Starting Primary Guide
A clear, parent-friendly guide to routines, uniform, learning, wellbeing, meals and key contacts.
A warm welcome to St. Godric’s
I feel very privileged to be Headteacher of a wonderful school. St. Godric’s is a vibrant, warm and nurturing school. All staff share a vision for our pupils — to ensure they feel safe, supported and happy.
Through emotionally supporting our children and celebrating their talents and success, we empower them to achieve and make progress. We encourage children to take risks and understand that we can all learn from making mistakes. By providing a love of learning, memorable experiences and a clear purpose for learning, children become engaged and motivated.
As a Catholic school, whether pupils are Catholic or non-Catholic, they experience regular moments of peace and prayer. Throughout the year, families, friends and members of the parish come into school to worship with us.
We are extremely fortunate to have great outdoor space within our school to allow children to regularly engage with nature. We warmly welcome parents to visit school during the day to see the culture established within our walls.
“Shine among them like stars lighting up the sky.”
Mrs Hill, Executive Headteacher
Our school day and routines
Our school has a pupil admission number of 15, and we cater for pupils between the ages of 4 and 11. Children are taught in mixed ability year groups:
- Foundation Stage — Reception
- Key Stage 1 — ages 5 to 7
- Key Stage 2 — ages 7 to 11
School day: 8:55am – 3:00pm (gates open 8:45am)
Breakfast Club
- Drop off from 7:45am
- Breakfast served until 8:30am
- Cost: £2.00 per child
Uniform and PE kit
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School uniform requirements
- Red sweatshirt, jumper or cardigan
- White shirt/blouse or white polo shirt
- Grey shorts or long trousers
- Grey skirt, pinafore dress or trousers
- Summer dress — red and white check
- Black school shoes with flat heels (not trainers)
In extreme weather, wellington boots can be worn. Children are asked to bring a change of shoes. Please label all uniform, coats and PE kits with your child’s name. Pre-loved uniform is available — please contact the school office.
PE requirements
- Black shorts
- Plain white t-shirt (available with logo from the school office)
- Black plimsolls (or trainers if outdoor PE)
If outdoors:
- Joggers — plain, navy or black
- Hoody or tracksuit top — plain, navy or black
Helping your child feel ready
A few small routines can help children settle quickly and feel confident as they start primary school.
Independence skills
- Coats & shoesPractise putting on and taking off a coat and managing shoes independently.
- Toilet & handwashingEncourage using the toilet and washing hands confidently.
- Simple routinesGet used to following simple instructions and tidy-up routines.
- Name recognitionPractise spotting their name on belongings.
Starting a routine
- Before SeptemberTalk positively about school and build excitement about new routines.
- The first few weeksKeep drop-offs calm and consistent. A quick, confident goodbye helps children settle faster.
- OngoingCelebrate small wins: hanging up a coat, trying new food, making a friend, talking about their day.
Learning at St. Godric’s
We provide exciting learning experiences for our pupils and bring learning alive by giving it purpose. We want children to grow into independently motivated learners.
Our committed teachers and support staff strive to bring out the best in our children and equip them with skills for the future. We have consistently high expectations of all pupils and ourselves.
Our shared school motto: “Whatever we do, we do it well.”
National Curriculum core subjects
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Computing
- RE
Foundation subjects
Design and Technology, Geography, Art & Design, Music, PE, Modern Foreign Language and PSHE. In addition, every school provides a daily act of collective worship. Further details can be found on the school website.
Wellbeing, SEND, behaviour and safeguarding
Wellbeing
Our Senior Mental Health Lead works closely with the Mental Health Support Team (Piece of Mind Team). With specialist agencies, we offer confidential and non-judgmental support and advice for pupils.
SEND
Every child is a unique gift from God with individual needs and gifts. We work in partnership with parents to identify needs and develop plans to meet them.
Behaviour
The school has a behaviour and anti-bullying policy. We are enormously proud of how children behave both in and out of school and appreciate parents’ partnership in maintaining these high standards.
Safeguarding
We promote a strong safeguarding culture. Staff undertake child protection training and designated safeguarding officers are in place. Visitors sign in at the main entrance and all staff are DBS checked.
Our community and parish links
We have close links to the parish community and often invite the parish into school to participate in Mass with the children, as well as taking children to the church.
Our parish priest, Father Ian, is on the Governing Body and often visits school to join celebrations and talk to children about the Catholic faith.
Links with the community are very important to our school family. We are keen to involve ourselves in projects within Wheatley Hill and Thornley.
We have an active Friends of the School group who organise events for pupils and fundraising activities — they are always looking for new members and welcome new faces.
Chadwick’s Kitchen
Our award-winning in-house catering team, Chadwick’s Kitchen, provides catering services across the Trust. We use fresh ingredients to prepare healthy, nutritionally balanced meals each day, with the majority of menus homemade by our chefs.
Staff are trained to accommodate medical diets and work in partnership with parents to ensure these needs are met. As part of the Trust’s commitment to sustainability, we review food miles and continue to reduce food waste.
- Parents/carers can pay for school meals using ParentPay.
- Pupils entitled to free meals can purchase food up to the daily free school meal allowance.
- Packed lunches are permitted (no nuts or nut-based products).
Proud to be part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust
We are proud to be part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust. We are a Catholic multi-academy Trust with thirty schools: five secondary schools (four with sixth forms) and twenty-five primary schools (16 have nursery provision). 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. Effective transition is supported by close relationships, and pupils benefit from a shared, progressive curriculum and common expectations.
Frequently asked questions
What time does the school day start and finish?
Is there breakfast provision?
Can my child have a packed lunch?
How do you support wellbeing and SEND?
Get in touch
School motto: Inspired by Jesus to care, to serve, to do our best.
St. Godric’s Catholic Primary School
Thornley Road
DH6 3NR
Contact details
Phone: 01429 820 333
Email: office@stgodricsthornley.org
Website: www.stgodricsthornley.org
Social: @stgodricthornley