WELCOME PACK

WHITE ROCK PRIMARY SCHOOL

EXPLORERS NURSERY AN

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Mrs Nicky Howard is the Assistant Head Teacher with responsibility for the Foundation Stage.

The time is fast approaching for your child to take their next step on their learning journey and join the Reception classes at White Rock Primary

School. This is an exciting time for both you and your child and we recognise the importance of their first experiences of school being positive

ones.

This booklet is designed to support parents and carers working in partnership with our Early Years Team. We aim to ensure that your child’s

start in their Reception class is a positive and pleasurable one.

WELCOME TO EARLY YEARS AT WHITE ROCK

These are the three classes:

Supporting Learning

DUCKLINGS

In addition to our teachers, children within the Reception classes will be supported by a team of Learning Support Assistants. Some of these

support individual children and some support across the team.

GOSLINGS CYGNETS Mr O’Sullivan Mrs Holloway Mrs Glew

SCHOOL DAY TIMINGS

START OF THE SCHOOL DAY... The doors into school for the Reception classes open at 8:45am. To

keep all of our children safe we ask that children do not arrive before this time and are supervised by an adult at all times until they are

welcomed into their classrooms. Access into and out of the Reception classrooms is solely through the doors from the undercover outside space. We ask parents to come in through these doors only

and to leave the same way.

This year the arrangements are that all children will start

full time from Monday 7th September. We have an experienced team who are skilled in supporting our

youngest learners in this huge step of joining White Rock Primary School.

Whilst starting full time from the first day of term will suit the majority of our children, you as parents and families are obviously the people who

know your child best. If you do not wish your child to start full time with us please speak to a member of the teaching team. We are keen to

personalise the transition to meet the needs of all of our individual children and families.

END OF THE SCHOOL DAY... School finishes at 3:15pm.

At the end of the school day children will be released from their classrooms via the doors onto the undercover outside space. We will

do this one at a time, as we see parents, in order to ensure that everyone is safe.

TERM TIMES

2020 - 2021 THIS YEAR ’ S TERM

DATES PLEASE LOOK AT TERM DATES CAREFULLY BEFORE BOOKING

ANY HOLIDAYSS

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO OUR SCHOOL WEBSITE: www.whiterockprimaryschool.co.uk/term-dates/

Talk to us!

Talk to us! We cannot emphasise how important it is to share any concerns you may have with one of

our team, no matter how small they may seem. We really believe that with little children the little things are the big

things and we take all parental concerns seriously.

HOW YOU CAN SHARE INFORMATION WITH THE SCHOOL

If you have any messages regarding your child please speak to any member of the Reception team or the main admin office.

Teachers are always happy to discuss your child’s learning and progress with you, but to ensure we are able to give you the time you deserve, please arrange to

meet with teachers at the end of the day. You can also email or call. All teacher’s email addresses are available on our school website under class pages at the

start of the new academic year. If you need to speak to us our school telephone number is 01803 577940. Please be aware teachers will be unable to talk during the day due to being in class, however if you feel it is urgent, please ask to speak

to a member of the leadership team and they will be able to help.

HOW THE SCHOOL SHARES INFORMATION WITH YOU

If there are any messages to share with you about your child one of the Early Years team will do so as you collect your child at the end of the school day. If we need to

chat to you about anything from the day we may ask you to wait until we have released the rest of the children, in order to make sure everyone has gone home

safely and also to give you our full attention. Likewise, if you need to speak with the teachers, we ask that you are patient with us and wait until the rest of the children

have been handed over to parents.

SHARING IMPORTANT INFORMATION WITH US

If you have any important messages to share with us, such as:

· A change of details (address, phone number etc)

· Someone else is due to pick up your child

· Your child is absent

· You may be late for collection

Please always inform the main admin office.

KEEPING YOU INFORMED OF WHAT’S GOING ON AT YOUR

CHILD’S SCHOOL

WHAT DOES THIS INCLUDE?

· Receive important text messages from school keeping you updated.

· Pay for school meals

· Pay for school trips

· Report your child’s absence

· Easy communication

· User friendly

· Quick

· Reliable

4 5

ACTIVATE YOUR ACCOUNT TODAY BY SIMPLY: Downloading the app click new user and put in your details. A text/email will be sent to your device with your log in details. Put in your login details

and then enjoy the school gateway app to help you keep up to date with all school information and so much more

DOWNLOAD

HOW DO I REPORT MY CHILD’S SCHOOL

ABSENCE ? LATES AN

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(WHERE POSSIBLE, PLEASE BRING WITH YOU YOUR CHILD’S MEDICAL LETTER/APPOINTMENT CARD, THE ADMIN TEAM WILL TAKE A COPY FOR YOUR CHILD’S FILE).

Reporting a Child Absent or Late Arrival If your child is going to be absent from school please contact us on 01803 577940 and choose option 1 to leave a message, you will need to confirm your child’s name, class

and reason for absence. Alternatively if you would prefer to talk to a member of staff you can call Reception from 8am.

If your child arrives after 8.55am they will need to report to Reception where they will be signed in.

If your child has a medical appointment please let a member of the admin team know the date and time, they will inform the class teacher on your behalf.

Should you need to collect or return your child during the school day please report to the admin office to sign your child in or out.

Thank you for your co-operation with the above procedures, it helps us to keep your children safe.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE RECEPTION TEAM ARE AWARE THAT YOUR CHILD HAS ARRIVED IN SCHOOL IN ORDER TO KEEP THEM SAFE IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE.

DON’T FORGET...

...ABOUT OUR SCHOOLGATEWAY APP! YOU CAN ALSO USE THE APP TO REPORT ABSENCES VIA THE MESSAGING SYSTEM.

If a child of compulsory school age is registered at a school it is

essential that they attend their school regularly and maintain a pattern of good

attendance throughout their school career. Excellent attendance at school is important to allow a child or

young person to fulfil their potential.

OVERVIEW

OUR SCHOOL’S ATTENDANCE INFORMATION Illness: Please can I remind all parents that they MUST call or

message the office to advise of any pupil absence before 9am.

Any absence as a result of sickness and diahorrea means that your child cannot return within 48 hours of the last occurrence.

Lateness: Any children arriving after 8.55am should be taken to reception to be signed in. Children arriving after 8.55am will be

classed as late and this will be recorded as an unauthorised absence.

Holiday: In line with Government regulations, holiday absences will NOT be authorised except in exceptional circumstances. All requests for consideration must be completed on an Absence Request Form and returned to the admin office. The following circumstances are not deemed as exceptional: birthdays; weddings; shopping trips; visiting relatives or relatives visiting; looking after unwell siblings;

parents or family members.

WARNING: If you allow your child to miss school in term for an avoidable reason without obtaining the prior approval of the school,

you may be issued with a Penalty Notice* or made the subject of court proceedings under section 444 of the Education Act 1996.

* The Penalty Notice is £60 per Child, Per Parent if paid within 21 days, increasing to £120 if paid after 21 days and before 28 days

ATTENDANCE INFORMATION

Below are just some of the key reasons why it is so

important children attend school:

· To learn.

· To make new friends.

· To experience new things in life.

· To gain qualifications.

· To develop new skills.

· To build confidence and self-esteem.

· To have the best possible start in life.

· Establish a good routine in the mornings and evenings so your child is prepared for the school day ahead.

· Ensure your child arrives at school on time - not late.

· Make sure your child goes to school regularly and follows the school rules.

· Arrange dental and medical appointments outside school hours when possible.

· If your child is not attending school as you expect they may be putting themselves at risk - Who are they with? What are they doing?

· Always inform the school if your child is absent due to illness - this should be followed up with a written note when your child returns to school.

· Do not take family holidays during term time.

· Talk to your child about school and take an interest in their school work (including home-work). · Always support school staff in their efforts to control difficult or challenging behaviour.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

77% of pupils achieved at least 5

GCSEs including English and Maths when they attended more than

95%

43% of pupils achieved at least 5

GCSEs including English and Maths when they attended more than

90%

32% of pupils achieved at least 5

GCSEs including English and Maths when they attended more than

80%

Less than 80% Attendance

DOES ABSENCE REALLY EFFECT MY CHILD’S FUTURE?

Greater than 95% Attendance

Less than 90% Attendance

WHEN YOUR CHILD CAN MISS SCHOOL? You can only allow your child to miss school if either:

· They’re too ill to go in

· You’ve got advance permission from the school

EVERY DAY COUNTS

How do I book a School Dinner?

EVERY DAY COUNTS

SCHOOL DINNERS

How do I book a School Dinner?

Go onto the School Gateway app. You can then click and choose all the school lunches your

child would like. You can do this in advance or one day at a time. Please

be aware that all lunch bookings

have to be made by

4.30pm the day before so that our onsite kitchen have

correct orders. All

lunches £2.30. You can pay

for a minimum of x4 lunches

at a time. Please find this terms

menu attached to this pack.

WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

· HOT DINNER

· VEGETARIAN HOT DINNER

· DELI SANDWICH

· JACKET POTATO These options are available every day and come with a option of veg and salad. You also get a yummy desert to choose from.

Did you know if your

child is in Reception

or Key Stage 1 they

are entitled to free

school meals!

EVERY TERM A NEW MENU GOES OUT TO PARENTS

WITH A VARIETY OF DELICIOUS FOOD CHOICES. IF THIS IS SOMETHING YOU ARE INTERESTED IN, KEEP

READING

WHAT WILL YOUR CHILD EAT/DRINK DURING

THE DAY?

Menus can be found

on the school website

SCHEME

For children under five All children under 5 are entitled to free milk, therefore you don’t need to

fill out any forms if you would like your child to have milk. If you would NOT like your child to be given milk please make your teacher aware of this.

Free milk will continue until the Friday before your child’s fifth birthday. You will receive a payment request three weeks before this time – if you

wish your child to continue to receive school milk simply make a payment.

For Children Over five

· Register your child online as soon as possible if you wish them to receive school milk. Shortly after registering you will receive a payment

request. Milk costs £15 per term.

In line with a Government initiative to promote and provide healthy eating at school, White Rock Primary School have teamed up with Cool Milk. Each child that registers with Cool Milk will receive a carton of semi-skimmed milk every day at break time, which is delivered fresh and chilled to their classroom. Their school milk will not only provide them with essential nutrients, but as it is rehydrating and

energy boosting it also bridges the gap between breakfast and lunch to help children stay focused.

This scheme is free to all under-fives. All children aged 5 and over are still able to take advantage of this scheme at a cost of £15 per term.

COOL MILK

You can pay Cool Milk either online, over the phone, at a local PayPoint or by cheque in half-termly, termly or annual instalments. If you have any questions regarding school milk please visit www.coolmilk.com or contact the school office

on 01803 577940 or email us on ecrome@white-rock-primary.torbay.sch.uk

WHAT WILL YOUR CHILD EAT/DRINK DURING

THE DAY?

You may have heard about the Government’s School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme. Under the scheme, each child aged four to six

in Local Authority maintained schools is entitled to receive a free piece of fruit or

vegetable each school day. The initiative behind the scheme is to encourage

children to eat more fruit/vegetables and help towards their 5-a-day, with the focus

being on reducing obesity and reducing the risk of heart disease,

stroke and some cancers.

It is hoped that by educating the children of the benefits of healthy eating, they will continue to eat healthily in

the future.

We are delighted that our school has been given the opportunity to participate in this exciting scheme, which reinforces our commitment to healthy eating. From the first day your child will be offered a free piece of fruit or

vegetable each day.

The scheme is voluntary, and although there is no obligation for your child to take part, we hope you will share our belief that it has many benefits. It is a great way to help us teach children the benefits of healthy

eating. If you do not wish your child to participate in the scheme, you must let the school know.

It is essential that you inform us of any allergies your child may have so that we can ensure they are not given anything that might harm them.

Please note fruit will not be available in school on the first day back from a school holiday therefore you should provide your child with a piece of fruit

for that day.

Why not join in with the children and have fresh fruit and veg delivered to your door!

Help raise money for our school by purchasing a veg box from Riverford Organic Farmers. Have a fresh box of veg delivered to

your door today and you could help raise money for our school while you eat. Free delivery and everything you receive will be 100% organic and fresh. Make 2020 the start of things to come and eat healthy by eating a veg box. Call 01803 227227 or visit

riverford.co.uk/vegfund for more information.

Veg boxes It is essential that you inform us of any

allergies your child may have so that we can ensure they are not given anything that might harm them.

scheme

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School FRUIT &VEG

WHAT WILL YOUR CHILD EAT/DRINK DURING

THE DAY?

WHAT IS OUR SCHOOL UNIFORM?

All children at White Rock Primary School are encouraged to take pride in their appearance and wear school uniform. It is our expectation that all children attending White Rock Primary School should wear school uniform.

A black or navy

sweatshirt or

cardigan and a red polo shirt.

Black or navy tights or socks

We understand that parents/carers sometimes can’t afford to

buy new polo shirts with logos embroidered onto them. That’s why we allow children to wear

plain red polo shirts too!

Plain grey, black or navy skirt, trousers

or shorts

Black shoes (no sandals/

heels/trainers etc)

Accessories must be minimal.

Red or Blue cheq-uered dress may be worn in the

summer with white ankle or high

socks. Shoes must still be worn in the

summer.

ALW

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YOUR CH

ILD’S UNIFOR

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· Red Polo shirt with collar. · Dark Blue school sweatshirt or cardigan (with logo) No

hoodies. · Dark Blue/grey/black plain shorts, trousers, pinafore dress or skirt. · White/black/grey/red/dark sensible coloured tights or socks. · Summer Term only - Blue and white or red and white check dress (no

sun dresses or anything that resembles beachwear). · Coats are essential in the Winter term. Coats should be dark colour.

CLOTHING:

SCHOOL UNIFORM

· Sturdy black or dark coloured sensible shoes. · Plain black trainers without visible logos or white

bottoms. · No sandals to be worn at any time. Toes must be covered for safety. · No heels or platforms.

FOOTWEAR:

Although each class has a specific day for their P.E and Dance lessons, it is sometimes necessary to change the time table. This means these lessons may take place on a day when your child will not be expecting it. It is requested that each child have their kit in school for the full week. Please see below to see the correct kit. For P.E clubs, children do not have to

wear their P.E kit, but should be appropriately dressed for they sport they will be participating in. Please read the clubs letter carefully each half term to ensure that the correct kit is available (e.g.

boots and shin pads for football). Lastly please ensure ALL P.E and clubs kit is clearly named as it makes it much easier to reunite with children with the correct kit.

P.E KIT WHAT ARE THE P.E KIT GUIDE LINES

Clothing - Your house colour t-shirt, dark blue/black shorts (Shorts

can be purchased from our suppliers with the school logo).

Tracksuits are suggested in the winter terms, but at the discretion

of the teacher.

Shoes - Sensible trainers (please only send your child to school

with laced trainers if they can tie them up themselves).

Plimsolls are acceptable, but are not ideal for outdoor

sports due to lack of grip.

Jewellery - Earrings must be removed or taped over for

every lesson.

Hair - Children with long hair must have their hair

tied back away from their face.

HOW DO I ORDER MY CHILD’S UNIFORM? Our uniform

provider is a local company meaning quick delivery.

They are also able to provide high quality uniform that is customised with your

child's name. To purchase any uniform please follow the link below:

www.schoolwear107.co.uk

· Sturdy black or dark coloured sensible shoes. · Plain black trainers without visible logos or white

bottoms. · No sandals to be worn at any time. Toes must be covered for safety. · No heels or platforms.

RECEPTION CHILDREN DO NOT REQUIRE A P.E KIT.!

Reception parents do not need to buy a P.E kit until Sports day where all children are

asked to wear their house colours. This is due to the fact that Reception children’s physical learning is ongoing.

Only park in spaces other cars can get past.

Drive slowly into and out of the car park due to children crossing.

Follow the suggested one way system when driving to school.

Stay focused and look out for little children walking in front of your car.

When driving out of the school entrance look both ways before pulling out.

If possible, park further away and walk. It’s healthier,

safer and is better for the environment.

DO NOT drop off children on the school zig zag lines.

Don’t double park as large vehicles need to get through

Don’t park in front of driveways or on the path.

Don’t park in the disabled spaces, leave them available for those who need them.

If you park near the school don’t ignore the signs designed to improve the safety for your children.

Don’t get road rage! You set an example for children who will copy your behaviour.

Please take the time to read this simple guide on how to keep your children safe when dropping off

and collecting them from school.

We also encourage everyone to walk or cycle to school. Evidence shows that children who are physically active on the way to school burn off

some of their excess energy, and are more able to settle

down and focus well in lessons. Also the more you walk, the less you use your car, therefore the less you spend on petrol and car

costs. And of course there’s the big reason - Helping the

planet! Why not read our guide or go on our

website for helpful tips.

Children must normally use a child car seat until they’re 12 years old or 135 centimetres tall, whichever comes first. Children over 12 or more than 135cm tall must wear a seat belt. You can choose a child car seat based on your child’s height

or weight.

CHILD SEATS -

WHAT IS THE LAW?

Please familiarise yourself with our one-way system, starting at the far

end of Davies Avenue, driving CLOCKWISE towards school.

However, this is not a legal one-way system and you will encounter

other road users driving the other way. Please may we ask you to be courteous to other road

users. This is a system which has been put in place to ensure that traffic moves as smoothly as

possible at the busy start and end of the school day.

SCHOOL DROP OFF &

COLLECTION

SUGGESTED ONE WAY

SYSTEM VISUAL MAP FOR

DROP OFF AND COLLECTION

WRAPS is a volunteer group of parents and supporters that help raise money for White Rock Primary School. They have put on some fantastic

shows and events that have raised money for resources that have allowed the school to enhance

the children’s learning. WRAPS is a non profit organisation and all money that is raised goes to the school. WRAPS have raised funds for a new minibus, ipads and so much

more. WRAPS is always looking for additional people to help their team. Are you someone that has loads of ideas? Wants to help our school? Be involved in a great community? Have a little spare time? If this sounds like something you would be interested in we'd love to hear

from you. Please contact us via email: wraps@white-rock-primary.torbay.sch.uk

ALWAYS A GREAT DAY FOR EVERYONE

WRAPS WHITE ROCK ASSOCIATION OF PARENTS AND SUPPORTERS

TAKE A LOOK AT SOME OF THE EVENTS WE HAVE ALREADY

HELD!

THAT’S A WRAP!

JOIN TODAY

Go to our school website to keep up to date with everything going on at White Rock Primary School. We are always updating and adding to the website so that our parents can get

an insight into our children’s learning. Each class has their own information page which includes a termly Curriculum map, contact details for teachers

and photographs of children’s most recent learning. The website also provides all the up to date letters, leaflets and flyers that are sent out. This is a great way to get current information even when your child is absent and you

may not receive a paper copy. To go to our website follow this link: www.whiterockprimaryschool.co.uk

OUR WEBSITE

IMPORTANT: DOWNLOAD THE

SCHOOL GATEWAY APP.

To get the most out of your child’s time at school you’ll receive important texts. Not only is School Gateway a great way to

communicate and keep parents updated but you can also

pay for school trips, meals and book

clubs using this great app.

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