Statement of Purpose
At Holy Cross Primary Catholic Voluntary Academy our educational aim is simple – by working together we can achieve more. We strive to give everyone in our school a love of learning and the life-long skills to empower them to choose the life they want. We are committed to the highest possible standards of teaching and learning, providing the best possible outcomes and opportunities for all of our pupils, irrespective of their abilities and individual needs.
The contribution of parents/carers and the wider community to our children’s education and progress is vital and we are actively seeking to strengthen our partnership. At Holy Cross Primary Catholic Voluntary Academy we are committed to the equal inclusion of all pupils in all areas of Early Years and Primary School life, irrespective of their needs.
The diverse and individual needs of all of our pupils and take into account the differing additional support required by those children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). We recognise that those needs may change and evolve over the time at which your child is with us at Holy Cross Primary Catholic Voluntary Academy. Our Head Teacher and SENCO is also the Designated Teacher for Looked after Children to ensure all teachers in school understand the implications for those children who are looked after and have SEND.
At Holy Cross Primary Catholic Voluntary Academy we endeavour to ensure that all pupils, regardless of their specific needs make the best possible progress. We also ensure the safety of our children is paramount and follow all MASH guidelines for referral and assessment of children’s needs.
Statement of Intent for Supporting Equality
At Holy Cross Primary Catholic Voluntary Academy we are rightly committed to equality. Every child should fulfil their potential (academically and socially) no matter what his/her background or personal circumstances.
Pastoral and Social Support
Across the school all staff have a professional responsibility towards every child in school. Yet certain individuals are employed in key roles; our Higher Level Teaching Assistant is in post to meet the emotional needs of our children. Using play therapy in regular, planned one to one sessions they are able to work with some of our most vulnerable children. We fully appreciate that all children though do at some point need someone to talk to and all children are able to access support sessions when they feel that they are in need of some emotional support. This service is also available to our parents and is a protected service that is valued by all of our community.
Our HLTA monitors Behaviour and Attendance in school to focus upon incidents of behaviour providing support for individuals. Another important aspect of their work is to support and help develop a positive and proactive approach to behaviour management at a whole school level. They also monitors whole school attendance data, identifying key individuals so that individual attendance can be improved across the school. The intention is to develop pupil attendance improvement plans to tackle persistent absentees, working with parents and children.
As a school we sign up to Local Authority Service Level Agreements which enable us to draw upon support and advice from external providers such as Speech and Language Therapy, CAMHS and Educational Psychology Service. The knowledge and expertise of staff in key positions also enables families to access support such as Stronger Families and Pathfinders.
