Parents information

 

The following points of information are covered below.

Please click on the pink word below to take you to the information you require.

• Admission

• The National Curriculum

• The Curriculum

• School discipline

• Lunchtime arrangements

• Medicine and health

• Uniform

• Absence from school

• Charging policy

• School fund

• Emergency arrangements

• Arrangements for parents to visit the school

• Availability of information

• How to make a complaint

• Parking and road safety

• Help in the school

• Your child's next school

• Policies

• Special educational needs (SEN)

 

Admission

 

The National Curriculum

Each child is entitled to the curriculum as laid down by the National Curriculum. This provides a framework which will ensure the development of your child as they move through the school.

As well as Religious Education, pupils follow courses of study in the National Curriculum subjects. These include the CORE SUBJECTS: English, Mathematics Science, ICT. and 6 other, Design Technology, History, Geography, Music, Art, Physical Education. French is taught in Y6.

Other areas covered include, Citizenship, Personal and Social Education and Health Education. School policy documents are available if parents wish to see them. Please talk to the Headteacher if you are interested.

We feel it is important to maintain a flexible response to children’s needs and interests, so we do not stick rigidly to a subject timetable, but we do have in mind the proportion of time allocated to each subject.

The National Curriculum provides ATTAINMENT TARGETS which will provide standards against which children’s progress will be assessed. Children at the end of Key Stage 1 (Year 2) are assessed every year in accordance with the requirements of the National Curriculum. Results of these are published and individual children’s results are given to parents in their reports at the end of each academic year. Children at the end of Key Stage 2 (Year 6) will also be assessed during the summer term and results will be issued to parents in the same way as Key Stage 1.

Please note that the requirements of the National Curriculum do not apply to children who are not of statutory school age. The emphasis in the teaching of reception age children will be on preparing these children for their later years in school.

YR is part of the Foundation Stage Early Learning Goals to assess children’s learning. Children become part of the National Curriculum from Y1.

The Curriculum

The Governors statement of curriculum aims.

The Governors aim to ensure that:

• Each pupil will have a broad and balanced curriculum relevant to his or her particular needs.

• The curriculum will promote development in all the main areas of learning and experience

• Each pupil develops as a individual as a member of society and as a future adult member of the community with a range of personal and social opportunities and responsibilities

• Through timely praise, encouragement and enjoyment, all children are well motivated.

 

School discipline

Discipline is the responsibility of the Headteacher. Misbehaviour is dealt with through our CODE OF CONDUCT. We have a minimum of rules they are easier to enforce and easier for children to remember.  The three main ones that we insist upon are courtesy to adults, consideration for one another and no fighting or bullying.  If you are concerned about your child being bullied, please let us know as soon as possible both for the sake of your child and others.

If we could limit our Code to one word, it would be “RESPECT”. Most children see the reason for the Code of Conduct and its importance so that in a busy and crowded environment, we work in a spirit of harmony and co-operation. We believe our teaching of Christian values greatly helps this process.

There is of course no corporal punishment in this school.

We have a system of rewards and punishments in order to back up our Code of Conduct and the rewards outnumber the punishments.

The most common sanctions used would be loss of free time and extra work. If this fails, we would ask the parents concerned to collaborate closely with us to find a remedy. In more serious and persistent cases it may be that the services of the Educational Psychologist or Behaviour Support Service would be enlisted. In the very last resort, we would consider exclusion.

 

Lunchtime arrangements

Lunch is at 12.00 for the children in KS1 and at 12.20 for the children in KS2. All children wishing to have a school dinner eat in the hall with the children who have packed lunch from the first two classes.  Other children having packed lunch will eat in the classrooms supervised by the midday assistants.

We consider the school lunch to be an essential part of social training, and we try to ensure it is as friendly and personal as community dining can permit.  For those having school dinners, meals, are of a high standard and menus are varied.  It is possible that your child may not have had certain food items before and in this respect children are asked to request a small portion if they are unsure of the food offered.  All that is asked is that the child tries a little of the portion concerned.

Whichever meal your child has, we do like you to keep to that arrangement for at least two weeks.  Dinner money is paid weekly each Monday, half termly or termly and should be in the envelope provided clearly marked with the child’s name, class and amount enclosed.  For those who wish to pay by term of half term, a reminder that credit is automatically carried forward when a child is absent, and a statement issued every week.  Please note that payments must be made in advance and cheques made payable to Scholarest.  If you think your child may be entitled to free school meals, please see the Secretary right away.

School dinners will cost £1.85 per day ( £9.25 per week).  Five midday assistants are employed to take care of your children during the lunch break.  We ask that all parents ensure that their children treat the midday assistants with the same respect as teachers.

 

Medicine and health

PEANUT FREE ZONE

St. Benedict’s is a peanut free zone which means that pupils’ packed lunch should not contain any peanuts.

BREAKTIME ARRANGEMENTS

During morning break pupils have the opportunity to eat a small snack of either fruit or vegetables only. Parents also have the opportunity to pay for cool milk each day. Free Fruit is delivered daily for infant classes.

WATER BOTTLES

Children are all issued with a drinking water bottle with their name on. These should be taken home every evening and washed and refilled for the next day. Children are responsible for these bottles and must be reminded that they are to be used correctly.

MEDICAL INSPECTIONS

Your child’s health will be monitored at regular intervals. The school nurse is part of a team, which provides a professional service to promote and monitor the health of the school children in Lordswood. She will be making regular visits and can be available for consultation and advice.

During your child’s first year at school, the school nurse will do a medical assessment of your child. Sight and hearing will be tested as well as general development. If there are any concerns
the nurse will contact you.

ILL HEALTH

If your child is not well, even though they may want to come to school, please keep them at home. In the confined space of the classroom, children can “pass on” illness to other children and staff. If they feel poorly they will be miserable and may relate this to being at school with very little learning taking place. When your child returns to school they must bring a written note to explain their absence. Please telephone the school if your child is going to be absent.

MEDICINES

Medicines must NOT be brought into the school. If your child needs to take any medication during the school day then parents must come into school and administer it. If your child suffers from asthma, then their medication must be labelled so that it can be kept in the classroom where it will be readily accessible should they require it.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR DISABLED PUPILS

Parents of disabled children are asked to give the Headteacher details of the disability as soon as they apply for a place at the school. The Headteacher will arrange a meeting at a mutually convenient time to discuss whether or not the school will be able to meet their needs.

HEALTHY HAIR

A cause of concern to our parents is the presence of nits and lice. We urge all parents to check their child’s hair daily, and to use a “wet comb” routine as advised by school nurse after washing. It is school’s policy to inform all parents by telephone if lice or nits are spotted. We then request that the child is taken home for treatment.

Uniform

St. Benedict’s School is proud of its children and of their appearance.  We feel that a uniform helps in this, and in the sense of unity that it brings.  Within reasonable limitations and common sense, school uniform is compulsory.

The uniform varies between Summer and Winter months.  As you would expect, winter uniform is generally worn in the autumn and spring terms, the summer uniform in the summer term until 1st October, all subject to the vagaries of British climate of course.

 

All items of clothing should be clearly marked with the child’s name

 

No jewellery is allowed for health and safety reasons.  Can we please remind you that all hair that can be tied back, should be tied back.  Gel should not be worn. Boys’ hair should be kept tidy too, not longer than the shirt collar.  No hair dye, no indentions.

If the weather is very hot in the summer, pupils will be given permission to take off their ties but they must be put back on again as they leave school

Only Y6 pupils are allowed school bags.  Each child should have a book bag. These can be bought from the office.

Winter Uniform 1st October to End of Spring Term.

 

Summer Uniform start of Summer Term to End of September

 

PE. Kit.

 

Absence from school

The school is required to record all absences and to make an annual return of all unauthorised absences.

The 2005-2006 figures so far say that of the 174 children of compulsory school age, there was an absence of 4.6% the unauthorised absence rate was 0%

SICKNESS

IF YOUR CHILD IS ABSENT FROM SCHOOL FOR A WHOLE OR EVEN A PART OF A DAY, YOU MUST ADVISE US IMMEDIATELY.  WE ALSO REQUIRE A WRITTEN NOTE EXPLAINING THE ILLNESS WHEN THE CHILD RETURNS TO SCHOOL TO PUT ON RECORD.

 

HOLIDAYS

WE WOULD PREFER IF PUPILS WERE NOT TAKEN ON HOLIDAY DURING SCHOOL TIME BECAUSE OF THE AMOUNT OF LEARNING THAT IS MISSED.  PUPILS IN Y6 & Y2 SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN ON HOLIDAY DURING SATS WEEKS IN MAY.

 

Charging policy

Under the 1998 Education Reform Act, the school is unable to charge for the following:

 

 

Charges may be made for the following:

 

 

School fund

There is a school fund payable at the start of each academic year.  This is voluntary, and the amount of contribution is suggested at £10 per family (which is 0.06p a day).  Parents also have the opportunity to pay £1 per month by standing order if this is easier.  This is an important source of income for us to help our children.  It is used to provide extras for the school such as paying for outside speakers, buying extra books and equipment etc.

 

Emergency arrangements

In extreme weather conditions it may become necessary to close the school.  Should this happen you can keep in touch with developments by listening to local radio. Radio Kent (FM 96.7, 104.2 /MW 1035, 1602 774 KHZ) or Radio Invicta (FM 103.1).

 

Arrangements for parents to visit the school

Parents may visit the school at any time although appointments are necessary.  Please remember that whilst teachers are in charge of a class, they will not be able to see parents.  Appointments to see teachers can be made through the Headteacher or secretary.  If you have administrative queries (e.g. connected with school meals, or have information to pass on to the school) you may see the secretary at any time.  Prospective parents and their children will be invited to look around the school, after an appointment has been made.

 

Availability of information

DfES regulation require the school to make certain information available at the school to parents and the public.  This school holds information on the following:

 

How to make a complaint

Most complaints parents may have can be resolved by the school.  Therefore any complaints, in the first instance should normally be made to a member of staff or governor.  Hopefully, this will be resolved at this informal level. 

FORMAL STAGE

Parents should submit their complaint in writing to the Headteacher who will investigate. The Head will inform the complainant of any decisions made. Complaints about the Head should be made directly to the Chairman of Governors.

APPEAL STAGE

If still dissatisfied complainant may then appeal to a committee set up by the Governing Body. A further appeal can then be made to the Diocese who can make recommendations to the Governing Body.

We do hope, however that any complaints can be resolved at an informal stage

 

Parking and road safety

The school car park is too small to accommodate parent’s cars, therefore parents are asked to park their cars on LAMBOURN WAY ONLY.  We ask parents, and anyone else bringing children to and from school not to use the main entrance road for dropping children off at the gate, and strictly NO parking in the turning area.  Our concern is for the safety of ALL children so please comply with these guidelines.

We also urge all parents to respect our neighbours right of entry to their properties by not blocking driveways.

If you live nearby, please walk with your child.  This not only reduces congestion (and danger) but is healthier for you and your child!! We also have the support of a road crossing patrol that will help you and your child cross the road safely.

 

Help in the school

We very much appreciate the time many of our parents are able to give to the children and the school.  Any parent wishing to help, especially those with a particular skill, talent or hobby are invited to let the school secretary know.

 

Your child's next school

At the age of eleven, children transfer to secondary school education. We encourage our Catholic children to transfer to Catholic Comprehensive Schools which cater for children of ALL ability ranges. Parents have the choice of sending their child to St. John Fisher School in Chatham or St. Simon Stock RC Comprehensive School in Maidstone. At the moment, Medway still has Grammar Schools and entrance to these is through a selection process (11+). Only those parents who wish their child to go to grammar school will be involved in this procedure.

Policies

School policies are available upon request at the school reception.

Attendance policy

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

A parents guide to SEN

 

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St. John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive School
Ordnance Street
Chatham Kent ME4 6SG
Telephone 01634 842811/404826 (Upper School)
Telephone 01634 841439 (Lower School)

Fax 01634 819521

Basic data:
Headteacher Mr David Kelly
Age range 11 - 19

John fisher school website

 

St. Simon Stock School
Oakland Park
Maidsone, Kent ME 16 OJT
Telephone 01622 754551

Fax 01622 691437

Basic Data:
Headteacher Mr Brendan Wall
Age Range 11 –19

Simon Stock school website