School Ethos and Values

At Thomas More Catholic School we feel that young children learn best when:

• the quality of relationships is good and children are happy and secure.
• they know they are respected and valued for who they are.
• the best quality teachers, material and resources are employed.
• teaching is purposeful and focused, meeting individual needs.
• teachers and parents work in partnership and mutual support.
• learning is underpinned by strong gospel and Catholic values.
• learning is set within a framework of good behaviour
• expectations and standards are high in order to achieve excellence.
• they have many and varied opportunities to explore academic, sporting, spiritual and creative skills and abilities
• concepts, knowledge and skills are taught within meaningful contexts.
• learning is enjoyable because it includes first hand, creative and practical experiences, within a stimulating environment.
• they have opportunities to collaborate with others.
• they are encouraged to investigate and think for themselves, becoming independent learners
• they are enabled to be supported in their faith journey
• when they acknowledge that God is present in their lives
• they take responsibility for their learning outcomes.

At Thomas More Catholic School we aim to foster a caring community in which each individual is valued for who they are and we celebrate each child’s strengths. We encourage mutual respect regardless of race, religion or ability. Children are given opportunities to take on roles of responsibility within the school community and the expectations increase through the key stage.

Discipline

We are reviewing our approach to behaviour at the moment. We aim to ensure a firm, fair and consistent approach to discipline and behaviour throughout the school. We may use lunchtime exclusion options in extreme circumstances. We expect the highest standards of good behaviour, enabling children to develop self-discipline and for learning to take place in the classroom.

Pastoral Care

Our aim is to enable all children to gain maximum benefit and fulfilment from tier time at school. In order for this to happen we rely on trust, sound relationships and good communication between the home and school. Should difficulties then arise, the school will be able to work closely with the child’s parents to overcome them. The Form Tutor, Year Co-ordinator and Key Stage Co-ordinator are able to offer care and guidance to all pupils during their time at Thomas More School .

Welfare

Although the education of children is our primary task, we have a duty to ensure the welfare and protection of the children in our care. If we have any such concerns, we have clear guidance to follow. This includes referring to outside agencies for advice and action with parental consent (e.g. Education Welfare; Education Psychology; Health). However, if our concerns are about child protection, we must refer to Social Services or the Police without informing parents.

Dress

Parents and staff of Thomas More School support a school uniform, or dress code. It is felt that a smart uniform helps children identify with school values and with each other, symbolising equality and belonging. It also prevents expensive fashion competitions! For convenience, uniform items can be purchased through Hewitts and Son Limited – 020 8688 1830. The agreed Dress Code consists of the following (and can be seen in full in the student planners):-

Uniform Years 7 to 10

Blazer bottle green with badge

Dark grey school style trousers

Black school style trousers

Medium grey school style skirt

White school style shirt

School tie

Bottle green V-neck school style pullover (Cardigans may not be worn.)

Plain grey, white (for girls) or black socks

Plain black tights

Plain black school style shoes, low heel

Uniform Year 11

Blazer black with badge

Black V-neck school style pullover

School tie

Remaining uniform as above
 

Hair

The style should be appropriate, presentable and safe at school. Extreme hairstyles, colouring and gel are discouraged. Long hair must be tied back, hair should not fall over the eyes and face. Hair should not be cut shorter than a grade 2 anywhere and must be of an even cut.
 

Jewellery

No jewellery may be worn, except as follows: -

Watches may be worn, but remain the child’s responsibility (try to name them in some way). Children with serious medical conditions may wear Medic-Alert discs with permission from the Headteacher.

Medical

Office staff will administer prescribed medicines to children with a consent letter from parents. The medication needs to be clearly marked with the child’s name and dosage and that a spoon is supplied if appropriate. The school reserves the right to refuse to administer medicines, unless these conditions are met. Parents may come in to administer medicines.

We do request that children are not sent into school if they complain of feeling unwell.

Should your child become ill or have an accident during the school day we will telephone you. If we are unable to contact you, your child will be taken by car or ambulance to the nearest hospital by a member of our administrative team or the Headteacher, if this is felt necessary. Please keep us informed or any changes in contact numbers, as it causes unnecessary distress to children if we are unable to contact a parent when they are feeling unwell.