John Wycliffe
Primary School
School Information Booklet
Updated April 2016
School details:
John Wycliffe Primary School
Moorbarns Lane
Lutterworth
Leicestershire
LE17 4QJ
Tel:
Fax:
01455 553135
01455 550470
Email:
[email protected]
www.johnwycliffe.leics.sch.uk
Twitter account - John Wycliffe@jwp_lutterworth
Headteacher:
Chair of Governors:
Mrs V Njoroge
Mrs K Tomkins
Dear Parents/Carers,
It gives us great pleasure to welcome you to our school of which we are
very proud.
This booklet is designed to help answer any questions you may have about
the day to day running and administrative arrangements within the school.
We have tried to include everything we feel you may want to know,
however, if we have missed something out or you need more detailed
information, please feel free to contact us.
We are here to help you so please don’t ever worry about dropping off
forgotten items or passing vital messages, or even if you need us to check
on your child during the school day.
Mrs Nuttall, Head Teacher &
The Office Team (Mrs Mellar, Mrs Lawson and Mrs Watts)
Office Opening Times
Office opens
Office closes
Answer machine:Press no. 1
Press no. 2
8.30am
3.45pm
Available at all times
To report pupil absence
To speak to office
School Times
School gate opens
School doors open
Classes begin
Morning Play
Lunch break
Key Stage 1 Play only
School closes
8.45am
8.50am
9.00am
10.50 – 11.05am
12.10pm –1.10pm
2.45pm – 3.00pm
3.20pm
A teacher is on duty in the playground from 8.50am. For the safety of
the children, we would be grateful if parents could ensure that their
children do not arrive at the school any earlier than 8.50am, as there is no
supervision before this time.
Children and parents are permitted to enter the building from 8.50am and
go quietly to their classroom to prepare for the day. This enables us to
have a calm and prompt start to learning at 9.00am. All teachers expect
their classes to start promptly at 9.00am, so please would all parents
leave the classroom by 9.00am.
If you need to speak to the teacher, and it isn’t urgent, please could you
make an appointment or catch them at the end of the day. The first 10
minutes are for vital messages and for the teachers to settle the children
and start them on their activities.
Wraparound Care
Nurture Me run and independent before and after school provision on
the school site from 7.30am until 9.00am and from 3.20pm to 6.00pm.
Please contact them direct to book on 01455 242382.
What if my child is late for school?
Please try and get your children to school on time - but better
late than never! Any child arriving after 9.00am, needs to
come through the visitor reception and be signed into school by an adult.
Late comers may have missed the register and therefore need to be
signed in for health and safety reasons.
What if my child is absent - illness/medical reasons?
If your child is absent please call the School Office on
01455 553135 by 10am on the first morning of their absence (Press 1 to leave a message 2 to speak to the office
staff). For the safety of all our children, we do ask for your co-operation
with this very important matter, particularly if your older child walks to
school alone.
Parents are obliged to advise the reason for their child's absence, as
the Local Authority requires every school to record pupil absences as well
as attendance records.
Please note that that in accordance with Health Protection Agency
Guidance, any child that has had sickness/diarrhoea must be clear of
the symptoms for a full 48 hours before returning to school.
If you have not contacted us about your child's absence, a text
message will be sent to you via our text messaging service, or we
will contact you by telephone. Please would you respond to this
immediately.
What if I need to make a medical/dental appointment during the
school day?
Whenever possible, appointments should be made outside of school hours
or at the beginning or end of the school day to minimise disruption. If
your child will be arriving late due to an appointment please call the
absence line as normal to advise us (& confirm if you need a hot dinner
booked)
What if I want to take my child out of school for a
holiday, family event, etc?
Every pupil should be in school on every day that they
are fit and well enough to attend.
With effect from 1st September 2013 the Department for Education has
stated that schools may not grant any leave of absence during term time
unless there are exceptional circumstances. This removes the opportunity
for parents to remove their child/ren during term time for family
holidays.
Parents wishing to take child/ren out of school for any reason during term
time must first seek the headteacher’s permission in writing, in
advance. Authorisation is not automatic. All absences disrupt a child’s
education and we would urge you to consider very carefully before
taking your child out of school during term time.
What time does the school day end?
The school day ends at 3.20pm. Please collect your child promptly from
the playground, entering and leaving the school grounds via the Millennium
Way pedestrian gate. It is an expectation that all children below Year 5
will be collected by an adult. Children in Years 5 & 6 are allowed to walk
home unaccompanied provided written permission has been given.
The front Visitor Reception entrance/exit is for staff and visitors only.
What happens if I cannot collect my child at the end of the school
day, or I am running late?
If somebody different is collecting your child from school please advise
their class teacher in the morning or inform the School Office. If you
are unavoidably delayed on route to school, and cannot make alternative
arrangements, please call us and we will keep your child safe in school until
you arrive.
What happens if my child is ill during the school day?
Although we do the best we can, there is no comfortable,
quiet place for children to rest in school for more than a
short time. In cases where children are too ill to stay in
school, parents are contacted by telephone.
Minor ailments, bumps and bruises will be dealt with by our duty staff who
is first aid trained. You will be notified of any first aid treatment given.
What if my child requires medication in school?
In general terms we cannot administer medicines of any kind in
school, unless agreed by the Head Teacher. If your child is on
short-term medication such as antibiotics or pain relief you, or a
representative, may call in at school to administer the medicine.
If, however, your child is on long term medication, and wouldn't be able to
attend school safely, without it, then arrangements will be made eg;
asthma, epipens, etc. Parents must complete a “Medical Consent Form”
for ALL medication kept in school and ensure it is clearly named and in
date.
The school keeps a register of all known asthmatics, which is updated
regularly. The school’s asthma policy includes arrangements for access to
inhalers and guidance for staff. It is important that your child always has
access to their inhaler, please ensure this is kept in school.
For the safely of our youngest children, please do not send any medication
into school in children's bags or lunchboxes, etc.
Will my child have a medical at school?
Parents of new children will be asked to complete a questionnaire by
the Lutterworth School Nurses Team, 01455 553034. Any issues
arising from the questionnaire will be discussed with you or you can
contact them at Lutterworth Leisure Centre,
Leicestershire & Rutland PCT carry out hearing, dental and weight and
height checks on children during their school years. You will be notified
of these in advance.
What happens if there is an outbreak of head lice in the school?
Head lice do occur in schools from time to time. As the school
nurse is no longer able to make regular routine checks, it is
essential that parents check their children’s hair regularly. If you find
that your child has head lice, please treat before sending your child into
school and also let us know. We will notify parents and send out some
helpful advice.
How does the school make sure that my child is safe around school?
Please note that children may not leave the premises
unaccompanied during the school day.
Road safety features regularly in class and assemblies.
Occasionally outside speakers visit to remind children of the
importance of pedestrian safety.
Please do ensure that both you and your children use Millennium Way
pedestrian entrance to enter and exit the school.
Car parking - Unfortunately there are no parking facilities for parents
within the site. We would appreciate if parents would refrain from using
the car park to pick up and drop off children, except in emergency. Please
do park sensibly away from the school gates avoiding parking on double
yellow lines and zigzags. Please do put our children’s safety above
convenience.
Cycling - Children are allowed to cycle to school and can leave them
securely locked in the cycle park as the school is unable to insure them.
As cloakroom space is limited, we ask that helmets are not brought
into school. Parents may either take helmets home with them or
purchase a key for a locker (£10 deposit -refundable when key
returned). Cyclewise lessons are organised for children in
their final year at John Wycliffe. (There may be a charge
for this tuition.)
What if I change my address or telephone number?
If you change your address, your place of work, or telephone number
please inform us immediately, so that our emergency information is kept
up-to-date.
How will I know about important events in school?
A newsletter is produced on Friday each week with lots of
useful information about events going on in and around school.
We prefer to send this out by email so please provide us with
a current email address. (Paper copies are always available
from the school office).
A Curriculum Flyer is sent out by each year group at the start of every
term. This gives detailed information about topics and activities which will
be covered in your child's year group that term.
Where can I obtain the correct clothing?
We are very proud of our uniform at John Wycliffe Primary and
the Governors encourage all children to wear school uniform at all
times. All clothing must be clearly labelled with your child’s
name.
Sweatshirts, pullovers and cardigans with the school logo are available
from:1) The Schoolwear Centre in Rugby (3 High Street, Rugby CV21 3BG and
the phone number is 01788 542202), order online at their website
www.schoolwearsolutions.com
2) Tesco Online at www.tesco.com/ues
The Friends of John Wycliffe Primary School, our PTA, also hold 'nearly
new' uniform sales in school at least once per term. Look out for details
in the newsletter.
Does my child require PE kit in school every day?
Please send in your child's kit on a Monday and leave it on the peg until
Friday when it may be taken home for washing. Kit should comprise of a
pair of shorts/jogging bottoms, a plain t-shirt and a pair of
plimsolls/trainers.
Will my child have swimming lessons?
At the moment children in Years 3/4 have swimming lessons
on a Thursday during the Autumn and Spring terms, Letters are sent to
parents giving details of dates and payments for swimming, prior to the
first lesson.
Can my child wear earrings/jewellery to school?
Children may wear a watch and simple stud earrings but these
must be removed prior to PE lessons. Please ensure your child can
remove earrings independently or has tape to cover them
independently as staff are not permitted to do this due to Health and
Safety. All earrings must be removed prior to swimming lessons.
What equipment does my child require for school?
All books and writing materials are provided. It would be useful for your
child to have a book bag/school bag. Please ensure all items are clearly
named.
What if my child loses their property?
A lost property box can be found at the rear entrance to the school
between the Key Stage 1 and 2 classrooms. More valuable lost items (e.g
purses, keys, glasses etc) are kept in the Office. It is most important
that all items of clothing are permanently marked with the child's
name. All un-named property left at the end of the term is donated
to charity.
Are valuables safe in school?
Children should not bring valuable or expensive items to school. Whilst
staff take reasonable steps to safeguard personal property, we cannot be
held responsible for any loss or damage to personal property.
Please note that the County Council does not maintain any insurance cover
in respect of personal property not belonging to the County Council, which
is brought on to school premises. Any valuables brought to school are
therefore at parents and children's own risk.
Can my child bring a mobile phone to school?
Please only send your child to school with a mobile phone if it is
essential for their safety as they walk to/from school
unaccompanied. All mobile phones must be brought to the Office
for safekeeping during the school day and should be labelled with your
child's name and switched off.
What options are available for lunchtimes?
school website.
The school operates a cash cafeteria which enables
children to choose daily whether or not they want a hot
dinner. School meals are prepared daily on site and a menu
is available from the school office or downloaded on the
With effect from September 2014 the DfE are providing universal free
school meals for all children in Foundation Stage, Year 1 and Year 2.
For all children in Year 3 and above the cost of a hot dinner including a
dessert but not a drink will be £2.15 (as at September 2015).
Children should bring their lunch money in a named purse or wallet.
Jugs of drinking water are always available.
Special arrangements can be made for children with allergies. Please
make us aware of any allergies before your child has a hot dinner as
School Food Support may need to prepare an individual menu for your
child.
All hot dinners need to be ordered by 10.00am so if your child is arriving
late to school and requires a hot dinner please let us know before this
time. Even if your child is entitled to a free hot dinner.
Alternatively a packed lunch may be brought in or children are allowed to
go home for lunch by prior arrangement with the school office.
What if my child forgets their lunchbox or lunch money?
No child is ever allowed to go without lunch. If we are unable
to contact you we will loan your child money for a hot dinner.
You will be notified of the amount and we ask that you repay
the money to the Office the following day.
Is my child eligible for Free School Meals?
You may check if you are eligible by telephoning Free School Meals on
0116 305 6588 or you can check their website
www.leics.gov.uk/index/education or speak to the office staff.
Even if your child has a universal free school meal as they are in
Foundation, Year 1 or Year 2, you still need to register as you will benefit
from being able to pay half towards the cost of school trips, swimming
lessons, etc. It will also mean that your Key Stage 2 child can have a free
hot dinner.
Does my child have milk in school?
Milk is available via Cool Milk for all children. To
register and arrange payment please pick up a form
from the school office or go to www.coolmilk.com
Milk for under 5s is free, however you still need to register with Cool Milk
to arrange delivery of milk to school.
Can I send a break time snack and drink into school?
Children can bring in a snack for mid-morning break but
please encourage them to make healthy choices (fresh
fruit or vegetables are the preferred choice). Food from
lunch boxes will not be available until the lunchtime so please pack this
separately.
Children in Foundation Stage and Key Stage One are provided with a piece
of fresh fruit/vegetables daily as part of the Fruit for Schools
Scheme.
Children are encouraged to bring a named bottle of drinking water
for use throughout the day.
In line with government recommendations, our school is a nut
and sesame free zone in order to minimise the risk to pupils
with allergies. Please ensure that all food that is sent into
school complies with this as we do have children in school that would be
gravely affected by contact with nuts or sesame.
Can I send cash into school?
Any money for day visits or other reasons should always be sent in an
envelope clearly marked with the child's name and class and handed to the
School Office or Class Teacher. Cheques should be made payable to LCC John Wycliffe Primary.
Do we have to pay for any activities?
The Governors recognise the valuable contribution that a wide range of
additional activities can make towards pupils' personal and social
education. On occasions, parents will be asked to make a contribution
towards these valuable activities.
If you are having any difficulty with a contribution to school activities
please do come and speak to us as we may be able to help. Some families
are eligible for Pupil Premium funding — we will write to you individually
about this.
When will I meet with my child’s teacher?
Parent Teacher meetings are held in the Autumn and Spring
Terms and a written report at the end of Summer
Term. You are welcome to visit the school with any concern
that you may have at any other time, by making a convenient appointment
with your child's teacher. Please telephone the School Office to arrange
this.
Can parents visit or help out in school?
Parents and grandparents are often invited into school for
weekly parent reading sessions, Grandparents, Mums or Dads
afternoons, special assemblies or performances. If you
wish to volunteer to help out on a school trip, or as a
volunteer in a classroom, please contact the Office. Please
note that a DBS check will be required in advance.
What happens in severe weather conditions?
If the school has to close due to severe weather conditions,
notification will be made via our text messaging service. Closures
will also be announced via Radio Leicester 104.9 FM,
www.bbc.co.uk/leicester
If possible, our school website and
answer phone message will also be updated with the latest
information.
When are the school holidays?
School holidays dates are published on the Leicestershire County
Council website, on our school website www.johnwycliffe.leics.sch.uk
and occasionally in the school newsletter.
Who are the school staff?
School staff are listed on our website and photographs of current staff
are on display in the visitor reception area.
Can I talk to you in confidence?
Everything you choose to tell us about your child or family circumstances
is confidential and will only be used in school.
Anything that happens in school concerning your child will not be discussed
with anyone outside of school without your prior consent (unless the
headteacher believes the safety of a child is at risk).
What if I have a complaint?
All complaints about any aspect of school life must initially go to the
headteacher, who will in most cases be able to solve the problem. This is
the ‘informal stage’.
Any complaint that cannot be solved in this way enters the ‘formal stage’,
where the headteacher advises the parent how to take the complaint to
the School Governors.
Further details of our complaints policy and procedures are on the school
website or contact the School Office.
Your comments
This booklet has been written to help new parents. We hope that you will
find it useful, accessible and informative. We believe that it contains the
majority of the basis day to day information you will need whilst also given
you an overview of procedures and routines followed in school.
It would be useful to have your input and response to the information.
Therefore, as you use it, please note here any comments or omissions
which would enable us to improve the quality of this booklet.
Thank you