Parent Handbook www.becketonline.co.uk

Headteacher: James McGeachie Message from the Head

Your choice of The Becket School for your child is one of the most important decisions that you will make.

The transfer to secondary education represents a major step in the life of each young person. Whether you are joining The Becket community for the first time or you have already seen a child join the school you will want to share with your child the sense of excitement, anticipation and optimism which comes with this new beginning.

This Handbook is intended to help you to support your child as he or she begins this next stage, to work with the school in enabling your 2 child to develop and grow within this community and to build along with your child a real sense of identity with The Becket School.

Concern for the individual child is at the heart of As a Catholic school we recognise the equal The Becket School as we seek to develop the value of each individual student and we aim unique talents of each student in the traditions to work with you to provide the best possible of the Catholic faith. The move to a secondary opportunity for your child. school can be daunting; at The Becket School there is always someone to turn to for help. In the interests of your child we welcome your commitment to working in co-operation with We are a well ordered community, with a happy the staff, which will help to encourage a healthy learning environment, and our code of conduct and successful partnership between home and and our rules are all designed to promote school over the coming years. responsibility and mutual respect. It may be useful to discuss parts of this The Becket School aims for high academic Handbook with your child. standards and the pursuit of excellence in all of its work; our traditions and our reputation, earned I look forward to welcoming you into our over many years, reflect this. Our dedicated community and to working closely with you over staff, our encouragement of a positive attitude to the coming years. learning, our high expectations and our setting of all of our work in Christian values have all James McGeachie contributed to our consistent success. We are The Becket School Headteacher not, however, content to rest on our laurels.

Parent Information | Message from the Head Mission Statement

Our mission is to work in partnership with parents and carers to provide an outstanding Catholic education for all our young people.

This means:

• Inspiring and motivating young people to achieve their full potential academically, spiritually, socially and in a full range of extra- curricular activities.

• Helping young people to grow in the love and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

• Developing in young people a deep knowledge 3 and understanding of the Catholic faith.

• Practising gospel values, such as forgiveness and helping those in need, within our school community and in society as a whole.

Parent Information | Mission Statement Communication

Electronic Communication Parent Consultations To help us communicate with you more We are aware of the crucial importance of effectively we regularly send out school updates close contact between home and school. via email and very occasionally via text message. Consequently, an evening is set aside for each Please ensure we have your latest email address year group to allow parents to come in to and mobile number as this guarantees you will school to discuss their children’s progress with receive all communication relevant to your child. academic staff. These evenings complement written reports, progress reviews and visits The Web by appointment. Our school website, www.becketonline.co.uk is a fantastic source of information. In addition to The Becket Diary regular news updates, we publish every letter The Becket Student Diary has importance in that is sent home to parents. We also provide a many aspects of school life, providing: detailed school calendar and publish the dates for upcoming school holidays. • A regular home/school communication. 4 We embrace Social Media and regularly update • A record of homework set. parents and students via our Twitter page @TheBecketSchool. • A record of achievements and commendations. Letters Home • Information of importance to student Parents are advised to make a weekly check to and parents. see if the school has sent any correspondence home. We may communicate via notes in • A Liturgical prayer structure in the hope that student diaries, the school website, letters sent families might use it at home. via students or by email direct to your chosen account. ‘The Becket Despatch’, our regular Please make sure that you read your child’s diary newsletter, is issued once per term. and sign it every week.

Parent Information | Communication Students’ Academic Achievement

Academic Structure other schools, attracted by the courses we can Year 7 is taught almost exclusively as mixed- offer and by our reputation in Sixth Form work. ability across the entire range; students with special educational needs at both ends of the Through the Sixth Form we prepare many of ability spectrum are given particular attention. our students for Higher Education. We aim to Years 8 and 9 are mainly taught in half-year maintain our valuable links with Universities, bands with an element of ability setting in including Oxford and Cambridge. many subjects. In Year 8 a second language is introduced to most students. Every effort is made to ensure that we provide our students with a sound Christian education. The school will guide each student through the We know that we are the inheritors of a tradition option process in Year 9 in order to ensure the but we cannot rely on the past in facing change. best choice of curriculum. Students will study Parents are encouraged to take an interest in their chosen subjects throughout Years 10 the school’s curriculum by discussions with the and 11. teaching staff at Parents’ Meetings or by calling into the school to meet, by appointment, with the 5 The curriculum for Years 10 and 11 has been Deputy or Assistant Headteachers. devised to provide a flexible programme which at once recognises the varying talents and Subjects Offered During Years 7 to 9 aspirations of our students and the importance of The subjects studied in Years 7 to 9 are: a sound educational foundation for future careers Religious Education, English, Mathematics, or further study after Year 11. French, German, Science, Geography, History, Music, Art, Design and Technology, Physical We are proud of the reputation which the school Education and Drama. Sex and Relationships has gained for producing well qualified young Education, whilst not treated as a separate people who have followed a broad curriculum ‘subject’, is covered in various areas of the through to post 16. curriculum in accordance with guidelines laid down by the Governing Body. We are fortunate in having an exceptionally strong Sixth Form. Its value extends far beyond Subjects on offer in GCSE and taken the Becket Sixth itself. The student is offered a throughout Key Stage 4: range of courses rarely equalled in schools of our Art and Design; Biology; Chemistry; Drama; size. For the advanced level of the GCE, different English; English Language; English Literature; combinations of four subjects are possible in French; General Studies; Geography; German; addition to compulsory General Studies and History; Home Economics; ICT; Mathematics; Religious Education. Music; Physics; Physical Education; Religious Studies; Resistant Materials; Science; Additional There is no recognised degree course to which Science; Additional Applied Science. access cannot be gained by some combination or other of the mainstream ‘A’ level subjects we Modern Foreign Home Language GCSEs are also offer. A good proportion of Year 12 come from offered to students.

Parent Information | Students’ Academic Achievement The School now also runs a variety of Vocational does it extend a student’s knowledge and skills courses and BTECs are offered in some subjects. but also helps develop the habits of private study, underlining the fact that education is not Further details and information, including the confined to the classroom. examination board for each subject, can be found on the school website. Details of the homework are recorded in the student’s homework diary which parents are Subjects on offer to Sixth Form Students: asked to inspect and sign once each week. Parents are also invited to comment, if they At A/S and Advanced Level GCE: wish, in the homework diary on their children’s Art & Design; Biology; Business Studies; work and progress. It is especially important Chemistry; Computing; Design and Technology; that students from Year 7 learn that, for success Drama & Theatre Studies; Economics; English in public examinations, completing homework Language; English Literature; Ethics; French; when it is set is important. General Studies; Geography; German; History; Mathematics; Further Mathematics; Music; In preparing for their Key Stage 4 (GCSE Physics; Psychology; Religious Studies; and Vocational) examinations, students must Sociology; Sports Science; Extended Project. continue to do homework as a matter of routine and recognise that examination course work is Further details and information, including the only a part of what is required of them in their examination board for each subject, can be work outside school. found on the school website. Student Reports University Entrance and Other Examinations: Parents/Carers receive termly Progress Reviews The School is a centre for the BMAT, HAT, PAT with information on their son/daughter’s progress and STEP papers required by some Cambridge for that term in the following areas: University Colleges and by other Universities for certain courses. The opportunity to re-sit GCSEs Attendance in Mathematics and English is also available to 6 Sixth Formers. Attitude Grades: reflecting the attitude to learning, behaviour in class and effort displayed Examinations in lessons and homework demonstrated during We are conscious of the importance of that term. qualifications and we seek to prepare Students for a range of public examinations. Internal Current Attainment: reflecting each subject school examinations are held not less than teacher’s judgement of the current standard of once each year for each Year Group. These are work produced during that term. This will be supplemented by a series of tests, termly and based on recent assessments and quality of half-termly, given by individual subject teachers. classwork and homework.

All Students take public examinations leading to Teacher Projected End of Course Level / Grade: the General Certificate of Secondary Education reflecting the grade or level that subject teachers or equivalent. These public examinations are believe will be achieved if current levels of generally taken at the end of Year 10 and 11. attendance, effort and attainment are maintained. Controlled assessments play a part in some GCSEs and this is spread over Years 10 and 11. Minimum Target Grade / Aspirational Target In the Sixth Form, there is a full range of AS and Grade: The Minimum Target Grades for each A Level examinations. subject reflects the level of attainment that each student is expected to achieve by the end of Homework Year 7/8/9 / Key Stage 4 / Year 12/13. Subject A homework timetable is published at the teachers also provide Aspirational Target Grades beginning of each academic year. The tasks to offer a greater challenge for each student vary according to the student’s age and the to try and achieve. Please note, these grades curriculum being followed. As a school we are targets for students to aim for, and not a value the importance of homework, not only prediction of what they will achieve.

Parent Information | Students’ Academic Achievement Progress Reviews also include Learner Targets, In Year 7 all students take part in an Induction which provide subject-specific formative Programme to enable them to become confident advice on how individual students may progress users of the resources on offer to them. to a higher level of achievement in each of their subjects. Career Guidance The Careers Team has an important role to play Parents/Carers will also receive an Annual in the school’s aim in encouraging our youngsters Pastoral Report from their son/daughter’s Form to look to their future. The team works to provide Tutor and Progress Leader, together with a a programme of careers awareness and guidance summative report of progress for that academic which helps ensure that our students make year in each of their subjects. choices that are well informed.

If Parents / Carers have any queries regarding Our programme of guidance includes: any aspects of their son/daughter’s Progress Reports or annual Pastoral Reports, they may • Careers/PSHCE lessons: appropriate for contact their son/daughter’s Progress Leader students from Years 7 to 13. at school. • Fast Tomato is an online careers resource. The Learning Resource Centre (LRC) All students from Years 7 through to 11 will All students have access to the LRC throughout receive an awareness session and have the the school day, including lunchtime and this opportunity to register. is a well-used, busy area. All students are • Individual help and guidance: the school automatically members when they join the places great emphasis on this aspect of school. The LRC is well resourced having in careers and guidance work. The option for excess of 14,000 resources. Resources support all Year 11 students to have an individual all areas of the curriculum. There is a separate interview with a Futures Careers Advisor. careers collection and there are plenty of fiction books to choose from. • In the Sixth Form, specialist advice is an integral part of the Sixth Form Reading is actively promoted through regular experience. Assistance is given with all 7 class visits to the LRC and projects such as The University applications and those seeking Carnegie Shadowing Scheme where students apprenticeships. read and review the best children’s fiction and • A wide variety of careers resources and vote for their favourite. information about Higher Education is available in the Learning Resource Centre. The LRC has a number of desktop, laptop and Following an introductory session all Year 12 tablet computers which are available to students students are given access to Fast Tomato; throughout the school day and prove very an interactive Careers and Higher popular at lunchtimes. All PCs are connected to Education database. the school network and have Internet access. • Attendance at the annual Higher Education The LRC has a web based management Fair for all Year 12 students. program, Eclipse.net, to issue resources to students. The LRC catalogue is available to all • An in-house one day, structured Careers Fair students via the school portal so that they can for Year 12 students - featuring speakers from search for the items that they require. Students a wide variety of career sectors, companies come to the LRC for homework, reading, and Universities. selecting resources, using the PCs, to access careers information and for quiet study. The Sixth Form use the LRC heavily throughout the school day for independent study.

The librarian works closely with the teaching staff to develop research activities to support the curriculum offered at key stage 3, 4 and 5.

The Becket School, The Becket Way, Wilford Lane, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 7QY 0115 982 4280 www.becketonline.co.uk Students’ Spiritual & Social Welfare

Academic Structure school role in terms of leadership, organisation Careful thought has been given to the structure and discipline. There will be an Assistant for both academic and pastoral care so that the Headteacher with oversight of a particular key school can respond to the needs of its members. stage. The Assistant Headteacher will ensure the The students are divided into year groups, each smooth operation of that phase. being the responsibility of a Progress Leader. The year group is divided into tutor groups, each Whilst in most instances contact with regard to cared for by a Form Tutor so that no student student matters would be most appropriate with will lack a sense of ‘belonging’. The Leader Tutors, Subject Specialists or Progress Leaders, of Learning in Special Educational Needs has the Assistant Headteacher will be available external specialist support provided by the for contact to address broader issues within Local Authority. the relevant Key Stage. Meetings will be by appointment only. Since close and easy contact between parents and school is an important aspect of pastoral The Assistant Headteachers, along with the 8 care, parents are able to phone key staff if they Head, the Deputy, the School Business Leader suspect that their child is experiencing learning and the Curriculum Leadership Team complete difficulties or encountering problems of adjusting the School’s Senior Leadership Team. to secondary school life. Progress Leader The Deputy Headteacher Progress Leader co-ordinates the pastoral and The Deputy Headteacher, as the day-to-day academic progress care of each year group leader of operations in school, is primarily and leads a team of six Form Tutors. Any issues concerned with overall school leadership, that cannot be resolved by the Form Tutor will organisation and discipline. That is not to say be referred to the Progress Leader. The role of that students do not have direct personal contact Progress Leader is crucial for the maintenance of with the Deputy Headteacher, either in the standards of social behaviour within the school classroom or around the school generally. and for consistent team work in support of our students. As previously stated, most queries/incidents will be dealt with most effectively by the Form The Form Tutor Tutors, Progress Leaders, Subject Specialists The Form Tutor is central to the student’s pattern or Assistant Headteachers, who’s personal of relationships with staff, and should know each knowledge of the student makes a discussion child better than any other member of staff. with them more appropriate. However in some The Form Tutor is therefore the first teacher to cases, it may be necessary for the Deputy Head approach with problems other than emergencies. to meet with parents or speak with them by telephone. Meetings will be by appointment only. Parents should be aware that even in the first year, a student may have to work with as many Assistant Headteachers as 12 or 13 other teachers in the course of the Assistant Headteachers also have an overall week. The Form Tutor is the member of staff who

Parent Information | Students’ Spiritual & Social Welfare inspects Students’ Diaries and will be the first The Damascus Centre one to see any comments by parents written in This is a caring, nurturing Learning Support Unit these diaries. within the school. It provides short courses to support individuals e.g. with anger management, Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator or a long term placement for those whose (SENCO) conduct clearly fails to meet the standards The SENCO co-ordinates the work of teaching expected in the school. Parents will be assistants, who support students with a variety consulted before a student is placed in the of special needs, and also works in an advisory Damascus Centre. capacity with all academic departments. The SENCO is the principal link between the school The House System and certain specialists working within the various The House System is an integral part of our support and welfare agencies. schools spiritual identity. Under the name of “Be Inspirational” the House System looks to In some cases the Leader of Learning Support create an active and vibrant community across advises parents directly about the teaching and the different years. Each House will have the learning strategies appropriate for their child. opportunity to take part in inter house activities, The school encourages parents to contact the celebrate a House mass as well as compete for SENCO if they want to discuss any particular the House Shield at the end of the year. issues concerning their child. The House System is not all about competition, School Nurse it’s about celebrating spiritual identity and the The School Nurse is based in school for part of activities throughout the year are designed not the week. Her job includes health education and just to bring students closer to victory, but closer health surveillance of students. She arranges to each other and closer to God. Each student and encourages take up of vaccinations. The wears a badge in their house colour and these nurse liaises with the Community Paediatrician, are available from school on the student’s first (child health doctor). She provides a link to other day. Each of the form groups, of which there are areas of healthcare including hospitals and six in each year of the school, has been given a individual health professionals. She liaises with Patron’s name. The Patrons we have chosen for 9 the teaching staff as part of the school’s pastoral our Forms and Houses are: support programme. St Bernadette Soubirous of Lourdes – Purple As an employee of the Health Service the nurse Bernadette was a young girl who many had provides a confidential service for individual written off because of her age and background. students and for Sixth Formers. The nurse is She had a vision of Mary, the mother of Jesus available to talk to parents about any health but many did not believe her. Eventually her related issues. persistence and courage inspired her parish priest to take her seriously and her vision was School Chaplain recognised as an important message to the The Catholic school is based on an educational world. Bernadette inspires us to never give up philosophy in which faith, culture and life are and to be true and honest to our faith. brought into harmony. Through the Chaplaincy, the Church seeks to help young people to find Edmund Campion – Red their personal vocation in faith and life in ways St Edmund Campion was an intelligent man. He that are meaningful and inspiring to them. worked hard throughout school and university and earned the respect of his friends and The school is served by the priests of our feeder teachers. He was also true to his faith. He parishes, who celebrate Mass, the Sacrament became a Catholic priest, even though it was of Reconciliation and who generally support illegal at the time and died for what he believed. and show interest in their young parishioners. St Edmund Campion inspires us to work hard The school chaplaincy team works full time and to not lose sight of what we believe in. across our family of schools and is available to guide and befriend students and to interact with Nicholas Garlick – Orange parishes and parents. Blessed Nicholas Garlick was a Catholic priest

The Becket School, The Becket Way, Wilford Lane, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 7QY 0115 982 4280 www.becketonline.co.uk when Queen Elizabeth was in power. It became following Springboard Mathematics to try to get illegal to practice Catholicism but Nicholas them to achieve Level 4 at the end of Year 7. disobeyed the law and continued to serve the All students are at present following the terrified Catholic community. He was caught and National Curriculum. executed in Derby for his faith. Blessed Nicholas inspires us to do what is right, not what is easy. The school liaises closely with external agencies, Patrick - Green: St Patrick was a missionary and has successfully bid for a range of support who took the message of Jesus to the people channelled through the LA’s funding system. of Ireland, of which he is the Patron Saint. He was an example in the words and message that Rewards he preached. St Patrick inspires us to be an Rewarding The Becket students for achieving in example to others and to be proud to share many aspects of the school life is a priority of the our faith. school. There are a massive number of reward measures in use in the school. Their purpose Robert Ludlam – Blue is to recognise success in its widest meaning Blessed Robert Ludlum was a priest during the and encourage our students to achieve to their time of Queen Elizabeth, when it was illegal to highest level. be Catholic. Robert was known to be a kind and gentle man but that did not mean he was not Weekly Reward Postcards: Every school week brave and strong. He died for refusing to deny each member of staff is invited to select two his faith. Blessed Robert inspires us to be gentle students who have shown superb commitment and kind to others but also to be strong in the to school life, made considerable progress, face of adversity. achieved at the highest level or gone that ‘extra mile’. These students will receive a reward St Teresa of Lisieux and Robert (of Lisieux) - postcard from that member of staff and this is Yellow also recorded on students’ individual files on the St Teresa was from Liseux in France, where she school information management system. is co patron. She died aged only 24 through illness but never complained and showed great Commendations: These are given to students in 10 strength. Her writings survived to carry her lessons and in other school activities. These are message to millions. She is one of only three then collated towards bronze, silver, gold and women to be a “Doctor of the church.” She was platinum awards for commendations received. humble and never wanted praise, encouraging Attendance - Students who have a 100% others to do the little things well. Teresa inspires attendance record during the school year us to do everything we can, however small, to receive a letter and reward from an Assistant help others and to be strong when times Headteacher. are tough. Achievement Assemblies: These are held at the Special Teaching Arrangements end of each term. In each school year twelve One of the school’s senior staff is responsible for students will be selected by their Progress coordinating the support provided to students Leader in consultation with other staff. who have learning difficulties, and for advising staff and parents on the most appropriate ways To gain a School Achievement Award, students of helping them. The aim of the school’s policy need to show endeavour and effort to the whole is to respond to individual need as flexibly as school community. This may be shown for possible. Every effort is made to ensure that example, by being an active member of the Year students with special needs are taught in normal or School Council, helping others with Mass or classes and that support is given to both staff Parent Evenings, being an active member of a and students. Students who did not reach Level sports team, school production, choir or musical 4 in English at KS2 may have the benefit of group, being an effective Peer Councillor or Progress Units to try to get them to achieve a School Prefect. Level 4 at the end of Year 7. Individuals can only achieve one Achievement Students who did not reach Level 4 in Award in an academic year. Those receiving this Mathematics will be taught in a smaller group prestigious award will be given a certificate, a

Parent Information | Students’ Spiritual & Social Welfare badge to wear on their school blazer and a gift items are returned to students at a stipulated voucher for the Victoria Centre. time, but it may be more appropriate to return some items directly to parents - this will be by Presentation of Examination Certificates: This arrangement with them. important event is to celebrate individual success in the public examinations. The GCSE and A Restitution: This applies if property is damaged. Level certificates are presented to students at a It takes the form of compensation or financial special awards evening, which is held close to reimbursement to the school or the child whose the Christmas holidays. Families are invited to property has been damaged. share this evening with staff. Detention: Detention is one of several sanctions Progress Leaders’ Prizes: These are awarded which the school uses to ensure that the annually to one student in each school year. academic, behavioural and punctuality standards expected of students are maintained. Under the Annual Awards’ Evening: This is a most 1997 Education Act all maintained schools have prestigious evening event where students from clear legal authority to detain students without Years 7 - 10 and Year 12 and their parents are the consent of the parents. The detention form is invited to attend a celebration of achievement sent so that parents have a minimum of 24 hours and endeavour. This event is held in the final notice of the detention. It should be signed and week of the academic year. returned to the school.

Discipline Senior Staff Detention: This detention is the most There are a number of disciplinary measures serious sanction short of exclusion and will be in use in the school. Their purpose is to ensure supervised by a Senior Member of Staff. that we create the right sort of atmosphere for students to work most effectively and The Reflection Centre: Students may be demonstrate behaviour for learning. The placed in the quiet isolation room by a Senior school will always seek to work in partnership or Progress Leader. This is a serious sanction, with parents regarding matters of discipline. where students who fail to meet the standards, It is sometimes necessary to use sanctions conduct and respect expected at The Becket 11 against students who are disruptive. It is School are removed from normal lessons. This clearly inappropriate to designate one type of period of isolation will be for a set length of time. punishment for one type of offence and staff Each time a student is placed in the Reflection use their professional discretion in sharing the Centre the family will receive notification of the responsibility for overall school discipline. reason for the isolation and the length of time.

Contact with Parents: The student diary is Exclusion: This is the most serious sanction, and an important vehicle for parental contact and can take the form of fixed term or permanent parents should check it regularly. Staff will use exclusion. Each of these types of exclusion has the diary to report any day to day problems. special procedures and conditions connected Sometimes a letter may have to be sent to with it. Permanent exclusion is a last resort. parents as an early indicator that things may Only in the most serious breaches of discipline be going wrong. It may be sent by a Leader of could permanent exclusion be incurred without Learning or Progress Leader. If these two forms prior warning. of contact do not achieve the desired results then it may be necessary for parents to be invited into Various internal restrictions on movement for school to discuss their child’s problems. example at break or lunchtimes, full or internal exclusion, where a student follows a complete Extra Work: This is a sanction sometimes used programme in isolation from normal groups, can to improve behaviour for learning. It aims to be be applied at the discretion of a senior member meaningful by being either academic or a useful of staff. community activity such as litter collection, etc. Pastoral Support Programme (PSP): A PSP may Confiscation: When a member of staff considers be introduced following a fixed term exclusion. it necessary they can confiscate articles. Some This provision will be fully explained at a meeting

The Becket School, The Becket Way, Wilford Lane, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 7QY 0115 982 4280 www.becketonline.co.uk which will take place with the child and parent or 4. Assistant Headteacher Target Card guardian on the day they return to school after Reserved for persistent offenders who have not the exclusion period. This will involve the child responded positively to the Tutor and Progress being placed on a specific programme which Leader’s monitoring (colour - yellow). will be closely monitored. During the meeting the parents and child will have an opportunity to Emphasising The Positive discuss and agree this provision. This will then Each of the cards is designed to provide clear, be formally documented. The contents of this short term targets, which will have been agreed document will include the following: in discussion with the student. The aim is to modify behaviour, by convincing the student • The child’s special needs. that change is possible and rewarding. When targets are met, the achievement should be • Agreed intervention which may include acknowledged in an appropriate way. Parents are requests for external agency intervention such asked to inspect, discuss and sign the card daily. as counselling provision.

• Clear targets for the child to meet, which will be monitored through a pastoral support target card.

Following an agreed period the parent will be invited to return to the school to discuss the outcome of the PSP and agree the next stage of action. Please note that some students with a PSP may also have an IEP (Individual Education Plan).

Target Cards These cards are designed to emphasise positive achievement as a means to help students modify 12 either their approach to work or their behaviour.

There are 4 levels of target card:

1. Student Target Card A student initiates this card as a means of gaining Tutor support for an area they wish to improve (colour - white).

2. Tutor Target Card The Tutor initiates this card. It is not to be seen as a punishment but as an opportunity to bring about change. The Tutor discusses the targets with the student ensuring that they are achievable. Members of staff are asked to report only on the targets set (colour - pink).

3. Progress Leader Target Card This target card is employed when the student has not responded positively to the Tutor Target Card; when further in depth monitoring is required to reinforce targets discussed with the student in the presence of the parent. It is initiated by the Progress Leader (colour - blue).

Parent Information | Students’ Spiritual & Social Welfare 13

The Becket School, The Becket Way, Wilford Lane, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 7QY 0115 982 4280 www.becketonline.co.uk Day to Day Routines

General Rules for All Students 9. Smoking is not allowed in school and students are forbidden to have matches or 1. Students must wear the uniform laid down in cigarettes in their possession. this Handbook. 10. Food must be eaten in school only in those 2. Students are not allowed to have jewellery, areas, and at those times, designated for the make-up, body decoration or extreme hair- consumption of food. styles, including sculptured hair (one small 11. Students must not drive or ride a vehicle to plain “sleeper” stud is allowed in each ear or from school without staff permission and for those students with pierced ears.) Any such vehicles are brought into school at the student whose appearance is considered owner’s risk. inappropriate may be sent home, at the discretion of the Headteacher. 12. Students must accept responsibility for looking after their own property. All 3. Students must not bring into school any equipment and clothing should be marked object, and must not act in any way, 14 with the owner’s name. which might endanger members of the school community. 13. Around the school students are expected to behave in a considerate and courteous 4. Students must not bring mobile phones or manner. Movement in the school should electrical equipment (e.g. iPods) into school. always be prompt, orderly and quiet. (The sixth form are permitted mobile phones (Running is forbidden). but have to ensure that they are switched off during lessons). 14. On staircases students must keep strictly to the left hand side. 5. Students who are chosen to take part in a school activity must honour that commitment 15. Students must walk in a courteous manner both inside and outside school hours. Part- in the corridors and on the stairs and keep to time jobs or other similar activities require the the LEFT wherever possible. written permission of the Headteacher. 16. Ball games are not allowed anywhere 6. Students must not leave the premises during in school. normal school hours without the permission of a member of staff. Occasions of illness 17. If students are waiting for a lesson to start, or injury should be reported to a member of they must queue in an orderly fashion outside staff. Students leaving the premises during the classroom until the teacher arrives. The the school day must sign out at details of where to wait will be explained to Student Reception. students by tutors or class teachers.

7. Chewing gum is strictly forbidden in school.

8. Gambling is not allowed in school.

Parent Information | Day to Day Routines Personal Property The School Code The School is unable to accept responsibility The School Code like everything else in our for a student’s personal belongings which are school has as its basis the life and teaching left, lost or stolen on school premises. However, of Jesus. If everyone in the school tried to live all help possible will be given to the student in according to His example then all rules and recovering the articles, so long as the following regulations would be unnecessary. Essentially procedure is adopted: the emphasis is on a positive attitude, towards self, others and to the school. 1. Mark all clothing and personal belongings with the owner’s name. 1. Respect Yourself

2. Do not bring into school any inappropriate • You are a unique human being. literature or equipment, i.e. radios, mobile • Always do your best. phones, iPods, electronic games, records, • Be clean and tidy. etc, without permission. • Take care of your health. 3. Do not wear jewellery or make-up to school.

4. Do not bring into school more money than 2. Respect Others is normally required. It is sensible to give • Try to see other people’s point of view. money each day rather than money for ‘the week’. • Recognise their qualities.

5. If for any reason money or valuables are • Respect their feelings. brought into school, they are to be given for • Support and encourage others. safe keeping to the teacher in charge. • Treat their property with respect. 6. Loss of property is to be reported to the Form Tutor or the teacher in charge 3. Respect your school without delay. • Move about school quietly and purposefully. 15 7. Those who find lost property must hand it at • Take care of equipment and furniture. once to a member of staff. • Keep the school clean and tidy. 8. Lost property is stored in the school office. • Remember that you always ‘represent’ The property is kept for approximately your school. 5 weeks.

Parents can make a contribution to the school 4. Take responsibility for your own learning community by insisting that their children • Assess yourself and be self-critical. observe these points. • Take a pride in your work. • Do ask for help when you need it. • Always have the correct equipment.

5. Take responsibility for the quality of school life • Make it possible for everyone to learn. • Treat everyone with respect. • Always act with courtesy and consideration. • Be an active member of your form or class.

The Becket School, The Becket Way, Wilford Lane, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 7QY 0115 982 4280 www.becketonline.co.uk School Uniform Students are required to wear school uniform at school and coming to and going from school, on all school visits and at all official school functions unless special permission is given to the contrary. There is no uniform for Sixth Formers, but they are expected to conform to a code of dress. The PE Kit, ties and badges are available to purchase from the School Finance Office.

Item Description Notes & Exclusions

Trousers School and prefect ties available. Tied in a single knot with 6 or more stripes showing.

Blazer Black, the only badges permitted on a To be worn at all times, only removed with blazer are those given out by school e.g. staff permission. Achievement, commendations. Sleeves to be kept long.

Badges A school and house badge are to be worn on The only other badges permitted on a the blazer. blazer are those given out by school e.g. Achievement, commendations.

Shirt White traditional school shirt with formal No three-quarter sleeves allowed. collar. Long or short sleeves.

Skirt Grey, waist high, knee-length. No more than 4cm gap between knee and Plain school wear material. hem length. No patterns or decorations. No splits.

Trousers Dark grey, waist high. No side “leg” pockets. Moderate style. No patterns or decorations. Plain material. A belt is useful to ensure trousers stay on No patterns or decorations. the waist. 16 Jumper Plain dark grey. Cardigans are not permitted. V neck. Long sleeves.

Socks Plain black or grey (White for girls only).

Tights Plain black or grey colour.

Shoes Black, traditional school shoes. No boots. Slip on shoes may only be worn Preferably with a strap, laces or buckle. if they cover the top of the foot giving protection to the whole foot.

Coat Plain, black, no patterns, no logo. No hoodies - these will be confiscated.

Parent Information | Day to Day Routines Item Description Notes & Exclusions

Scarf, hat, Black and plain. gloves

Earrings One small discrete silver or gold stud in Studs only. each ear.

Hair bobbles/ To be black or silver and discrete. Alice bands

School A dark plain rucksack or other proper Studs only. bags school bag.

Hair styles Must be conventional, smart and Tram lines are not allowed - students lose traditional. Highlights only one shade breaks until hair grows. lighter or darker than your natural colour. No full head hair colouring.

NOT Make up, nail varnish, coloured hair, ALLOWED false nails.

Physical Education

Boys Girls

PE: PE: White T shirt Blue polo PE shirt (available from school) (white shirt with logo available from school) Black PE skort White shorts (black cycling shorts for dance and gym) 17 White socks White socks White training shoes White training shoes

Games: Games: School rugby shirt Black sweatshirt Black shorts Black PE skort Blue socks (black cycling shorts for dance and gym) Football boots Blue hockey socks Shin pads Football boots Mouth guard Shin pads Becket sweatshirt (available from school) Mouth guard

Tracksuits: During cold weather we strongly advise wearing a black tracksuit in addition to normal kit.

The Becket School, The Becket Way, Wilford Lane, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 7QY 0115 982 4280 www.becketonline.co.uk Girls Uniform

Boys Uniform

18

House Badge

Parent Information | Day to Day Routines School Uniform Suppliers

John Lewis, Victoria Centre, Nottingham. Tel 0115 941 8282

School House badges, blazer badges, The Becket School ties and some items of PE kit are available from the Finance Office.

Some Essential Items for Students to Bring to School Every Day

• a pen, plus a spare • a pencil, plus a spare • a rubber • a ruler • various coloured pencils • the Little Oxford Dictionary • Collins French-English/ English-French Dictionary • jotter or notebook • Good News Bible

Mathematics Geometry set including compasses, set square, protractor and ruler. 19

Reading A reading book for every Friday morning Tutor Session, where our students read silently and take part in our ‘Reading in Registration’ programme.

General Articles of an expensive nature, excessive amounts of money and articles of a dangerous nature must not be brought to school.

The Becket School, The Becket Way, Wilford Lane, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 7QY 0115 982 4280 www.becketonline.co.uk The School Day 1. Students are to be punctual.

2. Every student returning from absence, no 8.40 am Registration matter how short, must bring to the Form Tutor on the day of return a signed and dated 8.45 am Assembly letter from the parent stating reasons for 9.00 am Period 1 absence. If a child is absent, we require a telephone call to the school office by 8.30am 10.00 am Break on the first day of absence, followed by a dated and signed note of explanation upon 10.15 am Period 2 their return. If a child is absent for more than three days, a further call with an update 11.15 am Period 3 would be appreciated. The school operates an attendance policy that is consistently 12.15 pm Lunch applied across the South Nottingham Catholic Academy Trust. 1.05 pm Period 4 3. As part of the South Nottingham Catholic 2.05 pm Period 5 Academy Trust, we do not authorise leave during term time. Leave is only authorised 3.05 pm School Ends for exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of the Headteacher. Please read Attendance the South Nottingham Catholic Academy The Becket School promotes excellent Trust Attendance Policy that can be found on attendance and regularly rewards students our website if you require further information. who achieve an excellent attendance record. 4. Requests for permission to attend We believe that good attendance is linked to appointments at hospital, dentist or doctor academic success, student attainment and during school hours must be supported by student achievement. The school monitors an appointment card or a letter from parents 20 student attendance and we want to work to be shown to the Progress Leader or Form together with you to help ensure excellent Tutor. When this has been seen, the Form attendance and punctuality for your child. Tutor will issue an EXEAT form, to be taken to the office on leaving. Without this, students The Assistant Head for Inclusion, Progress will not be allowed to leave the premises. We Leaders, Attendance Officers and the Local expect students to be met at Reception by a Authority all work in cohesion to promote and parent unless written permission is given by achieve excellent attendance for each student the parent to allow the child to leave alone. at The Becket School. Persistent lateness and irregular attendance have a serious effect on 5. Immediate notice must be sent to the a student’s work at school, causing loss of Progress Leader of any serious or contagious valuable time and resulting in poor illness occurring in the household of a academic performance. student. In this instance a student should not attend school until a medical certificate has Please consider the following: been submitted indicating that he/she may do so with safety to other students. • If you missed 10 days in a school year your attendance rate would be 94.7%. 6. The school should be kept informed during the period of a prolonged absence. • 20% absence is the equivalent of missing one whole school year out of the five in If a student is late for school they will be placed Secondary Education. in detention. The school will decide whether lateness is authorised or not. If a student is late • Research shows that attendance below 95% they must enter through the main entrance and can result in a drop in a GCSE grade (DCSF). sign in at Student Reception. Therefore, the following rules should be carefully observed.

Parent Information | Day to Day Routines School Meals School Buses The school operates a cashless system in the Drivers cannot always see if the entire space Dining Room. Students are able to obtain a wide at the back of a bus is clear when reversing. A choice of healthy meals. The school encourages child’s life may be in danger if he/she is too close parents to re-charge student accounts online, to the bus. Please communicate the following however students will also be able to re-charge rules to your child: their accounts at various top-up points in the school. A cafeteria and hot snack facility is 1. Good conduct is expected from every available not only at lunch time but also at student and quiet polite behaviour is to be breakfast time and during morning break. observed on the buses at all times. Students who do not behave properly when travelling Free Meals on the school bus, at the discretion of the Students entitled to free meals are able to obtain Headteacher, may be banned from using these in the Dining Room to the value of the the service. current set meal. If they take items totalling more than that they will be charged via the biometric 2. Students must never cross behind or in front cashless system providing there is sufficient of the school buses. credit on their account. If not, the extra item(s) 3. Students must never approach the school must be returned. buses as they enter or when they are moving out of the parking area. Free School Meal applications are dealt with by: 4. At the end of the school day those students travelling on the school buses MUST queue Parent and Student Services in the correct bus group, in the place Access to Services appointed and enter the bus when instructed Children and Young People’s Services to do so by a member of staff. Meadow House Littleworth 5. On arrival in the morning students must only Mansfield alight from buses in the designated Nottinghamshire bus lay-bys. 21 NG18 2TA 6. On alighting from a bus students will proceed through the wet weather lobby to the hard For initial enquiries on free school meals and surface area on the inner circle. to request an application form, parents can call 0845 3304215. For queries telephone: 01623 The school has an agreement with The Harvester 433433. for drop off and pick up, which we encourage parents to use. School Transport Students resident in the county requesting Please note: students resident in the county can travel assistance should complete Form TA1 currently travel on a school bus with a travel pass available online at www.nottinghamshire.gov. (purchased in advance) or pay daily each way uk/schooltravel-under16 or from the school, on the bus. It is proposed that students resident and return it direct to: The Becket School, The in the city will need a travel pass (payable in Becket Way, Wilford Lane, West Bridgford, advance) to use a bus. Nottingham, NG2 7QY, together with a passport size photograph. If any student mislays their travel pass it currently costs £5 to replace the pass. This cost may alter. Students resident in the city should contact Students who have lost their pass must report The Transport Team, Children and Families, it to the appropriate travel authority and school. Loxley House, Station Street, Nottingham, NG2 The school can then issue a five day temporary 3NG. Telephone 9150692/9150892 or email pass, after we have received confirmation of the [email protected] regarding lost pass from the local authority. arrangements for school transport being offered by the City of Nottingham.

The Becket School, The Becket Way, Wilford Lane, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 7QY 0115 982 4280 www.becketonline.co.uk Free Travel To find out if you are eligible for free travel please access the following:

Nottinghamshire County Council website www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk (Traffic & Travel link; Buses; Concessionary fares; School Travel & Passes)

Nottingham City Council website www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk (Education & learning link; Schools & Colleges; School Transport in Nottingham City)

Discounted Travel only available to students resident in the County If your child resides in the county and does not qualify for free travel you may be able to purchase a termly or annual Season Pass from Nottinghamshire Transport Services, Communities Department, Trent Bridge House, Fox Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 6BJ. Telephone 0844 9808080. The cost of the pass will be based on the usual daily fare between home and school and will include a discount.

Discounted Travel available to students resident in the City For details of any discounted travel available to 22 students resident in the city please contact: The Transport Team, Children and Families, LH Box 6, Loxley House, Station Street, Nottingham, NG2 3NG. Telephone 0115 9150692 or 0115 9150892 or email to [email protected]

Parking The School Buses will always park in the designated lay-bys on the school site.

No parents should drive their vehicles onto the school site. Parents should not drive up to the turning circle on The Becket Way. The turning circle must be kept clear for when the school buses enter and depart.

Please do not use the visitor car park to drop off/ collect students.

Parent Information | Day to Day Routines 23

The Becket School, The Becket Way, Wilford Lane, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 7QY 0115 982 4280 www.becketonline.co.uk Extra-curricular Experiences

Extra-curricular Activities Diocesan residential youth centre at Crich, and The school has a varied menu of activities on the retreat centre at Kintbury, for periods of offer all year round. The school benefits from up to a week. There are also residential field a full size all weather court and a sports hall courses for interested students to other parts as well as an activity hall, and also has the use of the country. All Year 7 students have a short of a number of off-site facilities. As a result, a residential experience at Hagg Farm, Derbyshire, wide variety of sports clubs are available. Major usually before the Advent mid-term. The school team games are football, rugby, cricket, hockey, has partnerships with the Humboldt Gymnasium, netball and softball. These are supplemented a German school in Karlsruhe and with the Lycee by other activities including basketball, squash, Rebelais in Chinon in the Loire Valley in France. badminton, and volleyball. The school now also offers the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme to There is a strong tradition of theatre, drama, students in Years 9, 12 and 13. music and debating and there are some theatre visits. The school offers study support sessions after 24 school and during lunch periods, as well as a Year 9 students of German have the opportunity multitude of other engaging clubs and activities to go to the Christmas markets in Cologne in for all students at all levels of ability. Most of the early December. In the summer term Year 8 activities are free as they are provided by staff students have an opportunity to visit France for on a voluntary basis, however the school asks a 5 days. Accommodation is in a youth hostel in nominal contribution from time to time to ensure Calais and visits are made to Paris, Bruges (in sustainability of certain clubs. The activities on Belgium), the World War One battlefields and a offer change from term to term in order to suit theme park. Aims of the visit are social, cultural student needs. The school also offers some and linguistic. activities during the holiday periods and holds a Summer Transition Scheme for the new Year Visits are organised to Paris and Berlin with the 7 intake. purpose of widening students’ knowledge of French and German language and culture. These Voluntary Clubs, Societies, and Teams visits are open primarily to Years 11 to 13. The school has strong links with local organisations and often hosts events on behalf Music at The Becket School of the community. The challenge of voluntary We have a lively and exciting Music Department community service is encouraged and students at The Becket School with a wide variety of are to be found helping out at community events, activities available to students in and out of the in hospitals, neighbouring primary schools, classroom. Students who play an instrument or homes for the disabled and so on. sing are encouraged to join one or more of our ensembles, which rehearse weekly and perform The school believes that students should regularly at our own school concerts and external experience at least one residential course whilst functions. So if you want to sing a solo or maybe at school and consequently groups are taken just play second triangle in the school band then regularly to The Briars, which is the Nottingham we have a place for you!

Parent Information | Extra-curricular Experiences We have a varied and interesting music • Big Band - Grade 5 onwards - by invitation curriculum, which covers topics such as Reggae • Woodwind Ensemble - Grade 3 and above Music, Instruments of the Orchestra, Rhythm and Pulse, Protest Songs and Blues amongst many • Guitar Orchestra - Open to all others. Students are also taught how to use a • Music technology club - Open to all range of music technology programmes in our Apple Mac suite. • Flute group - Grade 3 and above • Sax quartet - Grade 4 and above Students have the opportunity to perform, compose and appraise a wide range of music, • Choir - Open to all which allows them to improve and increase • Vocal group - Grade 3 and above their knowledge in the subject. This continues into our GCSE and A level provision, which The school contributes 30% of the cost of all opens up even more possibilities for students to instrumental music tuition. Students entitled to improve their performance, critical listening and Free School Meals can receive free instrumental composition skills. music tuition. Music provision at The Becket School has grown enormously over the last few At The Becket School we are pleased to offer a years and with the help of the enthusiasm of wide range of musical tuition opportunities to all the students it continues to go from strength to students within the school and within our feeder strength, which is something we are very primaries so that there is continuity from Key proud of. Stage 2 to 3. Our instrumentalists and vocalists benefit from expert tuition provided by both There are numerous opportunities to take part our own peripatetic music teachers and the in performances in the local community, attend County Music Service across all the concerts and master classes. The department instrumental families. also runs regular tours abroad and educational visits to the West End of London which allow Every student has the chance to take up students to access a wide variety of styles instrumental or singing lessons and get of music. involved with the extra-curricular musical life 25 of the school. All students in receipt of school instrumental lessons are expected to take part in at least one extra-curricular activity. Over recent years the extra-curricular musical programme has developed greatly. We have added more ensembles for the students to participate in, hopefully catering for all tastes.

The extra-curricular programme now breaks down into ability levels helping all students to access the different styles of musical ensembles at their level. The extra-curricular ensembles at The Becket School now include:

• String Orchestra - All string players • Junior Concert Orchestra - Grade 1 - 3 • Jazz Band - Grade 4 upwards • Concert Orchestra - Grade 3 onwards • Brass Ensemble - Grade 5 onwards • Rock School - Open to all guitarists, drummers and vocalists • Brass Group - Grade 1 - 4

The Becket School, The Becket Way, Wilford Lane, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 7QY 0115 982 4280 www.becketonline.co.uk Sporting Aims and Provisions for Sport Competitive Sport and The Physical Education Department, with the Extra-Curricular Provision valuable support of a number of other members Students have the opportunity to continue to of staff, aims to provide opportunities for all develop their individual interests and talents students who wish to achieve in sport and by participating in a variety of sports which competition and the chance to reach their full are organised by members of staff both at potential by participation in both curricular and lunchtimes and after school. These include extracurricular activities. football, cricket, athletics, hockey, tennis, basketball, netball, gymnastics, cheerleading, The Physical Education Department aims to table tennis and ultimate frisbee. provide the foundations from which students can develop knowledge, understanding and positive All of these activities are open to all students and attitudes to participation in sport. We aim to it is usually from these that teams are selected encourage students to improve their standards to represent the school in competitive fixtures of performance through teaching, coaching against other schools in the area. The school is and training to achieve excellence in their involved in fixtures in a variety of sports of both a chosen sport. friendly nature and in organised competitions.

In core PE lessons students follow the National Students have been selected for representative Curriculum Programme of Study for KS3 teams at City, County, Midland and and KS4 which includes the key concepts of National level. competence, performance, creativity and healthy, active lifestyles. Students should develop Sports Links confidence and competence to take part in a The Physical Education Department has regular range of physical activities. contact with Coaching Development Officers from a variety of sports and recognises the Students will be able to develop skill in physical importance of further developing these links activities; make and apply decisions; develop both within and extra to the curriculum. Students their physical and mental capacities; evaluate are encouraged to take up their chosen sports 26 and improve their performances; make informed outside school hours in local sports clubs and choices about healthy, active lifestyles. contact is made to foster these links.

Students take part in a variety of activities: Facilities invasion games e.g. football, basketball, netball, The school offers state of the art facilities rugby, hockey; net games e.g. volleyball, tennis; including a sports hall, activity hall, an all weather striking and fielding games e.g. rounders and pitch, 6 tennis courts, sports pitches, AV studio, cricket; gymnastics; dance; athletics. Through drama studio and ICT suites. these activities students will experience outwitting opponents; accurate replication of In addition to the seven full-time PE specialists, skills and sequences; communicating ideas, other members of staff have either PE concepts and emotions; performing at maximum teaching qualifications or coaching / instructor levels; solving problems; exercising safely and qualifications in activities such as basketball, effectively. In addition to this in KS4 students can volleyball, netball and hockey. choose to study GCSE Physical Education.

In the Sixth Form students may choose to study for an A Level in Physical Education. There is also the opportunity to become a Sports Leader through the Sport leaders UK - Level 2 in Year 10 and Community Sports Leader Award in the Sixth Form.

Parent Information | Extra-curricular Experiences 27

The Becket School, The Becket Way, Wilford Lane, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 7QY 0115 982 4280 www.becketonline.co.uk Parental Support

Parental Support The Becket Community Association The school is supporting the education of your child. However, the formal educational process (Formerly the Parent Teacher Association of The will only be successful with close co-operation Becket School) between home and school. The Becket Community Association was formed You can best help the school by: in spring 2013, and is an adaption of the very successful PTA which has been established since • Monitoring your child’s homework and signing the early 1970’s. the Homework Diary. The Association is a partnership between staff • Attending school events (consultation and parents of children attending the school, and evenings, information evenings etc.) whenever has now been broadened to include students you can. and local organisations and businesses. The • Supporting our Becket Community Association holds regular meetings on school 28 Association, and attending their social premises which allow parents, staff and local events, many of which raise funds for your organisations to come together with the aim child’s benefit. of building relationships and developing links • Ensuring that your child’s dress and between home, school and the local community. appearance come up to the high standards of the school and conform to school The main focus of the Association is to organise uniform regulations. a range of events that raise funds for the school but, as importantly, offer social occasions for • Ensuring that your child comes to school staff, parents and children to come together. punctually and avoiding the taking of holidays With this in mind the events include an annual during term time. Christmas Fayre, family quiz nights, car boot • Providing an absence note at the end of any sales and parent socials. time off for sickness and signing return slips attached to newsletters etc. Over the years the Association has provided many items for the school including a polytunnel • Supporting the school’s sanctions, including and music trailer, as well as supporting an detention, and making arrangements for abundance of trips, educational programmes your child’s safe return home. (The great and courses and much needed school majority of our students never receive an after- equipment. The Association supports the diverse school detention). opportunities offered to the children. All parents enter into a Home/School Partnership Agreement. Every parent is automatically a member of the Association so we invite you to join us and trust you will find supporting the school through the Association an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Parent Information | Parental Support School Governors The school has a supportive and committed Local Governing Body, who contribute wholly to the school, driving improvement and raising standards.

The Local Governing Body is made up of Foundation Governors, Community Governors, Parent Governors, Staff Governors and a Head Teacher Governor.

The role of The Becket School Governor is to:

• Be proactive. • Work strategically. • Work closely with the school. • Regularly review and evaluate to ensure requirements are always fulfilled.

The Local Governing Body of the school hold regular committee meetings and a full Governing Body meeting each term.

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The Becket School, The Becket Way, Wilford Lane, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 7QY 0115 982 4280 www.becketonline.co.uk Safeguarding, Policies & Complaints Procedures

Safeguarding Complaints Procedure The school recognises that the safety, welfare There is a procedure agreed by the governing and care of children are paramount. We are body for dealing with any complaints about the therefore committed to the highest standards school curriculum and other related issues. A in protecting and safeguarding the children copy of the full complaints procedure is available entrusted to our care at all times. for reference from the school office.

The school has a Child Protection Policy. A copy The procedure provides: of this is available from the school office. If you have any concerns about the safety or welfare 1. That there should normally be a preliminary of a child please inform the school office. The informal discussion with the appropriate school office will then contact the school’s school staff, to see whether the complaint designated Child Protection Officer immediately. can be resolved without recourse to the formal procedures. Policies 2. That if the complaint has not been resolved 30 The school has adopted the following polices: as above, the school will follow the formal procedures laid out in the School • Governors’ Policy on Charging and Complaints Policy. Remissions • Sex and Relationships Education Policy 3. That, if the complaint still cannot be resolved, the complainant should write to the Chair of • Child Protection Policy the Local Governing Body. • Anti Bullying Policy In placing your child in this school you are • Admissions Policy expressing your trust in us. This is a responsibility • Special Educational Needs Policy which we take very seriously. • Complaints Policy • Statement by the Bishops of England and Wales on Catholic Schools If you require a copy of any of the policies above, these are available from the school office.

Parent Information | Safeguarding, Policies & Complaints Procedures 31

The Becket School, The Becket Way, Wilford Lane, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 7QY 0115 982 4280 www.becketonline.co.uk Design by www.fifteendesign.co.uk

The Becket School The Becket Way, Wilford Lane, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 7QY

Telephone 0115 982 4280 Fax 0115 982 4281 Email [email protected]

Follow us @TheBecketSchool

The Becket School is part of the South Nottingham Catholic Academy Trust