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 Joseph’s Catholic Primary School
St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School is a school that we are all proud of. Our school is a vibrant, positive place that provides a safe and welcoming environment in which learning is enjoyed. Our Mission Statement, written by the pupils, and our school motto, ‘Walk in the light of Christ,’ permeates school life and underpins everything we do. We have a talented, nurturing and extremely dedicated team of staff who ensure that we succeed in our mission of ‘educating the whole child’. Our staff and governors develop and sustain strong relationships with our families and there is a well-developed sense of community where all are valued.
Through the high expectations of our broad, ambitious and robust curriculum, we encourage all children to build upon their gifts and talents and develop their skills so that they become confident, lifelong learners. The curriculum is enhanced with a range of rich, varied experiences and wider opportunities and, alongside this, we place a high priority on physical and mental wellbeing. Throughout their journey at St. Joseph’s, the children recognise their own personal achievements and celebrate those of others thus equipping them for success in the next steps in their education and as model citizens in their community.
Visitors are always more than welcome to look around our school and if you would like to visit, or you have any further queries, please do not hesitate in contacting the school office.
Mrs Ruth Whyte Headteacher
Why choose our School?
St. Joseph’s is a kind and welcoming community that always puts children at the heart of every decision. We believe in nurturing a positive and inclusive environment where all students feel valued and supported. Our guiding principles, known as the magic three – “Be Ready, Be Respectful, and Be Safe” – are embraced by our students, creating a harmonious and thriving school culture.
Children love coming to our school, where they enjoy engaging lessons, supportive friendships, and a caring atmosphere. We are also thrilled to announce that in Summer 2024, we will be building a brand-new school with state-of-the-art facilities. This exciting development will provide our pupils with the best resources and learning environment possible, enhancing their primary experience.
Join us at St. Joseph’s, where your child will be part of a community that values kindness, respect, and safety.
“Pupils are courteous and confident. They work hard in lessons and present their work carefully and with pride.”
Scan or click QR code to view full Ofsted report
Our school day
Timings of the school day:
8:40am School Gates Open.
8:55 am Start of School Day and Registration.
9:00 am Lessons.
10:45 am Morning Break.
11:00 am Lessons.
12:05 pm Lunchtime.
1:00 pm Lessons.
3:10 pm Gates Open.
3:15 pm End of School Day.
Wraparound
care
Breakfast Club: Breakfast club starts from 7:30am at a cost of £3.50.
Afterschool Child Care:
This takes place between 3:15pm – 5:30pm at a cost of £3.50 an hour/part of an hour.
Our school uniform
The school uniform can be purchased from either our school uniform supplier, Elizabeth’s Embriodery, or in any supermarket.
Our school uniform is:
• Red sweatshirt or cardigan with logo.
• Grey sweatshirt or cardigan with logo (Year 6).
• White polo shirt.
• Grey or black trousers.
• Grey or black skirt.
• Black shoes or trainers.
• White school shirt (Year 6 – optional).
• Red winter jacket (optional).
• Red fleece jacket (optional).
Our PE uniform is:
• Plain white round neck t-shirt.
• Plain black shorts.
• Black and red tracksuit top (available from supplier) or plain black tracksuit top (no hood).
• Black and red tracksuit bottoms (available from supplier) or plain black tracksuit bottoms.
To order our school uniform please scan or click the QR code.
Our curriculum
At St. Joseph’s, we are committed to providing a purposeful, progressive, and inclusive curriculum with Christ at the centre and children at the heart of all we do. Our curriculum is designed to meet the diverse needs, interests, and achievements of all our pupils, celebrating their unique experiences. We strive to ensure that when pupils leave St. Joseph’s, they know more, remember more, and understand more about the world around them.
Our curriculum emphasises the importance of learning about and taking pride in Billingham and its heritage. We actively involve our students in local events and activities to foster a sense of pride and encourage them to be positive citizens within their community. Beyond the local area, we aim to broaden our pupils’ horizons, making them aware of the wider world and the lives of others globally. We focus on developing a secure understanding of the academic content of the curriculum while also fostering social, moral, and cultural responsibility. Our rich, varied, and creative curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of individual learners, ensuring that each child is well-prepared for their future after their time at St. Joseph’s.
“Pupils are happy and enjoy coming to school.”
“St. Joseph’s is a vibrant, inclusive and cohesive community.”
Ofsted
Special educational needs and disabilities
As an inclusive school, all teachers are teachers of pupils with special educational needs & disabilities (SEND). We deliver a curriculum and create an environment that meets the needs of every pupil within our school.
We ensure that every pupil with SEND makes the best progress possible. We foster and promote effective working partnerships with parents, carers, pupils, and outside agencies. We consider the ‘whole’ child and strive to ensure that all our SEND pupils are prepared for adulthood.
Key Contacts
Miss C Black – SENDCo
To find out more please scan or click 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.
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
WATCH OUR VIDEO
We embrace diversity and individuality, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and confident.
Apply for a place at St. Joseph’s
Starting primary school is a very important time for you and your child, and at St. Joseph’s 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. Joseph’s, you will need to apply through Stockton-On-Tees Borough Council’s website. Please click or scan the QR code for more information. Alternatively, you can contact the school office.
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.
For mid-year admissions, at other times of the year or for year groups other than Reception, please go through Stockton-On-Tees Borough Council (https://www.stockton.gov.uk/article/2543/School-transfersand-in-year-admissions). We highly recommend contacting the school in the first instance for a visit.
Nursery Admissions
At St. Joseph’s, we offer a wonderful nursery setting for three year olds. The nursery is open from 9am – 3:15pm (term time only) and can be a mix of both government funded hours and private payment. Please visit our website for more information.