The Croft Handbook

About Us

Welcome to the Headmaster - Mr Marcus Cook has led The Croft Preparatory School for over 20 years, blending academic excellence with a focus on personal growth. His leadership has helped pupils achieve top secondary school placements and develop into confident, compassionate individuals. A former rugby player and Level 3 RFU Coach, Marcus instils resilience, teamwork and high performance in pupils. He created the 'Backpack for Life' programme to equip pupils with skills beyond academics, focusing on emotional intelligence, a growth mindset and societal contribution. Additionally, he fosters a strong coaching culture with staff and is active in educational leadership as an ISI Inspector and School Governor for Bloxham School.
Meet the Teaching staff - our dedicated team of Teachers and Learning Assistants can be found here.
Limited Company - The Croft Preparatory School is a Limited Company, owned by the Thornton family and any profit made is reinvested in the School. The School benefits from a Board and a Governing Committee, the latter comprising invited and elected members and the Headmaster, which meets on a regular basis to advise, support and challenge the School’s future development.
Board - The Board membership comprises the Thornton family: Mrs Lyndall Thornton, Chair; Mrs Jenny Thornton, Acting Chair; Mr Barney Thorton, School Business Manager. The Board is also attended by Mr Marcus Cook, Headmaster; Mrs Vanessa Aris, Chair of the Governing Committee; and Mr David Lloyd Jones, external lay person.
Governing Committee - Governors contribute to the school's strategy for improvement so that our pupils learn most effectively and achieve the highest standards. The Governors help set, and keep under review, the broad framework within which the school operates. Governors are involved in formulating and reviewing policies, and monitoring the school development plan.
School Contact Details - The Croft Preparatory School, Alveston Hill, Loxley Road, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire CV37 7RL. Tel: 01789 293795. Email: Office@croftschool.co.uk. The School Office is open from 07.45 - 16.45.
Finance - Requests for payment of School fees are emailed well in advance of each term. School fees are due on or before the first day of term. Schools fees may be paid in monthly instalments. A full term's notice is required prior to the withdrawal of a pupil, or the discontinuance of an optional subject, otherwise the fees for the ensuing term will be charged. Parents wishing to take their child out of school for a prolonged absence of term or more will have to pay all fees due to hold their child's place. We have a duty to notify the Local Education Authority of any such request.
All pupils are opted into the Pupils' Personal Accident Insurance Scheme, through Marsh Education Practice. The School cannot refund, or make any reduction in fees, for absence. However, an optional (chargeable) School Fees Refund Scheme is available through Marsh Education Practice. Please advise the School if you wish to opt in to this scheme.
Complaints - Full details of the School’s Complaints Procedure, including Early Years Foundation, can be found here.
IAPS - IAPS stands for the Incorporated Association of Preparatory Schools. Through the Headmaster’s membership of the association, it provides accreditation of the School’s standards by way of regular inspections.

The School

Our School - The Croft Preparatory School is an independent preparatory school for boys and girls from three to eleven years of age. The School, established in Stratford upon Avon in 1933, was acquired by the Thornton family in 1981 and moved to its present site in 1986. At the Croft Preparatory School, our purpose is to provide each child with academic challenge and the opportunity to succeed and develop a sense of self-worth, whilst nurturing a lifelong love of learning in a happy and secure environment.
Aims/Core Values - The School's Aim are guided by its Core Values: pursuing academic excellence; encouraging creativity and independent thinking; building resilience through holistic development; fostering a growth mindset through challenge and support; promoting respect for others and the community; and nurturing friendships and trust through strong partnerships with parents to ensure each child feels happy and valued.
The Croft's Core Value guide all aspects of school life. Pupils explore these values through assemblies, RSE/PSHE, lessons, extra-curricular activities and form time. Positive demonstrations of the values are recognised with stickers, Housepoints and occasional Core Value Awards. These rewards contribute to termly presentations for top individuals and Houses, with the House trophy decided by average points per pupil. Teachers, pupils and Governors wear Core Values badges as a continuous reminder of the School's ethos. Details of our Aims and Core Values can be found here.
Our Community - Community lies at the heart of The Croft. Our shared Values unite pupils, parents, families and staff on shaping responsible, compassionate citizens who are progressive in outlook yet grounded in tradition. Daily and seasonal rituals, from morning greetings and saying grace, to family-style lunches with Year 6s serving, our school song, Mrs Thornton's Angel Service at Christmas and our Leavers' Assembly, all remind us of who we are. These small but meaningful traditions bring us together and strengthen our journey as a community.
Backpack for Life (BPFL) - At The Croft, we prepare pupils for life beyond the classroom through our Backpack for Life framework, designed to nurture essential qualities, skills and values for a changing world. The Backpack has five 'pockets': Skills and Innovation; Developing Potential; Personal Attributes, Emotional Intelligence; and Society. Each pocket supports personal growth and is integrated into lessons, projects and challenges. Pupils develop creativity, resilience and self-awareness while understanding their role in the wider community. Through this approach, they become confident learners, innovative thinkers and compassionate citizens, equipped to carry the knowledge and attitudes gained at The Croft throughout their lives.
Equality and Diversity - At The Croft Preparatory School, we aim to ensure that every pupil and member of staff is given an equal opportunity to achieve their full potential, and to take full advantage of the School’s facilities and activities. We also believe that each individual is entitled to learn, teach or work in a supportive environment, free from prejudice or discrimination of any form.
This policy should be read in conjunction with the School’s policies on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), Anti-bullying, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE), Admissions, English as an Additional Language (EAL) and the School’s Accessibility Plan. The policy covers members of staff, pupils, parents, and other contractors and visitors to The Croft Preparatory School.
SEND provision - We aim to be an inclusive school. That means that our Class Teachers use Quality First Teaching to meet the needs of all the children in their classes, including those with additional needs such as dyslexia, ASD and ADHD, etc. This Quality First Teaching meets the needs of most children. Occasionally, some children may need a little more support and this can be supplied by individual or small group work during registration or at other suitable times in the week. We also work with a range of other professionals such as Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Counsellors, and follow their advice in school.
Anti-bullying - we have a zero tolerance policy on bullying. The School has a clear written policy in line with Department for Education (DfE) guidance: ‘Preventing and Tackling Bullying’ (July 2017) and ‘Cyberbullying: Advice for headteachers and school staff (2014), to promote this belief, prevent bullying wherever possible and ensure that pupils, their parents/guardians and staff are fully aware that any bullying complaints will be dealt with firmly, fairly and promptly.
Pastoral Care - Pastoral care is a vital part of School life, ensuring every child's happiness, welfare and personal growth. At The Croft the aim is to create an environment where children feel supported, allowing them to enjoy learning and contribute positively beyond the classroom. Recognising that some families face challenges, the School provides effective support systems and strong communication to meet diverse needs. Staff are well trained to promote relationships, respect and responsibility through a collaborative approach involving the whole community. The Croft remains committed to continuous improvement, introducing new initiatives that nurture every child's social and emotional development.
PSHE / RSHE Education - At The Croft, PSHE (Personal, Social, Health & Economic) and RSHE (Relationships, Sex & Health) education are key to fostering confident, kind and responsible individuals. The curriculums are designed to equip pupils with the knowledge, skills and values to make informed choices, build positive relationships, and maintain physical and emotional wellbeing. Through engaging lessons, pupils learn about topics such as friendship, respect, resilience, safety and British values. The curriculum evolves with the pupils' age and understanding, ensuring sensitive topics are introduced appropriately in line with DfE guidance. PSHE and RSHE are integral to The Croft's ethos of nurturing compassionate young people. Our PSHE and RSHE policies can be found here.

Behaviour and Expectations

School Regulations - The School regulations, including Appearance and Uniform, and Communication between Home and School, can be found here. It is expected that all parents will read and familiarise themselves with them, and adhere to them at all times.
Pupil Absence - Parents should telephone or use the RMP app to let the School know on the first morning that a child is absent for any reason. In the event of a contagious or infectious illness, it is important to inform the School as soon as a diagnosis is confirmed. Please do not send a child into school part way through the day for extra-curricular activities. The school operates an Attendance Policy which parents are strongly encouraged to read.
Sleep Guidelines - We have, over the years, been asked for guidelines as to how much sleep a child should have. This of course varies from child to child, however, all children benefit from regular bedtimes and sleep patterns, and Great Ormond Street Hospital has produced this guidance for children’s sleep hygiene requirements.

Routine of the School

School Terms - The School year consists of 35 weeks. Each term the School Calendar contains the dates for the next three terms. The term dates are available here. Termly events are outlined here.
Drop-off and Collection Routine - All pupils can be dropped off at school from 8:30 am. The School operates a drop-off system in the morning with designated drop-off zones and locations around the School site. Parents with multiple age children must drop all children at the youngest child’s zone. I.e., if a family has three children (one in Reception, one in Year 3 and a sibling in Year 6) all three children are dropped together at the Early Years drop off zone. The following drop off areas are marked with five designated areas for pupils to alight the vehicles safely. Staff are present to enable a smooth hand-over from parents:
- Early Years (Little Crofters ‘Butterflies’, Frogs, Rabbits and Reception) – Drop-off in CASTLE CAR PARK
- Years 1 and 2 – Drop-off adjacent to YEAR 1 and 2 PLAYGROUND
- Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 - Drop-off at far end of THEATRE CAR PARK
- Disabled Parking There are two designated spaces in the main car park which should only be used by cars displaying a current disabled badge or which have a disabled passenger.
At collection, parents may park and collect pupils from the playground areas adjacent to their classrooms. Year 6 pupils will be collected from the Clock Tower Playground outside the Theatre. We respectfully request all parents observe the 5mph limit on the school grounds and respect the disabled parking and drop-off zones.
Daily routine - School hours:
08.45 to 13.15 Little Crofters – including lunch, with afternoon sessions available on request 08.45 to 15.30 Reception, Year 1 and Year 2
08.45 to 16.00 Years 3 – 6
Throughout the School day, Little Crofters and Pre-School children are fully supervised according to Early Years legal ratios.
For Reception to Year 6, pupils are fully supervised in lessons and during transition. For break times and playtimes, pupils are supervised by members of staff.
A table of the teaching day can be found here.
Lunch Provision - all children are provided with a School lunch, with vegetarian and vegan options available. If there is a strong medical/dietary reason, children may bring their own lunch, with prior agreement from the School. Staff eat with children to encourage sound eating habits, good social skills and table manners. Children may bring fresh fruit or vegetables with a bottle of water in a plastic bottle or unbreakable flash for morning breaktime. Parents are asked to ensure that no sweets, chocolates, crisps, nuts, fizzy drinks, glass bottles or cans are brought into school.
Extended Provision - we provide the following provision for pupils outside of school hours:
Breakfast Club and Wraparound - For all our children aged 3 years and above. This is run by Mrs Becci Harris (am/pm) and Mrs Lynne Hinson/Mrs Philippa Francis (pm). The breakfast session runs from 07.45-08.30 and the after school session runs from 16.00-18.00. Please email wraparound@croftschool.co.uk for further details.
Late Duty - from 15.30-16.00, is available for pupils in Pre-Prep with siblings in Prep only, and is not for pupils who do not have older siblings at the school.
Preparation Optional Homework Clinic (Prep) - from 16.05-16.30, is only available for pupils Years 3-6. Please let the Office know if you wish your child to attend this session.
Mark Reading - For Years 3-6, is held at the end of every term for the awarding of Core Value awards, Star Cups, Colours, Drama Certificates and Competition Prizes. There are summaries of the term's sporting events and a brief resume of various curricular activities covered during the term. Parents are welcome to attend.
Prize Day - Prize Day is held at the end of the Summer Term. Annual awards are presented to children from Year 1 upwards by the Guest Speaker. There are Core Values Awards made to children in Years 1-6 and Subject Prizes. All Year 6 parents are welcome to attend. The natural emphasis is on the children leaving from Year 6. Afterwards, Year 6 children accompany their parents to tea in the Dining Room.
Scholarships - The School offers scholarships for boys and girls aged 6/7 years (School Year 2). The examination takes place during the Lent Term in Year 2 and is applicable from Year 3–Year 6. All applicants sit an examination. The highest achievers are then shortlisted for an interview with the Headmaster and Senior Deputy Head, and members of the teaching staff are consulted. During the interview, intellectual curiosity and problem-solving challenges form part of the process. No advice will be given regarding the examination content, but we do urge parents to consult their child’s Class Teacher regarding their suitability to sit the Scholarship Examination. The awards are up to a maximum of 50% of the School’s Fees. The School is looking for children of excellent academic ability.
Parents Portal - this contains links to important, practical information linked to your child's experience at school including online safety, Sports Fixtures, Wraparound care, holiday activities and school uniform suppliers.
Collective Worship - We are designated by the DfE as a School of Christian Character. Children of every denomination are accepted into the school and we study the major world faiths as part of the Religious Education curriculum. Children go on a number of visits to places of worship of other faiths to extend their knowledge.
Charities - We encourage children to develop an awareness of themselves, the people and the environment around them, both within their communities and in the wider world. To foster understanding, the children in the Croft Council, in collaboration with the Croft Parents’ Association (CPA), play an active role in selecting the charities they will support each year. The Croft Council holds democratic votes to choose the charities and is central to organising all fundraising events. We strive to support a variety of causes, benefiting local, national and international organisations.
Policies - a list of our published policies can be found here.

School Structure

Class/Form structure - Children entering the School are placed in their appropriate year group. For this purpose, the year is deemed to begin on 1 September and end on 31 August. From January 2025, children may join Little Crofters Butterflies at any point during the academic year following their second birthday. All Butterflies children are expected to attend a minimum of two morning sessions per week, including lunch. Children entering Little Crofters ‘Pre-school’ academic year (Frogs and Rabbits) are recommended to attend five mornings per week, including lunch, however, we do expect children to attend a minimum of three mornings per week; this includes lunch. Information on each year group can be found here.
The House System - Children in Reception through to Year 6 are allocated a House - St Andrew’s (blue badge), St David’s (yellow badge), St George’s (red badge) or St Patrick’s (green badge). Family members are always placed in the same House. The House System introduces the children to working as an individual and also as part of a team. From the Summer Term, Year 2 pupils are also awarded stars. These, and the House Points they obtain, are included in the Prep count for their respective Houses. Teaching Staff and Learning Assistants are also allocated to a House. The Houses provide a framework for work, sport and charity events. This is intended to foster a feeling of belonging.
Forest School - Forest School is a woodland-based Outdoor Classroom. It promotes team building, independence, self-esteem and emotional resilience. Individual children are encouraged, through the support of their peer group to develop trust in their own abilities, under the close guidance of their qualified Forest School teachers. Frogs, Rabbits, Reception and Year 1 children attend Forest School weekly.
Baby and Toddler groups - Every Tuesday afternoon from 13.30 - 15.00 we invite parents and carers with babies and toddlers to join us for a weekly session during term time. While open to all, the sessions are especially beneficial for parents of children soon to join the School, offering a chance to become familiar with the surroundings and meet our qualified staff. The relaxed environment provides an opportunity to promote informal learning, foster mutual support and address any concerns. Activities include safe, educational play for children, with indoor and outdoor options. A nominal fee covers refreshments and snacks. Recent new offering include 'Baby Massage at The Croft' and new Wednesday morning sessions.

Academic Provision

Timetable - At The Croft, our school timetable is carefully designed to provide a balanced and enriching learning experience for all pupils. The structure of the day allows for a strong academic focus while ensuring that pupils have time to develop personal, social, and creative skills through a broad and varied curriculum, whilst supporting pupils’ emotional and physical wellbeing. In addition to the core timetable, pupils enjoy enrichment opportunities such as clubs and Prep sessions. These experiences encourage independence, curiosity, and collaboration, helping each child to make the most of every school day. A breakdown of the structure of the day and Timetable can be found here.
Examinations - Periodically your child will sit examinations. In addition to Nationally Standardised Tests, we set internal examinations, and your child may also sit entrance examinations for a secondary school place. Whilst we are always happy to discuss your child’s results, examination papers remain confidential. No member of staff is permitted to show any examination paper to parents.
Assessment - At The Croft assessment is a key part of teaching and learning, encompassing formative, summative and diagnostic methods. Formative assessment is ongoing, helping pupils understand their strengths and areas for improvement. Summative assessment provides an overview of progress through internal assessments and age standardised tests in subjects like English, Maths and Science. The Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (EYFSP) is used to assess pupils at the end of Reception. Diagnostic assessment identifies specific learning needs, particularly for SEND pupils. All assessments are adapted as needed to ensure fair evaluation for all pupils, with outcomes monitored for progress across groups.
Assessment outcomes are analysed to monitor progress and attainment across different pupil groups. More detail can be found in the Assessment, Recording and Reporting policy here.
Reports - There are reports at key points of the year which are published on the Parent Portal. The Headmaster discusses each Prep pupil’s report with them personally prior to it being shared with Parents.
Streaming - At The Croft pupils are grouped in sets for Maths, Phonics and Grammar at the end of Year 1 to Year 4, with adjustments made based on ability and progress. In Years 5 and 6 pupils are assigned to sets for Maths and English based on their confidence and processing ability, with termly reviews to ensure appropriate support. Classes may be mixed between years, particularly in Reception and Year 3, to improve dynamics. Pupils typically remain in their new classes through Years 3-6, though re-grouping may occur if beneficial. This approach fosters flexibility, social development and adaptability.
Homework - Homework at The Croft is designed to reinforce and extend the learning that takes place in the classroom while developing independence, responsibility, and a love of learning. Each task has a clear purpose and is age-appropriate, supporting pupils in consolidating key skills in English and Mathematics, as well as providing opportunities for creativity and exploration across the wider curriculum. In addition to regular homework, pupils also complete Backpack for Life tasks each half-term. These tasks encourage pupils to think independently, show curiosity, and make connections between their learning and the world around them. The KS1 and KS2 homework schedules can be found here.
Additional useful information for parents - we recommend all parents to read and familiarise themselves with their child's specific Year Group information leaflet which is distributed to parents on Moving Up Day in the Summer Term. This gives helpful tips on how to help your child with reading, writing, Maths and number formation. Requests for an additional copy of a leaflet should be made via RMP.

Supporting Academic Provision

Parents' Evenings - Parents' Evenings are scheduled during Michaelmas and Lent Terms for parents to discuss their child's progress with staff. The dates are provided in the termly calendars. EYs, Pre-Prep and Years 3-4 appointments are 10 minutes long, while Years 5-6 have 5 minute sessions with subject teachers. If parents need more time, they should schedule a separate meeting. Pupils are not permitted to attend. Sign-up sheets are available via the Parent Portal.
Study Skills - Study skills play a crucial role in a child's development, as each child learns differently. At The Croft pupils are introduced to various techniques and tools to help them discover their preferred learning style. They are encouraged to become independent learners and develop an understanding of how they learn best. In preparation for secondary school exams, pupils in Year 5 are taught verbal and non-verbal techniques though dedicated lessons. Year 5 pupils also receive an Atom learning account to enhance their VR and non-VR skills, helping them further refine their study abilities.
Secondary Schools - Parents are responsible for applying to secondary schools of their choice. Grammar school applications must be submitted directly to the Local Education Authority (LEA), using the forms provided by them. Mr Cook and Mr Bolderston can offer advice on suitable schools, with appointments typically arranged in Year 5. Requests for reference forms and support letters for scholarships can be made to Mr Bolderston of individual teachers. After placements are assigned, most schools will send a transition form for completion by The Croft. Pastoral care and learning support information is passed to the receiving school in confidence. In Year 6, a representative from various secondary schools often visits The Croft for an introductory talk with prospective pupils.
Mock Interviews - Every Lent term Year 5 start ‘Mock Interviews’ with Mr Cook, Mr Bolderston, Mrs Cook and Mr Ferris, in groups of four, focusing on ‘First Impressions’, ‘Developing excellent Interpersonal Skills’ and ‘Answering a Variety of Questions appropriately’. Individual interviews can be arranged if extra practice is required. Initial responses are always fascinating, and great fun too! We believe that even if their choice of school does not necessitate an interview, the above are all vital life skills to be practised for now and for the future.
Exit Interviews - The Headmaster holds an Exit Interview with each Year 6 pupil individually in the Summer Term, allowing pupils to reflect on their time at The Croft.
School Trips/Transport - School trips are typically organised by the Head of Department or Year group staff, authorised by Faculty Heads, and added to next term's invoice. These trips, such as the annual French trip, Outward Bound experiences for Years 5 and 6, and biennial skiing trips, are often included in the school calendar or half-term letter. For trips with limited spaces, random selection is used. Health, safety and insurance requirements are essential, including verifying the legal compliance and roadworthiness of vehicles used by staff, parents or volunteers for transportation, to ensure the School meets its duty of care.
Library - “Stories make you think and dream; books make you want to ask questions.” Michael Morpurgo. Information about our Library can be found here.
Extra-curricular activities - a list is available at the beginning of each term.
Facilities - the school stands in 30 acres of playing fields bordered by the cross-country course. There are football, rugby, hockey and rounders pitches, an all-weather cricket wicket, a cricket square, practice nets, a pavilion, tennis and netball courts.
Mundell Court includes state of the art music space, bespoke Science, Engineering and Technology rooms, and a PSHE room connected to two Maths rooms.
In addition, the school has: five large playgrounds; a conservation area housing the Forest School and log cabin; a Theatre used for assemblies, musical and dramatic productions, large meetings and social events; a Sports Hall which provides facilities for indoor Games, club meetings, etc.; two libraries; Early Years outdoor classrooms; peripatetic individual practice rooms; a Gymnasium; an Art Studio and Design Room; a Geology Museum; a dining room; a train shed; and a swimming pool.

Security/Health and Safety

Security of Pupils - The school takes the safety and security of the pupils very seriously. An outline of security details for each level of the school can be found here.
Safety Procedures - the school carries out fire drills and lockdown/in situ as follows:
Fire alarm practices are held termly for the whole school and there are trained fire marshals to assist with the safe evacuation of children and staff.
As of the academic year 2024/25 we now complete a lockdown/shelter in situ drill once a year. On hearing the klaxon, all children and staff must stay inside their buildings, lock doors and close blinds until a coded phrase from the Headmaster indicates that the drill is over.
Protecting Pupils Online - the school operates three policies to ensure pupils are protected online when they are at school and using school equipment: Online Safety Policy; Acceptable User Policy; and Use of Photographic Images Policy. Pupils must read and agree to the Acceptable User Policy when they join the School and again in Year 5.
Money and Valuables - Money should only be brought into School when it is required for a specific purpose. Please send it in a sealed envelope with the child’s name, class and the purpose of the money written on the outside of the envelope. This should be given to the Class or Form Teacher as soon as possible. Children should not bring valuable items into School.
Visitors and Parents - All visitors to the School must report first to the Main School Office, where they are required to sign in and out. The School has a legal obligation to provide duty of care for the safety, well-being and security of any person on the premises, and therefore important Health & Safety and Safeguarding information is provided at the point of arrival for visitors to read and confirm.
Extreme and Severe Weather - the School has a policy with guidelines on what should be done in the event of extreme and severe weather.

Medical and Wellbeing

Pupil Health and Wellbeing - the School has a policy which outlines provision for its health and wellbeing responsibility to pupils and parents.
Injury/Illness - Please do not send a child to School who is ill. They will not be able to cope with the School day and may spread sickness to others. Please read here what to do if your child is sick.
Medicine, asthma, allergies and auto injector pens - The School requires parents/carers to complete a Health Care Plan for their child on entry to the school and to update it annually thereafter. This will enable the school to maintain a current record of children's allergies, details of medication take on a regular basis (for example asthma inhalers) and past/present medical conditions. The Pupil Health and Medical Care policy provides up-to-date information on the arrangements in school for the administration of medication and use of asthma inhalers and EpiPens.
Nut free school - the school takes every reasonable precaution to source food which is free from nuts and asks all parents to ensure that their children do not bring items containing nuts into school, regardless of whether they are allergic to them.
Head lice - parents are asked to be vigilant in checking and treating their children's hair for head lice. Hair that touches shoulders should be tied back. Our Pupil Health and Medical Care policy provides up-to-date information on the school's policy on head lice.
Sun awareness - Parents are responsible for applying sun cream before School to last for 12 hours, unless a medical condition requires special permission from the School Nurse. If needed, sun cream will be applied by teachers in Little Crofters and Pre-Prep, with a signed Declaration Form and original, named sunblock provided. Pupils in Reception to Year 6 may apply their own sun cream. In Prep, a choice of Legionnaire or Baseball cap is mandatory, whilst Legionnaire hats are required in Early Years and Pre-Prep. Children are encouraged to drink plenty of water, in a non-spill water bottle provided by parents, and to use shaded areas during hot weather.