Introduction

St Mary's CEVAP School is for boys and girls aged between four and eleven years, and can accommodate a maximum number of 210 pupils, plus 26 in the morning nursery.

We have tried to make this prospectus as short and simple as possible. Please ask for any further information at any time, should you need it.

You are always welcome to visit our school. Please come to the school office first, where a member of staff will be available to help you, referring you to the Headteacher or senior member of staff. If your visit is not urgent, then please write or telephone for an appointment.

You can also have a look round the school here, using the functions of the display below...

What is a church school?

You may ask 'What is a Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School?' Briefly and simply, this means that the Church of England (through the school's Governing Body) is responsible for:

1. The religious direction of the school.
2. The appointment of all staff.
3. Major repair and development work relating to the school building (which it owns).

However, since the 1944 Education Act, all church schools are part of the state system; our Local Authority therefore gives us a budget to cover fuel, building and grounds maintenance, salaries, equipment, services, cleaning, in-service training of staff, swimming and instrumental music. The authority retains some funds for special educational needs, school meals, inspection, advice and central administration.

Because our school is a church school, we are linked to the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, through:

The Diocesan Board of Education,
Churchgates House,
Cutler Street,
Ipswich,
IP11 1JQ
Tel: 01473 298560

Our Mission Statement:

St Mary's is a Church of England Primary School where we aim to attain high standards within a caring, Christian ethos.

Our aims:

• To live by our Christian values
• To show positive attitudes to other people, ourselves, the school environment, the wider environment and the community.
• To make sure our school is welcoming and well cared for.
• To ensure we all see and experience a stimulating and challenging environment
• To make sure children are praised for their achievements and encouraged to do their best.
• To ensure that resources are well managed, well cared for and accessible to children and staff.
• To achieve the highest possible standards in relation to age and ability.
• To provide well planned work, with lessons which have a clear sense of purpose and are well structured.
• To ensure that everyone reflects on their practice with the aim of improvement.
• To make sure all staff believe they can make a difference and have a positive impact on pupil achievement.

St Mary's School exists to serve your children. We will do everything possible to carry out our aims and would ask for your full support. If you have any ideas, comments or constructive criticisms, please let the Headteacher know.
As in any similar organisation, the whole life of the school is a continuing process. This means that constant evaluation and appraisal is taking place, especially in the curriculum and class work.