Attendance and punctuality
We would like to emphasise the importance of excellent attendance and hope that you and the children will make every effort to make sure that you are on time and ready for the school day. The school doors open at 08:35am so the children can settle down to their independent morning work. Children should be in school by 8:45am.
Mobile Phones
We understand that some pupils have mobile phones and that they use these as they walk to and from school on their own. We must stress that mobile phones should be turned off once your child has entered the school grounds. Mobile phones should then be given to a member of staff so that they can be securely put away during the school day and returned at the end of the day.
Homework
Homework will consist of spellings and home reading. There will also be a termly independent learning task.
Spellings
Spellings will be handed out to pupils on a Friday and tested the following Friday.
Home Reading
In Year 5, children are given daily opportunities to change their reading books and we expect them to be independent enough to identify when they need to do this.
It is essential that your child reads as frequently as possible to build their stamina for reading and we are looking for children to read at least three times a week at home – this should be recorded in their home reading record. We understand that parents/carers live busy lives but any time you can spare to listen to your child really would be extremely beneficial.
If your child has a book ‘on the go’ at home, they are welcome to bring it to school to read during independent reading time.
If your child has not had a chance to read at home during the week, we will provide the opportunity to do so during a breaktime or lunchtime reading club.
PE
Indoor PE: this takes place on a Tuesday afternoon. It is important that children have the correct, named kit for this: a white or blue plain t-shirt; black or blue shorts (tracksuit bottoms are also permitted) and black pumps.
Outdoor PE: this takes place on a Wednesday afternoon. It is important that children have the correct, named kit for this: a white or blue plain t-shirt; black or blue tracksuit bottoms; a plain black or blue sweatshirt and a pair of trainers. Our Sports Coach will lead both PE sessions.
Water bottles
We encourage all children to stay well hydrated throughout the school day. Children may bring water, flavoured water or low-sugar diluted juice into school in a named water bottle. Try to ensure your child’s bottle is of the non-spill variety. Bottles should be taken home daily to be cleaned.
Walking home
If you would like your child to walk home from school, please write a letter and send this into school to confirm this. Without written permission, we will not allow your child to leave school without a responsible adult.
Playtime and Tuck Shop - Playtime: 11:05 - 11.20
Tuck shop is available at morning break, where children can purchase toast for 20p and juice for 25p. We kindly ask that children use coins to purchase items and avoid bringing in cash in note form. Please note - any snacks brought in from home to be consumed at playtime should be kept in the classroom and not in your child's lunchbox as they will not be able to access this at playtime.
Supporting Sensory Needs
We understand that some children benefit from sensory resources during the school day. The school has a range of resources available to support children with sensory needs, so we kindly ask that children do not bring fidget toys, squishes or similar items in from home.
Birthday Sweets and Confectionery
Following recent government guidance around allergies, and with an increasing number of children in school living with complex food allergies, we are asking families not to send in sweets or other confectionery for children to share for birthdays or other celebrations from September onwards. We appreciate that this may be disappointing for some children, particularly when sharing birthday treats has been a familiar tradition. However, the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all our children must always come first.