General Information for Parents

**A copy of the school's Travel Plan can be found by clicking on the 'Documents' tab on the left hand menu**

Information relating to the school's progress, priorities and performance is contained in the School Profile which can be accessed via a link which can be found under the 'Links' tab on the left hand menu.
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The following topics are covered below:
Term Dates
School Session Times
Admission Policy
School Uniform
Absence from School
School Meals
School Rules
Role of the Parents
Welfare
School Association


Term Dates

Autumn  Term 2008

First day - Wednesday 3rd September

Half term week - commencing Monday 27th October

Last day - Friday 19th December

School Session Times

Key Stage 1:
Morning session 9.00 a.m. until 12 noon
Afternoon session 1.00 p.m. until 3.10 p.m.

Key Stage 2:
Morning session 9.00 a.m. until 12.15 p.m.
Afternoon session 1.15 p.m. until 3.15 p.m.

Admission Policy

The school admits boys and girls of all ability ranges deemed able to benefit from main stream schooling.

Pupils enter school on a full-time basis at the beginning of the term in which the child becomes five until the end of the school year in which the child becomes eleven.  Children who have their fifth birthday between January and April are entitled to one term in the Foundation class, before starting their full-time education.  Those with their fifth birthday between May and August are entitled to two terms part-time in our Early Years Foundation Stage classes.

Children from within the school's catchment area and who indicate that this is their first preference are offered places first. Their parents should register them by completing a simple form at the school office.

Children from beyond the catchment area may be admitted if space permits. Intending parents should complete a form, available from the school office, which is then sent to the Area Education Manager who, after consultations, gives a final decision. This decision is subject to appeal by parents if they are not satisfied.

 

Information for parents and carers about Suffolk schools and the admissions process is contained in the guide 'Schools in Suffolk' available from the school office.

School Uniform

The school Governors believe that the wearing of school uniform encourages a sense of belonging to the school community, aids identification on visits and at external events (concerts, etc.) and encourages children to take pride in their school.

For these reasons, parents are requested to follow the uniform code:
- Official scarlet school sweatshirt/cardigan bearing the school logo

  (no other jumpers/sweatshirts/cardigans may be worn)
- Grey school trousers*, grey skirt/pinafore or scarlet gingham dress
- Plain white collared shirt or blouse (polo or button-through)
- Grey or white socks or tights
- Sensible shoes - preferably black (low heeled - not trainers)
- After the Easter holiday, sandals may be worn if they meet the above criteria and any plain colour (without   decorations such as flowers etc.) would be acceptable.

 

- Optional black sweatshirt bearing the school logo (Year 6 only)

*Girls may wear straight black school trousers only if suitable grey trousers cannot be found.

Sweat-shirts and book bags carrying the school logo are on sale from the school office.

Absence from School

We ask parents to inform the school of the reason for absence by 9.30 a.m. on the first day. Please also send a note addressed to the class teacher when a child returns to school after an absence. During a long absence a note of explanation would be appreciated after three days.

School Meals

School meals are well balanced and are appealing to the children. The cook provides a vegetarian option daily and, very often, a choice of desert which may include fruit.

The price of a school meal is £1.70 or £8.50 for a full week (£1.90 or £9.50 per week, from Monday 3rd November 2008). The Suffolk County Catering service school meal represents excellent value for money. Cheques should be made payable to 'Suffolk County Council' and have the name and address of the signatory on the back.

As part of the government's 'workforce remodelling' reforms we have adapted our system for collection of dinner money in line with many other schools. From 1st November 2004, teachers will collect money and pass it directly to the school office for counting. This will mean that all lunch monies will be counted and processed by office staff and this will obviously impact on their workload. We would very much appreciate parents' co-operation in ensuring the following procedures are observed:
Dinner money should only be sent to school on a Monday.
Money owing from meals taken in advance of payment should be settled the following Monday.
All monies should be handed to the class teacher in a sealed envelope bearing;
- 'dinner money'
- child's name
- class
- amount
- days required.
Loose money will no longer be accepted.
Separate envelopes (and cheques) will be required for each child.
Money should not be taken directly to the school office.
Dinner money will always be collected on the first day of a new term or half term even where this does not fall on a Monday.

We hope that parents will appreciate that this system will make life a lot more comfortable for the office staff and we are very grateful for your co-operation.

School Rules

The following rules are designed to ensure the health and safety of all who work in the school.
- Children who are on the school prmises before 8.50 a.m. and after 3.10 p.m. for K.S.1) (3.15 p.m. for K.S.2) on school days must be supervised by a parent or guardian*;
- Cycling, roller skating, skate boarding etc. are not allowed on the school prmises;

- Valuable items must not be brought into school;

- If ear-rings are to be worn in school, they must be either "studs" or "sleepers" and be removed/covered for P.E., games and swimming.

- Children must change into suitable clothes for P.E., games and swimming*;

- All children must use the pedestrian entrances (not the car park entrance) when entering or leaving the school;

- Once a child has arrived on the premises, they must not leave unless with a parent or guardian*;

- Fizzy drinks and sweets must not be brought to school*;

- Dogs are not allowed in the school grounds.

* Except when a prior arrangement has been made.

Role of the Parents

Parents are responsible for making sure their children understand the basics of school life, the importance of obeying safety rules and following the Code of Conduct** for Children. They are also responsible for making sure their children attend school on a regular basis and for collecting them from school (or arranging for them to be collected).

** Each class has an agreed Code of Conduct based on the following principles:

- Treat others as you would like to be treated;

- Allow others to learn and the teacher to teach;

- Be aware of other people when moving calmly about the school;

- Respect those leading assemblies;

- Be responsible for your own behaviour in the playground;

- Respect all property.

Welfare

If a child becomes ill during the day, teachers decide whether the child can be cared for adequately in school or whether a parent should be called. For this reason it is essential that we know home and work telephone numbers or means of contacting parents and, if necessary, another adult who might take care of the child. Any changes in this information should be notified to the school.

The administration of medicine at school is discouraged but, in exceptional cases, this can be given at the discretion of the Headteacher. In such cases, a letter of permission must be signed and given to the school office.

School Association 

 

Every parent is automatically a member of the Association. However, every year at the Annual General Meeting a committee is elected to organise the various functions that are held during the school year.

A variety of events are organised including: Car Boot Sale, Junior Discos, Treasure Hunt, Barn Dances, Summer Fair, Family Swimming (at weekends during the second half of the Summer Term), and raffles.

The money raised is all used to provide facilities and equipment for the pupils of the school.

The committee like to promote the social side of the Association by holding events which give parents a chance to meet outside school hours.

New ideas are always needed. It is YOUR association so do speak up and let the committee know of any events you would like to see arranged.

The current chair of the Association is Vicki Ayriss who can be contacted via the school by telephone or e-mail.