WITHYMOOR SCHOOL

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THE CHILD :

The class teacher is concerned not only for the educational progress, but also for the social and personal development and well-being of your child. There may be times when difficulties arise, and if they do, we try to involve parents at an early stage rather than leave it until later. We hope, as parents, you will do the same with us. Please do not hesitate to let your child’s teacher know if you have any worries or problems regarding school.

It would be appreciated if you would observe the following rules.

•	If your child is absent from school we must have a note or a phone call (on the first day) to explain the absence.
•	For their own safety no child will be allowed to leave the school premises during school hours, for any reason, without prior permission from the parents and then only by being collected by the parent or nominated person.
•	You can be assured that no child is taken off school premises for educational purposes during normal school hours unless you know about it.
•	All children are told that they should return to their teacher if the person who collects them is not there at the end of the school day. (If you have an emergency and you find that you are going to be late in picking your child up, a quick phone call is most reassuring to everyone concerned.)
•	Please make sure that all your child’s personal property (especially clothing) is clearly labelled.
•	Toys. Young children may bring a small pocket sized toy for playtimes. larger toys only by permission. Traditional toys, such as skipping ropes and plastic footballs, may be used. A selection of playtime toys is available for children to use.

You should be aware that neither the school nor the L.E.A. accepts responsibility for any personal property on school premises. It is most unfortunate but we do have very rare occasions when items ‘go missing’ and it can be very distressing to find that there is no insurance cover when this happens. Our advice would be not to bring anything of value to school but leave it at home.

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INDUCTION PROGRAMME :

Withymoor sees this process as one of the most important stages both in the life of the child and that of its parents. Therefore, we do our utmost to ensure that the induction process is a pleasurable experience for all involved.

There is a planned programme to ease your child into his or her new routine which takes the following format:

There is a planned programme to ease your child into his or her new routine.

•	Parents’ information meeting. Everything you need to know about school, a chance to meet staff, look around and ask questions.
•	Children visit the school for afternoon activity sessions with a reception class teacher.
•	Story sessions and library visits. Your child can join other children for afternoon story time and may76 also borrow books from the school library.
•	School lunch. You, and your child, can stay to try out school dinners and see for yourself.
•	Most children start school in September, or January, with half-day sessions for the first few days.

Full details of the school induction programme will be sent to parents during the term prior to starting school.

KEEPING PARENTS INFORMED :

In order to build an effective partnership with parents in the education of our children Withymoor works hard to keep parents fully informed about their child’s progress and about school events and opportunities.

Parents Evenings –

parent consultation meetings are held in the Autumn Term and Spring Term. Parents are given an opportunity to see their child’s work as well an an appointment to meet the child’s class or set teacher to discuss settling in issues, to set targets and priorities and to review progress.

School reports –

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a written report is sent home at the end of the Summer Term. Teachers are available to discuss concerns arising from reports. Reports detail children’s attainments in particular subjects as well as their social, emotional and moral development.

Information evenings –

these evening sessions are held periodically to help parents to understand our curriculum and its delivery at Withymoor. New developments in education which will affect your child are discussed as well as ways in which you can help your child to do better at school.

Newsletters and information letters –

a school newsletter will be sent to you (via your child) at the start of each half term to keep you informed of school events, pupils’ achievements and other school developments. Important dates for your diary will also be included. Additional copies of newsletters can be provided on request.

Details of special events, trips, activities or changes to school routine will be sent in addition to half-termly newsletters. Some letters may require a response from parents or consent for your child to take part in specific activities.

Parental concerns and questions –

if you have any concern about your child’s education you should get in touch with the school immediately. In most cases the first point of contact will be your child’s class teacher. The Headteacher and Deputy are also available to deal with concerns. Please do not wait until parents evening - early intervention in a problem can often solve it quickly! Teachers are available before and after school for quick messages. Please make an appointment for other matters when teachers can give you their full attention.

We want all our children to be happy to come to school and this is best achieved by working closely with parents in a true partnership. Good communication between home and school will help us to provide the very best for your child.

COMPLAINTS :

Arrangements for dealing with complaints about the curriculum and other matters

Any parent wishing to make a general complaint about the delivery of the school curriculum, or any matter, should, in the first instance, get in touch with the Headteacher at the school.

Arrangements for parents and other wishing to make a formal complaint to the governing body, or LEA, are kept in school.

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