Library Information

When is the library open?

The library is open from 8.00am until 4.00pm every day except Friday, when it closes at 3.30pm.

How do I borrow stuff?

Easy! Simply choose your items, bring them to the reception desk, and the Librarian, or Pupil Librarian on duty will issue them for you.

How much can I borrow?

You can have up to two items on loan at any one time.

How long can I keep stuff?

Most books are loaned for three weeks at a time. The date they are due back will be stamped on to a label at the front of the book. Some books in high demand, as well as audiobooks and kindles, are only issued for one week. This will be made clear to you at the time of borrowing.

What if I return stuff late?

If you are late returning items, you won’t be fined but you will get a reminder letter in your register on Monday morning, and be unable to borrow anything else in the meantime. We will also send a text reminder to your parent/carer. If after two reminders the item still isn’t returned, a letter will be sent home, and eventually your parent/carer will receive an invoice for the cost of the missing item.

How do I find the books I’m looking for?

You can search eLibrary to see if we have the book you want, and where it is located on the shelves. Non-fiction (information) books are numbered by subject area, and fiction books are shelved alphabetically by Author. Ask Mrs Bell or one of the Pupil Librarians if you need help!

What resources are there apart from books?

We have a range of magazines, a daily newspaper, laptops, board games, colouring sheets and more.

How do I use the PCs?

You are welcome to come and use the computers during opening hours on a first-come-first-served basis. Simply log in using your school account details. Library computers are for schoolwork only, with one student per computer.

Are there any games in the Library?

Yes, we have Chess, Draughts, Scrabble and Connect 4.  If you’d like one of the board games, just come and ask at the Enquiries desk.

Are there any clubs I can join?

Yes! We have Book Club which meets on a Wednesday lunchtime, and Books For Brekkie which meets on Tuesday breaks and includes a free cup of hot chocolate! From January to June we also have the Spellbinding Club, meeting alternate Thursday break times.

Rules of the Library

To enable everyone to enjoy the facilities the Library has to offer, all students are expected to follow these simple rules:

  • Leave coats and bags in the Cloakroom.
  • No food or drinks except for water may be brought in to the Library.
  • In the IT room, strictly no food or drinks at all.
  • Keep noise to a minimum.
  • 'Phones and other smart devices may not be used in the library out of class time.
  • Respect the resources and take care of what you use, putting it back when you have finished with it.
  • Do not run around or behave inappropriately.
  • Abide by the School's Acceptable Use Policy when using the IT facilities.
  • Computers in the IT room are for school work only. If you are playing games, you may have your screen locked or be logged off.
  • The beanbags are reserved for quiet reading, and are strictly limited to one student per bag.
  • Tidy up after yourself and don't leave litter.
  • Make sure you properly check out any resources you want to borrow.
  • You are responsible for the condition and safe return of any item you borrow from the Library. Failure to return the item, or significant damage, will result in an invoice being sent home.

Leaders have made significant progress in improving the school since the previous inspection. They have focused on creating a broad and ambitious curriculum which meets the needs of pupils and students, including those with special educational needs and /or disabilities (SEND).

Ofsted 2022

Leaders provide effective careers guidance to pupils from Year 7 through to Year 13. Clear guidance, including preparation for interviews and ‘Work Ready Days’, helps pupils and students to make considered choices for their next steps.

Ofsted 2022

Pupils including students in the sixth form, are proud to attend Caldew School. They feel well supported, happy and safe in this welcoming community. There are high level of trust and respect between pupils, students and staff.

Ofsted 2022

Staff have high expectations for pupils’ and students’ behaviour and learning. Pupils and students behave well in lessons and around the school site. They are polite to each other and look out for others in the school.

Ofsted 2022

An effective programme of personal development has been created for pupils in key stages 3 and 4. This prepares pupils well for their future, giving them opportunities to have important discussions about healthy relationships, social and moral issues.

Ofsted 2022