General information about school |
| Posted by School Website Administrator (siteadmin) on May 01 2008 at 12:33 PM |
The School DaySchool starts at 8.45am and ends at 3.00pm.
Morning break is from 11am to 11.20am. At this time pupils are encouraged to play outside in the secure school playground. Drinks and healthy snacks can be purchased from the tuck shop. For pupils in Key Stage 1 and 2 there is a specific time built into their morning session when they sit together and have their snack and drink.
Lunch-time is from 12.50pm to 1.40pm. At lunchtime pupils may have a hot meal, cooked on the premises, or bring sandwiches. Pupils sit together and lunchtime always starts with a prayer. Pupils having hot meals take it in turns to serve the meals on their table as well as help clear away. Lunchtime is used as an opportunity to help develop social skills as well as reinforcing expected behaviours at the meal table.
Lunchtime clubs are provided for pupils including Information and Communication Technology, Group One club, music and snooker clubs.
N.B.
- The school can help parents who are on income support to ensure their children receive school meals and information is available from the school office.
- The catering team are aware that for some pupils, for either medical or religious reasons, there may need to be flexibility regarding the meals offered and they are very happy, in discussion with parents and carers, to help with this.
School UniformThe school has a simple but smart uniform for all pupils. This is as follows:White shirt or polo shirtGrey or black trousers for boys and grey or black trousers or knee length skirt for girls Black or brown shoes For pupils in Key stage 1 or 2 Cherry red sweatshirt and for pupils in Key stage 3 or 4 navy sweatshirt. N.B. Jeans, jogging trousers, trainers or hooded sweatshirts are not permitted.
Reviews and MeetingsThere is a schedule of meetings that provide opportunities for parents and carers to meet with staff and a range of professionals to discuss progress and any other issues relating to their child. In addition of course parents and carers can arrange to meet with individual staff at any time during the year as the need arises and we really do welcome frequent contact with parents. We really appreciate the efforts made by parents and carers to attend progress meetings but also know that sometimes meeting times can be inconvenient due to the distance from home to the school, work commitments etc. Therefore we would ask you to let us know as soon as possible if you have difficulty in attending and we will make every effort to change the time of the meeting.
Meetings with the Head TeacherThe Head Teacher is always happy to make arrangements to talk with any parents, either in relation to their own child or over a general school issue. So that there is necessary time available, it is helpful if parents could telephone for an appointment beforehand.
In the case of parents living apart we will of course supply general information as well as specific information to both. If you would like us to do this please let us know in writing. In addition where there is a particular issue, it is helpful if parents could make the school aware of the legal status in regard to pupils of any parent not living in the family. This information will clearly be treated in confidence.
AttendanceClearly one factor that impacts on how well a pupil learns at school is attendance and it is therefore hugely important that children attend regularly. Obviously parents and carers are responsible in law for ensuring that their children attend, and stay at school but we will do everything we can to support parents in this. We will always ring on the first day of absence if we have not heard from home but would really appreciate it if parents could inform the school as soon as they know their child will not be at school.
The school has a designated Education Welfare Officer [EWO] who works with the school to help ensure pupils attend regularly. One thing the EWO has a duty to do is to check the school registers and follow up irregular absence for which there has been no satisfactory explanation. Registers in school are always clearly marked giving the reason for absence e.g. illness, medical appointments, holiday or religious reasons.
When you know in advance that your child will be absent from school (e.g. doctors or dental appointment) it would be really helpful to let is know before the date in question.
Clearly we do not wish for children to be taken out of school to go on holiday but we appreciate that on occasions this may be unavoidable. If this were the case we would ask you to complete a holiday form that is available from the school office. It is helpful if this form can be completed at least two weeks in advance. Legally a child cannot be absent from school on holiday for more than two school weeks in a school year.
Illness and Emergency ContactsIt is very important that the school has at least two contact numbers for parents and carers in case we need to reach them during the day because their child becomes ill or has an accident. If it is felt by the school that a hospital check is necessary, then parents and carers will be asked either to come and take their child or to meet school staff at the hospital, depending upon the nature of any injury.
The school has a number of staff trained in first aid in accordance with the Health & Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 and one of these staff will take responsibility for your child until you are able to collect them.
We appreciate that it is sometimes difficult to make a judgement first thing in the morning about whether your child is fit to attend school. If this is the case please let the school know of your concerns and make sure you are easily contactable in case we need to send them home. Alderman Knight has a medical room for consultations with the School Doctor or Nurse. However we do not have a resident nurse, or facilities for anything other than first aid treatment.
TransportParents and carers are very welcome to bring their child to school themselves. However most pupils travel to and from school in the taxis and minibuses provided by the Local Authority. Transport arrangements are supervised centrally by staff at Shire Hall who is responsible for placing the contracts with transport companies. Parents and carers are asked to ensure that their child is ready for collection at the appropriate time in the morning and that there is someone at home to meet them on their return from school.
Parents and carers are asked to notify transport staff directly if their child will not be attending on any particular day or if they have made an alternative arrangement. It is also helpful to notify the school. Pupils will not be allowed to leave the school with anyone other than their parent or carer or the usual transport staff without prior notice. We would also stress that parents and carers should be confident to ask for identification from transport staff and if in doubt, should ask them to wait while they telephone the company concerned to verify an individual’s identity.
Parents and carers are asked to make it clear to their children the safety reasons why it is essential for them to be well behaved on transport.
InsuranceAlthough the Local Authority [LA] insures against liability in respect of claims which may arise from its alleged negligence or that of its employees, neither the LA nor the school provides insurance cover for pupils for anything else, including those who suffer personal injury as a result of an accident.
The school does not insure pupils against personal injury accidentally sustained during the course of an educational visit or extra curricular activity, unless an official letter from school informs you to the contrary. If this is the case, it will be stated on the letter received before the trip takes place. If parents and carers wish to do so, they may take out private personal accident insurance in respect of their children.
Equal Opportunities
The school recognises legislation regarding racial and sexual discrimination and fully endorses all forms of equal opportunity.
In terms of Collective Worship and Sex Education the school recognises the rights of parents and carers and is happy to discuss alternative arrangements if considered necessary or appropriate
Back The school has a simple but smart uniform for all pupils. This is as follows:White shirt or polo shirtGrey or black trousers for boys and grey or black trousers or knee length skirt for girls Black or brown shoes For pupils in Key stage 1 or 2 Cherry red sweatshirt and for pupils in Key stage 3 or 4 navy sweatshirt. N.B. Jeans, jogging trousers, trainers or hooded sweatshirts are not permitted.
Reviews and MeetingsThere is a schedule of meetings that provide opportunities for parents and carers to meet with staff and a range of professionals to discuss progress and any other issues relating to their child. In addition of course parents and carers can arrange to meet with individual staff at any time during the year as the need arises and we really do welcome frequent contact with parents. We really appreciate the efforts made by parents and carers to attend progress meetings but also know that sometimes meeting times can be inconvenient due to the distance from home to the school, work commitments etc. Therefore we would ask you to let us know as soon as possible if you have difficulty in attending and we will make every effort to change the time of the meeting.
Meetings with the Head TeacherThe Head Teacher is always happy to make arrangements to talk with any parents, either in relation to their own child or over a general school issue. So that there is necessary time available, it is helpful if parents could telephone for an appointment beforehand.
In the case of parents living apart we will of course supply general information as well as specific information to both. If you would like us to do this please let us know in writing. In addition where there is a particular issue, it is helpful if parents could make the school aware of the legal status in regard to pupils of any parent not living in the family. This information will clearly be treated in confidence.
AttendanceClearly one factor that impacts on how well a pupil learns at school is attendance and it is therefore hugely important that children attend regularly. Obviously parents and carers are responsible in law for ensuring that their children attend, and stay at school but we will do everything we can to support parents in this. We will always ring on the first day of absence if we have not heard from home but would really appreciate it if parents could inform the school as soon as they know their child will not be at school.
The school has a designated Education Welfare Officer [EWO] who works with the school to help ensure pupils attend regularly. One thing the EWO has a duty to do is to check the school registers and follow up irregular absence for which there has been no satisfactory explanation. Registers in school are always clearly marked giving the reason for absence e.g. illness, medical appointments, holiday or religious reasons.
When you know in advance that your child will be absent from school (e.g. doctors or dental appointment) it would be really helpful to let is know before the date in question.
Clearly we do not wish for children to be taken out of school to go on holiday but we appreciate that on occasions this may be unavoidable. If this were the case we would ask you to complete a holiday form that is available from the school office. It is helpful if this form can be completed at least two weeks in advance. Legally a child cannot be absent from school on holiday for more than two school weeks in a school year.
Illness and Emergency ContactsIt is very important that the school has at least two contact numbers for parents and carers in case we need to reach them during the day because their child becomes ill or has an accident. If it is felt by the school that a hospital check is necessary, then parents and carers will be asked either to come and take their child or to meet school staff at the hospital, depending upon the nature of any injury.
The school has a number of staff trained in first aid in accordance with the Health & Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 and one of these staff will take responsibility for your child until you are able to collect them.
We appreciate that it is sometimes difficult to make a judgement first thing in the morning about whether your child is fit to attend school. If this is the case please let the school know of your concerns and make sure you are easily contactable in case we need to send them home. Alderman Knight has a medical room for consultations with the School Doctor or Nurse. However we do not have a resident nurse, or facilities for anything other than first aid treatment.
TransportParents and carers are very welcome to bring their child to school themselves. However most pupils travel to and from school in the taxis and minibuses provided by the Local Authority. Transport arrangements are supervised centrally by staff at Shire Hall who is responsible for placing the contracts with transport companies. Parents and carers are asked to ensure that their child is ready for collection at the appropriate time in the morning and that there is someone at home to meet them on their return from school.
Parents and carers are asked to notify transport staff directly if their child will not be attending on any particular day or if they have made an alternative arrangement. It is also helpful to notify the school. Pupils will not be allowed to leave the school with anyone other than their parent or carer or the usual transport staff without prior notice. We would also stress that parents and carers should be confident to ask for identification from transport staff and if in doubt, should ask them to wait while they telephone the company concerned to verify an individual’s identity.
Parents and carers are asked to make it clear to their children the safety reasons why it is essential for them to be well behaved on transport.
InsuranceAlthough the Local Authority [LA] insures against liability in respect of claims which may arise from its alleged negligence or that of its employees, neither the LA nor the school provides insurance cover for pupils for anything else, including those who suffer personal injury as a result of an accident.
The school does not insure pupils against personal injury accidentally sustained during the course of an educational visit or extra curricular activity, unless an official letter from school informs you to the contrary. If this is the case, it will be stated on the letter received before the trip takes place. If parents and carers wish to do so, they may take out private personal accident insurance in respect of their children.
Equal Opportunities
The school recognises legislation regarding racial and sexual discrimination and fully endorses all forms of equal opportunity.
In terms of Collective Worship and Sex Education the school recognises the rights of parents and carers and is happy to discuss alternative arrangements if considered necessary or appropriate
Grey or black trousers for boys and grey or black trousers or knee length skirt for girls Black or brown shoes For pupils in Key stage 1 or 2 Cherry red sweatshirt and for pupils in Key stage 3 or 4 navy sweatshirt. N.B. Jeans, jogging trousers, trainers or hooded sweatshirts are not permitted.
Reviews and MeetingsThere is a schedule of meetings that provide opportunities for parents and carers to meet with staff and a range of professionals to discuss progress and any other issues relating to their child. In addition of course parents and carers can arrange to meet with individual staff at any time during the year as the need arises and we really do welcome frequent contact with parents. We really appreciate the efforts made by parents and carers to attend progress meetings but also know that sometimes meeting times can be inconvenient due to the distance from home to the school, work commitments etc. Therefore we would ask you to let us know as soon as possible if you have difficulty in attending and we will make every effort to change the time of the meeting.
Meetings with the Head TeacherThe Head Teacher is always happy to make arrangements to talk with any parents, either in relation to their own child or over a general school issue. So that there is necessary time available, it is helpful if parents could telephone for an appointment beforehand.
In the case of parents living apart we will of course supply general information as well as specific information to both. If you would like us to do this please let us know in writing. In addition where there is a particular issue, it is helpful if parents could make the school aware of the legal status in regard to pupils of any parent not living in the family. This information will clearly be treated in confidence.
AttendanceClearly one factor that impacts on how well a pupil learns at school is attendance and it is therefore hugely important that children attend regularly. Obviously parents and carers are responsible in law for ensuring that their children attend, and stay at school but we will do everything we can to support parents in this. We will always ring on the first day of absence if we have not heard from home but would really appreciate it if parents could inform the school as soon as they know their child will not be at school.
The school has a designated Education Welfare Officer [EWO] who works with the school to help ensure pupils attend regularly. One thing the EWO has a duty to do is to check the school registers and follow up irregular absence for which there has been no satisfactory explanation. Registers in school are always clearly marked giving the reason for absence e.g. illness, medical appointments, holiday or religious reasons.
When you know in advance that your child will be absent from school (e.g. doctors or dental appointment) it would be really helpful to let is know before the date in question.
Clearly we do not wish for children to be taken out of school to go on holiday but we appreciate that on occasions this may be unavoidable. If this were the case we would ask you to complete a holiday form that is available from the school office. It is helpful if this form can be completed at least two weeks in advance. Legally a child cannot be absent from school on holiday for more than two school weeks in a school year.
Illness and Emergency ContactsIt is very important that the school has at least two contact numbers for parents and carers in case we need to reach them during the day because their child becomes ill or has an accident. If it is felt by the school that a hospital check is necessary, then parents and carers will be asked either to come and take their child or to meet school staff at the hospital, depending upon the nature of any injury.
The school has a number of staff trained in first aid in accordance with the Health & Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 and one of these staff will take responsibility for your child until you are able to collect them.
We appreciate that it is sometimes difficult to make a judgement first thing in the morning about whether your child is fit to attend school. If this is the case please let the school know of your concerns and make sure you are easily contactable in case we need to send them home. Alderman Knight has a medical room for consultations with the School Doctor or Nurse. However we do not have a resident nurse, or facilities for anything other than first aid treatment.
TransportParents and carers are very welcome to bring their child to school themselves. However most pupils travel to and from school in the taxis and minibuses provided by the Local Authority. Transport arrangements are supervised centrally by staff at Shire Hall who is responsible for placing the contracts with transport companies. Parents and carers are asked to ensure that their child is ready for collection at the appropriate time in the morning and that there is someone at home to meet them on their return from school.
Parents and carers are asked to notify transport staff directly if their child will not be attending on any particular day or if they have made an alternative arrangement. It is also helpful to notify the school. Pupils will not be allowed to leave the school with anyone other than their parent or carer or the usual transport staff without prior notice. We would also stress that parents and carers should be confident to ask for identification from transport staff and if in doubt, should ask them to wait while they telephone the company concerned to verify an individual’s identity.
Parents and carers are asked to make it clear to their children the safety reasons why it is essential for them to be well behaved on transport.
InsuranceAlthough the Local Authority [LA] insures against liability in respect of claims which may arise from its alleged negligence or that of its employees, neither the LA nor the school provides insurance cover for pupils for anything else, including those who suffer personal injury as a result of an accident.
The school does not insure pupils against personal injury accidentally sustained during the course of an educational visit or extra curricular activity, unless an official letter from school informs you to the contrary. If this is the case, it will be stated on the letter received before the trip takes place. If parents and carers wish to do so, they may take out private personal accident insurance in respect of their children.
Equal Opportunities
The school recognises legislation regarding racial and sexual discrimination and fully endorses all forms of equal opportunity.
In terms of Collective Worship and Sex Education the school recognises the rights of parents and carers and is happy to discuss alternative arrangements if considered necessary or appropriate
For pupils in Key stage 1 or 2 Cherry red sweatshirt and for pupils in Key stage 3 or 4 navy sweatshirt. N.B. Jeans, jogging trousers, trainers or hooded sweatshirts are not permitted.
Reviews and MeetingsThere is a schedule of meetings that provide opportunities for parents and carers to meet with staff and a range of professionals to discuss progress and any other issues relating to their child. In addition of course parents and carers can arrange to meet with individual staff at any time during the year as the need arises and we really do welcome frequent contact with parents. We really appreciate the efforts made by parents and carers to attend progress meetings but also know that sometimes meeting times can be inconvenient due to the distance from home to the school, work commitments etc. Therefore we would ask you to let us know as soon as possible if you have difficulty in attending and we will make every effort to change the time of the meeting.
Meetings with the Head TeacherThe Head Teacher is always happy to make arrangements to talk with any parents, either in relation to their own child or over a general school issue. So that there is necessary time available, it is helpful if parents could telephone for an appointment beforehand.
In the case of parents living apart we will of course supply general information as well as specific information to both. If you would like us to do this please let us know in writing. In addition where there is a particular issue, it is helpful if parents could make the school aware of the legal status in regard to pupils of any parent not living in the family. This information will clearly be treated in confidence.
AttendanceClearly one factor that impacts on how well a pupil learns at school is attendance and it is therefore hugely important that children attend regularly. Obviously parents and carers are responsible in law for ensuring that their children attend, and stay at school but we will do everything we can to support parents in this. We will always ring on the first day of absence if we have not heard from home but would really appreciate it if parents could inform the school as soon as they know their child will not be at school.
The school has a designated Education Welfare Officer [EWO] who works with the school to help ensure pupils attend regularly. One thing the EWO has a duty to do is to check the school registers and follow up irregular absence for which there has been no satisfactory explanation. Registers in school are always clearly marked giving the reason for absence e.g. illness, medical appointments, holiday or religious reasons.
When you know in advance that your child will be absent from school (e.g. doctors or dental appointment) it would be really helpful to let is know before the date in question.
Clearly we do not wish for children to be taken out of school to go on holiday but we appreciate that on occasions this may be unavoidable. If this were the case we would ask you to complete a holiday form that is available from the school office. It is helpful if this form can be completed at least two weeks in advance. Legally a child cannot be absent from school on holiday for more than two school weeks in a school year.
Illness and Emergency ContactsIt is very important that the school has at least two contact numbers for parents and carers in case we need to reach them during the day because their child becomes ill or has an accident. If it is felt by the school that a hospital check is necessary, then parents and carers will be asked either to come and take their child or to meet school staff at the hospital, depending upon the nature of any injury.
The school has a number of staff trained in first aid in accordance with the Health & Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 and one of these staff will take responsibility for your child until you are able to collect them.
We appreciate that it is sometimes difficult to make a judgement first thing in the morning about whether your child is fit to attend school. If this is the case please let the school know of your concerns and make sure you are easily contactable in case we need to send them home. Alderman Knight has a medical room for consultations with the School Doctor or Nurse. However we do not have a resident nurse, or facilities for anything other than first aid treatment.
TransportParents and carers are very welcome to bring their child to school themselves. However most pupils travel to and from school in the taxis and minibuses provided by the Local Authority. Transport arrangements are supervised centrally by staff at Shire Hall who is responsible for placing the contracts with transport companies. Parents and carers are asked to ensure that their child is ready for collection at the appropriate time in the morning and that there is someone at home to meet them on their return from school.
Parents and carers are asked to notify transport staff directly if their child will not be attending on any particular day or if they have made an alternative arrangement. It is also helpful to notify the school. Pupils will not be allowed to leave the school with anyone other than their parent or carer or the usual transport staff without prior notice. We would also stress that parents and carers should be confident to ask for identification from transport staff and if in doubt, should ask them to wait while they telephone the company concerned to verify an individual’s identity.
Parents and carers are asked to make it clear to their children the safety reasons why it is essential for them to be well behaved on transport.
InsuranceAlthough the Local Authority [LA] insures against liability in respect of claims which may arise from its alleged negligence or that of its employees, neither the LA nor the school provides insurance cover for pupils for anything else, including those who suffer personal injury as a result of an accident.
The school does not insure pupils against personal injury accidentally sustained during the course of an educational visit or extra curricular activity, unless an official letter from school informs you to the contrary. If this is the case, it will be stated on the letter received before the trip takes place. If parents and carers wish to do so, they may take out private personal accident insurance in respect of their children.
Equal Opportunities
The school recognises legislation regarding racial and sexual discrimination and fully endorses all forms of equal opportunity.
In terms of Collective Worship and Sex Education the school recognises the rights of parents and carers and is happy to discuss alternative arrangements if considered necessary or appropriate
There is a schedule of meetings that provide opportunities for parents and carers to meet with staff and a range of professionals to discuss progress and any other issues relating to their child. In addition of course parents and carers can arrange to meet with individual staff at any time during the year as the need arises and we really do welcome frequent contact with parents. We really appreciate the efforts made by parents and carers to attend progress meetings but also know that sometimes meeting times can be inconvenient due to the distance from home to the school, work commitments etc. Therefore we would ask you to let us know as soon as possible if you have difficulty in attending and we will make every effort to change the time of the meeting.
Meetings with the Head TeacherThe Head Teacher is always happy to make arrangements to talk with any parents, either in relation to their own child or over a general school issue. So that there is necessary time available, it is helpful if parents could telephone for an appointment beforehand.
In the case of parents living apart we will of course supply general information as well as specific information to both. If you would like us to do this please let us know in writing. In addition where there is a particular issue, it is helpful if parents could make the school aware of the legal status in regard to pupils of any parent not living in the family. This information will clearly be treated in confidence.
AttendanceClearly one factor that impacts on how well a pupil learns at school is attendance and it is therefore hugely important that children attend regularly. Obviously parents and carers are responsible in law for ensuring that their children attend, and stay at school but we will do everything we can to support parents in this. We will always ring on the first day of absence if we have not heard from home but would really appreciate it if parents could inform the school as soon as they know their child will not be at school.
The school has a designated Education Welfare Officer [EWO] who works with the school to help ensure pupils attend regularly. One thing the EWO has a duty to do is to check the school registers and follow up irregular absence for which there has been no satisfactory explanation. Registers in school are always clearly marked giving the reason for absence e.g. illness, medical appointments, holiday or religious reasons.
When you know in advance that your child will be absent from school (e.g. doctors or dental appointment) it would be really helpful to let is know before the date in question.
Clearly we do not wish for children to be taken out of school to go on holiday but we appreciate that on occasions this may be unavoidable. If this were the case we would ask you to complete a holiday form that is available from the school office. It is helpful if this form can be completed at least two weeks in advance. Legally a child cannot be absent from school on holiday for more than two school weeks in a school year.
Illness and Emergency ContactsIt is very important that the school has at least two contact numbers for parents and carers in case we need to reach them during the day because their child becomes ill or has an accident. If it is felt by the school that a hospital check is necessary, then parents and carers will be asked either to come and take their child or to meet school staff at the hospital, depending upon the nature of any injury.
The school has a number of staff trained in first aid in accordance with the Health & Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 and one of these staff will take responsibility for your child until you are able to collect them.
We appreciate that it is sometimes difficult to make a judgement first thing in the morning about whether your child is fit to attend school. If this is the case please let the school know of your concerns and make sure you are easily contactable in case we need to send them home. Alderman Knight has a medical room for consultations with the School Doctor or Nurse. However we do not have a resident nurse, or facilities for anything other than first aid treatment.
TransportParents and carers are very welcome to bring their child to school themselves. However most pupils travel to and from school in the taxis and minibuses provided by the Local Authority. Transport arrangements are supervised centrally by staff at Shire Hall who is responsible for placing the contracts with transport companies. Parents and carers are asked to ensure that their child is ready for collection at the appropriate time in the morning and that there is someone at home to meet them on their return from school.
Parents and carers are asked to notify transport staff directly if their child will not be attending on any particular day or if they have made an alternative arrangement. It is also helpful to notify the school. Pupils will not be allowed to leave the school with anyone other than their parent or carer or the usual transport staff without prior notice. We would also stress that parents and carers should be confident to ask for identification from transport staff and if in doubt, should ask them to wait while they telephone the company concerned to verify an individual’s identity.
Parents and carers are asked to make it clear to their children the safety reasons why it is essential for them to be well behaved on transport.
InsuranceAlthough the Local Authority [LA] insures against liability in respect of claims which may arise from its alleged negligence or that of its employees, neither the LA nor the school provides insurance cover for pupils for anything else, including those who suffer personal injury as a result of an accident.
The school does not insure pupils against personal injury accidentally sustained during the course of an educational visit or extra curricular activity, unless an official letter from school informs you to the contrary. If this is the case, it will be stated on the letter received before the trip takes place. If parents and carers wish to do so, they may take out private personal accident insurance in respect of their children.
Equal Opportunities
The school recognises legislation regarding racial and sexual discrimination and fully endorses all forms of equal opportunity.
In terms of Collective Worship and Sex Education the school recognises the rights of parents and carers and is happy to discuss alternative arrangements if considered necessary or appropriate
Clearly one factor that impacts on how well a pupil learns at school is attendance and it is therefore hugely important that children attend regularly. Obviously parents and carers are responsible in law for ensuring that their children attend, and stay at school but we will do everything we can to support parents in this. We will always ring on the first day of absence if we have not heard from home but would really appreciate it if parents could inform the school as soon as they know their child will not be at school.
The school has a designated Education Welfare Officer [EWO] who works with the school to help ensure pupils attend regularly. One thing the EWO has a duty to do is to check the school registers and follow up irregular absence for which there has been no satisfactory explanation. Registers in school are always clearly marked giving the reason for absence e.g. illness, medical appointments, holiday or religious reasons.
When you know in advance that your child will be absent from school (e.g. doctors or dental appointment) it would be really helpful to let is know before the date in question.
Clearly we do not wish for children to be taken out of school to go on holiday but we appreciate that on occasions this may be unavoidable. If this were the case we would ask you to complete a holiday form that is available from the school office. It is helpful if this form can be completed at least two weeks in advance. Legally a child cannot be absent from school on holiday for more than two school weeks in a school year.
Illness and Emergency ContactsIt is very important that the school has at least two contact numbers for parents and carers in case we need to reach them during the day because their child becomes ill or has an accident. If it is felt by the school that a hospital check is necessary, then parents and carers will be asked either to come and take their child or to meet school staff at the hospital, depending upon the nature of any injury.
The school has a number of staff trained in first aid in accordance with the Health & Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 and one of these staff will take responsibility for your child until you are able to collect them.
We appreciate that it is sometimes difficult to make a judgement first thing in the morning about whether your child is fit to attend school. If this is the case please let the school know of your concerns and make sure you are easily contactable in case we need to send them home. Alderman Knight has a medical room for consultations with the School Doctor or Nurse. However we do not have a resident nurse, or facilities for anything other than first aid treatment.
TransportParents and carers are very welcome to bring their child to school themselves. However most pupils travel to and from school in the taxis and minibuses provided by the Local Authority. Transport arrangements are supervised centrally by staff at Shire Hall who is responsible for placing the contracts with transport companies. Parents and carers are asked to ensure that their child is ready for collection at the appropriate time in the morning and that there is someone at home to meet them on their return from school.
Parents and carers are asked to notify transport staff directly if their child will not be attending on any particular day or if they have made an alternative arrangement. It is also helpful to notify the school. Pupils will not be allowed to leave the school with anyone other than their parent or carer or the usual transport staff without prior notice. We would also stress that parents and carers should be confident to ask for identification from transport staff and if in doubt, should ask them to wait while they telephone the company concerned to verify an individual’s identity.
Parents and carers are asked to make it clear to their children the safety reasons why it is essential for them to be well behaved on transport.
InsuranceAlthough the Local Authority [LA] insures against liability in respect of claims which may arise from its alleged negligence or that of its employees, neither the LA nor the school provides insurance cover for pupils for anything else, including those who suffer personal injury as a result of an accident.
The school does not insure pupils against personal injury accidentally sustained during the course of an educational visit or extra curricular activity, unless an official letter from school informs you to the contrary. If this is the case, it will be stated on the letter received before the trip takes place. If parents and carers wish to do so, they may take out private personal accident insurance in respect of their children.
Equal Opportunities
The school recognises legislation regarding racial and sexual discrimination and fully endorses all forms of equal opportunity.
In terms of Collective Worship and Sex Education the school recognises the rights of parents and carers and is happy to discuss alternative arrangements if considered necessary or appropriate
Parents and carers are very welcome to bring their child to school themselves. However most pupils travel to and from school in the taxis and minibuses provided by the Local Authority. Transport arrangements are supervised centrally by staff at Shire Hall who is responsible for placing the contracts with transport companies. Parents and carers are asked to ensure that their child is ready for collection at the appropriate time in the morning and that there is someone at home to meet them on their return from school.
Parents and carers are asked to notify transport staff directly if their child will not be attending on any particular day or if they have made an alternative arrangement. It is also helpful to notify the school. Pupils will not be allowed to leave the school with anyone other than their parent or carer or the usual transport staff without prior notice. We would also stress that parents and carers should be confident to ask for identification from transport staff and if in doubt, should ask them to wait while they telephone the company concerned to verify an individual’s identity.
Parents and carers are asked to make it clear to their children the safety reasons why it is essential for them to be well behaved on transport.
InsuranceAlthough the Local Authority [LA] insures against liability in respect of claims which may arise from its alleged negligence or that of its employees, neither the LA nor the school provides insurance cover for pupils for anything else, including those who suffer personal injury as a result of an accident.
The school does not insure pupils against personal injury accidentally sustained during the course of an educational visit or extra curricular activity, unless an official letter from school informs you to the contrary. If this is the case, it will be stated on the letter received before the trip takes place. If parents and carers wish to do so, they may take out private personal accident insurance in respect of their children.
Equal Opportunities
The school recognises legislation regarding racial and sexual discrimination and fully endorses all forms of equal opportunity.
In terms of Collective Worship and Sex Education the school recognises the rights of parents and carers and is happy to discuss alternative arrangements if considered necessary or appropriate
The school recognises legislation regarding racial and sexual discrimination and fully endorses all forms of equal opportunity.
In terms of Collective Worship and Sex Education the school recognises the rights of parents and carers and is happy to discuss alternative arrangements if considered necessary or appropriate