Holy Trinity Primary School Prospectus 2017

Gee Cross Holy Trinity
C of E (VC) Primary School
www.geecross.tameside.sch.uk
admin@geecross.tameside.sch.uk

Welcome
On behalf of the Governors, staff, and our school community, I warmly welcome you to Gee
Cross Holy Trinity Church of England (Voluntary Controlled) Primary and Nursery School
where children are educated from the age of three to eleven years of age.
Our school is a happy, caring, safe and disciplined community where we value (each
and) every child. We have high expectations of the children in our care and are
totally committed to providing the best education. We have a distinctive
Christian character that permeates all that we do within the context
of our school community. This means that we treat each child as
unique and special.
We expect our children to enjoy their learning, work hard
and develop self confidence and self discipline. Each
child is encouraged to become an independent
learner and is allowed to make progress at their
own pace according to his/her own stage of
development and interests. We provide a
stimulating learning environment where all
children are given the opportunity to succeed.
We believe it is important to encourage a
co-operative partnership between home and
school; by working closely together, in
order to provide the best possible
educational provision. We are always
delighted to talk to parents and carers and
feel that an important part of our job is to
help foster mutual understanding and cooperation
between home and school.
Starting school is a significant milestone
in a child’s life. We believe that every
child is important to us, and that together
we can make learning an enjoyable
experience.
‘The strong Christian leadership of the
headteacher and her vision for the
development of the school ensure that the
school’s Christian distinctiveness and ethos
are central to daily life. The school creates a
loving, secure and inclusive environment rooted
in Christian values. This has a direct influence on
pupils’ well-being and positive attitudes to
learning.’
(SIAMS Inspection, Feb 2017)
Mrs. S. Lane
(Headteacher)

The school has
been in existence
since 1858, when
it was built to
fulfill the dual
purpose of
Church and
School.
1858
Additional space
and facilities for
upper junior
provision, library
and ICT suite were
completed. The next
stage of
development
involved the
refurbishment of
the year two, three
and four
classrooms.
2004
New fencing was
added, and the car
park reorganised for
easier access for
disabled parking. In
addition, the junior
playground was
vastly improved by
resurfacing and new
netball markings.
2010
The junior
cloakrooms were
refurbished, and a
new locker system
installed. In
addition, an outdoor
challenge area was
developed,
supported by lottery
funding.
.
2014
1988
Major extensions
were added in
1888. Facilities that
are essential in a
modern church
primary and
nursery school.
2009 2015
The removal of the
mobile classrooms
and the construction
of an eco friendly new
building for nursery,
reception and year
one pupils. In 2009,
we proudly opened
our new Early Years
and Year One
building with outdoor
provision.
2013
In 2013, the school
main entrance was
constructed, with a
reception area.
Recent developments
since 2015 have
included repainting of
year 2, 3 and 4
classrooms with a new
carpet in year 3 and
refurbishments, with
eco lighting throughout
the corridor areas. New
doors have also been
added to some rooms,
including the Early
years area.

G
rowth
Every child will develop emotionally,
intellectually, socially and spiritually in a
Christian community, loving God,
themselves and others.
E
njoyment
Every child will delight in
creativity, experience the joy
of discovery and develop a
sense of awe and wonder.
E
nthusiasm
Every child will develop
the motivation,
self-esteem, skills and
knowledge to succeed in
life.
C
onfidence
Every child will experience
opportunities to become
independent learners and know
they are an important part of
our school community.
R
esponsibility
Every child will develop a sense
of responsibility for their own
behaviour, learning and health.
Every child will learn to be
tolerant, respecting others,
whatever their customs and
beliefs.
O
S
pportunity
elf-worth
Every child will have equal
access to a wealth of
resources that support a
balanced, creative and
enriched curriculum.
Every child will feel
special and valued as an
individual with unique
gifts and talents.
S
uccess
Every child will reach their
full potential and the school
will celebrate their
achievements.

The school aims to enable each child to play a full, satisfying and
useful part in the changing society in which he or she lives.
In order to achieve this, we aim:
Aims
To encourage children to aim for excellence
in all they do.
To give each and every child access to the whole
curriculum.
To create a happy and secure atmosphere in the school
based on our Christian Foundation, whilst encouraging
respect and understanding of other religions and ways of
life.
To develop physical ability and awareness of health and safety
for themselves and others.
To enable each child to acquire knowledge, concepts and understanding, reasoning
skills and practical abilities in order to achieve his/her full potential.
To foster attitudes that will promote self-awareness and
self-respect.
To develop the child’s imaginative and creative potential,
whilst encouraging aesthetic awareness.
To develop an awareness of the needs and feelings of others
and to encourage the child to value and
contribute to the community.
To encourage children to develop selfdiscipline
and to take an increasing
responsibility for their own work and
behaviour, so that they become valued
members of society.
To prepare children for their life of work
and leisure, in an ever changing world.

The
School
Day
The bell is rung at 8:50am, in order to enable the teachers to have a prompt
registration at 8:55 am. It would be helpful if parents could ensure the children
are arriving at school from 8:40am onwards. Lunchtime is between 12 noon and
1:00 pm. There is a morning break, and Key Stage One also has an afternoon
break. Provision for Nursery children begins daily at 8:50am until 12 noon in
the Early Years Foundation department. The school day ends at 3:15 pm.
Healthy snacks are provided free to children in nursery, reception, years one
and year two. Free milk is available to children under 5 years of age. Milk, for
pupils over 5 years old, can be purchased on a half termly basis. Upon request,
reception, year one and year two pupils can receive a free school dinner. In
addition, please check on the Tameside local authority website to
see if you are also eligible to receive (FSM). If you are your
child will receive extra funding to support their
development for the entire time they are in primary
school. Research shows that this additional support
can make a huge difference to a child’s success in
school.’’
Go to :
h'p://www.tameside.gov.uk/schoolmeals
The school consists of the following registration groups
Breakfast Club: We
run a Breakfast Club,
which operates every
morning from 7:45 am
to 8:40 am. Children are
provided with a choice of
drinks, cereals and toast.
They are provided with
the opportunity to play
quiet table games.
Allsorts Activity
School Club: The
Allsorts Activity School
Club is run by the
school. Children are
collected from class and
are looked after in the
Year one classroom. It is
open from 3:30 pm –
5:30 pm. Advanced
booking is essential.
Nursery
Reception
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Year 6
School hours are below
Nursery
Morning session
Reception
Morning session
Afternoon session
Key Stage One
Morning session
Afternoon session
Key Stage 2 (Year 3, 4, 5 & 6)
Morning session
Afternoon session
3-4 years
4-5 years
5-6 years
6-7 years
7-8 years
8-9 years
9-10 years
10-11 years
3 hours per day
15 hours per week
9:00 - 12:00 noon
Full day
8:50 - 12:00 noon
1:00 - 3:15pm
Full day
8:50 - 12:00 noon
1:00 - 3:15pm (with 15 minute break)
Full day
8:50 - 12:00 noon
1:00 - 3:15pm

Attendance
We follow up absence on the first day if we do not hear
from parents by 9:30am. It is important that any
absences from school must be explained by a
telephone call, text /email message or a note to school
from the parent/guardian. Attendance for 2015/2016
was 96.6%. Good attendance is essential if children
are to achieve their potential. The doors open before
the bell to allow pupils to enter school calmly and
prepare for the start of the school day.
The school bell at 8:50am signals
the start of the school day.
Any child arriving late must
be accompanied by a
parent/carer to the
main office, sign in the
log and provide a
reason for lateness.
Notes to class
teacher
If your child is
recovering from an
illness or injury, a
weekly note should be
sent to the class teacher if
your wish them to remain
indoors at lunchtimes,
playtimes or to miss games, P.E.
or swimming lessons.
If you wish your child to leave school during the
school day, please inform the class teacher, in writing.
We cannot allow children to leave school during
lesson time unless we have a written request. Pupils
should always be collected by a responsible adult,
named in the letter, via the main office.
Term time holiday absences
Some parents are required to take annual holidays
during term time and this is unavoidable. Parents in
this position can be authorised to take their children
out of school and this is only for a maximum of one
week (ten sessions) in any school year and only with
the permission of the governors of the school. Parents
should apply for this permission through the
headteacher. However, parents should also be aware
that any reduction in the 190 days that a child spends
in school is bound to have an adverse effect on the
child in terms of curriculum work and should not be
taken lightly. This is especially true of children in the
statutory assessment years (Y1, Y2 & Y6). Children on
holiday may not be able to fulfill the screening,
assessment and testing requirements. It is school
policy not to authorise any holidays for the children in
these classes during this period.
In the term before a child starts school, we arrange
visits to enable each child to identify with the school.
This allows parents to get to know each other as well
as the staff in nursery and the reception department.
Security
The governors are aware
of their responsibility to
ensure a safe
environment for the
children. Gates are
closed during the
time of 9:00am –
3:05pm to secure
the site. All our
school doors
remain locked
throughout the
school day and
access is gained
through a buzzer
system. In order to ensure
the safety of our children,
visitors are requested to report
to the main office first, where the office
staff will help you with your enquiries. The main
entrance door has a bell and we ask you to be patient
while the secretary opens the door. She may be
answering the telephone or in a classroom. Visitors to
our school are required to sign in the Visitors Book
and wear a Visitors badge for easy identification. All
staff carry identification and are DBS checked.
If you live quite close to school please walk, as it is
very dangerous to have cars congesting Higham Lane.
We are also proud of our reputation as an Eco school
and Healthy School; both schemes ask us to encourage
families to walk to school whenever possible. Please
do not park your car on the car park or in the no
parking areas. Small children are very unpredictable
and we want to avoid any accidents. Disabled parking
is available for those who require it. If you need access
to the school lift to enter the school, please ring the
school office and a trained member of staff will assist
you.
Admission into school
Admissions are organised by Tameside Metropolitan
Borough Council. Further details can be obtained
from the school office or the local authority website:
http://www.tameside.gov.uk/schools/admissions/

School Dinners
Your child can have school dinners or a packed lunch.
School dinners are made off site and delivered to our
school from a local primary school kitchen; they are of a
high quality and good value for money.
We operate a cafeteria system, with each child collecting
his/her own meal and cutlery on a tray. Children are
able to select their choice of meals. Menus are displayed
in the school and on the school website. Should your
child be allergic to any foods, please inform the
headteacher in writing.
Dinner money should be paid for on a Monday - please
put the money in an envelope marked with your child’s
name, class and the amount enclosed. Cheques should
be made payable to Tameside M.B.C. or alternatively,
can be paid for via the Tameside council website:
http://www.tameside.gov.uk/corpgen1/schmealsfaq.htm
Please give two weeks notice if you wish to change
your child’s arrangements for dinnertime, as meals
need to be ordered one week in advance.
Please make sure that you take up your
entitlement as this will benefit your child
greatly.
Information for free school meals is available from
the school office or Tameside at http://
www.tameside.gov.uk/schoolmealsuncil website
Children bringing a packed lunch should not use
breakable containers or thermos flasks for drinks.
Water is provided. Some children in school have
allergies, wherever possible avoid sending food with
nuts in. We are a Healthy Eating school so please
avoid sending children with sweets or fizzy drinks.
We are also an Eco School and would encourage the
use of reusable and washable containers rather than
the throwaway packaging. Although lunchtime staff
will give any necessary assistance, we expect that
children will be taught how to use a knife and fork at
home.
During the dinnertime break, the children are
supervised by the mid-day assistants who are directly
responsible to the headteacher. Our senior Midday
supervisor is Mrs. Tobin. The midday teams help
children in the dining hall and on the playground,
and they ensure that pupils are safe while playing. !
Children staying for dinner are not allowed to leave
the school premises during the dinner break. If
children persistently fail to observe the school rules
at dinner time, parents will be asked to take their
child home for dinner. We hope that this will never
happen.
Healthy School
We are holders of the Healthy Schools Award.
Children are encouraged to eat fruit and vegetables,
which is provided at break times. Our Healthy eating
policy encourages healthy snacking as part of a
healthy lifestyle and children should not bring
chocolate bars etc for morning snacks. Fruit is
provided by school. Children are encouraged to drink
milk at break times. Water is provided throughout
the day.
We also ask parents not to send birthday treats for
the class, other items are permissible. Thank you for
your co operation in this matter. The younger
children’s birthdays are celebrated at a weekly
assembly.
The school buildings and grounds have been
designated as a totally no smoking area. Dogs are not
permitted on to the school grounds.
The children have access to a variety of sporting
activities and events and are encouraged to
participate in competitions and outdoor challenges.
To celebrate our commitment to sport, the school has
been awarded the Active Mark and Sainsbury’s Silver
and Gold School Games Awards.
! !
!

Uniform
We strongly encourage the wearing of school uniform
and expect children to be sensibly dressed for their day
at school. We believe that this helps children to feel part
of the school immediately.
The uniform consists of grey trousers, skirt or pinafore
dress, yellow school polo shirt (with school logo on),
blue school sweatshirt, blue cardigan or blue school
fleece jacket (with school logo on). White or grey socks
or grey tights may be worn. Sensible black school shoes
should be worn. If boots are worn to school, then a
change of shoes is required indoors. In cold weather,
children will need a coat for play times. In the summer,
boys may wear grey shorts and the girls wear a blue
checked gingham summer dress. The local provider for
school uniform is JFC Sports, in Hyde or Tesco online.
Open Monday to Saturday between 9:30am and
5:00pm. This company also donates a large percentage
of its profit to the school as well as supporting the
school.
We ask parents to encourage our youngest children to
be able to dress themselves before they start school.
They will be much happier if they are independent and
able to put their coats on and fasten most buttons and
zips without help.
P.E.
From the early years, children change into a yellow
school T-shirt (with the school logo on), black shorts
and black slip-on pumps to allow them to move freely
and safely when in the hall.
For safety reasons, we do not allow training shoes of
any kind indoors. P.E. clothes should be carried in a
drawstring pump bag, which is clearly marked with the
child’s name and class.
All items of clothing or equipment, no matter how
small, should be clearly marked with the child’s full
name to establish ownership. This will continue to be
important throughout school. Children in Key Stage 2
will require outdoor games kit, in addition to an indoor
kit. A tracksuit or similar and trainers are most suitable,
in addition to pumps for indoor use.
The wearing of make-up and jewellery is not allowed in
school. Pupils will be asked to remove earrings for P.E.
and swimming lessons. Year 4 and Year 3 children in
Key Stage 2 will go swimming during the school year.
Hair
Hair should be smart, cut/arranged in a conventional
style without streaks, bleaches, colouring and tramlines.
Extremes of hairstyle including “sculptured” hair
are not permitted. A water based hair gel is permissible
with short hair to give a smart appearance. Other gels
are not permitted for reasons of safety. With regard for
considerations of health and safety as well as
practicality, long hair must be tied back or arranged in a
style that achieves the same result. Braids with beading
are unsafe. We encourage pupils with long hair to have
this tied back for ease of care and hygiene reasons.
Personal Belongings
To avoid wasting precious time at the start of P.E. and
swimming lessons, it is essential that no jewellery,
including rings, necklaces and bracelets should ever be
worn to school. Watches, and studs in pierced ears are
permitted, providing your child is able to remove and
replace them unaided before and after P.E. The school
accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to watches
or studs. It is quite possible that children who wish to
have their ears pierced to have them ‘done’ at the start
of the long summer holidays so that they will have
healed fully by the start of the new autumn term.
Swimming Kit
Boys are expected to wear swimming trunks and not
shorts. Girls should wear a well fitting one piece
swimsuit and a swimming cap. A towel and a water
proof bag are also required. Please check that wet
towels and swimsuits are being returned home on the
same day.
Your support in all these areas plays an important part
in helping to prepare our children to take responsibility
for belongings, to organise themselves and their work
and to enable them to grow into valued members of
society.
Class organisation and staffing
Our nursery is run during the morning session. Our
Reception, Key Stage 1 and 2 classes have thirty
children. The children are grouped in single-aged
classes. Each class has a teacher and is supported by a
teaching assistant. We employ a Spanish specialist, an
IT manager and computing specialist, a learning
support assistant, highly qualified supply teachers, as
well as dance and music specialists. As a learning
community, we encourage and support all staff as well
as governors, parents and children as they develop their
skills and learn new things. We celebrate our successes
together and share our expertise. All are encouraged to
support the school community in their own way.

Curriculum
‘Pupils’ Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural
development is central to the school’s work and
ensures that individual needs are being met through a
balanced and creative curriculum. Pupils have access
to a wide range of additional activities which broaden
their experience and develop teamwork and social
skills. Consequently, pupils are articulate and develop
high levels of self-esteem. Their behaviour is
extremely good.” SIAMS Inspection February
2017
Early Years Foundation Stage
At Gee Cross Holy Trinity we are
fortunate to have a beautiful
building designed to follow the
Early Years Foundation Stage
principles for the education of
young children.
We have separate quiet areas
for reception and nursery
children and a large, very well
equipped shared area for all the
children to work and play together.
Our outdoor area is enhanced by an
undercover all weather play area, which enables us to
provide opportunities for at least two hours of outdoor
play everyday, no matter what the weather.
Children have a wide choice of activities and toys in
our independent play areas, but also spend time on
more structured teacher led activities each day.
Working with small groups or individuals gives the
opportunity for teachers to really focus on individual
children and give them quality time and teaching.
We want all our children and families to have a happy
start to their time in school. We are always available to
help with any worries or problems. All our Early Years
staff teams continually work hard to make sure school
is a happy, welcoming and exciting place to be for all
children, whatever their age, interests or abilities.
The Early Years Foundation Stage follow a practical
and interactive curriculum based upon the seven areas
of learning and development, which together make up
the skills, knowledge and experiences appropriate for
children as they grow, learn and develop.
Each child has a development file which contains
information about their development mainly through
observations and photographs. Parents are also
encouraged to add their own comments, as your
knowledge of your child is very important and helps us
cater for all of your child's needs.
You can view and download the Early Years
Foundation Stage Policy, current plans and
newsletters from the school website:
www.geecross.tameside.sch.uk
Key Stage 1 and 2
Within Key Stage One and Two, we follow our school
creative curriculum which is linked to the national
requirements, set out by the government. The ‘core’ or
main subjects are Mathematics,
English, Science, and RE. Our
sparkling curriculum
incorporates a wealth of
foundation subjects, which
include ICT and Computing,
Design Technology, Geography,
History, Physical Education, Sex
and Relationships Education,
Music, Art, Personal, Social,
Cultural and Health Education. In
addition, as part of Modern Foreign
Languages, Spanish is taught across the
school from year three to year six.
Swimming lessons take place for Years Three and
Four pupils. The children travel to Hyde Swimming
Pool and are supervised by members of staff and a
swimming instructor during the lessons. All pupils are
expected to achieve their National Curriculum
Swimming Award by the end of Key Stage Two.
We follow the local Agreed Syllabus for Religious
Education. The content is mainly Christian and we
encourage children to have a knowledge and respect
for other religions and cultures. We aim to encourage
the children’s spiritual, moral and cultural
development in all areas of their life. It is central to
the ethos of our school. The strong links with the
church and frequent visitors and visits to places of
interest successfully raises pupils' awareness about
worship and tolerance in our multicultural society.
Parents are allowed, if they wish, to withdraw their
children from Religious Education and assemblies.
However, we hope that everyone will be able to
celebrate and worship together. In the unlikely event
of any parent wishing their child not to participate in
an act of worship or RE lesson, he/she may be
accommodated and supervised by a non-teaching
member of staff for the duration of the act of collective
worship or RE lesson.
‘Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC)
development is rooted in the school’s Christian ethos
and commitment to Christian values. Pupils become
increasingly confident in their social skills,
understanding of faith and awareness of the wider
world.’
SIAMS Inspection February 2017
Collective Worship is not fulfilled only because of its
statutory nature but because it provides a setting
whereby we focus on God and offer the day
and all our activities to Him.
All children in both Key Stages
meet together as a whole
school family at the end of
the week to celebrate and
families are invited to
participate. Children are
encouraged to bring in
swimming, football, or
any other awards and
achievements in school
on Mondays. All
successes are celebrated.

Each half term, on a Wednesday, the school celebrates
in church and, once again all are welcome to join with
us. In addition, the RE Ambassadors and Open the
Book team takes it in turns to lead our school worship.
The whole school celebrates the major Church
Festivals throughout the year, either in school or in
church. The school support local community events
such as the Gee Cross Well Dressing Festival and the
village fete.
In all our worship, in church or at school, the children
are encouraged to take an active part in both leading
and contributing to its various parts.
Our worship follows a 'theme' for each half term.
Opportunities to explore broader religious and
humanitarian issues can then be developed. The theme
is further supported in the classroom through R.E.,
PSHE and circle time.
The pupils: ‘ organise themselves well and work with
concentration and enthusiasm. A notable element of
the meetings and discussions with pupils was the way
that they knew how to listen to each other, how to
develop an idea and also how to present a
contradictory view in a calm and measured way.’
Ofsted 2015
Inclusion: Pupils with Special Educational
Needs
Children are assessed regularly and systematically
throughout their time in our school. These results and
tracking systems are used by staff to plan appropriate
programmes of work for all children. If children appear
to be experiencing difficulties with their learning or
behaviour, we may draw up an Individual Education
Plan (IEP) for them and place them on the Special
Educational Needs (SEN) Register. We would always
consult the parents first, and where needed, provision
maps educational health plans are put in place to
support the child.
We consider that discussion with parents about
children’s progress and our provision for them is of
paramount importance throughout the whole of their
time at school. Occasionally we need to consult support
agencies within Tameside Local Authority. Again, we
always consult parents before requesting help from
other agencies. If, at any time, you are concerned about
your child, please come into school to talk to your
child’s teacher. Our Special Needs Co-coordinator is
Miss Hughes. The Governor with responsibility for
Special Educational Needs is Mrs. Hewitt.
Inclusion: Disability discrimination and
accessibility
It is our aim to ensure that we do not discriminate
against any pupils or adults who may be considered to
have a disability. The term ‘disability’ covers physical
disability as well as a range of learning, behaviour and
‘hidden’ difficulties. As a school we endeavour (and feel
that we successfully) meet the needs of all our children.
We have an ongoing action plan to improve physical
areas to and amenities of the school. For example, a lift
in the Early Years building has been incorporated, and
the main gates and disabled parking have recently
been improved.
Inclusion: Equal Opportunities
‘The school’s Christian care for
and commitment to every child
and family secure positive
outcomes.’ SIAMS February
2017
Assessment
Assessment is an integral part of
the teaching and learning process. It
is going on all the time, in every
classroom. Each teacher, teaching
assistant and child is continually assessing
and making judgements about the next steps to be
taken. Children are given opportunities to assess
themselves, to review their own learning and set future
targets through discussion with their learning partner,
teaching assistant or teacher.
In Year 1, pupils take part in a phonics screening
check. At the end of Key Stage One and Two, the
children are tested formally using Standard
Assessment Tests. In addition, more formal
assessments are made during the year in Maths and
English. The results of these tests and any teacher
assessments are reported to parents on an individual
basis through a school annual report and parent
consultations.
Everyone is equally valued and given equal
opportunities in all aspects of school life, regardless of
gender, ethnic origin, religious beliefs or disabilities. At
Gee Cross Holy Trinity, we are proud of our record in
this respect, which was endorsed when we were
awarded our Tameside Inclusion School Status.
Extra-curricular Activities
As part of our Healthy Schools Programme, we host a
wide range of clubs which include: choir, sport, chess,
cheerleading and dance, cross country running, drama
and football. Teams for hockey, cricket, football, chess,
cross country, tennis and athletics compete against
local schools and several represent Tameside.
Specialist sports coaches also help us to widen the
range of sports available to the children.
Child’s Voice: Having a say
All the children have the opportunity to take part and
have a say in the life of the school community. There
are many ways that they can contribute: through class
discussions, school assemblies, suggestions box,
interviews, and participating in one of the following
committees:
School Council
Representatives from each class participate in regular
meetings. They gather ideas from their own classes as
well as feedback decisions that are made. They
represent the views of all children in school.
Eco Committee
As a school we have gained our fourth
Eco School Status and proudly fly
our Eco Flag. We encourage all
children to be good citizens
and take responsibility for
their environment. Our Eco
committee has
representatives from every
class in school and pupil

Pastoral
Care
‘‘Pupils are able to share their concerns with staff
knowing that these will be addressed in a caring way.
A pupil said, ‘Our teachers are kind and encouraging.’
Children are happy and enthusiastic about learning
and school life and this is affirmed by parents. They
also say that the school’s core Christian values have a
positive influence on their children’s attitude to and
understanding of the needs of others.’
SIAMS Inspection, February 2017
We endeavour to build strong pastoral links between
home and school so that any problems affecting
health or concerning children’s
emotional, physical or educational
development are immediately
identified and acted upon.
We operate an open door
policy and value regular
contact with parents. The
headteacher is always
available to discuss
confidential issues that
may affect you child’s
progress at school.
The school nurse and
specific outside agencies
visit school regularly to
diagnose problems and
suggest actions. There are
named first aiders in school
and where injury or illness
occurs at school, parents are
notified immediately. Visits from Police,
Road Safety and Fire Service Officers are arranged to
familiarise children with the dangers that may be
encountered outside school.
Inclusion: Anti Racist Procedures
We celebrate cultural diversity and try to ensure that
all children are aware of their rights and
responsibilities. The school follows the Anti Racist
guidelines for monitoring incidents and as a result a
record is kept of all racists incidents.
Child Protection
In the rare instances where a teacher or other member
of staff has concerns that a child may have been
abused, neglected or at risk of being harmed the school
is required, as part of the Tameside child protection
procedures, to report their concern to the Social
Services Department immediately. The headteacher is
the designated teacher for Child Protection and
Safeguarding.
Health Care
We have qualified First Aiders on site to assist any
child who is ill during the school day. In case of a
serious accident or illness the school may need to
contact you as a matter of urgency. It is a legal
requirement that all parents keep us informed of their
current address and telephone number. Please do not
forget to inform us of any change in your details. The
name and number of your family doctor is also
required. If your child bumps their head, he/she will
be given a letter informing you of their injury.
Please inform us of any health problems e.g. asthma or
allergies (such as nuts or plasters), so that we are
aware should any problems arise. If it is necessary for
your child to take prescribed medicine during school
hours we ask you to sign a consent form available on
request from the office, which must be returned before
the medicine can be given. Please note that, we only
administer medicine if it is prescribed four times daily.
Please check your child's hair frequently for signs of
nits or head lice. The school will be pleased to advise
you if treatment is necessary.
The school nurse routinely visits school to check on
height, weight, and vision. The school dentist also
makes occasional checks.
Asthma
A register is kept in school of all children who are
asthmatic. The register is updated at the beginning of
each school year. Where a child has asthma and needs
to use an inhaler, please ensure that the inhaler is
clearly marked with his/her name and is always
available in school. It is the parent/carers
responsibility to complete medical forms for so that
the school is fully informed and up to date with any
medical issue, including asthma. Parents should also
inform school if their child is has any allergies e.g. food
allergy or allergic to any food plasters.
Guidelines for exclusion due to the most common
infectious diseases:
Measles 7 days from onset of rash
Rubella 7 days from the onset of rash
Mumps 7 days after swelling subsides
Chickenpox 6 days from onset of rash
Whooping Cough 21 day from onset of cough
Promoting Good Behaviour
The school promotes positive praise and rewards good
behaviour as a way to encourage children to develop
self-discipline and to take an increasing responsibility
for their own work and behaviour, so that they become
valued members of society. Children are expected to
follow the Home/School Agreement, abide by the
School Code of Conduct and aim to keep to the Class
Rules, rewards and sanctions. We recognise
that not all children will find this an
easy experience and so we celebrate
the small steps that are made and
continue to support those who
find this a challenge. We
encourage children to make
the right choices. However, if
a child chooses to behave in
an inappropriate way, they
know that there will be
consequences because of
their actions. Consequences
do not have to be severe to be
effective.

‘Staff are committed to fostering all aspects of pupils’ development and well-being
through Christian care and love. In doing so, they recognise the importance of
creating a Christian ethos which supports effective learning and equal opportunities.’
SIAMS Inspection February 2017
Home/School Agreements
It is government policy to establish home/school
agreements, which contribute to an effective
partnership between home and school. Our home/
school agreement sets out the rights and
responsibilities of the school, the parents and the
children. Parents are asked to sign a home/school
agreement when their child is in the Nursery,
Reception class or on entry to the school and to renew
this every year thereafter.
School Visits and Charging Policy
Educational visits take place as an integral part of the
curriculum. Schools do not charge for educational
activities in school. Parents are usually asked to make
a voluntary contribution towards the cost of trips,
visits to the theatre and some activities in school. No
child will be excluded from a school visit if they are
unable to contribute. We now ask parents to pay their
contribution before the trip is booked as a lack of
funds might mean that the trip will not be able to go
ahead. Trips would be very limited if they relied solely
on the resources within our school budget. Parents
wishing to use Breakfast and/or Allsorts After School
Club will be required to pay additional fees.
Residential visit
At present we have one residential visit, for Year 5.
The visit is to Robinwood, an outdoor activity centre
in Cumbria.
Working
Together
PTFA
We have a very active and lively Parents, Teachers,
and Friends Association. All are welcome to attend
our regular meetings and support the school by
volunteering to help on any event. As well as fulfilling
the function of keeping parents in touch with the
events in school and raising funds for new items of
equipment, this is a useful way of getting to know
other parents in the school.
Governing Board of the School
The Governing Board plays an important role in
supporting and working together with the headteacher
in the successful running of the school. The group is
made up of parents, teachers, and representatives
within the community. We are most fortunate to have
an experienced and talented team who are fully
committed to the school. They take an active role in
the school evaluation process and regularly meet to
work on all aspects of the school, from interviewing
candidates for appointment to attending working
parties on the development of the curriculum.
Governors can be contacted via the school office. The
Annual full governing board meeting, held in the
Autumn, is where new officers are elected.
We received the Investor in People Award.

Governing Board Charging and Remissions Policy
A Charging Policy for school activities has been determined by the School’s
Governing Body (in accordance with the Education Reform Act 1988).
1. Education must be free from charge if it takes place during the school day.
2. School sessions are as follows:
8:50 am to 12:00 noon
1:00 pm to 3:15 pm
3. It has been the practice of this school to provide educational visits as part of our programme of
curriculum enrichment. As a school, we cannot pay for all children to go on school visits from our
budget. We would hope that in the interests of your child’s education, you would wish these visits
to continue and would therefore be willing to make a voluntary contribution. Consequently, any
educational visits will be funded from voluntary contributions.
4. There will be no legal obligation to contribute.
5. Pupils will not be excluded from an activity whether their parent has made a contribution or not.
6. If an activity cannot be funded from voluntary contributions, it will be made clear that the visit
can not take place and any monies donated will be returned.
7. We hope to continue our present policy of not charging for consumable materials used in Art and
Craft, in cookery and in Design and Technology, but the Governors reserve the right to review the
situation should it become necessary.
8. Parents will be requested to re-reimburse the school for damage intentionally caused to school
equipment and property by identifiable individuals.
9. Pupils will be charged a fee for attending after school clubs and activities.
Reviewed by Governing board: 2017

Complaints Procedure
We hope that you will never need to complain but if there are any problems,
please feel free to discuss them with us. Worries and concerns are always best
dealt with quickly, so please do come into school to discuss any issues before they
become a problem.
The complaints procedure is as follows:
1. Any concerns about your child should be discussed with the class teacher.
2. If you feel that the problem has not been resolved, it should then be discussed with the
Headteacher.
3. General complaints should be discussed initially with the Headteacher. Any complaints
concerning the curriculum, either statutory or non statutory, should be addressed, in the first
instance, to the Headteacher.
4. If satisfaction is not received, the complaint should be made, in writing, to the Complaints
Committee of the Governing Body.
5. Should the matter not be resolved, it will be referred to the full Governing Body.
Information and contacts
The school sends out newsletters and information regularly. Additional details can be found on our
school website at: http: www.geecross.tameside.sch.uk
For correspondence:
Gee Cross Holy Trinity C.E. (VC) Primary School
Higham Lane
Gee Cross
Hyde
Cheshire
SK14 5LX
Emails to the school office can be sent to:
admin@geecross.tamesde.sch.uk
Should parents wish to contact Tameside Council office, the letter should be addressed to:
Chief Education Officer
Tameside Metropolitan Borough
Education Department
Ashton-Under-Lyne
Tameside
To contact the school office by telephone, ring: 0161 368 2911

Well mannered, enthusiastic and confident pupils
Outdoor Play, PE, Clubs and Competitions
Helpful, knowledgable and caring teachers
Fun learning
Reading buddies
Happy, friendly pupils.
Committed successful pupils and staff