Welcome

Our wonderful school opened its doors to pupils on 28 June 1954 with 300 children and 7 teachers.

Our school exists to work alongside families to ensure every child fulfils their potential in all aspects of life.

In order to allow our pupils to let their light shine, we provide a warm and welcoming environment where pupils access a vibrant and varied curriculum.

We are proud to be part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust and work closely in partnership with families, parish and the local community.

We welcome children of all faiths and beliefs. Please feel free to arrange a visit if you would like to know more.

Our School Day

Pupils in the Infants go straight into class when they arrive in the morning.

Wrap-around Care Provision

We offer a Breakfast Club for pupils from 7.30am, Monday to Friday.

Teatime Club is open from 3.30pm to 5.30pm Monday to Thursday, and until 5.00pm on Fridays.

We also offer a range of after-school clubs, which change regularly to provide varied and exciting opportunities for pupils.

Our Uniform

The wearing of a school uniform gives pupils a sense of belonging to the school community and encourages high standards in presentation. This impacts favourably on behaviour and attitudes.

School Uniform

• St. Matthew’s navy blue sweatshirt or cardigan
• Light blue polo shirt, with school logo optional
• Grey skirt, trousers, shorts or pinafore
• Blue and white gingham dress in the summer term
• Grey or white socks or tights
• St. Matthew’s navy coat, optional
• Black sensible school shoes, no trainers or trainer-type shoes
• No jewellery, including earrings

P.E. Kit

• St. Matthew’s blue T-shirt
• Navy blue shorts or plain navy blue jogging bottoms
• Outdoor trainers

Our Curriculum

We provide a broad, balanced and inclusive curriculum to promote the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of all pupils.

Our aim is to prepare pupils at St. Matthew’s for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life.

Our enhanced school curriculum has the National Curriculum at its core, providing pupils with essential knowledge and helping them develop an appreciation of human creativity and achievement.

We promote universal human values, including equality and respect for all, enabling pupils to value their British status and traditions within an inclusive multi-racial society.

Each year group has a curriculum overview which is shared with parents at Curriculum Evenings early in the Autumn Term and is also available on the school website. Our curriculum is progressive, sequential and regularly reviewed.

Pastoral Support

Pupil Voice

We believe strongly in our children shaping and leading decisions made at St. Matthew’s and encourage pupils to join groups that may interest them.

• School Council
• Junior Leadership Team
• RE Ambassadors
• Eco-Warriors
• Playground Leaders
• Peer Mediators
• Mini Vinnies

These groups help to lead change across school and hear the views of their peers.

SEND

We are committed to the equal inclusion of all pupils in all areas of primary school life.

We recognise the diverse and individual needs of all pupils and take into account the additional support required by children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

We also have a designated SEND Governor, Mrs Hall, who works closely with the SENDCO to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of SEND provision for all children at St. Matthew’s.

Our Community

Our Parish

St. Matthew’s Catholic Primary serves the parish of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Jarrow, which is part of the Jarrow Cluster of Catholic Churches.

We have very close links with St. Matthew’s Church and its parishioners, holding School Masses in Church and visiting Church regularly.

We also invite members of the parish to attend events in school where possible.

We have a strong Sacramental Preparation Programme, led by volunteer catechists from the Parish.

Friends of St. Matthew’s

Friends of St. Matthew’s, or FOSM, is our Parents and Teachers’ Association. It is a voluntary group of parents and carers whose mission is to provide resources, equipment and events which enhance education and extra-curricular activity.

Regular events include the Summer Fayre, Christmas activities, supporting the purchase of Year 6 leavers’ hoodies, after-school clubs, Movie Nights and Treat Fridays.

New volunteers are always welcome. To find out more, email PTA_stmatthews@outlook.com

Chadwick’s Kitchen

Our award-winning in-house catering team, Chadwick’s Kitchen, provides catering services across the Trust.

• Fresh ingredients are used to prepare healthy and nutritionally balanced meals each day
• The majority of menus are homemade by chefs in our kitchens
• Medical diets are accommodated in partnership with parents
• Parents and carers can pay for school meals using ParentPay
• Pupils entitled to free meals can purchase food to the value of the daily allowance
• Packed lunches are permitted, but nuts and nut-based products are not allowed

Our Trust

We are proud to be part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust.

The Trust covers the east part of the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, with schools in East Durham, South Tyneside and Sunderland.

Our family of schools work closely together so pupils can flourish, supported by effective transition, close relationships and shared expectations.