Water Leys Primary School
Information for Parents
Working together, learning forever
Water Leys Primary School
Guilford Drive
Wigston
Leicester
LE18 1HG
Headteacher: Mr Mark Westmoreland
Tel: 0116 288 4135
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.waterleysprimaryschool.co.uk
Contents Page
Times of the school day 1
What to do if your child is late for school 2
What to do if your child is absent from school
Reporting medical absences
Medical appointments
Holidays during term time
2
School uniform
PE kit
Forest School kit
Swimming kit
Lost property
3
Payments to the school 4
How school and parents keep in contact
Home School diaries
Telephone
Text
School Gateway smartphone app
Parents’ evenings
Visits
Newsletters
Website
School Nurse
Headlice
4-6
Safeguarding and Child Protection 6
Arrangements for school meals
Cost of school meals
Free school meals
6
School milk and fruit scheme 7
Child care out of school hours
Breakfast club
After school care
After school clubs (Years 1 to 5)
School holiday activities
7-8
What to do if your child needs medication at school
Asthma
8
Forest School at Water Leys 9
Cooking at Water Leys 10
Some important Health and Safety information
Bicycles and scooters
Parking
Nut allergies
Sun safety
Dogs on school premises
11
School holidays calendar (School Year 2016/2017) 12
1
Times of the school day
BREAKFAST CLUB
7.30am – 8.30am
START OF SCHOOL DAY
Key Stages 1 and 2:
8.30am Gates open
8.40am Registers
Foundation Stage:
8.40am Doors open
8.50am Registers
LUNCH TIMES
Foundation Stage: 11.45am – 12.55pm
Key Stage 1: 12.00pm – 1.00pm
Key Stage 2:
Year 3-4: 12.00pm – 1.00pm
Year 5-6: 12.15pm – 1.15pm
END OF SCHOOL DAY
Foundation Stage: 2.55pm
Key Stages 1 & 2: 3.00pm
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What to do if your child is late for school If you are late arriving at school and the outside doors or gates are locked please
bring your child in through the main reception doors, then report to the school
office who will record that your child is in school. You will be asked to give a
reason why your child is late. We need to know by 9.00am if your child
requires a school meal.
Similarly, if you come to collect your child before the end of the school day
please inform the school office who will record that your child has left the
premises.
Please inform your child’s class teacher in the morning or telephone the school
office if your child is going to be collected by someone who does not normally
collect them.
What to do if your child is absent from school Pupils should not be sent to school if they are unwell. If your child has been sick
or has diarrhoea they should be kept off school for 24 hours following the last
episode.
Reporting medical absences
If your child is unwell please inform the school by telephone as soon as possible.
There is a voicemail service if you wish to leave a message before school opens.
Medical appointments
If your child has a medical appointment please inform the school by telephone.
Holidays during term time
Following the guidelines for pupil absence issued by The Department of Education,
Headteachers can not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there
are exceptional circumstances.
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School uniform Our school uniform colours are red, white and grey.
Grey trousers or skirt
White shirt or polo shirt
Red sweatshirt or cardigan
Black shoes not trainers or boots
In the summer girls can wear a red and white check dress
In FS2 and KS1 each child should have a red book bag which you can
purchase from school.
PE kits need to be in school daily. It should be stored in a small drawstring bag
which you can purchase from the school office. Children will take their PE kits
home regularly to allow for washing.
Forest School kits need to be brought into school when your child has Forest.
Your child will need a Forest School kit bag which can be purchased from school if
you wish.
Swimming kit: Key Stage 2 children go swimming during one term out of the
school year. The kit should be in a waterproof drawstring bag.
Swimsuit/trunks
Towel
If you would like your child to wear goggles please compete the relevant form which
is available from the office.
Lost property is kept in the reception area.
It is important that all uniform, including bags, is named.
Key Stage 2
Black shorts
White polo shirt or t-shirt
Black plimsolls
Jogging bottoms
Jumper
Trainers
Foundation Stage and
Key Stage 1
Black shorts
White polo shirt or t-shirt
Black plimsolls
Cold weather
Waterproof coat
Hat, scarf and gloves
Suitable outdoor
footwear, e.g. wellingtons
Outdoor trousers
Warm weather
Long trousers
Long sleeved top
Sun hat
Trainers
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Payments to the school The school has access to an online payment service called ‘Parent Pay’ for which
you will be issued with a login and password by the school. School meals, trips and
after school clubs should all be paid using this service.
How school and parents keep in contact We believe that the school and home partnership is very important and we are
always trying to find new ways of improving communication with parents. Here
are some examples of how we are communicating:
Home School diaries
This is a book which travels daily to and from school with the pupil. Your child's
class teacher will record guided reading in the diary and we ask that you record
any reading your child does at home.
Telephone
You are welcome to phone the school at any time during the school day. A
member of the Office team will take a message if the person you wish to speak to
is not available.
Text
The school has a text messaging service which is used for occasional messages to
parents, e.g. school closure due to adverse weather conditions. You will also
receive a text to inform you if your child has had a minor bump to the head during
the day.
The school uses email wherever possible to send out newsletters, letters and
other information.
It is important that we have your up-to-date telephone
numbers (mobile and/or landline) as we may need to contact
you if your child is unwell during the school day.
Please remember to let us know if your number
changes.
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School Gateway smart phone app
The School Gateway smart phone app is completely free, it cuts the costs of text
messaging and the money saved can be better used elsewhere in the school.
If you have a smart phone, you simply need to install the app from Google Play
Store or Apple App Store.
Step 1: Search the app store for ‘School Gateway’, install the app and open it
Step 2: Select I’m a new user, enter your email and mobile number – your PIN
number will then be sent to your phone
Step 3: Enter your pin and login
You will now receive messages from us through the app instead of by text. Your
phone will buzz/ring just like when a text message arrives. So you will:
receive instant notification of messages
receive messages using Wi-Fi, even when there is no mobile signal
not be charged for sending replies back to the school
be able to store and receive messages all in one place
If your mobile phone doesn’t have an app facility we will continue to send
messages via text instead.
Parents’ evenings
These are held during the Autumn and Spring terms. We use an online booking
system for all appointments. You will receive a letter informing you of the dates
and times of Parents’ Evening and how to log-in to book your appointments.
Visits
There are occasions over the year when parents are invited into school, for
example, school concerts, sports day, assemblies and parent activity sessions with
the children.
Newsletters
We send regular newsletters which will include important information and news of
what is happening in the school. These can also be found on the website.
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Website
The school website address is www.waterleysprimaryschool.co.uk.
Please visit our website regularly to see our latest news, information and pictures
of our activities.
School Nurse
Our School Nurse, Lindsey Franks, can offer advice and support on medical issues
within the school and is available to all parents should they have any concerns.
Her contact number is 0116 264 2680.
Headlice
We ask to be informed by parents if they find that their child has headlice so
that we can send a letter to the parents of children in that year group. If you
receive a letter and find that your child has headlice, please try to ‘bug bust’ as
outlined in the letter.
Safeguarding and Child Protection Parents/carers should know that the law requires all school staff to pass on
information which gives rise to a concern about a child’s welfare.
Arrangements for school meals Lunch is a learning opportunity to gain and practise social and independence skills.
Your child could bring a packed lunch (which should be in a clearly labelled
lunchbox) or have a hot school dinner.
Please be aware that we have a number of pupils and staff who have severe nut
allergies and we therefore ask that your child does not bring any products
containing nuts to school.
Cost of school meals
School meals are free for all children in Foundation Stage, Year 1 and Year 2. For
children above these year groups the cost is £2.20 per day (price as at October
2017).
Free school meals
Please contact the school office if you think your child may be eligible for Free
School Meals. If your child is eligible but is in FS, Year 1 or Year 2 please still
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apply as the school will receive a Pupil Premium which will benefit parents by
assisting with the cost of school trips and residentials, swimming and after school
clubs.
School milk and fruit scheme Free school milk is available for children under 5 years of age and for any
children in receipt of free school meals. If you wish to pay for your child to have
school milk, or if your child is eligible for free school meals and you would like
them to have milk, please ask a member of our office team.
We are part of the government scheme that offers a free piece of
fruit to all FS and Key Stage One children. If you do not wish your
child to take part in this scheme please inform the office.
Child care out of school hours
Breakfast Club
Monday to Friday from 7.30am – 8.30am
Prices including breakfast (as at October 2017)
7.30am – 8.30am: £2.00
8.00am – 8.30am: £1.00
Free from 8.00am (no breakfast)
Children can play games, do homework, read their books or just chat to their
friends before going onto the playground at 8.30am.
Please note:
Children should enter by the Community Corner (Burleigh) doors. These doors
will be closed at 8.25am, after which children should enter school in the usual
way.
Please do not bring cars into the car park at any time.
Parents should be aware that this is an extra service provided by the school
for your convenience. Attendance at this club is subject to good behaviour at
all times.
After school care
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Poplars Club are on-site and offer after school care until 5.30pm. To make an
enquiry or book a place please telephone 257 3729.
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After school clubs (Year 1 to Year 6)
The school offers many after school activities, some of which change from term
to term. These activities are available for children from Year 1 to Year 6. Some
examples are choir, fit club, football, multi-skills, netball, cricket and athletics.
The school writes to parents to inform them of available clubs and sends a
booking form.
School holiday activities
The school and Poplars Club run joint school holiday activities during all
holidays except Christmas. You will receive details before each school
holiday.
What to do if your child needs medication at school If your child needs to take medication during the school day please complete a
medication form which is available from the school office. All medication
must be in its original container with the pharmacist’s instructions.
Asthma
If you child has asthma and needs an inhaler in school you must provide two
inhalers. One will be kept in a central location and the other will be in your child’s
classroom and will be taken with your child during Forest School sessions, PE,
school outings etc.
You will be issued with an Asthma Card which should be completed by you and
your GP/Asthma Nurse.
It is your responsibility to ensure that the inhalers are replaced as necessary and
are in date.
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Forest School at Water Leys Forest School runs throughout the whole school year so
that children can experience all weathers and the changing
seasons
It encourages children to become independent, use their imagination, take
appropriate risks within boundaries and initiate learning for themselves. It
covers many aspects of learning, including the emotional and spiritual aspects
of learning where self-esteem and self-confidence can grow and positive
relationships with their peers can be formed
It encourages children to become aware of our environment and learn how to
care for it, including helping to maintain our woodland to ensure the survival of
all native flora and fauna and finding out about ecosystems
It is fun!
Forest School forms part of the curriculum and supports the main curriculum
subjects, for example:
Maths
Counting different objects in the environment
Making a treasure hunt to follow a grid map
Mathematical shapes and structures
English
Speaking and listening
Stories about the environment
Making posters or leaflets about different things spotted in the area
Science
Identifying and naming the trees and wildlife and studying their needs
from the environment
Mini-beast hunting using magnifying glasses
Pollination and nectar
Pond dipping to look for different species of plants and animals,
identifying the ones suited to that environment
Creating awareness of the needs of wildlife and how to treat it with
respect
Design Technology and Art
Making pegs etc. using different types of wood
Making friendship bracelets
Make a Forest School café using natural resources
Modelling or making pictures using what can be found
Looking at camouflage – what makes the best thing to use?
Music
Make musical instruments from different wood etc.
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Cooking at Water Leys
Cooking encourages the children to become more
independent and adventurous by trying different foods
It gives children the confidence to learn new skills
Children learn the importance of hygiene, health and safety in the
kitchen
Children are taught the correct procedures when using different
utensils and appliances in the kitchen
Each year group has curriculum linked topics
Children learn about healthy eating and a balanced diet
Children learn to plant their own produce in the school grounds
It is fun!
Cooking forms part of the curriculum and supports the main curriculum subjects,
for example:
Maths Measuring
Weighing
Prices and value for money
English
Speaking and listening
Making hygiene and health and safety posters
Making recipe booklets
Using books for research
Science Identifying the changes when mixing different ingredients
Learning of the difference between steam and smoke
Identifying solids, liquids and gases
Turning a solid into a liquid by melting
Using senses such as smell, taste and texture
Design Technology and Art
Learning about presentation, e.g. decorating cakes and biscuits for
school fundraising events
Making gift bags
Creating and designing recipe cards and booklets
Religious Education
Learning about and making foods from different events and festivals
such as Diwali, Vasaki, Easter, Christmas and Chinese New Year
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Some important Health and Safety information
Bicycles and scooters
We advise that children cycling to school wear a helmet. We ask that
children dismount when they reach the school gates and walk with their
bikes and scooters whilst on the school grounds to be aware of
others. Bikes and scooters can be parked in the ‘Pitts Stop’ – our covered
cycle shelter.
Parking Please do not park on the yellow zig-zag lines near the school, block
any of our neighbours’ driveways or use the school gateways to turn in.
The area outside the school at the beginning and end of the school day
is very busy with pedestrians and vehicles, so it is important to consider the safety
of the children during these times. The school car park is for staff only.
Nut allergies
We have children and staff with severe nut allergies in school.
Please do not send products into school that contain nuts, including
all food and suncream e.g. coconut.
Sun safety
On sunny days please send your child/children in with a hat to wear in
the playground and make sure that their t-shirts cover their shoulders.
If your child brings suncream to school it must be labelled with their
name. It should not contain any nut products (including coconut) and
children should apply it themselves. Please make sure they bring their
water bottles every day.
Dogs
Dogs are not allowed on the school premises.
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