FAQs

How much is dinner money and how do I pay it?

Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 children receive universal free school meals.

Dinners currently cost £2.40 a day.

Dinner money can be paid on a Monday for that week with cash or by cheque for children in KS2. Free money pockets are available from the office. Alternatively you can pay on Parent Pay found under Parents [lunch payments]. The school is looking into providing a greater choice of meals e.g. hot/cold, meat/veg. Read more here.

Why should I sign up for free school meals when there are universal free school meals? Are there any other benefits from claiming them?

If you think your child may be entitled to free school meals, please speak to a member of staff in office who will be pleased to help you. Apart from help with meals you may also be able to get help with uniform, equipment and school visits. Read more here.

Can I park at the school?

There is no parking available for parents and carers. The school is situated in a residential area and we ask parents to park with due consideration for the safety of our children. In special circumstances permission to park on school grounds may be granted by the Head.

When are the gates locked?

The entrance in Kilbourn Road is locked by the High School at 9.00am and reopened at 3.00pm. Our school gate on London Road Pakefield is also locked from 9.00am until 3.00pm. The only access, for meetings and for the Nursery, during the day is through the main entrance on London Road where there is an intercom connected to the office.

What should I do if I am worried about my child?

Teachers are more readily available at the end of the day. They are happy to make appointments to see you if you would like a longer chat. Teachers also meet parents and carers more formally at parent interviews. We can also make appointments at the school office for parents to see the class teacher or another member of staff e.g. the Inclusion Manager, the Deputy Headteacher or the Headteacher.

How can I get involved in the school?

We welcome parents and carers in school and there are a number of ways in which you can get involved. If you would like to help please let us know. Teachers also welcome a helping hand in the classroom where you can help in a variety of ways depending on the needs of the children. Also please ensure that you attend parent interviews and special events in school; notify us of absences; read all the letters your child brings home; support your child with homework and read together. All regular volunteers in the classroom need a DBS check and this can be arranged at the office. The PTA is the fundraising body of the school who organize events such as fayres, discos etc and more details can be found in the Parents section of the school website. Two parent governors sit on the Local Governing Body and this is a great opportunity to be involved in the strategic direction of the school.

Can I take my child out of school for a holiday during term time? When are absences authorised?

Children are in school for 190 days a year, allowing 175 days to enjoy outings and holidays. The Headteacher will only authorise time off school in exceptional circumstances. Term time holidays will not be agreed and these absences will be treated as unauthorised. Such unauthorised absences will be monitored by the Educational Welfare Officer and a fixed penalty fine may be imposed. Penalty notices will be issued on the 6^th session of absence as stated in the policy. The law states that if a child has attendance under 90% it will be classed as persistent absence and could initiate a visit from the Educational Welfare officer.

How do I find out if the school is closed due to snow?

If we have to close the school texts will be sent to all staff and parents. Also please look at the tweets on the school website. The local radio stations will have a list of all school closures.