Our parent information hub features information about everything from uniform to school meals as well as all the forms and policies that will help improve your child's time at North Tawton Primary School
GENERAL INFORMATION
SCHOOl TRANSPORT
At present, children who live in the outlying areas are brought to school using a minibus and a taxi. The map detailed in Secction 28 shows the extent of the school's catchment area which is used for calculating whether or not a child is entitled to free transport or not.
Those living outside the catchment area can still send their children to the school providing there is sufficient space. However, if they wish to use the transport service they will have to pay a termly fee (and may only use the minibus/taxi provided there is room on it).
Children living within the catchment area are entitled to free transport according to the following scale.
It means that once a child is eight, if they do not live more than three miles from the school, parents or carers will have to pay the termly charge.
The actual distances involved are usually measured by the LA. Parents and carers can appeal against decisions regarding these distances by writing to the Area Education Officer Any complaints regarding this service should also be made to the Area Education Officer, although the school would also like to be informed as well.
Please note that it is the responsibility of parents and carers to arrange for children to travel in safety between their home and the picking-up and setting-down points for school transport..
Those living outside the catchment area can still send their children to the school providing there is sufficient space. However, if they wish to use the transport service they will have to pay a termly fee (and may only use the minibus/taxi provided there is room on it).
Children living within the catchment area are entitled to free transport according to the following scale.
- All children who live over three miles from the school - free.
- Children under eight who live over two miles from the school - free
It means that once a child is eight, if they do not live more than three miles from the school, parents or carers will have to pay the termly charge.
The actual distances involved are usually measured by the LA. Parents and carers can appeal against decisions regarding these distances by writing to the Area Education Officer Any complaints regarding this service should also be made to the Area Education Officer, although the school would also like to be informed as well.
Please note that it is the responsibility of parents and carers to arrange for children to travel in safety between their home and the picking-up and setting-down points for school transport..
School Meals
The school has its own kitchen which prepares a range of nutritious healthy meals using ‘Fresh Start’ menus. Salad is available at a self-service salad bar and vegetarian meals are always available.
1. Those families who are currently in receipt of Income Support, Income Based Jobseeker’s Allowance, the Guaranteed Element of Pension Credit or Child Tax Credit (without Working Tax Credit) where income is less than the statutory lower limit, employment and support allowance(income related), support under part VI of the immigration and asylum may be entitled to Free School Meals. All children in Foundation Stage and KS1 are entitled to a free hot meal every day. Further details can be obtained from the School Administrator. We would like to reassure parents and carers that children receiving free school meals are not treated any differently when they go to the dining hall.
2. Parents and carers who do not wish their children to have school meals can provide them with a packed lunch. Alternatively, if they live close to the school, they may wish their children to go home for lunch.
Children bringing packed lunches will need to have an appropriate packed lunch box with a balanced selection of food and a drink container. Please note that vacuum flasks containing glass are not allowed nor are cans/fizzy drinks.
Click here for the Summer Term 2024 Menu.
1. Those families who are currently in receipt of Income Support, Income Based Jobseeker’s Allowance, the Guaranteed Element of Pension Credit or Child Tax Credit (without Working Tax Credit) where income is less than the statutory lower limit, employment and support allowance(income related), support under part VI of the immigration and asylum may be entitled to Free School Meals. All children in Foundation Stage and KS1 are entitled to a free hot meal every day. Further details can be obtained from the School Administrator. We would like to reassure parents and carers that children receiving free school meals are not treated any differently when they go to the dining hall.
2. Parents and carers who do not wish their children to have school meals can provide them with a packed lunch. Alternatively, if they live close to the school, they may wish their children to go home for lunch.
Children bringing packed lunches will need to have an appropriate packed lunch box with a balanced selection of food and a drink container. Please note that vacuum flasks containing glass are not allowed nor are cans/fizzy drinks.
Click here for the Summer Term 2024 Menu.
FREE SCHOOL MEALS
Universal infant free school meals
The Government introduced universal infant free school meals for all key stage 1 pupils from September 2014. All pupils in reception, year 1 and year 2 in state-funded schools in England are eligible for Universal Infant Free school meals. This will include academies, free schools, pupil referral units and alternative provisions as well as maintained schools.
Apply for free school meals
Through the Citizen Portal which is the quickest and easiest way to apply and will result in you getting an instant decision.
Qualifying benefits
Parents/carers in receipt of the following support payments will be entitled to receive free school meals:
Please Note that from 1 April 2018, all existing free school meals claimants will continue to receive free school meals whilst Universal Credit is rolled out. This will apply even if their earnings rise above the new threshold during that time. In addition, any child gaining eligibility for free school meals after 1 April 2018 will be protected against losing free school meals during the Universal Credit rollout period.
Once Universal Credit is fully rolled out, any existing claimants that no longer meet the eligibility criteria at that point (because they are earning above the threshold or are no longer a recipient of Universal Credit) will continue to receive free school meals until the end of their current phase of education (i.e. primary or secondary).
The Universal Credit rollout is currently expected to complete in March 2023.
Pupil premium
Pupil premium is additional funding from the government for schools. Student’s eligible – based on the existing free school meals criteria – can attract this funding. Parents and guardians with children in reception, year 1 and year 2 at a Devon school may be asked to complete a free school meal application form to check entitlement.
For further information regarding Pupil premium please visit Pupil premium for schools
We appreciate how important it is that pupils within KS1 are still recorded as eligible for Free School Meals, ensuring Pupil Premium funding is granted.
For further information regarding KS1 Pupil premium for parents please refer to our New starter pupil premium page
The Government introduced universal infant free school meals for all key stage 1 pupils from September 2014. All pupils in reception, year 1 and year 2 in state-funded schools in England are eligible for Universal Infant Free school meals. This will include academies, free schools, pupil referral units and alternative provisions as well as maintained schools.
Apply for free school meals
Through the Citizen Portal which is the quickest and easiest way to apply and will result in you getting an instant decision.
Qualifying benefits
Parents/carers in receipt of the following support payments will be entitled to receive free school meals:
- Universal Credit (provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400, as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods)
- Income Support (IS)
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (IBJSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (IRESA)
- The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income as assessed by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, that does not exceed £16,190)
- Working Tax Credit run-on (the payment someone receives for a further four weeks after they stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
Please Note that from 1 April 2018, all existing free school meals claimants will continue to receive free school meals whilst Universal Credit is rolled out. This will apply even if their earnings rise above the new threshold during that time. In addition, any child gaining eligibility for free school meals after 1 April 2018 will be protected against losing free school meals during the Universal Credit rollout period.
Once Universal Credit is fully rolled out, any existing claimants that no longer meet the eligibility criteria at that point (because they are earning above the threshold or are no longer a recipient of Universal Credit) will continue to receive free school meals until the end of their current phase of education (i.e. primary or secondary).
The Universal Credit rollout is currently expected to complete in March 2023.
Pupil premium
Pupil premium is additional funding from the government for schools. Student’s eligible – based on the existing free school meals criteria – can attract this funding. Parents and guardians with children in reception, year 1 and year 2 at a Devon school may be asked to complete a free school meal application form to check entitlement.
For further information regarding Pupil premium please visit Pupil premium for schools
We appreciate how important it is that pupils within KS1 are still recorded as eligible for Free School Meals, ensuring Pupil Premium funding is granted.
For further information regarding KS1 Pupil premium for parents please refer to our New starter pupil premium page
UNIFORM
UNIFORM
We want children to feel proud of their school and wear our school uniform as it helps to give a sense of identity.
Children can wear: a white or green polo shirt, a green sweatshirt or cardigan with school logo, with grey or black trousers, or grey or black shorts. A grey skirt or pinafore dress or green and white check dress. Grey or white socks or tights with black shoes. Black, low-heeled boots may also be worn in Winter/adverse weather conditions.
PE Kit
The PE kit is a house colour T shirt, black or navy shorts, white sports socks, and trainers or pumps. You can purchase a t shirt in the colour of the house they are in.
KS2 children will have swimming lessons at the pool in Okehampton. For this they also require a swimming costume and hat. We would prefer these to be a one – piece swimsuit for girls and trunks or swimming shorts of a sensible length for boys.
School Uniform is available at
North Tawton Primary School - Schoolwear Direct
School - Brigade Clothing, LTD
Please ensure that all your child’s school uniform is labelled with their name.
Jewellery/Hair styles/Fashion
In the interests of safety, we do not allow children to wear jewellery in school. If ears have been pierced, studs may be worn. These should be removed/taped over before swimming. We encourage children to be independent individuals, however we request parents to consider the impact of fashion on their child’s learning and social development and ask parents to ensure their children do not wear inappropriate hairstyles or fashion items to school. Long hair should be tied back for both safety and hygiene reasons.
We want children to feel proud of their school and wear our school uniform as it helps to give a sense of identity.
Children can wear: a white or green polo shirt, a green sweatshirt or cardigan with school logo, with grey or black trousers, or grey or black shorts. A grey skirt or pinafore dress or green and white check dress. Grey or white socks or tights with black shoes. Black, low-heeled boots may also be worn in Winter/adverse weather conditions.
PE Kit
The PE kit is a house colour T shirt, black or navy shorts, white sports socks, and trainers or pumps. You can purchase a t shirt in the colour of the house they are in.
KS2 children will have swimming lessons at the pool in Okehampton. For this they also require a swimming costume and hat. We would prefer these to be a one – piece swimsuit for girls and trunks or swimming shorts of a sensible length for boys.
School Uniform is available at
North Tawton Primary School - Schoolwear Direct
School - Brigade Clothing, LTD
Please ensure that all your child’s school uniform is labelled with their name.
Jewellery/Hair styles/Fashion
In the interests of safety, we do not allow children to wear jewellery in school. If ears have been pierced, studs may be worn. These should be removed/taped over before swimming. We encourage children to be independent individuals, however we request parents to consider the impact of fashion on their child’s learning and social development and ask parents to ensure their children do not wear inappropriate hairstyles or fashion items to school. Long hair should be tied back for both safety and hygiene reasons.
PAYMENT AND CHILDCARE VOUCHERS
Payments
Online Payments School Meals, Trips, Events, Consents
SchoolGateway is a secure, online payments system for all payments for all school meals and payments and consents for trips and events. It is also our text messaging system for urgent text messages e.g. if clubs or fixtures are cancelled, and our email application for notification of payment/consent requests and all school news.
To register, you will need to sign up for a School Gateway account by visiting www.schoolgateway.com. Enter your current email address and mobile number (these must match the primary contact details you have registered with the school) and select the “Send PIN” button. A PIN will be sent to your mobile phone. Use this to log into your new School Gateway account. With your SchoolGateway account, you will be able to view payments, made, see when your child has had a school meal, and check your balance. The minimum payment bundle for school meals is £11.50.
Please download the SchoolGateway app (ios and Android) – it saves the school money when we contact you.
FAQs
· How will emails get to me and what will they look like? The emails will arrive in your inbox at your email address just like any other email and will have the school’s name in the “from” box.
· Will I get any advertising SPAM? No, your contact details are not shared with anyone except the school office. You will only receive messages from Schoolcomms that have been sent by South Tawton Primary School.
· What if I change my email address or mobile phone number? Please contact the school directly and inform them of any changes to your contact details.
· Can I reply to emails or texts? Yes, but if you have an urgent query, please ring the school office on 01837 840242
After School Club and Breakfast clubsFor After School Clubs and Breakfast Club, our booking, consent and payments systems is through School Gateway.
Bookings can be made up to 8pm the night before for breakfast club sessions or up to a term in advance.
Childcare VouchersWe are pleased to offer a number of Childcare Voucher providers which can be used towards costs for Breakfast club and Little Beacons pre-school. For more information, please contact the school office.
Online Payments School Meals, Trips, Events, Consents
SchoolGateway is a secure, online payments system for all payments for all school meals and payments and consents for trips and events. It is also our text messaging system for urgent text messages e.g. if clubs or fixtures are cancelled, and our email application for notification of payment/consent requests and all school news.
To register, you will need to sign up for a School Gateway account by visiting www.schoolgateway.com. Enter your current email address and mobile number (these must match the primary contact details you have registered with the school) and select the “Send PIN” button. A PIN will be sent to your mobile phone. Use this to log into your new School Gateway account. With your SchoolGateway account, you will be able to view payments, made, see when your child has had a school meal, and check your balance. The minimum payment bundle for school meals is £11.50.
Please download the SchoolGateway app (ios and Android) – it saves the school money when we contact you.
FAQs
· How will emails get to me and what will they look like? The emails will arrive in your inbox at your email address just like any other email and will have the school’s name in the “from” box.
· Will I get any advertising SPAM? No, your contact details are not shared with anyone except the school office. You will only receive messages from Schoolcomms that have been sent by South Tawton Primary School.
· What if I change my email address or mobile phone number? Please contact the school directly and inform them of any changes to your contact details.
· Can I reply to emails or texts? Yes, but if you have an urgent query, please ring the school office on 01837 840242
After School Club and Breakfast clubsFor After School Clubs and Breakfast Club, our booking, consent and payments systems is through School Gateway.
Bookings can be made up to 8pm the night before for breakfast club sessions or up to a term in advance.
Childcare VouchersWe are pleased to offer a number of Childcare Voucher providers which can be used towards costs for Breakfast club and Little Beacons pre-school. For more information, please contact the school office.
ABSENCES AND ATTENDANCE
Government requires all schools to report their absence figures on a yearly basis. Parents will receive these details as part of their child’s end of year report. A more detailed breakdown is available from the office, on request.
All children should arrive in time for the start of the school at 9.00am but no earlier than 8.45am. After this time teaching staff are required to supervise children. From 8.45 a.m. they should go directly to their classrooms in order that a prompt start can be made at 9.00 a.m. .
Children are marked late when the register is closed at 9.05am and this will be marked as an unauthorised absence if the child arrives after 09.15am, unless a suitable explanation is given by the parent/carer.
School ends at 3:20pm.
As the School Curriculum is highly structured, we strongly urge parents to try and avoid taking children out of school during term, as children will not normally be able to catch up on missed work.
A system of penalty fines of £60 per child per adult is administered by the LA, for unauthorised absence. This is to try to deter parents from disrupting their children’s education by taking unauthorised days off in term time. Parents are legally bound by law to ensure that their child receives an education either from the state system, independent system or in certain circumstances at home.
The Governing Body has agreed that the school will not authorise any absence except in exceptional circumstances. This reflects the change in the law which was first implemented in September 2013.
Parental Request for Authorised Absence in term time: A parent must complete an Absence Request Form if it is considered that they require their child to be absent for school for exceptional circumstances, including medical appointments. A paper copy of the form can be obtained from the school office or downloaded here.
In cases where children are persistently late, or absent from school without any explanation from the parents, the school is able to enlist the support of Educational Welfare Officer (E.W.O) who will contact the parents. She may make a home visit to discuss reasons for persistent absence. In extreme cases, where the parent is unable to give a satisfactory reason for their child's absence, they may be taken to court and prosecuted for failing to ensure that their child is being educated.
All children should arrive in time for the start of the school at 9.00am but no earlier than 8.45am. After this time teaching staff are required to supervise children. From 8.45 a.m. they should go directly to their classrooms in order that a prompt start can be made at 9.00 a.m. .
Children are marked late when the register is closed at 9.05am and this will be marked as an unauthorised absence if the child arrives after 09.15am, unless a suitable explanation is given by the parent/carer.
School ends at 3:20pm.
As the School Curriculum is highly structured, we strongly urge parents to try and avoid taking children out of school during term, as children will not normally be able to catch up on missed work.
A system of penalty fines of £60 per child per adult is administered by the LA, for unauthorised absence. This is to try to deter parents from disrupting their children’s education by taking unauthorised days off in term time. Parents are legally bound by law to ensure that their child receives an education either from the state system, independent system or in certain circumstances at home.
The Governing Body has agreed that the school will not authorise any absence except in exceptional circumstances. This reflects the change in the law which was first implemented in September 2013.
Parental Request for Authorised Absence in term time: A parent must complete an Absence Request Form if it is considered that they require their child to be absent for school for exceptional circumstances, including medical appointments. A paper copy of the form can be obtained from the school office or downloaded here.
In cases where children are persistently late, or absent from school without any explanation from the parents, the school is able to enlist the support of Educational Welfare Officer (E.W.O) who will contact the parents. She may make a home visit to discuss reasons for persistent absence. In extreme cases, where the parent is unable to give a satisfactory reason for their child's absence, they may be taken to court and prosecuted for failing to ensure that their child is being educated.
DOJO
Teachers use Dojo to communicate information to the parents of their classes. Please make sure you sign up to receive these important updates.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR SEVERE WEATHER CONDITION
In the event of wintry weather, the school will remain open unless there have been heavy falls of snow, severe icing of roads or there is a failure of the electricity supply. The latter will almost certainly mean closure since our heating system depends upon electricity. Shouldsuch an occurrence take place overnight or over a week-end, messages will be sent out to parents/carers via our school texting service and details placed on the ‘Ticker’ on the website. The school will also notify BBC Radio Devon so that you can make child care arrangements as early as possible.
For some members of staff travelling to North Tawton, from outside the area, severe wintry weather may mean we cannot provide an adequate service for those children living in the town. With regard to school meals, we normally hold at least two days supply of food. After these two days have elapsed and if, due to road conditions, supplies are still unable to get through, then children would need to bring packed lunches or go home for lunch.
In the event of severe wintry weather or the onset of severe icing of road surfaces, children on school transport will be sent home at the earliest possible opportunity. A child will not be sent home if we cannot establish that there is someone at home to meet him/her.
If snow has fallen during the night or over the week end, the school buses may not be able to negotiate some or even all of the lanes and, therefore, will not be able to pick your children up. In such a case, should you consider using your own transport to bring them in, would you please also make arrangements to collect them at home-time, or sooner, if the weather should deteriorate.
For some members of staff travelling to North Tawton, from outside the area, severe wintry weather may mean we cannot provide an adequate service for those children living in the town. With regard to school meals, we normally hold at least two days supply of food. After these two days have elapsed and if, due to road conditions, supplies are still unable to get through, then children would need to bring packed lunches or go home for lunch.
In the event of severe wintry weather or the onset of severe icing of road surfaces, children on school transport will be sent home at the earliest possible opportunity. A child will not be sent home if we cannot establish that there is someone at home to meet him/her.
If snow has fallen during the night or over the week end, the school buses may not be able to negotiate some or even all of the lanes and, therefore, will not be able to pick your children up. In such a case, should you consider using your own transport to bring them in, would you please also make arrangements to collect them at home-time, or sooner, if the weather should deteriorate.
Okehampton college
SECONDARY TRANSFER
Most children who leave the school at the age of eleven, transfer to Okehampton College. Okehampton College is a moderately large Comprehensive School with a range of excellent facilities all accommodated on one site. The College currently has a student population of approximately 1200 and caters for the 11 to 18 age range.
Parents and carers of children approaching secondary transfer will receive a booklet from the LA early in the Autumn Term outlining the arrangements for secondary transfer. Parents/carers will be asked to indicate their choice of Secondary School at this stage. Okehampton College, in common with many other Secondary School, arranges an Open Evening for parents and children which also takes place in the Autumn Term. Details and dates of these evenings are given in the booklet mentioned above.
There are very close links between Okehampton College and its feeder primary schools. Opportunities are extended to the children whereby they can experience an entire day at the College and staff from the College visit the Feeder Primary Schools to meet the children and parents. All of these events take place during the Summer Term. Particular attention is paid to children with Special Needs so that any possible disruption caused by the move to a new school can be reduced to a minimum.
Despite most children from North Tawton and surrounding villages go to Okehampton College this is not to say that they have to go there. Parents have the right to choose the school they would like their child to attend and providing the school has room this should be no problem. However, it must be pointed out that free transport is only available for children attending Okehampton College. Parents selecting other schools may find they will be expected to pay for transport or be responsible for transporting their children themselves.
Most children who leave the school at the age of eleven, transfer to Okehampton College. Okehampton College is a moderately large Comprehensive School with a range of excellent facilities all accommodated on one site. The College currently has a student population of approximately 1200 and caters for the 11 to 18 age range.
Parents and carers of children approaching secondary transfer will receive a booklet from the LA early in the Autumn Term outlining the arrangements for secondary transfer. Parents/carers will be asked to indicate their choice of Secondary School at this stage. Okehampton College, in common with many other Secondary School, arranges an Open Evening for parents and children which also takes place in the Autumn Term. Details and dates of these evenings are given in the booklet mentioned above.
There are very close links between Okehampton College and its feeder primary schools. Opportunities are extended to the children whereby they can experience an entire day at the College and staff from the College visit the Feeder Primary Schools to meet the children and parents. All of these events take place during the Summer Term. Particular attention is paid to children with Special Needs so that any possible disruption caused by the move to a new school can be reduced to a minimum.
Despite most children from North Tawton and surrounding villages go to Okehampton College this is not to say that they have to go there. Parents have the right to choose the school they would like their child to attend and providing the school has room this should be no problem. However, it must be pointed out that free transport is only available for children attending Okehampton College. Parents selecting other schools may find they will be expected to pay for transport or be responsible for transporting their children themselves.
CLUBS AND AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS
We have a range of after school activities. So far this year we have held: Choir, Story Telling, Netball, Girls Football, Drama, Yoga and Mindfulness, Cooking, Craft, Science, Drawing, Nurture Group, Forest School and Sewing. Do check emails as clubs are published to parents each half term.
Saints Southwest also run a weekly sports club.
We have a range of music teachers who visit the school each week and run tuition in a range of instruments such as guitar, brass, woodwind, drums, and singing. For further details please contact the school office.
Saints Southwest also run a weekly sports club.
We have a range of music teachers who visit the school each week and run tuition in a range of instruments such as guitar, brass, woodwind, drums, and singing. For further details please contact the school office.
- Home - School Learning - ixl Maths. Every child from Y1 to Y6 has access to this maths home-learning program, with a personal username/password
- Home Learning - All Subjects - @School WebsiteAll children in the school have access to @School with a Username/Password. This supports all subjects.
- Phonics Play This requires a Username and Password available from the school and supports phonics development
HOME - SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP AND HOMEWORK
Our emphasis is on setting home learning that is valuable to your child’s learning journey. We will therefore set home learning that helps your child to learn, rather than setting a task that takes a certain amount of time. For example, some children will work quicker than others and get more done in less time. The amount and type of home learning we set is at a level which most people feel is reasonable and is in line with pre - 2012 Department for Education guidelines detailed below:
The rough guidelines for primary school children are:
• Reception class, Years 1 and 2: one hour per week
• Years 3 and 4: 1.5 hours per week
• Years 5 and 6: 30 minutes per day
Your child shouldn’t be expected to spend much longer on home learning than the guide times. It doesn’t matter if activities don't take as long as the guide times as long as they are useful. Home learning is organised carefully, so that it is spread across the week.
The Guidelines also state;
All home learning activities should be related to work that children are doing at school. However, home learning should not always be written work (see illustration).
For younger children it will largely be:
• reading with parents or carers
• informal games to practice mathematical skills
For older children home learning activities may include:
• reading
• preparing a presentation to the class
• finding out information
• making something
• trying out a simple scientific experiment
• cooking
It doesn’t matter if activities don't take as long as the guide times as long as they are useful.
Why is home learning important?
• It raises your children’s achievement
• It consolidates and extends the work they have done in school
• It helps to inform you about your children’s schoolwork and allows and gives you the opportunity to support this work
• It is a valuable life skill and develops good work habits for secondary school and future employment.
What home learning should my child be doing?
This varies with different year groups, but you will be informed at the beginning of each year.
As a guide, you should expect:
EYFS: Daily reading, and when applicable, challenges will be set to consolidate learning in class (e.g maths, writing, understanding of the world etc).
Year 1 and 2: Reading for 5 minutes (minimum) every night, spelling weekly and a maths activity which will be decided upon by class teachers.
Key Stage 2 – Years 3, 4, 5 and 6: Reading for 10 minutes (minimum) every night, spelling weekly and a maths activity which will be decided upon by class teachers, this will be primarily based on Times Tables Rock Stars. Key stage 2 classes will also have an optional set of activities, related to the learning across the curriculum that they are undertaking in class.
Feedback on your child's home learning
The children need to know how well they have done and what they could do to develop. Sometimes work will be discussed in lessons, or teachers may give written comments on just one or two aspects of a piece of work. If a child has difficulties with a piece of home learning, they should discuss it with their teacher, or you might wish to discuss the problem with us yourself.
Should I help my child with home learning?
Home learning allows you to see what your children are doing and to support their learning. This partnership between school and home is a vital part of successful education. We take the view that children are likely to get more out of an activity if parents get involved.
If you are unsure about how much help to give, you should discuss it with your child's teacher. They will be pleased to see you and will help you to get the balance right. Please contact your child’s class teacher at the start/end of the school day by Dojo, or through the home-school book should you need to ask a question related to the home learning which has been set.
The rough guidelines for primary school children are:
• Reception class, Years 1 and 2: one hour per week
• Years 3 and 4: 1.5 hours per week
• Years 5 and 6: 30 minutes per day
Your child shouldn’t be expected to spend much longer on home learning than the guide times. It doesn’t matter if activities don't take as long as the guide times as long as they are useful. Home learning is organised carefully, so that it is spread across the week.
The Guidelines also state;
All home learning activities should be related to work that children are doing at school. However, home learning should not always be written work (see illustration).
For younger children it will largely be:
• reading with parents or carers
• informal games to practice mathematical skills
For older children home learning activities may include:
• reading
• preparing a presentation to the class
• finding out information
• making something
• trying out a simple scientific experiment
• cooking
It doesn’t matter if activities don't take as long as the guide times as long as they are useful.
Why is home learning important?
• It raises your children’s achievement
• It consolidates and extends the work they have done in school
• It helps to inform you about your children’s schoolwork and allows and gives you the opportunity to support this work
• It is a valuable life skill and develops good work habits for secondary school and future employment.
What home learning should my child be doing?
This varies with different year groups, but you will be informed at the beginning of each year.
As a guide, you should expect:
EYFS: Daily reading, and when applicable, challenges will be set to consolidate learning in class (e.g maths, writing, understanding of the world etc).
Year 1 and 2: Reading for 5 minutes (minimum) every night, spelling weekly and a maths activity which will be decided upon by class teachers.
Key Stage 2 – Years 3, 4, 5 and 6: Reading for 10 minutes (minimum) every night, spelling weekly and a maths activity which will be decided upon by class teachers, this will be primarily based on Times Tables Rock Stars. Key stage 2 classes will also have an optional set of activities, related to the learning across the curriculum that they are undertaking in class.
Feedback on your child's home learning
The children need to know how well they have done and what they could do to develop. Sometimes work will be discussed in lessons, or teachers may give written comments on just one or two aspects of a piece of work. If a child has difficulties with a piece of home learning, they should discuss it with their teacher, or you might wish to discuss the problem with us yourself.
Should I help my child with home learning?
Home learning allows you to see what your children are doing and to support their learning. This partnership between school and home is a vital part of successful education. We take the view that children are likely to get more out of an activity if parents get involved.
If you are unsure about how much help to give, you should discuss it with your child's teacher. They will be pleased to see you and will help you to get the balance right. Please contact your child’s class teacher at the start/end of the school day by Dojo, or through the home-school book should you need to ask a question related to the home learning which has been set.
ONLINE
ONLINE SAFETY
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In this digital age in which we all live, it has never been more important to be safe online both at home and at school. Through out computing curriculum we ensure that online safety is an integral part of our school provision. We aim to teach children how to stay safe on the internet and how to successfully use this wonderful resource. We teach children from a young age how to avoid certain dangers and how to use, for example, social media, in a positive way. We do this is a supportive manner so as not to alarm the children while at the same time, making it clear that there are potential risks including the integrity of their personal information. We tackle cyber bullying and use key events such as Safer Internet Day to support children in using the internet safely.
Should children or adults have any concerns then they should report it to the class teacher in the first instance. Below are some of the key documents around online safety and some useful websites and resources to support keeping everyone safe inline. Online Safety Documents and Links: |
SIMS parents lite
As a school, we use SIMS Parent Lite to collect and process key information about your child.
To find out more visit our SIMS Parent Page
To find out more visit our SIMS Parent Page
USEFUL LINKS
Devon's Family Information Service
https://new.devon.gov.uk/educationandfamilies/early-years-and-childcare/devon-family-information-directory
"Devon SEND Local Offer”
https://new.devon.gov.uk/educationandfamilies/special-educational-needs-and-disability-send-local-offer
Anti Bullying Website
https://www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk
https://new.devon.gov.uk/educationandfamilies/early-years-and-childcare/devon-family-information-directory
"Devon SEND Local Offer”
https://new.devon.gov.uk/educationandfamilies/special-educational-needs-and-disability-send-local-offer
Anti Bullying Website
https://www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk
MEDICAL INFORMATION
MEDICAL INFORMATION
As a school community we are very conscious of the affects which illness can have and in particular the way they can spread, given the close proximity of staff and children.
Normal Incubation Minimal exclusion period in days period
Sickness and diarrhoea 48hrs since last bout
Dysentery 1 - 7 until clinically fit
Chickenpox 14-21 6 days from rash
Diphtheria 2 - 5 until bacteriological examination is clear
German Measles 14-21 4 days from rash
Hepatitis A 15-50 7 days from rash
Scarletina & Scarlet Fever 2 - 5 Until clinical recovery
Whooping Cough 7 - 10 21 days from onset of cough
Impetigo Until skin is healed
Ringworm of Scalp Until cured
Headlice
- To this end, a list is set out below of the more common communicable diseases together with their minimal exclusion periods as recommended by the Department of Health and Social Security. The minimal exclusion period is the time, which you should keep your child away from school in order to minimise the risk of spreading infection.
Normal Incubation Minimal exclusion period in days period
Sickness and diarrhoea 48hrs since last bout
Dysentery 1 - 7 until clinically fit
Chickenpox 14-21 6 days from rash
Diphtheria 2 - 5 until bacteriological examination is clear
German Measles 14-21 4 days from rash
Hepatitis A 15-50 7 days from rash
Scarletina & Scarlet Fever 2 - 5 Until clinical recovery
Whooping Cough 7 - 10 21 days from onset of cough
Impetigo Until skin is healed
Ringworm of Scalp Until cured
Headlice
- This is the responsibility of parents and carers to check their children’s hair regularly. Head inspections are no longer carried out at school and a child will be sent home if headlice are seen on their head/hair. The school is aware of the recommended lotion to use if head infestation occurs. Regular combing is a real deterrent. The school sells ‘Lokombs’ which are advertised as having the ability to get rid of both eggs and lice, using a wet combing method. (These are available at the Office).
ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINES IN SCHOOL
Our policy on the administration of medicine in the school is based on advice given by the Area Health Authority.
If a child needs to take medicine at school, parents will be asked to complete an “Administration of medicine in school” form. The medicine should be brought to the school with the completed form. Only medicines prescribed by a doctor may be administered in school.
All medicines will be stored in a secure medicine cabinet/ fridge.
If your child should need cough sweets they must be given to the class teacher who will give them to the child when required.
Please remember that if your child is not well and needs to take medicine, it is much better to keep him/her at home, to ensure he/she recovers quickly and to avoid the possible spreading of infections to others.
If a child needs to take medicine at school, parents will be asked to complete an “Administration of medicine in school” form. The medicine should be brought to the school with the completed form. Only medicines prescribed by a doctor may be administered in school.
All medicines will be stored in a secure medicine cabinet/ fridge.
If your child should need cough sweets they must be given to the class teacher who will give them to the child when required.
Please remember that if your child is not well and needs to take medicine, it is much better to keep him/her at home, to ensure he/she recovers quickly and to avoid the possible spreading of infections to others.
SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICE
School Nurse is Steve Boddey. She visits the school regularly each year to carry out vision, hearing, weight and height measurements together with health interviews. She is involved in the promotion of good health and also participates in the classroom, talking about different aspects of Health Education. This in turn hopefully makes the child responsible for their own health at an early age.
Due to the changing role of the Community Dental Service, annual dental screening for all children no longer takes place.
The School Administrator can give you information as to when the School Nurse will be attending the school, or alternatively, where she can be contacted.
Due to the changing role of the Community Dental Service, annual dental screening for all children no longer takes place.
The School Administrator can give you information as to when the School Nurse will be attending the school, or alternatively, where she can be contacted.
