Parents Guide A-Z

Please find below our A-Z guide for Kings Copse Primary Parents, whilst this is not a definitive list, please do contact the school for any specific or more detailed information.

A

Absence and Punctuality

• You must make sure your child attends school every day.
• If your child has any unplanned absence, please notify the school office, in person or by telephone, by 9am with the reason for the absence.
• If a child is absent and we have not received an explanation, we will contact the child’s parents/guardians until a reason has been received.
• Absence from school falls into two categories: authorised and unauthorised. A child’s absence can be authorised when prevented from attending by sickness or a medical appointment, when taking time off school for religious observance or where holiday leave has been granted (this is likely to happen in only exceptional circumstances). Parents should note that the school is not allowed to authorise absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances. www.hants.gov.uk/educationandlearning/behaviour-attendance-parents
• If you need to take your child out of school during term time for the purpose of a holiday it will be necessary for you to complete a form obtainable from the office or downloaded from the school website www.kingscopse.hants.sch.uk/holiday-attendance/ If parents choose to take children out of school without permission, this will be recorded as an unauthorised absence.
• Fixed penalty notices (fines) may be issued to parents where children are absent or late for more than 10 unauthorised sessions.
• The school day starts at 8.50am and registers are taken in class at this time.
• If your child arrives after 8.50am, please enter via the school office and inform the staff of your arrival.
• If your circumstances are causing your child to be consistently late, then please contact us so we can see if we can help.
• Persistent lateness is classified as a failure to attend school regularly and may result in a penalty notice (fine).

Arbor

• Our school management and communication system is an online platform called Arbor.
• The Arbor App is an application for parents and carers to use to look at their child/ren’s profiles.
• Please use this app to change any details (for example contact telephone number, address, email address, medical information).
• Payments for school meals (Y3 and above) and trips are to be paid via the Arbor app.
• You can monitor your child’s attendance through the app.
• Consents can be checked off in the app by a parent or guardian. This will replace the paper copy of the permissions form completed when your child starts at our school.
• Signing up to after school clubs run by school staff can be accessed through the app.
• All email communication will be sent from the school office via the Arbor app.

Arriving at School

• Gates are opened at 8.40am and closed at 8.50am. If you arrive after the gates have closed you should use the main school sign in system to sign your child into school.
• Key Stage 1 and Reception children enter via the gate on the right side of the building. Key Stage 2 children enter via the gate on the left-hand side. Children should be supervised until the gates are open and school staff are there.
• The school office is open to parents and children between the hours of 8.30am and 4pm on weekdays.
• School staff will be available when the gates open if parents have any questions, concerns or messages.
• Parents requiring an in-depth conversation with staff will be encouraged to make an appointment at the school office.
• We encourage children to walk to school or use other sustainable means of transport (scooting or cycling). If you travel by car, please ensure that you park in a safe and appropriate place. There is a ‘Park and Stride’ facility just 3 minutes’ walk from the school at the Norman Rodaway Centre (just off Heathhouse Lane) http://tinyurl.com/Norman-Rodaway. It is important to us that we work with our neighbours and local residents and respect their space.
• Parents are not permitted to park in the staff car park, unless they are a blue badge holder. Please also refrain from parking outside the school gates or on the yellow lines outside school to deliver or collect children.

Admissions

• If your child is not at the start of their primary education, if a place is available, a child can start school at a mutually convenient time of the year. Discussion takes place between home and school to support transition to enable starting at Kings Copse to be a positive experience for everyone.

• If your child has defined SEND need, we will set up a meeting with an appropriate professional to discuss this.
• We encourage children to visit the school prior to joining, in order to familiarise themselves with the layout of the school and classroom and to meet key members of staff.
• We also liaise with the previous school, collect records, reports and assessments.
• We follow the agreed procedures for Hampshire School Admissions – these can be found at www.hants.gov.uk/educationandlearning/admissions

After School Club/Breakfast Club

• CreativeKidz, who are a private company, provides before and after school childcare service at our school.
• Breakfast Club offers a range of play opportunities together with breakfast from 7.30am.
• After School club offers a range of play opportunities together with a drink and a snack between the hours of 3.20pm and 6pm every day.
• Please see their website for further information creativekidz.org.uk/kings-copse-school/

Assemblies/Collective Worship

• Assemblies take place every day: as a whole school, key-stage or class
• Special assemblies and celebrations take place throughout the year to which parents are invited (for example at Easter and Christmas).
• Assemblies may include a story, a song and a moment for reflection (which can be a Christian prayer). If a prayer is to be said, the children are invited to put their hands together and close their eyes.
• If your child should not participate in collective worship due to religious observance, please inform the school so we can make alterative arrangements when assemblies take place.
• Each class holds a Class Assembly during the academic year which parents are able to attend.
• Music performances also take place termly for Y2 and Y4 children which is a celebration of what has been learned in music lessons.

B

Behaviour – Teaching through relationships, responses and consequences

• Children who are not showing positive learning behaviours are always shown through example of what they need to do or change.
• Adults teach the children through supportive relationships, they recognise and validate the emotion, set boundaries and help to problem solve.
• As part of the process consequences are actioned, the consequence fits the behaviour and forms part of the teaching and restorative process.
• If behaviour continues to deteriorate or does not improve, additional consequences (including Headteacher and parental involvement) may be used.
• The school community will work together if a child consistently struggles to follow the Kings Copse Code and investigate the causes behind the behaviour. www.kingscopse.hants.sch.uk/policies/

Behaviour – Kings Copse Code

Kings Copse Primary follows a clear approach to managing behaviour which is supported by a relationship-based approach. The whole school community is responsible and we promote high expectations through the Kings Copse Code;

Respect – We make good choices

Independence – We use the skills we have learnt

Curiosity – We strive towards lifelong learning

Motivation – We work hard and use the 5 steps to wellbeing

Resilience – We aim high and keep going

Collaboration – We support each other to be the best we can be

The Kings Copse Code is linked with our school learning values and they underpin every aspect of school life. We celebrate the Kings Copse Code through;

• Our weekly Celebration Assembly
• Other school assemblies
• Class discussion in PSHE
• Creating class charters and class rewards
• Awarding team points
• Giving merits
• Giving praise for individual achievement
• Awarding Value Champions each half term
• Awarding Learning Value Role Model awards each year
• Listening to children and understanding their needs and expectations
• Understanding the individual needs of all of our children
• Developing a shared value of being a good role model across all members of the school community
• Sharing and celebrating with parents

Behaviour - Online Safety

• At the school, we teach online safety at an age-appropriate level to each year group each year.
• The school has a firewall to protect children’s access to the Internet. This is checked regularly by Hampshire County Council.
• Further information and guidance can be found in our e-safety policy and a useful guide for parents can be found at www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/

British Values

Fundamental British Values underpin what it is to be a citizen in a modern and diverse Great Britain valuing our community and celebrating diversity of the UK. These values are:

• democracy
• the rule of law
• individual liberty
• mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith.

These are covered during RE and PSHE lessons, circle times and in assemblies and are threaded through our curriculum and Learning Values. Reflecting the British Values within our school’s ethos helps children be aspirational and work hard to be the best they can be, both in learning and also as a British Citizen.

Bullying

• At Kings Copse, we promote positive relationships and do not tolerate bullying. Bullying is defined as repeated behaviour over a period of time intended to hurt someone either physically or emotionally. Bullying can take many forms and can include physical assault, teasing, making threats, name-calling and cyber-bullying or bullying online or on social media.
• If you suspect your child if being bullied, please talk to the class teacher in the first instance. If such behaviour is uncovered, the school will act decisively and involve parents. If warranted, the school will apply sanctions.
• Further details can be found in the Behaviour Policy (link above).

When children have mastered the letter formations, they will be taught to join.

Headlice

• Advice can be found at: www.nhs.uk/Livewell/childhealth6-15/Pages/Nits.aspx
• A child will not be sent home from school if they have head lice. However, parents are encouraged to act rapidly to reduce the spread of the conditions to other pupils or your family.
• The school appreciates a message to inform us if a child has had headlice so teachers can be alert to any possible problems in class

Homework and learning at home

• Reading at home is an invaluable activity to do with your child.
• Reading in YR – 2 is based on the Little Wandle phonics scheme. Little Wandle reading books are kept in school and are not sent home due to the frequency of the use of books in school. However, YR and 1 have online access to the phonics reading books.
• Children from all year groups are also able to borrow an additional reading book and library book for reading for pleasure. If you notice a book has been in your child’s bag for a period of time, please let us know so that we can ensure the book can be changed.
• Children in Y1 – 6 are given spellings, counting goals and reading for homework each week.
• Homework may be rewarded with merits or team points for achievement as well as effort.

Home Time

• The school day ends at 3.20pm.
• Key Stage 1 children will be picked up from their classroom doors. Key Stage 2 children will be walked around the school by staff teams and may be collected from the front of the school.
• If you expect to be delayed or another adult is picking your child up, please ensure that the office is informed.

I

Illness and Medication

• If a child has sickness or diarrhoea, the following procedures must be followed:
  • The child should be collected from school
  • Children are not allowed to return to school until they have been clear for 48 hours
  • Children should not be brought into school if sickness or diarrhoea first occurs at home
•       Guidance for sickness and diarrhoea, can be found at:www.nhs.uk/conditions/diarrhoea/Pages/Introduction.aspx
• Medical records are kept securely in the school offices. Members of staff are made aware of children with serious medical conditions or allergies.
• If a child needs a prescribed or non-prescribed medicine administered, please see the school office to fill out the appropriate form.
• All medicines, including inhalers and epi-pens, are kept in the school office and are administered by school staff.
• Please ensure all medicines are clearly named.
• It is the duty of parents to check that medicines are kept in date and replenished if necessary.
• If a child becomes unwell during the day and is unable to stay at school, parents will be contacted.

J

Jewellery

• With the exception of plain stud earrings and a watch, children are not allowed to wear jewellery in school. Fitness trackers, bracelets, necklaces and wristbands are not permitted
• It is recommended that children remove stud earrings for PE after the holes have healed.
• Surgical tape is provided for children to cover any piercings that are worn.

L

Library

• As well as daily guided reading sessions, children visit the library regularly to browse the books and to issue new texts to take home.

Lost Property

• Please ensure that all of your child's clothing, belongings, their lunchbox and water bottle are clearly marked with their name.
• Lost property boxes are located in the main office area.

Lunchtime Meals

• Lunchtime happens between 12pm and 1pm.
• Children can choose between a school dinner or a packed lunch brought from home.
• Hot school meals and school packed lunches are provided by Hampshire County Council’s Catering service (HC3S) and cost £3 per child per day. Children in Year R, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to free school meals (funded by the government and called Universal Free School Meals).
• The menu is on a three-week cycle. The current menu can be found at

https://www.hants.gov.uk/educationandlearning/hc3s/education-catering/primary

• Where practical, the catering team can also adapt meals if children have a particular dietary requirement (such as an allergy to a particular ingredient). Please see the school office. All meals are nut free.
• Payment for meals should be made in advance online using the Arbor system.
• Free school meals are available to children whose parents/guardians are in receipt of certain benefits. Please ask the at the school office for an application form or visit the HC3S website: https://www.hants.gov.uk/educationandlearning/hc3s/education-catering/primary/free-school-meals for further details.
• Parents are encouraged to pack a healthy range of foods for packed lunches from home.
• Please ensure that nut products (such as peanut butter and Nutella) are not to be included in packed lunches to avoid the possible transfer of nut traces that could trigger allergies in other children.

M

Milk

• Children under five years of age are legally entitled to free milk daily. Within Year R, after they are five years old, we continue to provide access to milk for a fee.
• Parents will need to register for free milk at www.coolmilk.com.

Money

• Financial support is available in certain cases where hardship is making it difficult for children to participate in school activities.  Please do not hesitate to contact the school office to arrange an appointment with the us in confidence if you wish to discuss how we may be able to help.

Music Lessons

• We can offer peripatetic music tuition for pupils in Year 2 and above. There is a termly charge for these sessions and letters are sent out in advance notifying you of the cost and how to apply if you wish to do so.
• Currently, we offer lessons in guitar, drums, recorder, keyboard and woodwind.
• The sessions are run by members of the Hampshire Music Service who visit the school weekly.
• For further details, please contact the school office.

P

Photographs

• Photographs are taken of activities during the school day and on trips/residential activities. You can state your permissions for these as part of your child’s admission to school.
• Teachers and other staff will always check the list of children whose image is not allowed to be published.
• For safeguarding reasons, photographs and recordings of any performance (for example nativity, Listen2Me, class assemblies, Key Stage 2 performance) are not permitted. We will endeavour to enable opportunities for you to take your own photographs after performances.
• The sharing of any images that you do take following performances must be done responsibly for safeguarding reasons.

Physical Education (PE)

• All children must take part in PE lessons unless they have a doctor’s note (or a note from a parent) excusing them. If a child does not bring kit – and the activity can be completed safely in school uniform – then children should still take part.
• Up to Year 5, all children will change in the classroom. From Year 5, children may wish to change separately. Should any child not wish to get changed in the classroom, then an agreed area outside the classroom will be used.

Playtimes

• We aim to keep the children outside during playtime as much as possible throughout the school year.
• Please ensure your child has suitable clothing for the weather conditions throughout the year. This means a waterproof warm coat during cold or wet weather and a sunhat, and sun cream if the weather is warm. Please note children must reapply their own sun cream if required during the school day.
• If the weather is too wet or windy for children to go outside, children will spend playtime in their classrooms.  However, in all other circumstances, children will have playtime outside.

Pupil Voice

• We value the contribution of our pupils and the impact they have on the school community. We encourage this in a variety of ways. Children support the community through:

- School Council

- Junior Road Safety Officers

- ‘Buddies’ to support other children in Year R and other year groups

- Sports Crew

Parent Teacher Association (TEAM Kings Copse)

• We are lucky to have a very active PTA who help support many events across the school year.
• They are a registered charity and their funds are used to support many different projects which the school would usually be unable to fund.
• Events which are held include discos, fairs, family fun days and a range of seasonal activities.
• They are also heavily involved in school life including providing refreshments at productions and Sports Day.
• If you would like to join Team Kings Copse, then please contact the school office.

R

Reading (and phonics)

• As reading is one of the most important things a child will ever learn, we strive to deliver a curriculum that teaches the skills of reading, whilst also fostering a life-long love of reading. 
• In Year R and Year 1, phonics is taught daily using the Little Wandle scheme. Children also practice their phonics through 3 weekly group reading sessions.
• In Year 2 children have daily group reading sessions which build on the foundations of the Little Wandle phonics scheme.
• In Key Stage 2 children are taught reading in whole class sessions. The children all read the same text which is explored through whole class activities. Adults work with focus groups of children throughout the week. 
• All children have access to books which they can take home to consolidate their reading and develop their love for reading. Year R and Year 1 children also have access to Little Wandle phonics books online – the same books which they are learning to read in class.

Reporting to Parents

• We provide opportunities for you to be informed about your child’s progress each term.
• In the autumn and spring terms, this will be in the form of parents’ evenings where you will receive a copy of the main targets which your child is working on.
• In the summer term, you will receive your child’s annual school report.
• If you have any concerns or questions about your child’s progress at any time, please speak to their teacher.

S

Safeguarding and Child Protection

• Our first priority is the safety and welfare of our pupils.
• We are committed to the highest standards in protecting and safeguarding the children entrusted to our care. We recognise that some children may be victims of neglect, physical, sexual or emotional abuse and that staff within school are well placed to identify such abuse and offer support to children in need.
• Several named staff are trained Designated Safeguarding Leaders (DSLs) who staff inform immediately of any safeguarding concerns.
• All staff receive regular training to ensure that they are up to date on any changes to safeguarding procedures.
• If at all concerned about a child’s wellbeing, please contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). The named DSL at the school is Hayley Ferguson (Headteacher). 

Special Educational Needs

• At Kings Copse Primary School, we aim to enable all children, including those with Special Educational Needs to enjoy a well-balanced and broad curriculum.
• We pride ourselves in supporting pupils to develop their confidence, independence and positive self-esteem in a secure and caring environment.
• Our Special Educational Needs and/or Disability Co-ordinator (SENDCo) is Mrs Jo Hart while the Teacher in Charge of the Resource Provision for Vision Impaired Pupils (QTVI) is Miss Bernie O’Byrne.
• Every Local Authority is required to publish information about services that are available in their area for children and young people from birth to 25 who have Special Educational Needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and also services outside the area which children and young people can use. This is known as the Local Offer. All schools have completed an SEN Information Report that will contribute to the local offer.
• A copy of our Local Offer and SEND policy can be found on the website. https://www.kingscopse.hants.sch.uk/send/
• We promote an inclusive environment where pupils with SEND are part of class provision as much as possible. We have a wide range of support and intervention which is provided to help pupils in class.
• If your child is experiencing social or emotional difficulties, a variety of support is available supported by our Learning Inclusion Support Assistant (Mrs Sellars). This includes ELSA, FEIPS, Time to Talk and Family Links. Please talk to us if you would like to find out more about these programmes. thehaven@kingsapps.co.uk will email directly through to Mrs Sellars.
• Please see the link to a fantastic source of information and guidance on the website to support you and your child. Please do not hesitate to come and talk to us if you remain concerned or cannot find the answers to your questions. http://tinyurl.com/2p84b4z2

Staff

• A list of current staff members can be found on the school website: https://www.kingscopse.hants.sch.uk/meet-the-staff/
• Your child may be taught by a number of teachers and other adults over the course of a week, term and year.
• Your child will have one class teacher (or two if the class is shared).
• Other teachers – such as specialists in PE and music or PPA (Planning, Preparation, Assessment) cover teachers will also teach your child at some point during the week.
• Learning Support Assistants, student teachers, the Headteacher and visiting professionals may work with your child from time to time.

T

Toilets

• Children are encouraged to use the toilet during playtime and lunchtime rather than during lessons.
• If a child wishes to use the toilet during lessons, they will be expected to ask permission.
• If your child has specific toileting needs, then please talk to a member of school staff so we can make arrangements for this.

Transition Arrangements – New Starters (Reception)

• At Kings Copse we try to offer support with the transition into school by offering several sessions for parents and children to explore the school environment. Pre School/Nursery meetings also take place with professionals from all settings present.
• In June of each year, we hold an information evening for parents of new starters.
• Following this initial session, parents and pre-school children will visit school and take part in activities alongside some of our existing Year R children.
• Further details for transition meeting arrangements are found in the transition packs given to new parents.

Transition Arrangements – Secondary Education

• Local secondary schools will visit the Year 6 team during the summer term and children will have the opportunity to spend the day at their chosen secondary school.
• Parents of Year 6 children will have the opportunity to attend meetings at the secondary schools.

Transition Arrangements – Within School

• Before children move to their new class, teachers meet to discuss every child individually.
• Children spend a morning with their new teacher during the latter part of the summer term in their new classroom to familarise themselves with staff and the new environment. This is called Shuffle-Up Morning.
• The SENCO and QTVI are also involved in this process to ensure that SEND information is checked and shared.
• If you have particular concerns about your child moving to the next year group, please contact us to discuss your worries further.

U

Uniform

• We take pride in our children wearing school uniform and representing Kings Copse in the wider community.

School Uniform comprises of:

Grey trousers, shorts or skirts (light blue gingham dresses/playsuits can be worn in warm weather)

White or light blue polo shirt (with or without the school logo)

Royal blue jumper or cardigan (with or without the school logo)

Plain socks—white, grey or black

Black school shoes—no trainers

Book bags are used by children in YR and Y1. All children can have a water bottle.

Children do not need a school bag/backpack. If children want or need to bring a bag to school, please ensure they are very small (many of the ‘Smiggle’ sized backpacks are very large and do not fit on pegs or in cubby holes we have in school).

PE Kit is a plain t shirt in the house team colour: Birch (red), Elm (yellow), Oak (green), Ash (blue). They also need a pair of black shorts or leggings. Warm tracksuit bottoms and a long-sleeved sweater are advised for outdoor PE when it is cold. Trainers are needed for outdoor PE all year round. Children do not need indoor plimsolls as PE takes place with bare feet.

If children have ear piercings, studs only are allowed. These should be removed for PE (or taped if they are in the first 6—12 weeks after piercing). Watches are allowed, but no fitness trackers, bracelets, necklaces or wristbands of any type.

Please help us by naming EVERYTHING

*Please note that TEAM Kings Copse (our PTA) run a pre-loved uniform shop regularly*

• Please support us with maintaining high standards of uniform and presentation. High presentations of uniform will help support high standards of learning in the classroom.
• If you wish, your child can also have a spare pair of pants and socks in their PE kit in case they need to change into them. The school can provide spare pants and socks if a child requires them during the school day.

V

Valuables

• Toys, valuables, trading cards and other personal items from home should not be brought into school as if they are lost, broken or stolen it may cause great upset. (Unless this is for a planned show and tell activity).
• Children who need to bring a mobile phone into school should take it to the office in order that it can be stored securely and safely during the school day.  It can be collected when children leave the school for home time.
• The school will provide children with all the equipment they need so pencil cases are not necessary.

Vision Impairment

• The school has a resource provision for children with vision impairments. The number of children with a visual impairment (VI) is usually a maximum of nine pupils with no more than two children in each class.
• The Oasis is a room where children access braille, touch typing and sensory activities as part of their provision.
• We promote an inclusive environment where pupils with vision impairments are part of class provision as much as possible. The children are supported by specialist LSAs.

Volunteers in School

• Parental support is also always welcomed on school trips and visits.
• Many parents, grandparents and friends of the school often offer to come in to help support children with supporting children’s reading.
• If you would like to help in school, then please see your child’s teacher. All adult helpers must undergo a DBS check before they can help in school.

W

Water

• We promote and encourage children to drink water regularly throughout the day. Pupils are allowed a water bottle to keep in class and this can be refilled through the day. Other drinks (squash for example) are only allowed with lunch.
• Please support your child with taking their bottle home each day to be cleaned.
• Water bottles are available from the school office for a small charge. We also sell replacement lids.