Notes to Parents

Notes for Parents

A Guide to All Schools

General Information

Contact Details

Welcome to Merchant Taylors' School.

In this document you will find key information relating to each section of the School.

These notes are circulated for the information and guidance of parents; they complement and reinforce the School Rules and Terms and Conditions which can be viewed on our website

www.merchanttaylors.com/terms-and-conditions

If you have any further questions, please contact a member of staff directly. If you need any assistance, please telephone or email our experienced Reception staff who are located at each of our three sites.

Merchant Taylors’ Boys' School

186 Liverpool Road Crosby Liverpool L23 0QP

Reception Telephone Number: 0151 928 3308

Email Address: infomtbs@merchanttaylors com

Merchant Taylors’ Girls' School

80 Liverpool Road Crosby Liverpool L23 5SP

Reception Telephone Number: 0151 924 3140

Email Address: infomtgs@merchanttaylors com

Stanfield Prepatory School

134 Liverpool Road

Crosby Liverpool L23 5TH

Reception Telephone Number: 0151 924 1506

Email Address: infomtps@merchanttaylors com

Autumn Term 2022

Monday 5th September 2022 to Wednesday 14th December 2022 (noon finish)

Half Term: Monday 17th October 2022 to Friday 28th October 2022 (inclusive)

Spring Term 2023

Wednesday 4th January 2023 to Wednesday 29th March 2023 (noon finish)

Half Term: Monday 13th February 2023 to Friday 17th February 2023 (inclusive)

Summer Term 2023

Wednesday 19th April 2023 to Wednesday 5th July 2023 (noon finish)

Half Term: Monday 29th May 2023 to Friday 2nd June 2023 (inclusive)

Term Dates

2023/2024

Autumn Term 2023

Wednesday 6th September 2023 to Friday 15th December 2023 (noon finish)

Half Term: Monday 16th October 2023 to Friday 27th October 2023 (inclusive)

Spring Term 2024

Thursday 4th January 2024 to Wednesday 27th March 2024 (noon finish)

Half Term: Monday 12th February 2024 to Friday 16th February 2024 (inclusive)

Summer Term 2023

Thursday 18th April 2024 to Friday 5th July 2024 (noon finish)

Half Term: Monday 27th May 2024 to Friday 31st May 2024 (inclusive)

Fees

Merchant Taylors’ is a fee-paying day school and the tuition fees, as of September 2022, are as follows :

Deposits

Please see the School’s Terms and C information on how and when the A Deposit and the Additional Deposit ( refunded

Acceptance Deposit

Payable on acceptance of the place offered This will be held on account and refunded at the end of your child’s education at Merchant Taylors’ School

Additional Deposit

Payable in addition to the Acceptance Deposit by the parents of pupils whose normal residence is outside the United Kingdom

Fees (per Academic School Year)

Infant School (Reception - Year 2) £9,292 00

Junior School (Year 3 - Year 6) £9,524 00

Senior School (Boys & Girls) £12,810 00

Sixth Form £12,810 00

School tuition fees are not inclusive of school buses, lunches or any other additional items.

Lunches

Lunches for pupils from Reception to Year 11 (inclusive) are compulsory and payment is in addition to tuition fees. Catering is provided by Chartwells Independent who offer catering services exclusively for independent schools and colleges across the country. They became the school’s provider in September 2018. Lunch fees are as follows :

Reception to Year 2 - £221 per term Year 3 to Year 11 - £229 per term

Sixth Form students are permitted to leave the school premises during the day providing they meet their commitments with respect to attendance, punctuality and set work, and also sign in and out at reception They can therefore choose to make their own arrangements for lunch or eat in the school dining room on a day-to-day basis using contactless payment

A charge for half a term’s lunch fee will be available to those pupils in Year 11 and Upper Sixth, sitting external examinations in the summer term

Full details of menus and catering can be found on our website www merchanttaylors com/catering

Buses

Bus Service: Between £242 - £404 per term Full details of all bus routes can be found on our website www merchanttaylors com/admissions/school -bus-timetables

Sibling Discount

Please refer to fee discounts on next page.

English as an Additional Language

These lessons are compulsory for overseas students attending Sixth Form.

Payments

Fees are payable on demand in advance on or before the first day of term.

Direct Debit is the only method of payment for fees and there will be no charge to join the scheme.

We offer two options for payment: One payment per term (3 per year). You will receive a termly fee bill with payments taken on:

1st September (Autumn Term)

1st January (Spring Term) 1st May (Summer Term)

Alternatively, you can opt to pay by 12 monthly equal instalments which are collected on the 1st day of each month commencing in September.

Please see the School’s Terms and Conditions for further information about the payment of Fees and extra charges

Fee Disc

The School offers a sibling discount for children with a brother and/or sister already in the School. The discount applies to the tuition fee only and may be varied by the School at any time. The current sibling discount is 10% on a second and third child with the same parents, and a 20% discount on a fourth and subsequent children with the same parents. Sibling discount does not apply to overseas students. Should any pupil(s) within the family be in receipt of any other form of financial assistance (excluding Harrison Scholarships) then the pupil(s) will not be included within the scope of the sibling discount. For pupils in receipt of Academic or Sports Scholarships, who also qualify for a sibling discount, such discount will be awarded at the Governor’s/ Head’s absolute discretion.

Notice of Withdrawal

In accordance with the terms of the agreement signed by parents before their child enters the school, a full and complete term’s notice in writing should be sent to the Head of Admissions or the Chief Operations Officer before a child is withdrawn from the school. Failure to give a full and complete term’s notice will result in fees in lieu of notice being payable

Music Lessons

During induction sessions there will be an opportunity to discuss individual tuition for musical instruments.

Withdrawal from Music Lessons: Please note that written notice for withdrawal from individual music lessons must be given for ten lessons prior to finishing at any point in an academic year.

Drama Lessons

During induction sessions there will be an opportunity to discuss individual tuition for LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) lessons.

School Buses

General Information

Merchant Taylors’ offers a comprehensive service of buses and coaches each morning and afternoon from a wide catchment area ranging from Warrington, Widnes, Wigan and South Liverpool up to Parbold, Ormskirk, Formby and Southport.

This service is operated by the school in partnership with a local, well-respected travel company and is available for the use of all our pupils, aged 4-18.

All drivers are DBS approved and wherever possible remain the dedicated driver on a given route. We continually review travel times and pick up locations to ensure we are providing the best possible service.

You will be travelling with the pupils on your bus for a number of years and it is important that everyone learns to get on with each other. Be patient, show respect for each other and the journey will be safe and tolerable for everyone, and remember to always remain seated. Always respect the instructions of the driver and the bus monitor. Remember that you can only travel on the school bus that you have arranged.

Full details of all bus routes (including timetables) can be found on our website www.merchanttaylors.com/admissions/schoolbus-timetables

Code of Practice

The bus service provided to bring you to school runs very efficiently and you can play your part by following the Code of Practice below:

In the morning always be on time for your bus, queue on the footpath in a sensible manner well away from the road. Behave sensibly on the bus at all times. Get on and off calmly, without rushing. Find a seat quickly and fasten your seat belt. No standing is allowed and you must never leave your seat whilst the bus is in motion.

Year 7 need to sit downstairs. Do not distract the driver or cause a nuisance to any road user or pedestrian. Only speak to the driver in the event of an emergency. If anything happens which upsets you on the bus tell your Form Tutor straight away. When arriving at school in the morning you must go directly into school. You must not walk into the local area to buy provisions for the day or for any other reason.

At the end of the school day

At 16:00 move quickly to the correct meeting point for your bus

If you have games at Hall Road, you can catch the school shuttle service back to school

Merchant Taylors'

Always check with the driver that you are on the correct bus

If the bus is late, delegate ONE pupil to inform Reception or make sure that you inform the member of staff on duty. Don’t allow the bus to leave until he/she returns!

General Guidelines

The School welcomes the co-operation of parents in seeing that the pupils pay proper attention to their appearance and that they look after their uniform and wear it correctly.

Hair-styles should be neat, simple and suitable for school. Long hair must be tied back.

School uniform must be worn by pupils on their way to and from school and when they are engaged in activities connected with the School, unless permission to the contrary has been given. A mixture of school uniform with articles of clothing is not permitted in these regulations and should never be worn either during term time or holidays.

Pupils are not allowed to wear earrings in PE. They must be able to remove their own earrings before lessons. Plain gold/silver studs only are allowed

School Shop

School Uniform

Monkhouse Schoolwear Shop is an independent concern run by F R Monkhouse Ltd, specialist school suppliers, who operate in several other leading schools in the North of England.

The address for the shop is : 80 Coronation Road, Crosby, Liverpool L23 5RH Tel: 0151 924 0975

Details of specific opening times can be found at www.monkhouse.com

Note: Art Equipment: It would be helpful if all new entrants to Year 7 are supplied with the following items:

One set of pencils preferably B or 3B

Felt-tip pens in assorted colours

One set of pencil crayons

Glue stick

Old shirt to be used as an overall

INFANTS - Reception, Year 1 and Year 2

GIRLS - Winter

Navy blue School skirt – knee length or navy blue shorts

Long sleeved School blouse School tie

School pullover (navy with pale blue stripes)

Navy tights or knee length socks

Sensible black or blue shoes (no ballet-type pumps)

School hat with badge School scarf

Navy blue duffle coat Navy blue waterproof jacket Navy blue School blazer

GIRLS - Summer

Blue striped summer dress Navy blue cardigan Summer boater

BOYS - Winter

Grey shorts

Long sleeved pale blue shirt School tie

School pullover (navy with pale blue stripes)

Grey socks with blue hoops

Sensible black or blue shoes School cap with badge School blazer

Navy blue duffle coat

Navy blue waterproof jacket School Scarf

Navy blue School blazer

BOYS - Summer

Short sleeved pale blue shirt Legionnaires cap

PE Uniform - GIRLS & BOYS

Navy crested polo shirt

Navy blue shorts

Velcro trainers (outdoor PE)

Black pumps (indoor PE)

Pump bag

Crested School tracksuit Navy blue knitted hat

GIRLS - Winter

Navy blue School skirt or knee length

Navy blue shorts

Optional Navy blue long trousers (Year 6 only)

Long sleeved School blouse School tie

School pullover (navy with pale blue stripes)

Navy tights or knee length socks

Sensible black or blue shoes

(no ballet-type pumps)

School hat with badge School scarf

Navy blue duffle coat

Navy blue waterproof jacket

Navy blue School blazer

GIRLS - Summer

Short sleeved School blouse

Summer boater

Short white socks

BOYS - Winter

Black School Blazer

Medium grey shorts

Optional long trousers (Year 6 only)

White long-sleeved shirt

Plain black v-neck pullover House Tie

Plain grey socks

Plain black shoes with no trim or decoration

Plain Black/Navy overcoat/raincoat

BOYS - Summer

White short-sleeved shirt

PE Uniform - BOYS

Crested School PE T-shirt

Black shorts White socks School Sweatshirt (optional) Trainers

Reversible rugby/games top Black School rugby shorts Black stockings

Rugby or football boots

(containing 6 or 8 replaceable metal rounded studs*)

Zip up crested tracksuit top (optional) Black jogging bottoms for cold weather Black crested swimming trunks (jammers) School swimming hat Goggles

Cricket shirt or white PE polo shirt White shorts or jogging bottoms White sweater, school sweatshirt (or school training top, if cold) Long whites or white shorts for cricket team members

*Permitted

Metal studs which conform to BS6366, or a rounded type, which are replaceable, and should be no longer than 18mm from the sole The studs must be securely fastened Moulded rubber type studs which have no sharp edges or ridges

Not permitted

Blades which are metal tipped Narrow or plastic studs or worn-down rubber studs

Soles with sharp ridges or edges Single stud on toe end of boot

GIRLS - Winter

School blazer (compulsory) this may be worn inside school in winter

Coat (optional) Navy or Black outer coat, plain in colour with no trimmings (Coat or Blazer must be worn to and from school.) Coats are strongly recommended for those pupils not travelling by car

Plain navy skirt or plain navy trousers. Skirt : No more than 8cm above the knee when kneeling. Always worn appropriately.

Trousers : Straight leg in style

Long-sleeved shirt tucked into waistband of skirt/trousers

School tie

School V-necked, long-sleeved jumper with light blue stripes at neck and cuffs

Y10 - 11 may wear a plain navy V-necked jumper

Plain dark navy knee-length socks or tights. Plain black shoes, flat heels only without motif or contrasting material. Open sided / sling back shoes or trainer style are not allowed

GIRLS - Summer

School blazer (compulsory) this may be worn inside or outside of school

Short-sleeved, open-necked blouse in school material. May be worn with winter skirt/trousers. Must be worn tucked into waistband of skirt/trousers

School V-necked, long-sleeved jumper or School cardigan with light blue stripes at neck and cuffs

Y10 - 11 may wear a plain navy V-necked jumper

Plain dark navy knee-length socks or tights

Plain black shoes, flat heels only without motif or contrasting material. Open sided / sling back shoes or trainer style are not allowed

Accessories

Navy/Black gloves

School scarf

Plain navy or blue elastic ties or ribbons

Plain navy or black slides of simple design

No jewellery is allowed except simple earrings, Not jewels - maximum of one in each ear. A plain gold or silver chain with a religious symbol may be worn under the shirt

Bags should be black / navy and large enough to accommodate all necessary exercise / text books

GIRLS - PE Uniform

All articles of clothing MUST have name tapes on the OUTSIDE, NOT inside. Socks, racquets, training shoes and swimming caps should show the full name in special indelible ink.

Navy crested Polo Shirt* Navy Games Skort*

Navy Blue Tracksuit Trousers* Games Socks*

White Ankle Socks

Navy blue athletics leggings* Swimming Costume* Navy Blue Hoodie* Swimming Cap - latex* Navy Blue Sports Holdall*

* School Regulation items from School Shop

Please note - pupils are expected to wear Cross-Trainers (these are sturdy trainers suitable for a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities). It is advisable to wear Astro boots for Hockey.

BOYS

School blazer (compulsory) to be worn at all times unless you are invited to remove it or Shirtsleeve Order is declared

White shirt with the top button fastened. Your shirt must be tucked into your trousers

Plain black jumper (optional) with a V neck (no logos). Pupils may wear V necked pullovers with emblems for representative honours in sport if they wish

Plain black, straight leg trousers

School/House tie. Pupils may wear ties with emblems for representative honours in sport if they wish

Plain black or grey or grey socks

Formal black polished shoes. Training shoes are not permitted

Plain, dark coloured coat (optional) Coats and scarves must not be worn indoors.

General Information

No boots

No visible jewellery.(one charity wristband is acceptable, festival bands are not)

No visible tattoos or piercings

If you wear a belt, it should have a modest buckle

Ties must be tied so that your top button is not visible and so that they hang at an appropriate length

Hats of any sort are not permitted

Hair must be of your natural colour and off the collar, but no shorter than a “number 2”

Your face must be clean shaven

BOYS - PE Uniform

Reversible rugby top. House colour on the lour on the inside.

Crested Boys PE T-Shirt

Black PE shorts

Black crested tracksuit (compulsory)

Hooped PE socks

BOYS

Formal suit, dark in colour. You must wear your jacket at all times unless you are invited to remove it or Shirtsleeve Order is declared

Formal shirt. A modest pattern (pinstripe or check) is permitted. Your top button must be fastened and your shirt tucked into your trousers

Formal tie, with a modest pattern. A plain V necked jumper (no logos) in a dark colour may be worn if you wish Formal black or brown shoes, polished. Training shoes are not permitted

Black or grey socks

GIRLS

Black suit: skirt or trouser suit

Hip length jacket, black buttons - no coloured external stitching Straight, knee length skirt which should not be lycra or jersey material

Pale blue blouse or blue striped blouse Black tights or natural-coloured tights (not patterned)

Black shoes with a sensible heel - no sling backs or backless shoes. Ankle boots may be worn with trousers

Black outdoor coat without fur or other trimmings - not to be worn around school

Scarf - not to be worn around school

Discreet jewellery - pierced ears only. No nose, eyebrow or tongue studs or multiple ear piercing

Natural hair colour / highlights

Natural nails (neutral colour)

In winter a plain jumper may be worn in addition to suit jacket not instead of suit jacket

A bag big enough to carry all files and equipment needed

Lost Property

Lost Property

Parents are reminded of the importance of naming all items of clothing and sports kit.

Each School has a lost property room and you can speak to Reception staff to find out when they can be accessed.

Nearly New Uniform

We also have times when 'nearly new' uniform can be purchased at very reasonable prices if required.

For nearly new uniform, please contact :

Mrs C Byrne

Email: c.byrne@merchanttaylors.com

Policies and Procedures

The following policies can be downloaded from the School website. www.merchanttaylors.com or sent to parents on request.

Safeguarding Children and Child Protection Policy Admissions Policy

Financial Assistance Policy Equal Opportunities Policy Health and Safety Policy The Complaints Procedure

There are also a number of policies available on the website which are particular to each of the schools such as:

Curriculum Policy Anti-Bullying Policy Rewards and Sanctions Policy Management of Educational Visits Policy

The Chair of Governors of Merchant Taylors’ Schools is Mr Philip Marshall. He can be contacted via Bursar’s Office, Merchant Taylors’ Boys’ School, Crosby, Liverpool L23 0QP.

Policies & Procedures

Complaints Procedure

If you have a complaint and are not sure what you should do, we do have a Complaints Policy in place which is available on our website or on request. The policy details a four-step procedure, the first being the Informal stage, where you can raise a concern or complaint through a member of staff; this is usually your child's Form Tutor, in the first instance.

Safeguarding Children

As part of the Schools’ safeguarding children policy, it is our duty of care to promote all pupils’ welfare. The aim of the policy is to ensure that pupils grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care. Following the guidelines published in Keeping Children Safe in Education September 2022, Merchant Taylors’ School will follow procedures if there are concerns with a specific pupil’s welfare. After discussion with, and advice from, external agencies, it may be necessary to refer a pupil to the relevant Local Authority Social Care Department.

The Social Services Department, for the area in which the school is situated in this instance is:

Social Care Customer Access Team Merton House, Stanley Road, Bootle Liverpool L20 3UU Tel: 0151 934 3737

Emergency Duty Team (EDT) out of hours: 0151 920 8234

Data Protection

The School is required to process relevant personal data regarding current, past or prospective pupils and their parents or guardians as part of its operation and shall take all reasonable steps to do so. Processing may include obtaining, recording, holding, disclosing, destroying or otherwise using data. The Merchant Taylors’ School pupils’ data protection policy is available on request from the Head.

Telephones

Parents are asked not to use the telephone for unimportant matters. It is a great help to the smooth running of the School if routine requests etc. can be made in writing. Only on occasions of urgency and real importance can telephone messages be given to pupils. A public telephone is available on school premises for outgoing calls only.

Mobiles

Pupils in Years 7 - 11 are not allowed mobile phones during school hours. At MTBS all phones are expected to be switched off during school hours and stored away. At MTGS, girls in Years 7 - 9 are required to hand their phone in at reception on arrival to school. Years 10 - 11 are required to keep their phones in their bags/lockers at all times.

Curriculum Policy

Our curriculum should be broad, balanced and relevant and should be appropriate to the needs of our pupils.

Our intake is selective and we seek to stretch the pupils by offering them an academic curriculum which includes difficult subjects. (For the Senior School this principle underlines our language options in the Lower School and single subject science in the Middle School.)

Our curriculum is designed to allow time for extra curricular activities, both inside and outside school, and to minimise the pressure on young people so that they can explore their own interests.

We want all our pupils to have equal entitlement to the curriculum and explicitly seek to eliminate the possibility of any group developing a ‘sink’ mentality.

The majority of our students go on to study academic subjects at university and our curriculum is designed to prepare them in terms of knowledge and skills to make the most of higher education when they leave us.

We seek to avoid teaching groups which are too large for the individual to be heard or too

Disability Statement

Merchant Taylors’ is a selective academic school and a prospective pupil’s admission depends upon them meeting the criteria required.

The School must be reasonably sure that it can educate and develop each prospective pupil to the best of their potential, commensurate with the standards achieved by their peers. By achieving the above criteria the School intends that each pupil will have a successful and fulfilled school career that will lead to them being a well-educated, wellrounded individual when they leave.

All of the above apply to every pupil and potential pupil, regardless of any disability they may have, provided the School is aware of the disability. The School acknowledges its obligation to make reasonable adjustments and recognises that these should not put any disabled pupil or potential pupil at a substantial disadvantage.

Parents must have included any disability their child may have on the application form, which must be completed as the first stage in the entrance procedure. In assessing any prospective pupil the School may seek further advice and assessment it regards as appropriate and reasonable. Confidentiality

Merchant Taylors' Girls School

Links with Parents

The School welcomes as much co-operation as possible with parents. The Executive Head, Heads, and staff, are always available to see parents by appointment about any individual problem, and there are regular annual meetings between staff and parents, in addition to normal school functions, plays, concerts etc.

Contact Details

Please ensure that School are informed immediately of any changes to addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses or emergency contact details.

Parent Teacher Association

The Committee of the Parent Teacher Association is a channel for communication of ideas concerning all aspects of School life. The Association also organises social events during the year.

Parental Concerns

The School recognises that for a pupil to reach their potential, both academically and socially, there must be close co-operation between home and school. Occasionally, parents may well have concerns about the way in which the School operates in relation to their child and we very much want to hear from parents in these circumstances. It is much better to talk to us about problems at an early stage so that issues can be resolved quickly and effectively

The best person to approach will be your child’s Form Tutor, because he or she is the person who probably knows them best and is responsible for their pastoral care and academic welfare. Form Tutors will normally be able to resolve difficulties promptly and to respond to enquiries by providing effective feedback. There may be situations when investigation and discussion with other colleagues will be required and, of course, parents will be kept fully informed of developments.

Parents may also contact their child’s appropriate Head of Year/House directly on more serious matters. If parents are dissatisfied with the way in which concerns have been handled, the matter may be raised with a member of the Senior Management Team and in all cases, matters of concern will be treated in a confidential manner and with respect. Please note it is better to telephone (or email) for an appointment rather than ‘turn-up’. We will see parents as soon as possible.

Pastoral Care & Learning Support

Pastoral Care

General pastoral care is provided by every member of staff, but each pupil is cared for more specifically by the Form Tutor/Teacher, who monitors academic progress and emotional well-being. The Form Tutor/Teacher should be the first person to whom a pupil turns for help or advice. The Form Tutor/Teacher can refer a matter to the relevant Head of Year, to the Pastoral Counselling Team or to the Head of Sixth Form.

Pupils can see the Pastoral Care Team about concerns such as friendships, family life, bereavement, food issues, motivation and selfesteem. Staff use counselling skills with pupils and follow guidelines approved by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy.

The School Nurse is available to discuss health or other matters.

Learning Support

At Merchant Taylors’ we strive to provide a caring and supportive environment for each of our pupils. We aim to develop self-esteem, confidence and resilience as well as addressing the needs of the whole child. We recognise pupils of all abilities may experience obstacles to learning and we treat each child as an individual, providing them with personalised learning and the support they require to flourish and achieve their maximum potential.

Lower School (Year 7-9)

Pupils are assessed through a screening program which provides a unique and individual learning profile for each of our pupils. It ensures we identify strengths to be celebrated and utilised in the pupils’ learning, and assist in the early identification of any areas of need allowing us to provide early personalised support to ensure each pupil achieves and flourishes at Merchant Taylors’.

Middle School (Year 10-11)

Mentoring and monitoring are vital components as our pupils approach or start their GCSE studies; we provide guidance with revision and study skills, as well as developing specific areas of need for the individual pupil. Support is provided within the pupil’s timetable with support lessons from a Specialist Learning Support Teacher

Sixth Form

Our students are provided with support in the transition to A-Level studies, developing study skills and helping with organisation. We also work closely with the Head of Sixth Form and careers to ensure our students are aware of the support available for them as they progress onto their next step in life, ensuring they are familiar with assistive technologies and the Disabled Student Allowance process for University.

Using the School library

We have a well-equipped library with books and multimedia resources relating to all areas of the School curriculum.

You have access to the Internet from the Library computer system.

There is a wide selection of fiction and reference material as well as subject books.

You will become increasingly familiar with the Library as pupils in the Lower School have English lesson time dedicated to using the Library, and some subject teachers use it for topic and project work.

it is great place to read, learn and catch up with the news. Newspapers are delivered to the library each day.

If you need help with research, ask our Librarian. She will be pleased to assist.

Please remember that the Library is a quiet place in school and that pupils are always expected to respect this. We should conduct ourselves accordingly, in silence.

School Library

Sport at Merchant Taylors'

PE and games commitment

All pupils play games unless they are exempt on medical grounds or for other special reasons. If for any reason a pupil cannot participate in a lesson due to injury or illness they must have a note from home or a parent / guardian must provide details via email to an appropriate member of staff.

Representing the School

If pupils need to miss school matches for an important family occasion, then we will allow them to do so, given sufficient notice. If pupils are playing the same sport at county or equivalent level outside School and fixtures clash, they will be allowed to miss school matches. If pupils are playing different sports outside School, again at county or equivalent level, the question of representation will be discussed. It is most unlikely that all fixtures will clash, but where there are clashes the matter will be resolved by discussion involving give and take on both sides.

We currently have well over fifty pupils who have representative honours at county level or above in a large number of sports, and in all cases the pupils concerned are managing to meet their school and outside commitments. There may be occasions when pupils want time off academic studies to pursue their

The Ian Robinson Sports Centre

The Ian Robinson Sports Centre is used by all pupils of Merchant Taylors’ Schools during the school day. The £5.5m Sports Centre is an eco-friendly, stylish, state-of-the-art, safe sporting environment which provides an opportunity for pupils to participate in a wide range of sports in the Sports Hall and Dance Studio and become an exclusive member of the vibrant and unique Fitness Suite.

The Holiday Club programme is open to all children aged 4-11 years with a variety of activities including recreation, sport and a range of play. The venue varies between Stanfield and the Sports Centre.

For further information on any of the items mentioned above please contact the Sports Centre management.

Ian Robinson Sports Centre

Merchant Taylors’ School

186 Liverpool Road Liverpool L23 OQP

Tel: 0151 949 9355

Email: k.brennan@merchanttaylors.com

Web: http://www.merchanttaylors.com/ir-sports-centre/

Our Combined Cadet Force (CCF) comprises Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force sections and provides a unique opportunity for girls and boys to grow together through a range of activities and pursuits.

Pupils can choose to join the CCF from the age of 13, with equal numbers of girls and boys invariably taking part each year.

CCF training encapsulates the life skills that young people need in order to prosper in society, offering first-hand experience of teamwork, resilience, problem-solving and leadership.

Cadets gather after school once each week and also enjoy all manner of trips at weekends and during school holiday. These excursions include training camps, assault courses, rifle ranges, glider and light aircraft training, visits to naval vessels and night exercises.

All sections take part in an annual Inspection Day at school, attended by parents and families, where members of the armed forces visit school to recognise their achievements.

Combined Cadet Force

Such is its popularity, CCF plays pivotal role in daily life at Merchant Taylors’, bringing together pupils with a range of interests and backgrounds in pursuit of a common sense of purpose and endeavour.

Merchant Taylors’ CCF is yet another reason why our school is such a special place for children to pursue their passions and develop their personalities

Alumni

Merchant Taylors’ Old Pupils’ Association

When a student leaves Merchant Taylors’ School at the end of Sixth Form they will automatically become an ‘Old Pupil’.

Old pupils range from those who have just left School and perhaps gone on to university, to those that left many years ago and are still attending events today in support of the School. You may not appreciate the benefits now, but being a member of the Old Pupils’ Association will, later in life, connect you to a strong and influential network and provide support, friendship and business connections for many years to come.

The Association publishes regular information via printed material and its website. On the social side there are several regional dinners and informal networking events held all over the country. Many current undergraduates attend these events as well as Old Pupils’ who live in the vicinity. The OPA raises money to support the School and you can actively support the school and pupils in a number of ways:

Commemorate special occasions

Donate prizes for Prize Giving Support pupils’ special projects

For more information please visit : www.merchanttaylors.com/alumni-development

Welcome to Stanfield

I am delighted that you have chosen Stanfield Preparatory School, Merchant Taylors’ School for your child and hope that through a close and happy cooperation between us, they will get the very best from the education offered. We look forward to welcoming you to Stanfield very soon.

Miss E Lynan Head of Stanfield

The school day runs from: 8.40am to 3.20pm Monday to Thursday 8.40am to 3.10pm on Fridays.

During the morning sessions there is a greater focus on Literacy and Mathematics based activities, although all 7 areas are interconnected and opportunities are provided across the curriculum throughout the day.

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Our Strategy

A school that cares

A school that fosters a passion for learning and focuses on excellence

A school renowned for its cocurricular provision

A school renowned for its extraordinary staff

A school that is forward-thinking and adaptable

A school that is at the heart of the community

Our Code of Conduct

The basis of all good behaviour is a need for mutual respect. Pupils attending Stanfield have a right to expect a well-ordered environment, which is conducive to learning. The essence lies in the 3C’s

Care, Courtesy & Consideration

Strategy & Code of Conduct

All pupils need to be aware of their own behaviour and mindful of the needs and feelings of others. All pupils are expected to:

Be polite at all times, using ‘please’ and ‘thank you’

Be courteous and considerate; opening doors for others and behaving in an orderly manner around school Always be honest and tell the truth Treat others with consideration and sensitivity

Be careful with school property and anything belonging to another pupil Be aware of their own behaviour and not spoil anyone’s games

Take pride in their appearance and try to be neat and tidy, wearing their uniform correctly

Information for Parents

The Standard Terms and Conditions provide parents with detailed information concerning the Schools’ rules and regulations. Children do best when parents and professionals work together. This involves regular two way communication and a sharing of information to make sure that your child achieves the most they can at all stages of their education. These notes are intended to give parents an overview of the new Early Years’ Foundation Stage Strategy, whilst offering other relevant information and answers to frequently asked questions.

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

The EYFS will be the stage your child is in when they attend a nursery or a childminder’s home between birth and the age of five at the end of Reception.

The EYFS is based on four important Principles :

A Unique Child

Every child is a competent learner from birth who can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured.

Positive Relationships

Children learn to be strong and independent from a base of loving and secure relationships with parents and/or a key person.

Enabling Environments

The environment plays a key role in supporting and extending children’s development and learning.

Learning and Development

Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates and all areas of Learning and Development are equally important and interconnected.

Parents and carers are their children’s first teachers. When they are with you, learning can happen at any time and anywhere, for example when:

Being generous with praise and cuddles

Reading a variety of things together

Playing games, singing nursery rhymes

Talking about what you can see in the park or on the street

Counting the stairs as you go up or down

Why are the years from birth to five so special?

The years from birth to five see the greatest growth and learning for all children.

Children need :

Good health

To be happy

To feel safe

To be successful

Early learning is the key to your child’s future and families make the greatest difference at this stage.

Supporting your Child

The EYFS Curriculum

There are seven important and interconnected areas of learning and development which shape our curriculum.

Three areas have been identified as being crucial to embed and build future learning upon. These prime areas are :

Communication and language Physical development

Personal, social and emotional development

There are then four specific areas, through which the three prime areas are strengthened and applied. The specific areas are :

Literacy Mathematics

Understanding the world Expressive arts and design

Communication and Language

Communication and language development involves giving children opportunities to experience a rich language environment; to develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves; and to speak and listen in a range of situations.

Physical Development

Physical development involves providing opportunities for young children to be active and interactive; and to develop their coordination, control, and movement. Children must also be helped to understand the importance of physical activity, and to make healthy choices in relation to food.

Personal, Social & Emotional Development

Personal, social and emotional development involves helping children to develop a positive sense of themselves, and others; to form positive relationships and develop respect for others; to develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings; to understand appropriate behaviour in groups; and to have confidence in their own abilities.

Literacy Development

Literacy development involves encouraging children to link sounds and letters and to begin to read and write. Children must be given access to a wide range of reading materials (books, poems, and other written materials) to ignite their interest.

Mathematics

Mathematics involves providing children with opportunities to develop and improve their skills in counting, understanding and using numbers, calculating simple addition and subtraction problems; and to describe shapes, spaces, and measures.

Understanding the World

Understanding the World involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology and the environment.

Expressive Arts and Design

Expressive Arts and Design involves enabling children to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials, as well as providing opportunities and encouragement for sharing their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of activities in art, music, movement, dance, role-play, and design and technology.

General Information

Absence for Illness

When a pupil is absent through illness, we ask that you contact school via the School Office on 0151 924 1506 or via email at s.avery@merchanttaylors.com

Parents are asked to report at once to the Head any case of infectious disease and any instance where they know that their child has been in contact with a case of infectious disease. Parents are strongly urged to watch closely any child who has been in contact with infectious diseases, and to keep them at home if they seem at all unwell or show suspicious symptoms. Please do not send your child in to school until 48 hours have elapsed after the last episode of vomiting or diarrhoea. This is to prevent the spread of infections.

If your child becomes ill whilst in our care, we will make them as comfortable as possible, isolate them from the other children if necessary and reassure them. We will contact you immediately and continue to care for your child until you arrive.

We are happy to administer medication, however, cannot do so, unless we receive from parents, prior written permission for each and every medicine.

Absence other than Illness

All absences from school, other than illness, must have prior agreement of the Head. School holidays are generous and requests for extra holidays are not encouraged. The school policy is not to set work in advance for pupils in these circumstances. Please complete a ‘Request for Absence Sheet’ from Mrs Avery.

Daybreak Club & Sundown Club

Daybreak Club and Sundown Club are available from Monday to Friday, 7.30am until 8.20am and 3.30pm until 6.00pm respectively (term time only). To book, please speak to a member or the After Care team or phone Mrs Avery in the office on 0151 924 1506. Information on wrap around care and holiday clubs is available on our website.

Newsletters

Parents receive a weekly newsletter detailing the week’s activities and giving advance notice of forthcoming events/dates. The Newsletter is distributed through our learning platform, Firefly.

Lunches

All pupils stay for school lunch. The cost of these is added to the fees account sent to you prior to the beginning of each term. The kitchen keeps a record of all special dietary requirements.

Snacks

A healthy snack will be provided for your child whist they are in the Reception classes. Milk will also be provided and children have free access to water as and when required. You may provide your child with a bottle of water if desired.

Official Administration

All pupils are expected to attend morning assembly and religious instruction unless personally excused by the Head of Stanfield, to whom written application for exemption should be made.

It would be appreciated if parents would notify the Head in writing of any change of address or telephone number. It is also essential for the School Office to have a work/mobile telephone number if parents have to be contacted in an emergency during the school day.

Parental Responsibility

In the interests of your child’s welfare and for legal reasons, the school must have accurate and up to date records on the following:

Who your child lives with and which of these people has parental responsibility

Whether there are any other people with parental responsibility who live apart from your child

Whether there are any court orders which may have made changes to those who have parental responsibility, or which impose restrictions on the exercise of parental responsibility

School is closed in emergencies

If the school cannot open, as a result of heavy and unpredicted snowfalls during the night or sudden and severe worsening of existing conditions, we shall try to warn parents early in the morning on local radio, Radio Merseyside and Radio City. Also check the schools’ website for regular updates.

Pupils’ Progress in School

We have an ‘Open-Door’ policy and parents are encouraged to liaise with their child’s Class Teacher / key person on a regular basis, to share information about their progress. We also hold two Parents’ Evenings per year and there is a written report at the end of the academic year for all pupils, detailing progress against the seven areas of learning. If there are any problems parents should contact the Class Teacher in the first instance. However, if there is a major problem, parents should make an appointment to see the Head.

Access to Records

Parents can have free access to developmental records about their child, for example, the pupil profile. Written requests must be made for personal files on pupils and providers must take into account data protection rules when disclosing records that refer to third parties.

House System

The School Houses are:

Aqua (Blue) Terra (Green) Sol (Yellow) Ignis (Red)

On entry to the school each pupil is put in a House. There is a house point system in which merits and merit badges are presented to those pupils gaining the most points every Friday. In Reception classes, pupils are awarded pompoms which are counted up at the end of each week!

Welcome to MTGS

Welcome to Merchant Taylors' Girls' School; a unique and vibrant community, where pupils of all ages are encouraged and nurtured to forge their own individual and exceptional path. We look forward to welcoming you into the Merchant Taylors' family very soon.

Mrs B Ward Head, Merchant Taylors' Girls' School

The school day runs from: 8.40am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday with 65 minute lessons. Those in Years 7 and 8 will have a minor change to their timetable every half term in order to accommodate the teaching of Languages.

Pupils must be in their form rooms by 8.35am. All pupils are expected to attend Assembly.

Attendance

No pupil may be absent from school (except in the case of illness) unless the permission of the Head has previously been obtained.

School cannot condone extra holidays during term time. Official holiday periods are very generous and are published well in advance. All such absences will be unauthorised.

Absence on the first or last days of term without an excuse of illness, or other unavoidable necessity, is considered an unauthorised.

Homework

Pupils will be provided with a homework timetable (Years 7 - 9) at the beginning of each school year. Parents are asked to communicate with the appropriate Head of House if it is found that the homework set is consistently too much or too little for the pupil, or if it interferes in any way with their health. The School uses the management information system “Firefly” to communicate matters relating to homework.

Rewards & Sanctions

All pupils will start the academic year with 50 house points. The house points total for each pupil will be adjusted when they receive rewards or sanctions.

Pupils will lose house points for late work or poor-quality work, all pupils will receive an initial warning, any subsequent late or poorquality work will result in sanctions; every three sanctions will result in a detention and parents will be advised accordingly.

The school uses the management information system ‘Firefly’ to communicate matters related to homework which all parents and pupils will receive access to.

Aims

To educate the pupil in the fullest sense so that they begin to realise their academic and personal potential.

To create a happy and caring environment within which pupils can develop a sense of their personal worth.

To develop a clear understanding of what is right and wrong and a respect for others, to enable each pupil to make a worthwhile contribution to the community.

These aims can be achieved only if pupils maintain a basic code of conduct. Every pupil is expected to co-operate in this respect; the good name of the School depends largely on the behaviour of individual members at all times and not only when they are directly under its jurisdicton. The Head is confident that parents will wish to work together with the School to further this end.

These notes contain the School’s code of conduct and the general rules binding on all members. Pupils will also be expected to abide by particular instructions, which are issued for specific occasions on a dayto-day basis.

The efficient daily running of the School depends on certain standard procedures of administration, which are also detailed in these notes. Your co-operation in these matters will be greatly appreciated.

This information will be regularly updated so please check the link on the school website. Details of particular events will be sent separately via Firefly.

oncordia Parvae Res

Crescunt'

Code of Conduct

The basis of all good behaviour is a need for mutual respect. Pupils attending MTGS have a right to expect a well-ordered environment which is conducive to study. This right can be provided only in circumstances where all individuals accept their obligation to honour the Code of Conduct. The essence lies in the 3Cs

Care, Courtesy & Consideration

School

is the place you come to work. Make sure you always do your best. Do not prevent others from learning.

Treat one another with politeness, courtesy and respect. Do not use language which is abusive, offensive or rude.

Care

for and look after the school environment, and all books and equipment.

Think about your safety and that of others. Keep to the left in corridors and on stairways, and walk sensibly around the grounds. Keep to the paths.

Remember to bring necessary equipment to each lesson. Organise yourself and do not use forgetfulness as an excuse.

Be Punctual

for registration and lessons. Enter laboratories only when requested. Settle quietly to the task in hand. Complete all work on time and hand in homework promptly.

General Good Order & Behaviour

The proper functioning of the School community depends upon acceptance by all its members of the need for self-discipline, consideration for others, courtesy and tolerance. In this respect the School will not tolerate bullying, i.e. any behaviour whether by an individual or group which causes distress to another member of the School community. If, in the opinion of the Head, conduct is likely to bring discredit on the School, pupils will be punished appropriately. Breaches of good manners and inappropriate behaviour IN SCHOOL AND OUTSIDE will be treated as serious breaches of the School Rules.

Silence must be observed (a) at any time of emergency, e.g. on hearing the fire alarm, (b) in the Hall before morning assembly.

Uniform must be correct and when in uniform, no jewellery, rings or make-up may be worn other than watches, one pair of plain simple earrings, or religious symbol and chain worn inside the blouse.

Pupils may not smoke or drink alcohol on school premises. Any member of school, who smokes, drinks or behaves inappropriately in public whilst wearing school uniform, or in non-uniform during school hours or on a school event, will be suspended immediately.

Any member of the School who is reasonably suspected of using drugs either inside or outside school may be permanently excluded.

Food may be eaten only in the Dining Room, or approved areas. Chewing gum is forbidden.

Punctuality: Strict attention should be paid to timekeeping. Sanctions may be given for habitual lateness for morning and afternoon registration and lessons or failure to sign in at the Reception desk after late arrival. (It is appreciated that a pupil may be delayed because of the late arrival of a school bus.)

Pupils may work in the Library during lunchtimes.

The use of solvent/liquid paper is forbidden by all Examination Boards and therefore should not be used in school at any time.

Pupils must not run in school corridors but should walk on the left.

Years 7 - 11 are not allowed mobile phones during school hours. Years 7 - 9 are required to hand their phone in at reception on arrival to school. Years 1011 are required to keep their phones in their bags/ lockers at all times.

Sanctions

Good discipline requires a framework of rules, which are sensible, defensible and clearly understood. They need to be enforced by sanctions which are generally regarded as being fair.

A verbal reprimand is by far the most common sanction employed a) Sanctions will be given by the Staff to those disobeying school rules and for noisy, uncooperative or irresponsible behaviour. These are recorded on the school report. b) If a pupil fails to complete/hand in homework at the appropriate time, a sanction will be issued. Members of the Sixth Form have a responsibility to report bad behaviour.

Communication with Parents

In some circumstances, the School will want to inform parents of a particular breach of discipline, both to make them aware of possible repercussions and to elicit their support in ensuring things improve.

Suspension from School

This is regarded as a very serious punishment. Its length depends on the seriousness of the offence and in all cases parents are informed in writing and invited to discuss the situation with the Head.

Exclusion

In certain very rare circumstances, it may be necessary for a pupil to be excluded permanently from School. This would arise: i) if the pupil concerned had been punished on a number of occasions culminating in suspension and had been given a final warning; ii) for a single isolated very serious offence, any decision to exclude a pupil permanently will be taken only after they have been interviewed and following consultation with parents

Premises

Entrance should be via the Main School entrance.

Pupils who feel unwell must report to Reception or a member of staff. No school bags or belongings should be left in any public area or corridor.

Property ICT Acceptable Use Policy

It is expected that each member of the School will have proper regard for her own and others’ property. Text books may be backed and ALL books (including exercise books) must be treated with CARE. School equipment (apparatus, pianos, electrical equipment) should never be used without permission. Any damage to fittings or furniture should be reported at once.

Where there is negligence the cost of repair or replacement may be borne by the pupils concerned.

All uniform and personal property used in school (e.g. hockey sticks, instruments etc.) MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED with the owner’s name.

Borrowing is strictly forbidden and desks and lockers are to be regarded as private. Losses must be notified quickly to Form Tutors and lost property checked. It is forbidden to sit on window sills or radiators, to write on any board without permission, or to interfere with any electronic equipment.

The ICT department, its resources and its staff are committed to providing an excellent service to staff and pupils. The facilities exist to support the aims and objectives of the school and as such must be treated with respect at all times. The computer facilities are available in lesson times but also, through the department’s open access’ policy, pupils can use the facilities at breaks and lunchtimes. All pupils and their parents are asked to sign an Acceptable Use Policy which outlines how the ICT facilities at school should and should not be used and the responsibilities of all those who use the facilities.

A copy of the full policy is available on the School website at www.merchantaylors.com/seniorpupils/key-information/ policies or a printed copy is available on request.

Security & Safety

SCHOOL CANNOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR MONEY AND VALUABLES WHICH ARE NOT PROPERLY SAFEGUARDED

Money must NEVER be left in cloakrooms or form rooms. It should be carried by the pupil in a purse or zip pocket. Large amounts of money must be handed either to the Office or to a member of staff.

P.E. lessons: valuables must be handed to the P.E. staff before the lesson begins. Years 7 - 11 are not allowed mobile phones during school hours. Years 7 - 9 are required to hand their phone in at reception on arrival to school. Years 10 - 11 are required to keep their phones in their bags/lockers at all times. Mobile phones may be brought into school on the strict understanding that it is at the owner’s risk.

Personal items such as mobile telephones and iPods are to be used only in appropriate circumstances and are the responsibility of the individual pupil.

No pupil should arrive in school before 8.00 a.m. Staff cannot accept responsibility before this time.

No pupil may go out of school at any time during school hours without permission from a member of staff.

After School

No pupil below the Sixth Form may remain in school after 4.30 p.m. (except for late lessons, practices etc.).

Personal Items

The Governors are unable to accept responsibility for lost property or for the insurance of pupils’ clothing and effects while at school. They have decided that the responsibility for such insurance cover must rest with parents, and not with the school.

All damage to school property or loss of school books must be made good at the pupil’s expense. Any expense incurred as a result of damage to school property or loss of school books must be borne by the pupil.

Borrowing of equipment and clothing is strictly forbidden. All pupils are expected to look after their property and to claim their belongings quickly from Lost Property.

All uniform and personal equipment must be clearly marked with the owner’s name and kept so marked. This precaution serves the interest of all. Parents are asked to help eliminate borrowing by checking their child’s uniform from time to time and by ensuring that they have all that they need.

Illness or Absence

When your pupil is ill, Reception should be informed by telephone (0151 924 3140) ON THE FIRST DAY OF ABSENCE, and before 10.00 am each day for the duration of the absence. Reception is open from 8.00am.

Parents are asked to report at once to the Head/Head of House or School Nurse any case of infectious disease and any instance where they know that their pupil has been in contact with a case of infectious disease, even if they would not be normally quarantined. A pupil returning to school after suffering from an infectious disease should bring with them a certificate from their doctor, stating that they are free from infection and fit to attend school. Parents are strongly urged to watch closely any pupil who has been in contact with infectious disease, and to keep them at home if they seems at all unwell or shows suspicious symptoms.

Medicines

The School must be advised when pupils are required to take prescribed medicines in school. A request (using the appropriate form) must be made to the School Nurse for the medicine to be administered, and the medicine kept in the Medical room.

What to do IF..

A pupil cannot attend school

Any planned absence (family bereavement, medical etc) should be presented using the online form available through Firefly at least 3 days before the desired absence. Appointments for routine visits to the dentist, optician etc, should be made out of school hours or during the school holidays if possible..

Out of School Activities

The permission of the Head must be sought before a pupil takes part, during term time, in any kind of entertainment outside school, which involves them in several rehearsals and performances, whether performing or helping with productions. An Entertainment Licence, issued by the Local Education Authority, is usually required which should be requested via the Head who will make the necessary arrangements all work on time and hand in homework promptly.

There is a change of address

The School Office infomtgs@merchanttaylors.com, together with the Form Tutor, should be informed in writing as soon as possible of any change of address or emergency contact number. An email to the office is also acceptable.

School is closed in emergencies

If the School cannot open, for any unforeseen event, we will post such information on the School website / Facebook page, Firefly and Twitter account.

When the School opens, despite bad conditions, lessons will begin as soon as possible and continue as usual. Pupils may be dismissed early to enable them to make their way home in reasonable time. School buses may leave early.

THE DAY AFTER any emergency closure it should be assumed that school is open unless informed to the contrary via the School website.

ALL PUPILS, wherever they live, should have either the telephone number of a parent, relative or family friend so that they may be informed of any emergency arrangements (e.g. early closure and receive instructions from that adult, or they should be authorised by their parents to travel to a friend’s home, should an emergency arise, to await the arrival of their parent(s). If they have parental permission to leave early, they must be able to gain access at home.

NO PUPIL will receive authorisation from school to leave the premises until staff are assured that they have a house to go to and that there are no foreseeable problems. Those who have to remain in school to await transport will normally be assembled in the main building so that messages may be delivered as quickly as possible. Some members of staff will be on duty until all pupils have left.

Welcome to MTBS

Welcome to Merchant Taylors' Boys' School; a highly progressive school, always seeking to improve what we do for pupils in our care. We combine an emphasis on traditional educational values with a caring and forward thinking approach. We look forward to seeing you soon and welcoming the next generation of Merchants' boys.

Mr D Williams Head, Merchant Taylors' Boys' School

The school day runs from: 8.40am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday with 65 minute lessons. The School operates a twoweek timetable, alternating between Week A and Week B.

Drop-off and collection: Due to problems of access and congestion at MTBS main gate pupils must not be brought into school nor picked up inside the school gates. The main school gate is closed daily Monday to Friday from 15:55 to 16:10. The School reserves the right to close the gate at other times in order to ensure the safety of its pupils and staff. For safety reasons, parents are asked not to stop their cars within 50 metres of the Main Gate.

Attendance

No pupil may be absent from school (except in the case of illness) unless the permission of the Head has previously been obtained.

School cannot condone extra holidays during term time. Official holiday periods are very generous and are published well in advance. All such absences will be unauthorised.

Absence on the first or last days of term without an excuse of illness, or other unavoidable necessity, is considered an unauthorised absence.

If you are playing with a football, it must be a soft, plastic ball, not a leather panelled ball. Rugby balls may be passed from the hand, but not kicked.

The School field will be available for playing on during the Summer Term. However, you must respect the work of the grounds staff and the cricket coaches. If you are asked to vacate the field, you must do so immediately. Trainers must be worn when playing on the field – do not play in your socks.

Lunch & Break Times

There is a tuck shop in the Dining Room during break time. You must queue in an orderly fashion on the Library stairs and listen to the instructions of the staff on duty. You must eat your break time snack in the Dining Room and place any litter in the bins provided.

If you are not in the Dining Room, you may spend your break time in your Form Room or in one of the play areas. You will have an allocated time at which you should take your lunch – these will be displayed in Form Rooms. Please stick to these times. You must queue in an orderly fashion on your allocated stairs (Library end) and listen to the instructions of the staff on duty. After your lunch, please return your dirty plates / cutlery to the kitchen and leave your table in a tidy condition. If you do not have any extracurricular activities, you are free to spend your lunch time as you wish. Remember that, unless you are in the Sixth Form, you may not leave the premises.

Use of a Form Room is a privilege. Please remember that Form Rooms are also teaching rooms and you must leave them in perfect condition so that lessons can go ahead in the correct atmosphere. Do not eat in your form room – misbehaviour, untidiness or vandalism may result in this privilege being removed.

llness or Injury during the School day

If you become unwell during the school day, are injured or see someone else who is injured, go to Reception and inform the Receptionist of your illness / injury. The School Nurse may be on site to offer assistance. If she is off site, the Receptionist will look after you. It may be necessary to contact a parent / guardian, which will happen from Reception. You must never leave the site to go home without first consulting the School Nurse or Receptionist, even if a parent / guardian comes to collect you.

If you or someone near you has an accident, get help straight away. Go to the Common Room, Reception or find any member of staff. If you need First Aid, someone will always be available to help you. Always tell a teacher if you have hurt yourself in school.

Extra Curricular Commitment

Saturday is very much part of the school week during term time and we expect pupils to be available to represent the school when selected. Details of fixtures can be found in the school calendar, the website and individual sports’ fixture lists. There will occasionally be an event for which a pupil will have to miss a Saturday such as a wedding. With suitable notice provisions can be made to fill the gap and thereby give someone else the opportunity. However, requests for absence which are either late, or for relatively insignificant events such as a party, are contrary to our team ethic or will be looked upon extremely unfavourably. We would ask parents to send a letter detailing any unavailability to the teacher in charge of that team, and as near to the start of the term as possible and with a minimum requirement of 2 weeks’ notice.

Aims

Merchant Taylors’ has been educating pupils on Merseyside since 1620. We are proud of our history and we are committed to upholding the heritage and principles of the school through this ethos.

At MTBS, we aim to develop well-educated, well rounded and caring young men who will play a significant role in society. They will become good men, good husbands, good fathers; they will be good team members as well as leaders and above all, they will seek to be positive influencers, wherever they find themselves. We have high expectations of our young men and we expect them to share these expectations.

MTBS is a warm and caring community where people are prepared to go the extra mile to help one another. Above all else, we want pupils to be happy. Happy pupils will thrive, participate in the abundance of opportunities on offer and respect the School community and all that it is trying to achieve.

Our aim is ‘The rigorous pursuit of excellence, inside and outside the classroom, combined with a passionate concern for each individual.’ This is achieved when pupils, parents, and staff work together in harmony – living out our school motto.

I hope that you will find these notes helpful, containing, as they do, the School’s Code of Conduct and the general rules binding on all members. The notes also contain instructions and advice on administrative procedures. Your cooperation in these matters is greatly appreciated as it helps in the smooth running of the School.

Please do keep this booklet for future reference, as I hope that you will find it helpful. You can also expect to receive information on a regular basis giving details of particular events and activities; these will be posted on Firefly (our learning platform and parent portal), in the termly diary, in weekly bulletins via email, and on the School website.

As always, if you have any questions, please do contact the School on 0151 928 3308.

Mr D Williams Head, Merchant Taylors' Boys' School

'Concordia Parvae

Res Crescunt'

Small things grow in harmony

Merchant Taylors' School Ethos

Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct is a summary of the principles which underpin our detailed school rules. It is expected that every member of the School community will abide by this Code of Conduct.

Care, Courtesy & Consideration

Be respectful of other pupils and staff, of school property and of the heritage and reputation of Merchant Taylors’ School.

Be courteous there is no place for an unkind word or deed. Go out of your way to offer help and support.

Work hard in lessons, in rehearsals, on the games field, to be polite to others.

Be safe in your actions while on the School site and in your online behaviour.

Banned Substances

Merchant Taylors’ School is a no smoking site.

Regardless of where you are, you must never smoke or vape when you are wearing your school uniform nor when you are representing the School in any way (at a sports fixture, on a school trip etc). This is to maintain the reputation of the School.

You must never be in possession of alcohol on the school site or on school trips. However, we would like to encourage you to develop a healthy attitude towards alcohol consumption. On occasion, it may be acceptable for you to drink a small amount of alcohol at a school function or on a school trip. However, the following must be adhered to:

Your alcohol consumption must be legal (at your age) in the country you are in.

We must have parental permission for you to do so.

Your consumption of alcohol must be supervised by staff.

Whilst representing the School (on site, in uniform or at a fixture or school trip), you must never be in possession of:

Any illegal substance

Any so called “legal high”

Knives or any other weapon

Fireworks or explosives

Pornographic material (printed or electronic)

Staff have the right to search you or your possessions without your permission if they have reasonable grounds to suspect that you are in possession of any of the above. You are not permitted to sell foodstuffs, stationery or other items for your own benefit or profit. However, charity bake sales and the like are perfectly acceptable.

Language and conduct

The ethos of Merchant Taylors’ School includes respect for our community. Therefore, it is unacceptable to use foul, obscene or offensive language which may be hurtful to another person. Remember that the acid test here is how a comment is perceived by the person to whom it is directed, not how it is intended by the person who made it.

Litter

Fees

The grounds and buildings at Merchant Taylors’ School are an asset. We want to present them at their best at all times. We all have a role to play in keeping the site clean and tidy. Do not drop litter; use the bins provided. If you see litter lying around, pick it up and place it in a bin.

Bags

During the school day there will be upwards of 600 bags on site. You will appreciate that you cannot simply drop your bag anywhere –a collection of bags in a corridor or at the bottom of a stairwell is a fire hazard.

So:

Use the bag racks which are provided around the school

You may leave your bag in your Form Room during break time or lunch time while you are in the Dining Room or on one of the play areas

Do not leave bags in any corridor –notices are posted to remind you of this. Do not move anyone else’s bag. When you collect your bag, take care to ensure that it is yours.

As with all of your property, you should make sure that your name is on your bag.

Mobile Phones

Merchant Taylors’ Boys’ School has a mobile phone policy which should be adhered to at all times. In outline, this policy states:

Mobile phones should never be used while you are walking around the site, nor in public areas (Dining Room, Sports Hall, Library, Williams Hall etc).

Mobile devices must never be used to photograph nor to take video footage of pupils or staff during the school day, unless under the direct supervision of a member of staff (e.g. in PE lessons, Drama etc).

You will have access to your phone at the end of the school day, should you need to make contact with parents over travel arrangements etc.

You will gain more privileges as you get older and become more experienced in acceptable use of mobile phones.

Lower School (Years 7-9) and Middle School (Years 10 & 11)

There is no restriction on Lower School boys bringing mobile phones to school.

From the time that a Lower School pupil enters the school site at the beginning of the day to the time that he leaves at the end of the day, his mobile phone must be switched off and in his blazer pocket or stored securely in his locker.

Lower School pupils must not use their mobile phones during the school day. This includes a ban on their use at break time and during the lunch break.

Lower School pupils may be asked to use their mobile phones by a member of staff as part of an academic lesson – they must switch off the phone and return it to their blazer pocket at the end of this lesson.

Lower School pupils may use their phones on the school bus on journeys to and from school. At the end of the day, they may use their phone outside the school gates to contact their parents or on their homeward journey.

Sixth Form

There is no restriction on Sixth Form pupils bringing mobile phones into school. Sixth Form pupils may have access to their phones at any time during the day, but this must be discreet. In practice, this means restricting use to times when they are in their form room, in the Sixth Form Centre, or off the school site.

Sixth Form pupils may be asked to use their mobile phones by a member of staff as part of an academic lesson – they must switch off the phone and return it to their blazer pocket at the end of this lesson.

Sixth Form pupils may use their phones on the school bus during journeys to and from school. At the end of the day, they may use their phone outside the school gates to contact their parents or on their homeward journey.