We promote a positive partnership between home and school. We build on children’s skills and experiences when they join us. We hope you continue to enjoy taking an active and positive interest in what your child is doing at school. We welcome your comments and observations and encourage you to visit the school if you need information, or if you have any concerns. Look out for our weekly newsletters, and our termly curriculum information news sheets.
We ask you to sign our Home/School/Child Agreement so that together we can support children’s learning, and help everyone achieve their best.
Our Day
The school gates will be open from 8.35 a.m. each morning, in time for registration at 8.45 a.m. We encourage children to be promptly in for 8.35 a.m. to settle and complete Early Morning Work and select their lunches if not already chosen at home.
St.Thomas Primary School is proud to be part Exeter Learning Academy Trust. Exeter Learning Academy Trust (ELAT) is a partnership of schools based in Exeter. Our aim is to provide a quality education that opens up real choices for every one of our pupils, raising aspirations and helping every child to achieve their ambitions, no matter what their background.
School: St Thomas Primary School Job Title: Teacher Salary (please indicate grade i.e. C, MPS/UPS, + any allowances etc.) MPS Hours per week/weeks per year or FTE: Full time FTE 1 / Term time Temporary/Permanent/Fixed Term: Permanent Start date: September 1st 2024 Closing date: Thursday...
School: Bowhill Primary School Job Title: Teaching Assistant Salary (please indicate grade i.e. C, MPS/UPS, + any allowances etc): NJC Grade C (£12.18 – £12.59 per hour) Hours per week/weeks per year or FTE: 27.5 hours per week Temporary/Permanent: Temporary (Fixed term until 31.08.24) Start...
School: Bowhill Primary School Job Title: Site Manager Salary (please indicate grade i.e. C, MPS/UPS, + any allowances etc): Grade D (24,702 – 26,421 per annum) (£12.80 – £13.69 per hour) Hours per week/weeks per year or FTE: 37.5 hours per week (Split shifts) 52...
School: Alphington Primary School Job Title: Teaching Assistant X 2 Salary (please indicate grade i.e. C, MPS/UPS, + any allowances etc): Grade C Hours per week/weeks per year or FTE: 30 hrs per week, 39 weeks per year And 21.5 hrs per week, 39 weeks...
Cleaning operative 10 hours per week, 2 hours per day, flexible working hours from 3.30-5.30 pm or 4 pm-6 pm, Monday to Friday with the responsibility of securing and locking the building at the end of the shift. £11.00ph annualised pay. For more information or...
School: Bowhill Primary School Job Title: Cleaner Salary NJC Grade A Hours per week/weeks per year or FTE: 16 hours per week (3:30pm-6:30pm) Temporary/Permanent: Permanent Start date: Nov – 2023 Closing date: Ongoing Please send your completed application form to jobs@elatschools.com Job Advert (pdf) |...
School: Bowhill Primary School Job Title: Mealtime Assistant (MTA) Salary: Grade A2 £10.60 per hour Hours per week/weeks per year or FTE: 7.5 hours per week 38 weeks a year Temporary/Permanent: Permanent – Term Time Only Start date: ASAP Closing date: Ongoing Please send your...
As you may be aware, storm Ciaran is heading towards Devon and currently, we have an amber warning in place for wind tomorrow morning. An amber warning represents a threat to life and we have to consider the safety of our children, parents and staff...
We are pleased to announce our long-term partners at Thomas Moore will be stocking all of our uniforms with the school’s 150th logo. They will also have a range of affordable PE kits, both branded and nonbranded. Uniform information >
We’re all very excited in our new look Christmas Fayre this year. It’s now from 5pm – 7pm and they’ll be stalls, a bar with mulled wine and mince pies, Santa’s Grotto, Carol singing, Bingo and the legendary FOSS raffle! It promises to get everyone...
Over this term, our Year 6 football team will be competing against other schools at a Monday night tournament at West Exe School. We played two every close games and are very proud of beating Bowhill 2-1 and drawing 1-1 against Alphington – we can...
What a wet few weeks we’ve had! At St Thomas staying inside when it’s raining is a last resort so the children really need a coat in school so they can stay dry. As we move toward Christmas our School Choir will be on Tuesday...
We’ve welcomed a new reception class this week and they’re busy getting to know the school, we can’t wait to see their rendition of BIG red combine harvester at the harvest festival next week! In Year 3 there was a Roman murder mystery to solve...
Next week, it is National School Sports Week and we have lots of exciting sporting opportunities for the children. This year’s theme for the week is all about belonging – that there is a place in sport for EVERY child. The week is all about...
This year’s amazing nativity can be viewed below Many thanks to everyone involved.
The following amendments were made in August 2021 to the determined policy for 2021-22 to comply with the revised School Admissions Code 2021: priority for children adopted from state care outside England was added to oversubscription criterion 1; wording added to reflect that decisions on...
St Thomas Primary School Teacher Vacancy We are looking to appoint a reflective and dynamic full-time class teacher for St Thomas Primary School starting in January 2022 on a Fixed Term Contract until 31.8.2022. If you would like any further information, an informal conversation or...
At St Thomas Primary we use the free Class Dojo online tool to strengthen the communication between home and school. School Story: a private feed to share photos and videos of school-wide moments School Portfolios: children can share their portfolios independently School Story: a private...
It is always good to look back over the year and to remember some of the highlights. There was great excitement in September in being able to welcome all the children back to school, even with all the restrictions. The confusion in January when the...
It was a real shame that we had to postpone our Sports Day at the last minute because we were unable to use West Exe’s sports field. A number of children have asked if Sports Day is still going to happen. I am pleased to...
As a school, we were keen to support Race for Life. It has been a tough year for everyone and as a school, we are always conscious of how often we ask for money. Therefore we planned to keep this quite low key hence our...
Dear parent/carer, This school year we have been implementing the PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) Programme across our school called Jigsaw, the mindful approach to PSHE. The lessons, since September, have built children’s emotional literacy, self-esteem and knowledge of who they are and how...
It has been really good to have the children back in school this half term. The guidance for schools around COVID has remained unchanged and therefore we are going to need to stay with the current operational plan and risk assessment. This means that the...
Did you know that YOU can contribute to the future of your child’s school? Whether you are a parent or a guardian or a carer… Whether your child is new to the school or close to leaving for secondary… Whether you are working full-time or...
There is very little change to the Department for Education’s guidance for school opening during the pandemic. This means we are going to need to follow the same structures and routines for the time being. The only slight change over Easter is that schools can...
Thursday 1st April is the last day of term and we will look forward to welcoming the children back to school on Monday 19th April. It has definitely been a challenging term with the children having to adapt to several different styles of learning. It...
It has been great to welcome all the children back this week. The school has felt very busy again! It has been lovely seeing the children getting involved in their learning and being proud of their achievements. Although this return to school has been welcomed...
I am so pleased to write that from Monday 8th March St Thomas Primary school will be fully open for all children. Everyone has worked really hard on remote learning but I know that having the children back in school will make a massive difference...
A huge well done to everyone who has participated in remote learning. From conversations I have had I know some have found this really tough which makes what has been achieved even more impressive. School places for vulnerable and critical worker children are very tight...
If you are struggling with technology at home please don’t hesitate to contact the school. Please e-mail: admin@st-thomas.devon.sch.uk and let the school know what access is available and what the issues are. We have secured a number of devices which should be at the school...
Earlier this week a letter was sent home from Rachel Shaw the Trust’s CEO to say that St. Thomas Primary will be open as normal on Friday 18th December. This follows announcements on the news that schools could opt to close on Friday to enable...
Fancy breaking the rules in School? Well on Friday the 18th of December you can do just that. Full Details Poster (pdf)
We are really excited about a number of new resources that we have for the children this year. For Years 3,4,5 and 6 we have Accelerated Reader. This is a computer programme that encourages children to read books at the right level, help them to...
We are looking forward to welcoming all the children back in September and having the school community together again. Please read through this letter carefully as it contains information about what to expect in September and some of the systems and measures that we are...
This year the May Day Bank Holiday has been moved to Friday 8th May to coincide with the 75th anniversary of VE Day. There is a two minutes silence planned at 11 am which will be broadcast on the BBC and we have been encouraged...
I hope you managed to have a good Easter however that looked for you this year. It feels very strange not welcoming the children back in to school but it has be lovely to see them doing their activities online. In the Summer Term the...
We are really excited that after Easter we shall be using Accelerated Reader! This is a package that encourages children to read more and also helps direct children to the books that would be best for them. It will start initially with the children in...
Last year, parents and carers helped the school improve by completing an online survey. As a follow-up to this, we are looking to hear your thoughts about how the school communicates with you. It is a short questionnaire with space for additional comments. Please visit...
It has been lovely to welcome all the children back and to hear their Christmas stories. I hope that everyone had a good Christmas and managed to find some time to relax during the holiday period. The term has started smoothly and I have been...
Thank you to everyone who came and supported the Christmas Fayre on Friday. There was a lovely atmosphere around school and we raised over £300. I would also like to say a huge thank you to the PTA, who work so hard for the school,...
Our Christmas Fayre is on Friday 13th December and will be straight after school. There will be stalls, Christmas photo booth, refreshments, the school choir and much more to enjoy. Friday will be a non-uniform day for a small donation towards the fayre. As in...
We have had two new apple trees planted outside the Year 5 classroom. I would like to thank Betsy and Imogen for braving the weather to plant them and we look forward to the apples they will produce in years to come. I would also...
Look out this evening for the sample photograph and information on packages that can be ordered and the cost. If you would like to order photographs please return the order with payment in the envelope provided by Monday 18th November. We can not accept orders...
Next Friday is the school disco and there is a Halloween theme for those that would like to dress up. Key Stage 1 Disco is from 5:30 – 6:30pm and Key Stage 2 Disco is from 6:45 – 8pm. Children arrive in the doors by...
We are very pleased to be a music mark member school in recognition of: Evidence of a willingness to engage in development conversations related to improving music provision recognition of the value of music education as part of a broad and balanced curriculum a strategy...
We have survived the first week of a new system! Thank you to everyone for your patience and perseverance and helping to make this work. I think we have worked through the starting up problems so we are looking forward to this becoming a school...
Thursday 3rd October is the school census day. The government use this date to set the funding for the school. The menu is: Fish Finger & Chips Cheese and Tomato Pizza Jacket Potato with a selection of fillings Served with Pasta, Baked Beans and a...
As a school we have been lucky to have a good group of governors who have been dedicated in supporting and challenging the school to raise standards and to ensure that our finances are spent wisely for the children. There is currently a vacancy for...
Each year we give an opportunity for you to meet with your child’s new teacher and to find out about the routines, expectations and the areas the children will be learning about. Each teacher will do a short talk straight after school. These are on...
It has been lovely this week to see so many smiling and happy children coming back into school after their summer holiday. Classes are already having fun and getting to know the new adults that will be working with them. You may notice a few...
I can’t believe that this is the last Newsletter in another year at St. Thomas – time certainly flies when you are having fun! It has been a successful year across the school with so much being achieved. The school always feels busy, purposeful and...
Sports Day – Friday 5th July from 1:30pm Weather permitting; next Friday is our Sports Day. As in previous years, West Exe School have kindly agreed to let us use their facilities. Children can come to school in their PE kits and please make sure...
Following the appointment of Rachel Shaw to the post of CEO across Exeter Learning Academy Trust, Justin Stone will be based full time back in St. Thomas Primary. We are congratulating both Eddie Brown and Gemma Ridge for next year. Mr Brown has been successful...
Summer Fayre – Friday 14th June @ 3:20pm. It is not long now to our summer fair organised and run by the Friends of St Thomas School (FOSS). This is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year and takes a lot of organisation, both...
If you would like to make payments online and to receive newsletters and other school communications electronically you will need to sign up for School Gateway. Last week’s newsletter (available on our website) had all the details to sign up. If you are unsure then...
The children in Year 6 have been sitting their end of year SATs this week. As a school, we are very proud of the hard work and effort the children have put in. The children have been calm and relaxed all week, taking it all...
Yesterday, the children in Years 5 and 6 became S.O.C.Os (Scene of Crime Officers) and were put into different groups to find out who committed a crime. Each group got a skeleton and had to find out what the victim’s name was, why they died...
Parent meetings with teachers will be held on the week beginning Monday 25th March. Each class will have a slightly different timetable and the late appointments will be on the Wednesday. Sign-up sheets will go up around the school from Monday next week. Please ensure...
We have some great volunteers in school at the moment who are supporting in some of the classes. If you are interested in volunteering at school, come and speak to Mrs Bessant in the office. Our volunteers come in on different days, mornings, afternoons and...
Children in Years 2-6 are encouraged to bring in a bag containing three objects, items, pictures or drawings that are clues to a favourite book or character. They will have an opportunity during the day to share the clues with the rest of their class....
Four adventurers (Alex, Brook, Chris and Dusty) need to cross a river in a small canoe. The canoe can only carry 100kg. Alex weighs 90kg, Brook weighs 80kg, Chris weighs 60kg and Dusty weighs 40 kg, and they have 20kg of supplies. How do they...
In your cellar there are three light switches in the OFF position. Each switch controls 1 of 3 light bulbs on the floor above. You may move any of the switches but you may only go upstairs to inspect the bulbs one time. How can...
Lisa Jones, our Parent Support Adviser, is putting together a rack of second-hand school uniform which will be kept in the school entrance. The uniform will be available for parents to buy and each item is marked with a price. All money received will be...
Despite the snow across Devon, the school was able to open as normal on Friday. Almost all members of staff were able to travel as deeper snow only effected more rural areas outside Exeter. In these situations, the school will always try to open. Any...
Small world is an important aspect of children’s play, aiding many areas of development. Imaginative skills are supported allowing the child to express thoughts and experiences into their play, whilst exploring the world in which they live. Small world also offers the opportunity for children...
Happy New Year from all the staff at St Thomas. We hope you had a great Christmas holiday. The Spring Term promises to be a really exciting one with lots of things to look forward to including the Easter Show, trips out, World Book Day...
Our St Thomas Primary School Carol service is being held on Thursday 20th December at St Thomas Methodist church. It will start at 1:45pm and last for around 1 hour. At the end, all children will walk back to school with their class teacher. We will not...
Dear Parent or Carer Download the nomination Form There is a vacancy for a parent governor on our school’s governing body and I am writing to invite nominations to fill this vacancy. Please think about becoming a governor, or encouraging others to volunteer. Parent governors...
Please don’t forget our online parent survey. Parent feedback is very important. The governors will collect this and the findings will be shared with you.The survey is online through the following link: Click here to fill in survery
www.exeterconsortium.com Exeter Consortium is a partnership of schools in Exeter in South West England, established and managed by the schools themselves. It offers an exceptional opportunity to learn to teach in local schools with outstanding providers.
Hours: 836 hours per annum Terms: Permanent Post. We would consider a job share. Closing date: 12 noon on 7th January 2019 Interviews: 17th January 2019 We are looking to appoint a well organised, reliable person with strong administrative and computer skills to join ELAT...
It has been lovely to see so many colourful and smiling children around school today. There has been a very positive atmosphere around school. In total, we have raised £193.99 for Children in Need. Thank you for your donations!
School photos will be on Friday 9th November. This is for individual and family photos.
It has been a brilliant first half term of the year. There has been so much going on in and around school. At the end of last week, Years 5 and 6 had a visitor to their classrooms during the night. Whatever it was left...
St Thomas parish church is very pleased that it has won a grant for 10 of the silhouette figures representing those who did not come back from the First World War. They are going to display these in the church around the weeks before and...
Appointments for parent’s meetings will go up on Monday 8th October. This will be for meetings during the following week. Each year group will be organising meetings on different days so please check the days carefully. The later slots will be available on Wednesday 17th...
Next Thursday 4th October, there will be a Lucky Lunch for children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. All children who have a school dinner will be entered into a draw to win a prize. Three children from each class will be chosen at...
We are getting a second green shed this term to store items to enhance children’s playtime’s. The existing shed on the playground will be moved alongside it. We are planning on using the space next to the PE shed which used to have the planter...
