Our school is set in the middle of Hereford's city, opposite Hereford's university, next door to an ancient monastery and within walking distance of the library, swimming pool and football stadium. We have high expectations of behaviour and attendance and support children and families in making sure those are met. At St Thomas children learn how to listen, how to forgive when something goes wrong and how to value one another.

When NMITE (Hereford’s University) opened and children at St Thomas were in the middle of their PE lesson on the playground the children all ran to the fence, clapping and cheering. No one told them to. They wanted to support our neighbours and share in congratulating them with their exciting day. The university leaders told us that it was the best part of the day - a moment of pure sharing and celebration!

When the vaccination team came to school to give children the flu vaccine they wrote to say what a great morning they had, how the team had worked so well to make their morning a success and how polite the children were.

When we planted the tree for the Queen’s Garden Canopy those in attendance spoke with real joy about the children’s manners, positivity and respect shown. Children sent beautiful #mothstoaflame to COP 26 and collect items for Hereford’s Recycling Group.

These are a few short examples of what happens when we show children to behave responsibly, with commitment and respect, by showing children what that looks like, by showing what teamwork is, by focusing on relationships and that we all matter to one another. The children have asked that we share this picture of their moths. 

Working and being a part of our community is a joy. St Thomas is a diverse community, based in the city with many families who have lived in Hereford for generations and many who have just arrived in the UK. We make everyone feel welcome with a smile, a listening ear and through doing what is right. Children learn about this shared humanity by being a part of it.

Our relationships with our local churches, St Peter’s, All Saints and Hereford Cathedral are important to us. Children take part in services, visit and members of those churches join us in school, also showing each child that they matter. We have links with NMITE, with Hereford Hospital, links with our community champions at Morrisons, with Hereford’s Bikeability scheme, Talk Hub, Food Bank and local shops. We use, learn from and about our city. Hereford’s police are hugely supportive of the school alongside the Cartshed, city library and museum. The children were very lucky to have the library all to themselves during lockdown, with librarians giving each child their own card, support and story.

Together with the supportive, honest, determined parent group that makes up the St Thomas family we ensure that we are able to follow our vision and give children the light that they need to build a future where they flourish. As we move into 2022 and beyond this will be built on with the development of our family hub. More to come on that later!