Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a school uniform?

We expect all children to wear full school uniform.  This is a royal blue sweatshirt or royal blue cardigan worn with grey school trousers or grey school skirt.  Sweatshirts and cardigans can be purchased from the school uniform shop (Whitakers-St Helens)

What if something gets lost?

Please make sure all clothing is clearly marked with your child’s name so that it can be returned if found.  We collect lots of lost property items each term. 

Can my child wear jewellery in school?

For safety reasons children should not wear any jewellery in school.  However, they may wear a wrist watch and if your child has pierced ears, small studs may be worn.  These will need to be removed for P.E. lessons and if your child goes swimming.

Tell me about P.E.

Children should bring in P.E. kit to wear.  P.E. kit should be royal blue shorts and a white t-shirt or navy blue tracksuit.    Trainers or plimsolls are worn for outdoor P.E.  We will respect special requests made for religious reasons.  Please contact us if this applies to your child.

Is there any shade in the playground?

There is some shade in the playground.  We recommend that during the hot weather your child brings a sun hat to wear in the playground.

What happens at lunchtime?

A school meal is available.  It costs £2.10 a day.  Payment can be made at the office or via Parent Pay online and must always be made in advance.  A copy of the menu is available for you to see at the office.

Can I get free school meals?

If you think that your child is entitled to free school meals, please speak to a member of staff in the office.

Is drinking water available?

Water is available in the dining hall and from drinking fountains around school.  Children are also permitted to bring water into school to drink in the classroom during the day.  This water should be in a clear plastic container that has a securely fitting lid.  It should be labelled clearly with your child’s name.  Water bottles may not be taken into the playground.

What should I do if my child is not well?

If your child is unwell then s/he should be kept at home.  Please telephone school to let us know why your child is absent before 8.30am on the first day of absence.

What happens if my child has an accident at school?

Unfortunately, sometimes children do have accidents or become unwell whilst they are at school and we need to call you.  It can add to your child’s distress if we are unable to contact you.  Please ensure that we have up to date contact telephone numbers for you and tell us straight away if these change.

What time does school start?

Children should be in class by 8.50am each morning. We do open the doors to school at 8.40am and the children are supervised in their classes from this time.

How can I help my child settle into school?

Bring your child to school on time.  Arriving late can mean that your child misses important information about the lesson.  It can also be embarrassing for your child and is disruptive for the class.

What else can I do?

Please ensure that you attend parent/teacher consultation days and special events in school; help out with fundraising; offer to go on school trips; notify us of absences; read all the letters that your child brings home; support your child with homework; read together; give praise and encouragement.

What happens at the end of the day?

School finishes at 3.00 p.m for  children in Reception, Years 1 and 2 and must be collected by a known adult. Children in Y3-Y6 finish at 3.10pm. They must also be collected by a known and responsible adult. Please let us know if someone different from usual is collecting your child.  Older children are permitted, with your agreement, to go home by themselves.

Can I park on the premises?

No.  There is no parking available for parents and carers.  Please park your car away from the school gates and never park on the yellow zig-zag lines.  The area outside school becomes very congested and is then unsafe for children arriving and leaving school.

Can I buy a book bag?

Book bags and satchel bags can be purchased from the school uniform shop.  This bag will help to protect your child’s book from the weather and accidental damage.

What else is my child allowed to bring to school?

Children should not bring toys, sweets, valuables or money into school.  We cannot be responsible for children’s property.

When can I talk to the teachers?

Teachers are busy settling their classes first thing in the morning and can only receive the briefest of messages at that time.  They are more easily available at the end of the day when they have dismissed their classes.  Teachers are happy to make appointments to see you if you would like a longer chat.  Teachers also meet parents and carers informally at coffee mornings and more formally at parent/teacher consultation days.

Do you have after school clubs?

Recently we have offered sewing, football, movie, platinum, dance, cooking, ball games and art clubs.  Sometimes these are aimed at particular year groups.  After school clubs are not normally available to children below Year 3.

Do you have a school council?

Yes.  Children are elected to the School Council by their class mates.  The School Council meets regularly and discusses a range of issues.

Are children given homework?

We expect children to read at home every day.   Children should bring their book bag in to school twice a week to change their book.  Depending upon your child’s age, other tasks will be set, such as a maths activity, a topic to research or spellings to learn.

What if my child has special needs?

We can meet a variety of special needs in school.   Please discuss your child’s needs with the teacher.  The Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) will be happy to meet with you to discuss specific concerns.

What if my child can’t speak English?

We have many children in our school who are learning English.  We have some specialist staff who are available to help children in their acquisition of English as an additional language.

What should I do if I am worried about my child’s progress?

Ask for an appointment to talk to the class teacher about your concerns.  If you are still anxious, please ask to see the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator, the Deputy Headteacher or the Headteacher.