Starting Primary Guide
A welcoming guide for families covering nursery, daily routines, curriculum, uniform, pastoral care, community life, meals and key contact information.
A warm welcome to St. Gregory’s
We hope this is the beginning of a happy and rewarding experience as your child embarks on the first steps of their educational journey.
Starting school is a new adventure. It is important that this experience takes place in a warm and loving environment where teachers and parents work together in harmony to promote effective learning. Strong links between home and school are vital in ensuring every child achieves their full potential.
St. Gregory’s Catholic Primary School is a vibrant, caring and happy school. We seek to promote the development of every child’s personal wholeness, integrity, gifts and creativity in a welcoming and loving school community.
As part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, we benefit from shared resources and expertise to support the provision of an excellent education for every child.
“We give thanks to God, work together and always try our best.”
Miss E Shaughnessy, Headteacher
Little Stars Nursery
St. Gregory’s Little Stars Nursery welcomes children of all faiths and all beliefs.
- Brand new nursery opening in September 2025
- 15 and 30 hour places available
- Warm, nurturing early years environment
All families are welcome. Our nursery provision is designed to give children a happy, confident start to school life.
Daily routines and school life
It is important that all pupils are punctual for school and attend each day.
School day: 8:55am – 3:30pm (yard supervised from 8:45am)
Parents are kindly requested to drop children off at the gate when a member of staff is on duty.
Beyond the school day
A variety of after-school clubs are available, including examples such as multi-sport, football, dance and show class. The school also works closely with the South Tyneside Schools Sports Partnership to provide access to a wide range of sporting events.
Learning at St. Gregory’s
Early Years Foundation Stage
Pupils in EYFS learn through seven areas:
- Communication and language
- Physical development
- Personal, social and emotional development
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the world
- Expressive arts and design
Key Stages 1 and 2
Pupils in Key Stages 1–2 study the following areas of the curriculum:
- Mathematics
- English
- Religious Education
- Science
- Computing
- Design Technology
- History
- Geography
- Art
- Music
- Physical Education
- Relationship and Health Education
- Modern Foreign Language
School uniform
The wearing of school uniform gives pupils a sense of belonging to the school community and encourages high standards in presentation. This supports positive behaviour and attitudes.
Uniform items
- Blue polo shirt or pale blue shirt
- Navy sweatshirt, tank top or cardigan (v neck)
- Grey skirt or school-style grey trousers
- Black school shoes (not trainers)
- Tie
Helpful information
- Please ensure all items of clothing, including shoes, are clearly marked with your child’s name
- Please visit the school website for suggested suppliers
- Pre-loved uniform is available from the school office
Please label everything clearly to help items be returned quickly.
Safeguarding and SEND
SEND
Some children may require additional support because of a special educational need or disability. Where this is the case, the school provides a personalised support plan and adapts the curriculum so that all pupils receive relevant and appropriately challenging work.
Our SEND Co-ordinator works in partnership with parents and carers to ensure needs are identified and plans are developed to meet them. The school also liaises effectively with outside agencies where needed.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding pupils is the school’s number one priority. St. Gregory’s is a listening school and staff are trained in safeguarding and child protection procedures.
Designated Safeguarding Leads are in place, including the Headteacher. The school works closely with South Tyneside and Clennell Education Solutions safeguarding teams, follows national guidance, updates procedures regularly and ensures all staff are DBS checked before working in school.
Family support, parish and school community
Family support
The support families give at home makes a huge difference to children’s progress. Children receive homework each week and are expected to complete it on time. Home reading is especially important, and the school is committed to ensuring every child leaves with the ability to read confidently.
School and Parent Association (SAPA)
SAPA is a hard-working and invaluable group of volunteers made up of parents, family members, staff and members of the local community. They organise a range of fundraising events throughout the year and welcome new members.
Our Parish
The school is an integral part of the Parish of St. Gregory’s. Worship is a key part of school life, and there is a strong emphasis on Religious Education, worship and celebrating Mass with the whole school community. Children of all faiths and beliefs are welcome to attend.
To find out more about SAPA: office@st-gregorys.co.uk
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, with the majority of menus homemade by chefs in school kitchens.
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, food miles are reviewed regularly and work continues to reduce food waste.
- Parents and carers can pay for school meals using Arbor
- Pupils may also bring a packed lunch
- Nuts or nut-based products are not permitted
Proud to be part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust
We are proud to be part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, a Catholic multi-academy Trust with thirty schools: five secondary schools and twenty-five primary schools, including sixteen with nursery provision.
The Trust serves the east part of the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, with schools in East Durham, South Tyneside and Sunderland. Schools work closely together so pupils can flourish through strong transition, shared curriculum planning and common expectations.
Frequently asked questions
What time does the school day start and finish?
Do you have nursery provision?
How do you support pupils with SEND?
Can children bring packed lunches?
Get in touch
School motto: We give thanks to God, work together and always try our best.
St. Gregory’s Catholic Primary School
South Shields
Tyne and Wear
NE34 6DZ
Contact details
Phone: 0191 455 2909
Email: office@st-gregorys.co.uk
Website: www.st-gregorys.co.uk
Social: @stgregorysrcschool