FAQs – Part One
In this week’s letter, which announced the acquisition of St. James’, we set out some answers to a selection of questions we felt you may have. We also asked you to pose any additional questions that came to mind. During the last week, we have enjoyed a good deal of very positive, enthusiastic feedback – thank you! We have also received a number of questions which we aim to answer below.
Naturally, we are currently in the phase where we begin to significantly develop our vision into finer-grained, operational plans in order that we can continue to deliver the very best for our children. This means things will gradually evolve and so not all questions will have emphatic answers at the moment. As we said, more information and more precise details will be given over the coming term.
What will class sizes be?
Some year groups will be now be split into two classes whilst some year will remain as one class. This will ultimately be determined by the number of children in each year. Our intention is for class sizes to be capped at about 20 children. If numbers are sufficient for two forms, then they will split. If they are a little over 20, we will deploy additional staffing to ensure the excellent provision remains.
How will classes be split?
If your child’s year group is split into two forms, for some of the school day, we will naturally do this as sympathetically as possible. This means thinking about the very best blend of personalities, abilities and friendships. Classes in the same year groups will, of course, come together regularly for some subjects and extra-curricular activities.
Who will be my child’s class teacher?
As with any school year, it is a little early for those decisions to be finalised. St. Martin’s staff all remain in place and will be joined by St. James’ team members. Full details will be released after half-term.
Will St. Martin’s continue to teach 11+, as a grammar school outcome is desirable for my family?
Yes. We understand that choice at 11+ is one of the essential reasons parents choose St Martins’. We will continue to work incredibly hard to ensure that every child has the opportunity to go to their school of first choice. St. James’ Senior School will simply remain one of those options as it always has.
Will the school ‘know’ my child? Will the current learning support for my child be maintained?
Yes. We will ensure the outstanding learning support and pastoral support is continued for all children. Both schools pride themselves on knowing their children incredibly well. Each member of staff should know each child in the school and not just within their classroom. This awareness and attentiveness is an essential part of our schools and will remain so.
Will there be opportunities for parents and children to view the school?
Yes. We intend for children to gradually start to explore the new spaces available to them after half-term. Naturally, some of the site developments are being programmed in for the Summer Holidays, so the new set up may not be in place until just before September. This said, we would like people to be familiar with their setting in advance of the start of the Autumn Term. Transition will be a key priority for the school moving forward and we have the bulk of the summer term to make this run smoothly.
What about parents who have children at both sites from September? (i.e. one child in nursery, one child in the Prep)
We want to make this as simple as possible for you. And so we are exploring a range of options including a ‘walking bus’ and shuttle bus for a one-school drop-off and staggered timings and improved ‘fast drop off’ facility at St. Martin’s for a two-school drop-off function.
What wrap around care will be there be in September?
The Preparatory School will continue to offer an early Morning Breakfast Club from 8am as well as after care until 6pm. This is now included in the fees.
When will parents be able to get uniform?
All children will be wearing St. Martin’s school uniform in the Prep school. Details of the outfitters will be given over the coming weeks to give ample opportunity to be ready for September. The uniform fitters are in Cleethorpes and we will be organising fitting days for after half-term. The senior school uniform will remain the same.
