Marshgate Primary School

At Marshgate Primary we hold the highest expectations of success for all our children. We ensure this through the delivery of a stimulating and challenging curriculum and an excellent learning environment.Our high specification building is set in landscaped grounds with spacious play areas, green areas, ecology area and pond. The building is equipped with the very latest technology both in the classrooms and in our additional specialised teaching rooms. We hold regular open tours for prospective parents/carers.

If you are new to the borough and want to apply for a place for your child in Years 1 to 6 (or Reception once that year has already started), you should contact the Admissions Section to obtain an application form and find out which schools have vacancies. If you live outside the borough, you should contact your home council to obtain their application form and they will liaise with our Admissions Section on your behalf.Please call or email the school office to find out the dates of the next available tour. Parents will be shown around the school by the Head Teacher, or in her absence, a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Prospective parents will be given the opportunity to discuss the school placement with the Head Teacher or a senior teacher and will be able to register their interest in a place at the school. At this time prospective parents will also be given a school prospectus and any other relevant information about the school. Please note there is no parking available in the school.

All children are offered a broad and balance curriculum through the delivery of the Foundation and National Curriculum. Some children may need some additional or different support to allow them to fully assess the curriculum.Early identification is the key to later success. An SEN support plan is drawn up through collaboration between teachers and parents. We work in partnership with families to support every child.Marshgate also has a dedicated member of staff called a SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) who works specifically to organise the help and support for children with special educational needs. Additional adults within school or specialists from outside agency may work with a child as deemed appropriate by school and parents.

The National Curriculum is taught at Key Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2) and at Key Stage 2 (Years 3, 4, 5, & 6). The National Curriculum subjects are English, Mathematics, Computing, Science, History, Geography, Music, Art, Physical Education, Design Technology, Personal Social Health Education (PSHE) and Religious Education. In Reception your child will be taught the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. This prepares your child to begin the National Curriculum in Year 1.

The Governing Body provides strategic leadership of the school through monitoring the work of the school. The Head Teacher is responsible for the day-to-day leadership of the school and the Governing Board’s role is to provide support to the head teacher and other staff by acting as a “critical friend”.Governors are not involved in the day to day running of the school, but at Marshgate we have a link governor scheme where a governor will follow a particular year group. This ensures that the governing body keeps in touch with how the school operates and how pupils are taught. We also have link Curriculum Governors.

Marshgate Primary School is one of an alliance of seven schools and St Mary`s University College based in the London Borough of Richmond in South west London. These act as a training provider for Schools Direct.As a Local authority, Richmond is recognised as one of the highest achieving in England and offers a wide range of outstanding and good schools within the primary and special phase. The area is culturally rich with Richmond and Bushy Royal Parks, the River Thames, theatres, museums, excellent sporting facilities and a wonderful range of restaurants and places of entertainment. Central London is 30 minutes away by London Underground and South west overground trains.The seven schools work closely as part of the family of Richmond schools and each brings different strengths and specialisms to the Alliance.They are committed to:- high standards of pupil achievement and progress, strong home/school partnerships, high levels of care and safeguarding of pupils, a rich and exciting curriculum and a strong ethos of professional development.

There are many ways to become involved; helping the teachers in class, helping with clubs or preparation of materials, sharing any expertise you may have. Please note all parent helpers must be police checked before beginning volunteer work. If you wish to help, please give your name to the office as soon as your child starts school.

Every parent is automatically a member of the PTA. The Association’s aim is to support the school and foster the links between the two. The PTA organises many fundraising and social events. These include social evenings, coffee mornings, afternoon teas, bake sales, picnics, fairs etc. The PTA has a notice board outside the main hall. A PTA newsletter is distributed regularly.

All children are offered a broad and balanced curriculum through the delivery of the Foundation and National Curriculum. Some children may have difficulties with learning in certain areas of the curriculum and some may have difficulties with social and emotional development or behaviour. Again, early identification is the key to later success. An individual education programme (IEP) is drawn up and agreed with the parents and we work in partnership to help each child. A learning support assistant or specialist teacher may work with the child when deemed necessary.