aim is for all children to reach their full potential by giving them the education that they need today and setting them up with every chance to succeed tomorrow.
We have a caring, supportive and friendly environment. Our team is fully committed to our children’s wellbeing, and we nurture them to be their best. Staff, supported by governors, work hard to deliver a rich and challenging curriculum. This prepares our children for future education and to helps them acquire the skills and enthusiasm needed to embrace the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life.
It is important that our children become confident and independent learners with enquiring minds. At St. Charles, learning does not stop at the end of the school day, our children are encouraged to extend their interests through the wide range of extracurricular clubs and activities we offer, as we truly believe that learning goes beyond the curriculum.
We believe that children should be encouraged to develop positive values towards themselves, each other, and the wider community of which they are part of. We work together to create a school where positive behaviour is the norm, and all are treated with respect, understanding and sensitivity.
St. Charles are exceptionally proud to serve our local community and pride ourselves on the home-school relationships we create. We acknowledge the importance of our families to the successes of our children.
All are welcome in our wonderful school. Please contact the school office so that we can arrange for you to come and look around.
Lisa Thompson Headteacher
Why choose our school?
Our school isn’t just about academics; it’s about becoming part of a welcoming family where every child is cherished and nurtured. Our warm and nurturing environment fosters a sense of belonging, creating one big community where everyone feels valued and supported.
When you visit St. Charles, you can feel the strong sense of unity and belonging that permeates every corner. We’re passionate about outdoor learning and now, with access to our school bus, we can embark on even more exciting trips and outings to enhance our outdoor education provision.
Our children at St. Charles are not only happy and safe but also eager to share their love for their school with visitors. Their enthusiasm is a testament to the exceptional experience they have here at St. Charles, where learning extends beyond the classroom walls and into the hearts of our community.
‘Excellent pastoral care and high expectations from all teachers produce a warm and supportive learning environment’
Watch our school video by scanning or clicking the QR code.
Scan the QR code to view full Ofsted report
Our school day
The school day begins at 8:55am for all pupils with Nursery starting at 8:45am.
Nursery 8:30am-11:30am N/A 12:30pm-3:30pm
Reception 8:55am-11:45am 11:30am-12:30pm 12:30pm-3:15pm
Key Stage 1 8:55am-11:45am 11:45am-12:30pm 12:30pm-3:15pm
Key Stage 2 8:55am-12:15pm 12:15pm-1:00pm 1:00pm-3:15pm
Wraparound care
Breakfast Club:
St. Charles runs a breakfast club from 7:45am at a cost of £2 per day. Children will be given a nutritious breakfast with a choice of cereal, toast and fruit.
After school care:
We have two sessions available for after school care.
Session 1: 3:15-4:45pm, £4.50 per child
Session 2: 3:15-5:15pm, £5.50 per child (this also includes a sandwich and fruit). There is a 10% discount to siblings attending after school care.
We also offer a range of after school clubs, these can be found on our website or by contacting the school office.
Our school uniform
The school uniform can be purchased from either our school uniform supplier, Cre8tive Design, or in any supermarket.
Our uniform:
• Bottle green sweatshirts or cardigans.
• White polo-shirt.
• Grey trousers, grey pinafore or skirt.
• Green gingham dress or grey shorts (Summer term).
• Sensible plain black shoes.
• Grey or black tights or socks.
PE uniform:
• Plain white t-shirt.
• Bottle green hoodie (optional).
• Plain black or green shorts (indoor PE).
• Black sports leggings or trousers without branding (outdoor PE).
• Black plimsols (indoor PE).
• Trainers (outdoor PE).
To order our school uniform please scan the QR code.
Our curriculum
At St. Charles, we strive to ensure that every child receives a rich, broad and balanced curriculum underpinned by our mission statement ‘to give every child, every opportunity to achieve their potential’.
We provide a curriculum that meets the needs of our pupils which is enriched by our Gospel Values, and by using the outdoor environment, the school and local community.
We firmly believe in a curriculum that promotes the holistic development of the individual child, and place great value on mental health and wellbeing. We incorporate the personal, social, emotional and citizenship education to ensure that our children develop the knowledge and skills they need to excel and become creative and curious citizens.
To find out more about our curriculum, please scan the QR code.
“Children get off to a very good start in reception because learning activities are extremely well planned and teamwork between staff is first rate”
Ofsted
“Pupils’ behaviour is outstanding, they are kind and supportive of each other.” Ofsted
Special educational needs and disabilities
At St Charles, we recognise that all pupils are entitled to a quality of provision that will enable them to achieve their potential. We believe in positive intervention, removing barriers to learning, raising expectations and levels of achievement and working in partnership with other agencies in order to provide a positive educational experience for all our pupils including those with a special educational need or disability.
Our school recognises there are particular groups of pupils whose circumstances require additional consideration by those who work with them to support their SEN.
At St Charles, we have appointed a Designated Teacher for Looked after Children who works closely with the SENCO (Mrs L Thompson) to ensure all teachers in school understand the implications for those children who are looked after and have SEN.
Key Contact
Mrs Lisa Thompson SEND Coordinator
To find out more please scan the QR code
Our Trust
Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust is a family of 35 schools across County Durham, Darlington, Hartlepool, and Stockton-On-Tees.
Our mission is to provide the highest quality education, fostering a collaborative environment where resources and best practices are shared among our schools.
We are committed to the educational welfare of our pupils. This is why we place Christ at the centre and children at the heart.
Scan the QR code to view our school locations map
JUSTICE & COMPASSION
We value fairness and empathy, treating others with kindness and understanding.
WATCH OUR VIDEO
HONESTY & RESPONSIBILITY
We prioritise truthfulness and accountability, taking ownership of our actions and decisions.
CONFIDENCE & RESILIENCE
We foster courage and adaptability, empowering individuals to face challenges and overcome setbacks.
RESPECT & SELF BELIEF
We embrace diversity and individuality, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and confident.
Apply for a place at St. Charles
Starting primary school is a very important time for you and your child and at St. Charles’, we aim to make this a happy experience for everyone. Children can start school in our reception class in the September of the academic year in which they will be five years old.
To gain a place at St. Charles, you will need to apply through Durham County Council’s website. Please follow the link for more information or scan the QR code. Alternatively, you can contact the school office. https://stcharles.bhcet.org.uk/information/admissions-policy
If your child is not already attending our school nursery, they will be invited to spend some informal sessions with their new teacher and other children from the class in the summer term in order to familiarise themselves with the school environment. An information evening for our new reception class parents is also held in the summer term.
If your child is looking to join our school mid-year, please apply through Durham County Council’s website (https://www.durham.gov. uk/article/2197/Apply-to-change-school-during-the-school-year). We highly recommend contacting the school in the first instance for a visit.
Nursery Admissions
At St. Charles, we offer a wonderful nursery setting for three year olds. The nursery is open from 8:45am - 3:30pm (term time only) and can be a mix of both government funded hours and private payment. Please visit our website for more information.
