A-Z Parent/Carer Handbook

Mount Carmel actively works towards eliminating any form of bullying.

We hold regular assemblies and have teaching resources and displays throughout school to raise the profile of this issue.

We also participate in the national annual Anti-Bullying week event, which is an ideal opportunity to highlight the issue of bullying through events, competitions and resources such as our successful non-uniform BLUE day, LIKE Week, visits by professionals and other initiatives.

Jewellery

Wrist bands and jewellery are not allowed. Badges on blazers must be school related. Finger rings are not allowed in school for safety reasons. In the interest of safety one pair of small plain ear studs may be worn in the lobe only of the ear. No other piercings are allowed on any part of the body.

Personal Appearance

Make-up, false tan, nail varnish, false nails and false eye lashes are not considered appropriate for school and will not be allowed.  

A high standard of personal appearance is expected. Pupils’ hair, if long, should be tied back for practical subjects. All pupils’ hair should be groomed and not cut too short. As a guide, hair should be cut no shorter than a number 2. Extremes of hair fashion are not permitted, this includes dyeing unnatural colours, part shaving, hair braiding and extensions. No pattern or tram lines are allowed. 

Whilst it is difficult to stipulate exactly what is and what isn’t allowed, the overall aim is to make sure that pupils look smart and presentable for school. Pupils are expected to be either clean-shaven or, if they maintain facial hair, it should be kept neat and tidy.

Body jewellery is not allowed.

If you are unsure of any uniform requirements please contact school for clarification before making your purchases. If any disputes arise, the head teacher will make the final decision.

Academic Equipment

Essential equipment needed to be brought to school each day includes:

Black pen, purple pen, pencil, ruler, calculator, whiteboard pen, locker key
Coloured Pencils or Felt Tip Pens and a Small Dictionary may be necessary for use in some subjects.

A suitable weatherproof bag to carry the above items, school books and P.E. kit is required.

Please note:

If a pupil arrives at school not in the correct uniform or not meeting the appearance and standards expected we may contact home for parents to remedy.

Assessment and Reports

Assessments are cumulative, building on and testing previous learning.

The school’s reporting system goes above the statutory responsibility of providing one written report each year (end of summer term) and consists of two reports (one mid-year and one end of year). Reports include a pupil’s progress, attitude to learning and areas for development.

Rewards

A rewards system for outstanding and consistent achievements is in place. As well as being used to reward excellence in terms of classroom and homework performance, the achievement point is used to reward all significant contributions to the school community. This might include presenting a positive image of the school in the local community, showing care and concern for the environment or other pupils, or making a substantial contribution in extra-curricular activities.

The achievement point leads to recognition through our system of certificates and reward trips held at the end of each term. At the end of every half term, pastoral teams celebrate attendance, behaviour and punctuality in Celebration Assemblies.

There will be a star of the half term awarded from every teaching group. The pupils that get the most star of the half term awards in each year group will have their photograph displayed outside the headteacher’s office and a special letter of commendation sent home.

Pupils who attend school every day during the week and have no negative behaviours are entered into a draw for a prize at the end of each week.

Sanctions

As you would expect, pupils who misbehave will have sanctions imposed. These could be extra work, loss of privileges, detention in school, internal exclusion or fixed term suspension. 

The school keeps the systems of progress reports, rewards and sanctions under review in the interest of raising the achievements of all pupils.

High levels of attendance i.e. 98% and above are the key to ensuring high quality learning and appropriate academic progression. 
It is a legal obligation and parental responsibility to ensure their child attends school and is punctual. The school have a legal obligation to keep accurate registers of attendance and to authorise absence in line with school policy. School and parents will commit to working together in order to secure high standards of attendance and punctuality.

Lateness

Pupils are expected to be in school between 8.15 and 8.40am in order to be present at morning registration which takes place at 8.45am. Pupils must also be present at afternoon registration. Registers will be closed at 9.05am and 2.25pm after which a pupil, though present in school, will be counted as absent for the morning or afternoon session. For safety reasons it is important that pupils arriving in school after the registration period, report to the pastoral office so that their presence in school is known. (If a pupil is late they will receive a detention after school that evening.)

Absence Important procedures regarding notification of absence

Parents should ring school on 01254 233458 or record the absence via the school communication app ‘Edulink’ as soon as possible on the first morning of a pupil’s absence. This important procedure will help improve pupil safety and distinguish between truancy and unavoidable absence due to illness. Please ensure that you comply with this procedure. Failure to do so will result in the pastoral staff contacting parents by telephone, text or in some cases a home visit.
Where a pupils’ attendance drops below 90% medical evidence will be required to authorise this absence. This can be the form of a doctors/hospital appointment or copies/photos of medication prescribed.

Family holiday in term time IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The school expects parents to avoid taking holidays during term-time, to prevent disruption to a child’s work and any legal action being taken, which may include a fine.

Headteachers are no longer able to grant leave for holidays during term time. Written approval must be sought for any such absence.

Yes

Mainly black, mainly very dark grey 
or mainly dark navy blue
Minimal decoration
Sturdy to carry books, equipment and pupil planner without items bending or getting into a poor condition. 
Be able to fit an A4 file into it.

No

No handbags
No plastic carrier bags
No drawstring sports type bags 
(can be used for P.E. kits but not as a school bag)
Not if mainly another colour
No chains (Health & Safety reasons)

Edulink One is a parent and pupil engagement portal providing information regarding achievement, timetables, attendance, contact information and reports for all Mount Carmel pupils. 

This can be accessed either through a web browser or by downloading the app on a smart phone where you will receive notifications regarding rewards, behaviour, reports etc. 

This will also be the main method of communication from school to home, replacing the previous text messaging system so will be essential to receive messages for example regarding unexpected school closures.

Parental log-ins will be sent for all pupils on roll at Mount Carmel.

Further information and instructions how to download the app can be viewed on this web page https://www.mountcarmelhigh.co.uk/parent-pupils/edulink

DESIGN TECHNOLOGY 

Material Costs

In Design & Technology, pupils are involved in designing and making activities covering a range of material areas. Through challenging opportunities they develop creative, problem solving and practical skills. Projects involve a lot of practical work, in support of which a nominal charge to help cover materials costs will be made on occasions.
Design Technology welcomes donations of quality card, softwoods, MDF and Acrylics (Perspex) – if you are able to help, please contact school on 01254 233458.

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING IN TECHNOLOGY

For Health & Safety reasons, and to protect the school uniform, pupils must wear an apron in practical lessons. Aprons will be provided for use within 
lessons by the department.

Maths

In Years 7, 8 & 9 pupils will need the following equipment:

• 30cm ruler (with mm markings)
• Protractor
• Calculator (scientific)
• Compasses
• Eraser

Pupils should also have black, blue and red pens, pencils and colouring pencils.
It is important that pupils have their own calculator so that they become familiar with its operation. Calculators are also an invaluable aid in other subject areas, as well as being essential equipment in examinations.

Extra Curricular Activities

Additional opportunities are available for pupils to participate in a wide range of extra curricular activities both during the school day and beyond. These include opportunities to participate in liturgical, musical, sporting and outward bound activities as well as educational day and residential visits both in the British Isles and abroad.

SPORTS ACTIVITIES

We have a wide range of sport activities available each school day. These activities change on a termly basis so it is wise to check with school for the current timetable. Activities/sports include Volleyball, Dance, Basketball, Football, Netball, Multi-Sports, Cheerleading, Badminton.

EXPRESSIVE ARTS

The Expressive Arts department offers a wide range of activities including visits to galleries, concerts, theatre trips and workshops. In addition there is a rich variety of extra-curricular activities on offer ranging from bands and choir, drama club and school productions.

Here is just a sample of some of the activities that take place during lunchtimes and after school.

• Football
• Outdoor Games Activities
• Netball 
• Cricket
• Rounders
• Athletics 
• Basketball
• Racing Pigeons
• Nurture
• Spanish film club
• Science
• Art
• Drama
• Music
• Homework groups
• Book Club
• Duke of Edinburgh
• Chaplaincy
• Eco Champions
• Poetry club
• Board games
• American football

Yes

• Must be black all over, no white or colours on the sole
• Must be sensible school style shoes

No

• No black sports/trainer style shoes
• No canvas or flimsy shoes
• No over the ankle boots or high heels
• No decoration such as big bows or buckles
• Logos

The Purpose of Homework

• To promote independent learning/self-discipline
• To consolidate learning
• To promote research
• To plan and prepare for lesson(s)
• To practice learning (by doing)
• To help enhance the pupil/parent/teacher partnership

Underlying principles of Homework

• Learners have an entitlement to expect homework from all subjects
• Extended projects are set with guidance on completion and checkpoints to aid learners to develop their time management and organisational skills
• All homework and deadlines can be accessed online through ‘Edulink’

Time spent on Homework

These are minimum recommendations for time to be spent on homework per night 

• Year 7 - 30 minutes per subject set
• Year 8 - 30 minutes per subject set
• Year 9 - 40 minutes per subject set
• Year 10 - 40 minutes per subject set
• Year 11 - 40 minutes per subject set

Raising Achievement

Homework plays an important part in raising achievement. Homework is monitored and parents are contacted should the need arise. 

Library

The school has an excellent library with a wide stock of the latest fiction and non-fiction books and incorporates a large computer suite.
Pupils are allowed to borrow one fiction book for a period of two weeks (this may be renewed). Pupils will be reminded about overdue books in Form, if books are lost they must be paid for. We have a librarian available throughout each school day including break, lunch time and after school. 
The library is open to pupils at break and at lunchtimes.

Accelerated Reader

Reading is an essential skill. In a recent document by the Department for Education, it was stated that ‘Pupils who struggle to read struggle in all subjects ....
Proficiency in reading is vital for pupils’ success.’
At Mount Carmel, we endeavour to ensure that all our pupils can practise, develop, and excel in reading through the Accelerated Reader scheme.
This scheme involves pupils selecting a book from the school library and reading it at home.
Pupils should be reading for 20 minutes every night.
Once read, pupils then take an online quiz on the Accelerated Reader programme.

Mount Carmel acknowledges the importance of the partnership between school, parents and pupils.

Parents

We ask that you shall undertake to:

• Support the Catholic ethos of the school
• Ensure the punctuality and attendance of your child is of the highest standard - over 96%
• Ensure that your child complies with the school uniform rules
• Ensure that your child brings a bag to school, fully equipped for school work
• Support the school’s policies and guidelines for behaviour (available on the website)
• Support your child in homework and other opportunities for home learning 
• Attend parents’ evenings and discussions about your child’s progress
• Get to know about your child’s life at school by encouraging and supporting the various opportunities provided by the school
• Inform the school about any change in circumstance which may affect your child 
• Ensure that your child understands and follows the school rules regarding phones to ensure that no issues with social media are brought into school

School

The School will:

• Contact parents if there is a problem with attendance, punctuality, uniform or equipment
• Contact parents about any concerns or problems that affect the child’s work or behaviour
• Provide a balanced curriculum and meet the individual needs of each child in keeping with the Governors’ policy, statutory requirements and available resources
• Set, mark and monitor homework
• Provide information to parents about the progress of the child by way of reports and parents’ evenings
• Keep parents informed about school activities through regular video messages, letters home and notices about special events

Pupils

We expect that pupils will:

• Co-operate fully with their parents and the school in all matters relating to the above
• Support the school rules in relation to jewellery, make-up, extreme hairstyles and footwear

Individual lockers have been provided for all pupils and they are expected to use their lockers for keeping safe their own books, coats, PE kit and personal equipment.

A one-off payment of £20.00 provides keys for a locker and a water bottle. This money is put towards the maintenance of the lockers throughout your child’s school life. Two keys are given to the pupil and we suggest that one of the keys should be kept in a safe place at home. 

Should the pupil lose both keys, then a fee of £6.50 will be charged for the renewal of a lock, and two keys. Keys should only be used by the person allocated the locker. Neither keys nor lockers should be shared. 

While we take all reasonable steps to ensure security of property, the school cannot be responsible for missing items. Parents should consider insurance arrangements if valuable property must be brought into school.

Mount Carmel want to encourage pupils to be reflective and independent learners; to act upon advice given in order to improve and meet their individual target and predicted grades. This can only be achieved if they are aware of what they need to do to improve.

The aims of the Marking Policy

• To provide effective feedback to pupils, giving clear direction on how to improve and make progress towards their targets. WOW and NOW comments will be made and communicated through Whole Class Feedback sheets
• To enable pupils to feel positive about their progress and provide opportunities for them to experience success
• To give pupils and staff regular opportunities to check progress 
• To strengthen the whole school strategies on literacy

What this means

Classwork and homework:

Pupils’ work will be marked by the teacher in accordance with the feedback policy and will include class work that will be checked by the teacher, or self-assessed, or peer-assessed during the lesson

Assessments:

• Pupils will complete milestone assessments per term which will be marked by the teacher and will be used to complete the interim reports sent home to parents
• Pupils’ work will receive comments to support their progress. These comments will be communicated through Whole Class Feedback sheets. Pupils are required to complete the tasks linked to these Whole Class Feedback sheets to improve their understanding.

If pupils bring their mobile phones into school, these should be stored in phone cabinets located in each form room which are locked during the day.
Phones are collected at the end of the day.

Learn a musical instrument

Guitar ~ Ukulele ~ Keyboard ~ Brass

Are you really keen, enthusiastic and determined to play an instrument just about every day? 

You will need lots of encouragement and support from home so discuss this with your family before you start.

Lessons take place on specific days each week. You will have a 20 minute session once a week in a small group. Lessons will be at different times of the day to avoid missing the same lesson lots of times during the term. It’s up to you to catch up on any work that you have missed.

Once you have started there will be lots of chances to play in various groups. Mount Carmel are really proud of our musicians, and like them to participate in as many school events as possible.

If you would like to take part in brass instrument lessons, they are available through school. For further information please see Miss Javaid.

www.lancashiremusichub.co.uk

School news is published on our school website on a regular basis. Please take a look using this link https://www.mountcarmelhigh.co.uk/news 

We also publish news on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

https://www.facebook.com/MountCarmelHigh/

https://www.instagram.com/mount.carmel.high/

Entrance to School

Pupil access into the school (except the Sports Hall) will be from the main yard. The main entrance is reserved for staff and visitors. Parents dropping off or collecting pupils by car are asked to use Wordsworth Road above the school, by the playing fields. Please do not park on the zigzag lines outside the school. Parents visiting the school during the day should first report to Reception. Meetings with all staff are by appointment only.

For pupil occasions such as Parents’ Evenings, car parking will be available for parents on the main yard. Please make use of this car park and avoid parking outside residents’ homes if at all possible. 

School Day Timings

The school day begins at 8.45am with registration and assembly. Pupils should arrive by 8.40am to be present in class for registration. Pupils not in class for registration will be counted as late. The school day will finish at 3.00pm and buses are arranged for that time. Morning break will be from 11.10 - 11.30am and lunch from 1.30 - 2.00pm.

To ensure the safety of the pupils and staff we have an access control system on external doors. This system reduces the risk of intruders gaining access into school and helps protect the school’s property.

To enter the school in the morning pupils must ONLY use the doors from the main yard into the Twelve Star Diner. These doors will be open from 8.15am. Pupils should not enter other areas of school unless supervised by staff.

If pupils arrive at any other time they will only be able to gain access by going to the school’s pastoral office doors and registering with the pastoral staff.

The Access Control System is linked into the school’s fire alarm system and therefore all doors will automatically release in the event of a fire. To tamper with this safety system is a very serious breach of the school’s Health and Safety policy and may result in suspension or in more serious cases exclusion.

Important message regarding Pupil Mobility

Please note that if your child develops mobility problems through injury or illness, this will be assessed for Health and Safety purposes. Please contact school to discuss the matter. An injured child could be at risk in a busy school environment and should never be sent to school without first checking it is appropriate to do so.

Online Safety

Online safety is an integral part of the curriculum and pupils receive assemblies during the school year reinforcing online safety.

Mobile Phones

Mobile phones must not be carried by pupils during the school day. They can be left securely in a pupils’ form room first thing in a morning and collected at the end of the school day. Pupils will be sanctioned as per the behaviour policy for not adhering to this arrangement.

School website

Our school website address is www.mountcarmelhigh.co.uk

Here you can find useful information about the school including school news, departmental information, job vacancies, school policies. You may also contact us via the website.

Complaints Procedure

Information about the established complaints procedure can be obtained from the school website or on request.

Access to policy documents and related information

Copies of policy documents and other related information can be viewed on the website. 

Paper copies can be requested from school if required. 

Use the link to view information about pastoral support at Mount Carmel

Pastoral Care web page

SCOPay is an easy-to-use online system for processing payments for items such as food from the Twelve Star Diner and trips. Payments can be made by debit card, with payment history and statements available to you. 

You will receive details how to set up an account.

The SCOPay 'shop' enables parents to purchase specific items, such as certain items of uniform, replacement locker keys, stationery items, charity donations etc.

COMPULSORY P.E. KIT (all items with Mount Carmel logo)

• Royal blue shorts /navy leggings
• Royal and yellow t-shirt
• Yellow football socks /white socks

Optional extras:

• Royal/navy/amber hoody
• Royal/navy/amber quarter zip top
• Navy tracksuit
• Royal long sleeve sug
• Navy skort
• Yellow football socks (needed if representing the school in a team)
• Football boots (needed if representing the school in a team)
• Shin pads (needed if representing the school in a team)

We advise that all valuables should be left at home. However, if pupils should wish to do so they can ask P.E. staff to look after them at the beginning of the lesson. Any items of value left with student belongings unattended in the changing rooms are at the owner’s own risk. 

Please note: NO aerosol deodorants are allowed.

Uniform stockists
Abbey Street Shopping Centre 
Accrington
Tru Uniforms - online shop 
www.tru-uniforms.co.uk
Whittakers, Oswaldtwistle Mills

SECOND HAND UNIFORM
Heritage Charity shop  
Accrington Arndale Centre
01254 943522

Personal, Social, Health Education and Sex and Relationships Education

PSHCE and RSE is taught by the PSHCE department.  Topics are age appropriate and dealt with in a sensitive and supportive way.  

In Year 7 topics include:

• Health and wellbeing
• Transition and safety
• Puberty

Morals and Values framework 

Our approach to PSHCE and RSE will be conducted within a clear morals and values framework, in line with our mission statement and in the context of Catholic education. We believe that pupils have a right to age appropriate RSE and access to help from trusted adults and support services.  It is based on the following principles: 

• The value of stable and loving relationships
• The proper place for sexual intercourse is within marriage
• Respect, understanding and empathy towards others who may have different backgrounds, culture, sexuality, feelings and views 
• The development of relationships, including sexual relationships based on mutual consent, rather than coercion 
• The right not to be abused by other people or be taken advantage of

Parental concerns and withdrawal of pupils 

Parents have a legal right to withdraw their children from dedicated “sex education” lessons. They do not have the right to withdraw their children from those aspects of Relationship and Sex Education that are taught in National Curriculum Science or where these issues arise incidentally in other subject areas. We will work in active partnership with parents/carers, value their views and keep them informed of the Relationship and Sex provision. If a parent/carer has any concerns about the provision we will address their concerns, and work to allay any fears that they have. If parents/carers decide to withdraw their child we shall work with them and their child to explore possible alternative provision.

Pupils will be reminded one day a week to check in with ‘Pulse’. This is a wellbeing app that allows the school to monitor pupil wellbeing.

Mount Carmel RC High School is proud to be a family of faith and learning, serving the Catholic community of Accrington and Oswaldtwistle, welcoming all families who share our values. Our mission is rooted in Christ and shaped by the teachings of the Catholic Church, particularly those expressed through Gospel values and Catholic Social Teaching.

We are part of the Hyndburn Catholic Partnership, which includes Mount Carmel RC High School and the following primary schools:

• St Oswald’s RC Primary, Accrington
• St Mary’s RC Primary, Oswaldtwistle
• Sacred Heart RC Primary, Accrington
• St Mary’s RC Primary, Clayton-le-Moors
• St Anne’s and St Joseph’s RC Primary, Accrington

We are also part of the Oswaldtwistle and Church Primary Schools Partnership which includes Mount Carmel RC High School and the following primary schools:

• Green Howarth Primary, Accrington
• Hippings Methodist Primary, Oswaldtwistle
• Moor End Primary, Accrington
• St Andrew's CE Primary, Oswaldtwistle
• St Paul's CE Primary, Accrington
• St Peter's CE Primary, Accrington
• West End Primary, Oswaldtwistle
• St Nicholas CE Primary, Church
• St Oswald's CE Primary, Knuzden 
• St Mary Magdalene CE Primary, Accrington

As a Catholic school, the dignity of every individual is central to our work. Catholic Social Teaching guides our efforts to form young people who are compassionate, reflective and committed to the common good. These values underpin all aspects of school life and are expressed in how we teach, support and care for one another.

We welcome pupils, families, staff and visitors into our school community. We believe that, as brothers and sisters in Christ, we are called to walk together in faith and learning. Our school is a place where relationships are built on trust, respect and service, and where the Christian vocation of each person is encouraged and celebrated.

Pupils at Mount Carmel come from a range of backgrounds, including Catholic, other Christian denominations and world faiths. While we maintain a clear Catholic identity, we recognise and honour the richness that diversity brings. Every pupil is invited to take part in the spiritual and communal life of the school.

Religious Education is central to the curriculum and plays a key role in helping pupils to grow in knowledge, understanding and faith. Through RE and collective worship, pupils are encouraged to explore life’s big questions, develop a personal relationship with God and become active in living out their beliefs.

At Key Stage 3, pupils follow To Know You More Clearly, the national curriculum for Religious Education approved by the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales and introduced in 2023. This prepares pupils for GCSE Religious Studies in Key Stage 4, which focuses on Catholic Christianity and Judaism. RE is taught by subject specialists and is given equal academic status to other core subjects.

Our commitment to faith formation extends beyond the classroom. We aim to provide a Christ-centred education that supports pupils in every aspect of their personal development. Prayer, reflection and service are integral to school life, helping to shape confident and compassionate young people.

Our Prayer and Liturgy Policy is based on the diocesan model and draws on the national directory To Love You More Dearly (2023), which sets out expectations for worship in Catholic schools.

The school chapel is a dedicated sacred space used for Mass, Celebrations of the Word, liturgies, class reflections and chaplaincy activities. Each form group is supported by pupil leaders in chaplaincy and charity, who help to lead acts of worship and community action throughout the year.

Collective worship is part of the daily routine and includes form time prayer, assemblies and regular opportunities for Mass, Celebrations of the Word and other liturgies. We celebrate key points in the liturgical year such as Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter, and observe Holy Days of Obligation with appropriate acts of worship. Our feast day, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, is celebrated each year on 16 July.

All pupils are encouraged to take part in the chaplaincy life of the school, regardless of their faith background. This includes participating in retreats, prayer groups, fundraising activities, and service projects such as our Eco Group, which supports our shared responsibility for care of creation.

Pupils in Year 7 take part in a retreat day and a Welcome Mass, helping them to settle into the school’s spiritual life. As they progress through the school, they are offered further opportunities for reflection and service, including residential retreats and events supporting local charities.

We ask all parents and carers to support the Catholic ethos of Mount Carmel and to encourage their children to engage fully in the life of the school. Through prayer, worship, charitable action and Christian living, we grow together as a family of faith and learning.

View Mount Carmel safeguarding information and contacts on our web page using the link below;

https://www.mountcarmelhigh.co.uk/information/safeguarding

Lancashire County Council: Keeping Children Safe
Call 0300 123 6720 or out of hours 0300 123 6722

Pupils leaving school during the day

Pupils wishing to leave school early must bring an appointment slip or letter to school. This must be taken to the pastoral office where the pupil will be signed out.

Individual Property: Pupil Lockers

Individual lockers have been provided for all pupils and they are expected to use their lockers for keeping safe their own books, coats, PE kit and personal equipment.

While we take all reasonable steps to ensure security of property, the school cannot be responsible for missing items. Parents should consider insurance arrangements if valuable property must be brought into school.

Phone Cabinets

If pupils bring their mobile phones into school, these should be stored in phone cabinets located in each form room. Phones can be collected at the end of the day.

State of the Building

In order to keep the buildings and site in good order, we expect all pupils to respect their surroundings. 

Damage or spoiling of property in any way, caused by excessively careless or deliberate action will be pursued, parents will be informed and pupils billed for any remedial work required. 

We also expect pupils to respect our environment and put litter in the bins provided. Parents are asked to support the school in these actions.

Screening

Pupils may be screened if we suspect they have banned items in their possession. Random scans will take place to ensure the mobile phone policy is being enforced. 

View information regarding our SEND provision using the web page link

SEND web page

Break and Lunch Time

Pupils are expected to remain on the school premises at lunchtime unless exceptional circumstances are cited. Parents wishing to cite special circumstances such as young carer status, should contact school so that a pass can be issued.

The meals available in the kitchen conform to county guidelines on Healthy Eating and Nutrition. There are sample menus shown on the following page. Our drinks are in line with government regulations i.e. milk, water, fruit juices.

We have a breakfast service starting at 8.15 a.m. each morning with a selection of cooked breakfast items.

Cashless School Meal System

Mount Carmel operates a cashless school meal system for the payment of school meals, where no cash is taken at the point of sale. Each pupil using the system is allocated an account. Parents can view details of individual cash balances, cash spent, cash received including what food has been purchased.

When a pupil wishes to pay for a meal they simply place their finger on a scanner at the till point, this will bring up that pupil’s account and will deduct the relevant amount. Free School Meal amounts are automatically added to the system daily.

Money is entered into the system by the online payment system ‘Scopay’. 

Parents will need to set up an online payment account as all trips will be through this account. Pupils are able to check the current balance on their account by simply placing their finger on the cash revaluation terminal.

Daily spend limits

A daily spend limit of £5.00 is set for all pupils to ensure they do not spend all their money in one day, a parent can request this limit be adjusted. No pupil will be refused a school meal because they have not brought their money to school with them. The school will allow for the pupil to have a meal that day. However, the pupil must bring some money with them the next day to re-credit the system.

Pupils entitled to a free school meal

The system works exactly the same for all pupils whether they pay for a meal or are entitled to a free meal. The only difference is that for those on free school meals, the amount is automatically allocated each day. Any underspent amount for that day, or missed dinner, will be identified by the system and will not be added to the next day’s balance.

Extra can be added to a pupil’s balance via online payment to enable a greater daily spend on the school dinner than allocated by their free meal allowance.

Information on free school meals

The Department for Education have a database that allows the County Council to check whether you are entitled to claim free school meals without having to provide proof of your entitlement.

In order for the County Council to check your entitlement you will need to provide them with your name, date of birth and national insurance number.

Once this information has been obtained it will not be necessary to re-apply for free school meals on an annual basis. The County Council will automatically annually check your eligibility.

Parents who believe they are entitled to free school meals should contact the County Council on 01254 220714 to check their eligibility.

Dietary Control

We can put information into the system regarding food allergies or for food related medical reasons. This information will prevent specific foods being served to that pupil. It is essential that the school is informed of any allergies.

If a parent has any worries about how much money children are spending or what kind of food they are choosing, a report is available from the online payment service.

Further details, if required are available from our Catering Manager on 01254 233458.

Mount Carmel have very high uniform expectations and we expect parents to ensure pupils comply with the requirements.

Girls

• Black blazer with school badge
• Knee length box pleated slate grey skirt or slate grey coloured trousers
• Black jumper with gold stripe detail - optional
• Mount Carmel year group tie
• Long or short sleeved white blouse with formal collar
• Either black opaque tights or black knee socks
• Traditional sensible low-heeled plain black school shoes (not trainers or boots)

Girls who choose to wear a Hijab must wear the standard Mount Carmel Hijab. These are available from the reprographics office in school. Head scarves £6.50 and skull caps £1.00.

Boys

• Black blazer with school badge
• Slate grey, conventional school trousers
• Long or short sleeved white shirt with formal collar
• Black jumper with gold stripe detail - optional
• Mount Carmel year group tie
• Plain black socks
• Traditional sensible low-heeled plain black school shoes (not trainers or boots)

Outdoor Clothing

A suitable dark coloured outdoor coat should be worn over the blazer in poor weather conditions. Coats should be placed in a locker on entering the school building.
Multi-coloured tops, sweatshirts, hoodies and expensive fashion coats are not appropriate and are not allowed in any part of the school grounds. 
Headgear of any type is not allowed in school.

Uniform stockists

• Abbey Street Shopping Centre, Accrington https://vijschoolwear.co.uk/
• Tru Uniforms - online shop www.tru-uniforms.co.uk
• Whittakers, Oswaldtwistle Mills  https://bit.ly/449sHRn

SECOND HAND UNIFORM

• Heritage Charity shop, Accrington
  01254 943522