parents’ handbook - st margaret's preparatory school

Parents’ Handbook - St Margaret’s Prep School

Parents’ Handbook


CONTENTS

Head’s Welcome

Aims and vision of the School

About St Margaret’s

Staff

Start and end of the day

Teaching and Learning o The curriculum o Homework o Extracurricular Activities o Plays/Concerts o School Visits

Conduct and behaviour o Uniform o Lost Property

After St Margaret’s

Communication o Contacting teachers o Visiting school o Parents’ Evenings o Problems and Complaints

Attendance o Absences o Lateness

Illness o Medication o Illness/injury at school

Photography/filming

Snacks

Parental Support


Head’s Welcome I am delighted to be able to welcome you as a parent of St Margaret’s Preparatory School and I trust that you will find the contents of this booklet useful and informative. If your child is starting school for the first time, the staff and I will endeavour to ensure that this will be the beginning of a long, successful and happy experience. If you are already a St Margaret’s parent, I hope that the words contained herein will renew the bond already established between us. From the time your child enters our school he/she becomes part of the school family and begins a journey of discovery and learning. Even our two year olds are included in all aspects of school life. We pride ourselves on the strong relationships we have with our parents and encourage open communication; my door is always open. St Margaret’s is a happy, caring school where children can flourish and grow in confidence. Within a family atmosphere, our pupils are purposeful and active, both in and out of the classroom, and are encouraged to develop their skills and talents to the full. As a school, we are proud of our reputation as a centre of excellence, but we are equally proud of our pupils’ achievements in all fields of endeavour. This document provides information about the school and staff, our aims and policies, the curriculum and extra activities and the factors which have made our school what it is. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the School Office. I look forward to a successful future for your child at St Margaret’s. Welcome to our family.

Callum Douglas Headmaster [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


Our Vision

We want… every child to love coming to school and to love learning.

We want… all children to feel secure and cared for.

We believe… in teaching the whole child and finding exciting ways to enhance their

learning experience so that when they leave St Margaret’s, they say what a

fantastic school it is in every way.

And this is what we aim to do

Provide a high quality education, where children can grow in knowledge and

understanding.

Equip all children with appropriate skills, attitudes and values.

Create an environment where every child can fulfil their potential.

Encourage every child to benefit from our caring staff and fine facilities.

Enable every child to communicate with confidence in every situation.

Treat every child with the highest standards of courtesy, loyalty, honesty and

fairness, and expect the same from them in return.


About St Margaret’s St Margaret’s is an independent school with an enviable academic record, retaining high standards and pursuing excellence in all areas. The school is constantly motivated to keep abreast of changes in educational philosophy and practice. Furthermore, sport, music, art, drama and community fund raising are important elements of school life. Our facilities include a multi-purpose sports hall, pitches for rugby and football and courts for netball, library and reading room, computer suite, purpose built Pre-Prep department, science room, music room and sound proofed practise rooms and an art and design room. Teaching is geared towards ensuring that each pupil reaches full potential in a happy and supportive environment. A broad curriculum is taught throughout the School with the emphasis on literacy, numeracy and communication skills. In the Prep department, greater emphasis of a specialist nature is given. The school broadly follows but is not constrained by the National Curriculum. We form a part of the Cognita group of schools and are fortunate in being able to use their considerable expertise and support. Cognita’s core belief is, as ours, that pupils come first and the aim for excellence in teaching and learning is at the heart of all we do. St Margaret’s is organised in three Departments – Early Years (Nursery to Reception), Pre Prep (Year 1 and 2) and Prep (Year 3-6). The school has a happy, relaxed but purposeful atmosphere. In many ways our approach could be described as traditional. Attendance rates are high as children love coming to school and high standards of behaviour and manners are considered the norm. We foster integrity, creativity and the development of individual skills and talents. Enhancing the process of learning and the enjoyment of knowledge is integral to education at St Margaret’s Prep. We help pupils to develop into kind and considerate adults as they strive successfully in our competitive society.


Staffing 2017/18 Headmaster Mr Callum Douglas BA (Hons), PGCE

Deputy Head Mrs Carolyn Moss BSc (Joint Hons), MA, MBA, PGCE

Nursery and Transition

Miss Harriett Carter Early Years Foundation Degree

Mrs Melanie Harris CACHE Lvl 3

Mrs Vicki Kirby Diploma in Early Years Lvl 3

Mrs Debbie Raby BA Early Childhood Education, Dip in Pre-School Ed Teaching

Mrs Jo Irvine Diploma in Nursery Nursing (NNEB Lvl 3

Reception

Mrs Louise Laurie BA (Hons), QTS, EYPS, Mont dip

Mrs Jocelyne Crallan BA (Hons), QTS

Year 1 Mrs Terri Griffiths BA (Hons), QTS, CACHE

Diploma in Childcare

Ms Lucy Salmon BA (Hons), Music, QTS

Year 2 Mrs Corinna Barber BA (Hons), QTS, MA Ed

Mrs Tracey Lunn BSc (Hons), QTS

Year 3

Dr Hannah Fraser MA, PhD, NQT

Miss Kate Gutteridge BA (Hons ) Primary Education, QTS

Year 4 Mr Simon Clinch BA (Hons), QTS

Mrs Di Howells BA (QTS) Hons, MA (Art and Design Ed)

Year 5 Mrs Jayne Crowley BEd (Hons) in Primary

Education

Mrs Charlotte Mackle BEd (Hons), BSc (Hons)

Year 6

Mrs Emma Blackburne BA (Hons) in Education

Mrs Carolyn Moss BSc (Joint Hons), MA, MBA, PGCE

Mrs Ruth Revell BA (Hons), PGCE

Art/DT Mrs Dianne Howells BA (QTS) Hons, MA (Art and Design Ed)

Music Mrs Judith Morgan BA, PGCE, LTCL

MFL Mrs Lulu Bordoli BEd

Miss Abigail Easton BA (Hons) in Modern Languages, PGCE

Sport and PE Mr Andy Clark Coaching Certification

Mrs Leanne Weaver BA (Hons)

SEN Mrs Emma Blackburne BA (Hons) in Education

Teaching Assistants

Mrs Nicky Turner NNEB (dip)

Mrs Theodora Christie NNEB

Mrs Terri Hawes Diploma in Specialist Teaching & Learning Lvl 3

Mrs Claire Donnelly

Bursar Ms Sara Moutard MSc, DMS

Registrar Mrs Julie Last AMDIS Certificate in Admissions Management

Business Management Assistant

Miss Marian Ripper


School Secretary/ Headmaster’s PA

Mrs Corinne Walker BA (Hons) Humanities & Literature

Administrative Assistant Mrs Sophie Moser BA (Hons) Performance Art

Lunchtime Assistants Mrs Paula Cavender

Mrs Joanne Loring

School Bus Chaperone

Miss Rebecca Westover

BA (Hons) Env.Planning & Mngmnt

School Bus Driver Miss Kay Crispin

Peripatetic Staff

‘Cello Mrs Gabriel Watson BA (Hons) Music College of Music

Drums Mr Glen Buck BMus (Hons)

Flute Dr Hannah Fraser M.A., Ph.D. NQT

Guitar Mr Geoff Clark BA (Hons) Music

Harp Ms A. Chorley ATCL

‘Cello Mrs Janet Banks MA, ARCM

Voice, Piano & Clarinet Mrs Emma Stuart-Smith BA (Hons)

Flute & Voice Mrs Elizabeth Hurley BA (Hons)

Woodwind & Brass Mr Colin Matthews LLCM, Cert.(Mus.Ed), TCL

Guitar Mr Gareth Price BA Cert, (Mus.Ed)

Violin, Piano & Voice Mrs Sue Price ATCL, LTCL, GTCL, PGCE

Clarinet, Saxaphone & Piano

Mr James Morgan BEd (Hons)

Violin & Piano Mrs Claire Simmons L.R.A.M.

Voice, Piano & Woodwind Ms Julie Rout

Trumpet, Piano & Drums Mr Joel Cooper B Mus (Hons)


Start and end of the day

Arrival The School day begins for most children at 8.30. Children are registered at the start of every day from 8.30-8.45 and we ask that pupils do not enter classrooms until 8.30. If you arrive earlier please ensure your child is supervised until 8.30. If your child is attending a before school activity please ensure that you hand them over to the care of the member of staff on duty before leaving the site. Pre-School Care runs from 8.00am to 8.30am and there are frequent sport and music practices before school starts.

Dismissal Prep children (Year 3 up) are dismissed from dismissal points at 3.55pm by the class teacher. Nursery and up to Year 2 are dismissed at 3.30pm. All children, regardless of age, are passed directly to their parents or carer and no child will be permitted to leave with any person that has not been authorised by the child’s parents. A letter or a telephone message must be given to school to indicate any alteration in collection arrangements. Each class teacher holds information on who can collect your child; if you wish add to this list please let the office know. Please do not allow your child to play on the playground after the end of the day. Post-School Care runs to 5.20pm. The School runs a number of after school clubs and activities which run from 4-5pm.


Teaching and Learning

The Curriculum St Margaret’s is fully committed to the ethos that parents and all School staff act in partnership to foster the development of the children in our care. In order to succeed, this partnership must be based on shared responsibility, understanding and mutual respect. A dialogue is established, with a regular exchange of knowledge, expertise, information and expectations between home and the School. When parents and staff work together to support children’s learning, the results can have a measurable and lasting effect on children’s achievement.

Early Years Curriculum The curriculum in the Early Years is broad and covers the seven areas of learning. Nursery focus more on the Prime Areas; Personal, Social and Emotional Development and Communication and Language. As the children progress into Transition and Reception, the focus is both on the Prime Areas and the Specific Areas of Learning, (Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding of the World and Expressive Arts and Design). The children also have specialist teachers for PE, music and French and music and movement. The curriculum enables the children to engage in learning both inside and using the outdoor setting.

English Our aims in teaching English are that all children will have access to a wide range of opportunities which enables them to develop their skills in English. Pupils are encouraged to express their ideas using a wide and effective vocabulary in both speech and writing, and to listen critically and respond with understanding to others. To further enhance their understanding of language, Year 6 also study Latin.

Reading

Developing good comprehension is essential. Comprehension skills develop through pupils’ experience of high-quality discussion, as well as from reading and discussing a range of stories, poems and non-fiction. All pupils are encouraged to read widely across both fiction and non-fiction to develop their knowledge of themselves and the world in which they live and to establish an appreciation and love of reading. Reading widely and daily increases pupils’ vocabulary because they encounter words they would rarely hear or use in everyday speech. Reading also feeds pupils’ imagination and opens up a treasure-house of wonder and joy for curious young minds.

Writing

Our aim is for all pupils to become effective writers. Writing down ideas fluently depends on effective transcription: that is, on spelling quickly and accurately


through knowing the relationship between sounds and letters (phonics) and understanding the morphology (word structure) of words. From Reception, regular learning and testing of simple words based on the phonics taught is begun and spelling is reinforced with different strategies throughout the School. Effective composition involves articulating and communicating ideas, and then organising them coherently for a reader. This requires clarity, awareness of the audience, purpose and context, and an increasingly wide knowledge of vocabulary and grammar. Handwriting skills are introduced in Nursery and Transition through play and then through the Nelson Scheme, which is designed to ensure correct letter formation and a pride in what is produced. By the end of Year 1, children should have begun to join their writing, and ink presentation commences in Year 3.

Drama

Drama is an important part of our curriculum and is regularly accessed in a cross-curricular way. The children explore dramatic ideas in all subject areas, particularly in English, History and Science. In addition, all pupils take part in a termly assembly as well as the end of year musical production.

Mathematics At St Margaret’s we aim to develop positive attitudes, enthusiasm and confidence in mathematics. Pupils are taught to think logically and in a systematic way to help conceptual development and better understanding. We aim for pupils to achieve the highest level possible appropriate for the stage of development. We believe that children need to be able to calculate efficiently and accurately using both mental and pencil and paper techniques. These skills are practised daily at age appropriate levels. Pupils are encouraged to learn their tables thoroughly. Throughout the School, pupils use the skills that are learnt in mathematics lessons to solve problems and investigational techniques are part of the curriculum. In Pre-Prep and Prep, practical lessons help to enhance understanding. Our pupils enjoy mathematics and they leave us well equipped to face the challenges of Senior School mathematics.

Science We believe that science underpins most aspects of modern life, so scientific knowledge is of enormous value to our pupils as we prepare them for adulthood. Science offers the opportunity to acquire a way of thinking and working which can serve as a basis for understanding the world in which we live. It can be a model for solving problems and can satisfy personal needs like curiosity. Science can draw upon, and illuminate, a wide range of contexts. We are very fortunate in that we are able to provide children with these scientific experiences in a school with a dedicated science laboratory. In addition to this, our beautiful grounds provide our children with further opportunities to study Science. By the time they reach Year 6, children have undertaken many science experiments and have been on field trips and visits. They will have listened and spoken to exciting visitors


to the school and will be able to enter their next schools able to independently predict, observe and critically assess scientific ideas.

Computer Science We teach computer science at the School in order that our children are prepared to play an important part in the world which constantly changes and is based on ever-developing information technology. They are encouraged to use these skills and tools to explore, analyse, exchange and present information with thought, care and a responsible approach. Feeling confident in the use of these skills will enable every pupil to access a vast breadth of ideas and experiences. Structured computer science study allows them to make informed judgements on its use, together with effective and considered application of software packages, both now and in the future. They have opportunities to use desk tops, laptops, tablets and various other types of mobile devices across the curriculum.

Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) Languages are specialist taught from Nursery through to Year 6 and the intention is to ensure that pupils’ first encounter with a foreign language is a positive and rewarding one. Language teaching gives pupils the opportunity to be as active as possible during lessons. The starting point is a small core of language which serves as foundation blocks upon which the children build as they mature. The topics are regularly revisited to expand the ‘core’ to include progressively more sophisticated language ideas. In the Early Years there is a focus on spoken language/language activities. This is continued in the Pre-Prep and by the time children reach the Prep they have begun to use skills in reading and writing in a foreign language. French is studied from Nursery to Year 6 and Spanish in Years 4 - 6.

Music Music at is an integral part of school life. Children are encouraged to learn an instrument and instrumentalists are encouraged to perform in an ensemble. Singing is an important part of our school and there are numerous opportunities for the children to perform in groups or a choir. The syllabus is structured, with an emphasis on enjoyment and creativity, strongly linked to a sound understanding of basic theory and history. Parents wishing their child to play an instrument should seek the advice of the Director of Music. All children from Year 2 to Year 5 learn the recorder in their music lessons.

Geography The aim of geography is to develop the pupils’ knowledge of location, enable them to describe and compare places, whilst stimulating a great interest in their surroundings. In the Pre-Prep, geography is integrated into the topics and themes studied by each class. In the Prep Department, more formal learning of geography takes place within topics with whole class teaching, cooperative group work, individual work and independent research as appropriate. A progressive demand is placed on the children’s skills as the range, complexity and methods of study are broadened whilst additionally maintaining a sense of enjoyment of the subject.


History The history syllabus is designed to meet children’s curiosity about the past and to equip them with the skills they need to interpret and evaluate historical sources. The subject is studied integrally in the lower school, and as a separate lesson in the Prep Department. Periods of study include The Invaders, Ancient Greece, Tudors, Victorians and Britain since 1930.

Art Children are encouraged to find various ways of expressing themselves. Through this, they develop creative, imaginative and practical skills. The emphasis is on enjoyment whilst developing skills in line drawing, colour mixing, design, modelling and many other techniques. It is important for the children to evaluate their own and others’ work, as well as experiencing the work of other artists and craftsmen. There is a specialist teacher of art and DT in the Prep Department.

Religious Education St Margaret’s is a School based on Christian beliefs which encompasses other faiths to prepare pupils well for the world in which we live. The curriculum gives the opportunity for children to gain consideration of spiritual and moral issues, respect, sharing values, development of community spirit and a reflection on the meaning and purpose of life.

PE/Games PE and Games are taught by specialist teachers throughout the school, making good use of the facilities both on and off site. PE in the Early Years concentrates on developing ball skills building to small-sided games; athletics-type activities and gymnastics, in conjunction with work on apparatus and music with movement. Football, netball, rugby, rounders, cricket, hockey, athletics and cross country are all introduced as pupils move through the school and combined with inter-school, regional and national competitions. All of our Year 3-6 pupils represent the school in a competitive school fixture at least once a term.

Homework Transition/Reception

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6

Words or reading, any other work at teacher’s discretion

20 minutes at the weekend

20 minutes twice a week but increasing during the Summer Term 20 minutes on each night with two subjects for the weekend (after first half-term) 20 minutes each night with two subjects for the weekend 25 minutes each night with two subjects for the weekend 30 minutes each night with two subjects for the weekend

Plus nightly reading, spelling and multiplication tables practise.


Extra-Curricular Activities The school attempts to educate each child in as broad a spectrum as possible. To this end, a wide variety of activities take place outside the classroom, either before school, at lunchtime or after school. In this way, many hidden talents and skills become apparent. Clubs take place before school, at lunch breaks and after school and more details can be found on our website or from the school office.

Assemblies, Plays, Concerts and Recitals In order to develop the pupils’ appreciation of music, drama and dance, a whole school production involving the whole school is produced at the end of the Summer Term. Also, visits to local theatres and visiting groups are organised, enabling pupils to experience and enjoy performances of popular and unusual stage productions, appropriate to each age group. Other concerts at Christmas and Easter are held where children perform work according to their age group. Each year group leads an assembly in the first two terms and, in the Summer Term, there are music assemblies for each Prep class. Parents are encouraged to attend all these events.

School Visits During the course of the year academic the children take part in out of school visits related to specific classwork being undertaken. We are of the opinion that there is no substitute for first hand experience in the search for enlightenment, understanding and knowledge. In recent years, visits have been made to Fitzwilliam Museum, Botanic Gardens in Cambridge, Cressing Temple Barns, Hampton Court, Daws Hall Nature Reserve, RAF Hendon, Duxford Air Museum, Sandford Mill, Marsh Farm, Tropical Wings, Hatfield Forest, Colchester and Linton Zoo, Colchester Castle, Braintree Victorian Museum and many more. Many visitors come into school to enhance particular topics such as The Great Fire of London, Egyptians, Romans and Tudors. In addition, Year 3-6 pupils take part in a residential trip over the course of the year.

Pupil Conduct and Behaviour Within a family atmosphere, good behaviour, manners and deportment are promoted at all times. We aim to inculcate a desire for excellence in all aspects of behaviour. Good behaviour is applauded and encouraged whilst poor or unsociable behaviour is discussed with the child and, if necessary, with the parents and a strategy devised. The Schools Behaviour Policy can be found on our website.


Uniform We take great pride in the dress and appearance of our pupils and expect them to be smart at all times. We feel that a community spirit and sense of belonging can be strengthened by the wearing of a common code of dress. Furthermore, in many respects, children represent the school and are ambassadors for it. There are occasions when members of the public may recognise a level of excellence which distinguishes the school from its counterparts. Children are expected to be smartly dressed on arrival at, and departure from, school; at all public functions and on school trips. Parents are requested to ensure that all items of clothing are clearly named and that blazers are worn throughout the year. School hats should be worn to and from school up to, and including, Year 2. Uniform is available through www.perryuniform.co.uk and a comprehensive list of uniform requirements, including those items not available for on-line purchase, is on the school website. A successful second hand uniform shop is organised by parents and information is available from the school office. Rings, bracelets, nail polish and other ornaments are not to be worn at school. Earrings must be only studs and removed for PE and Games. Badges, other than school ones, must be approved by the Headmaster.

Lost Property The lost property system which operates in school is as follows:

All items which are named are returned to their owners;

All unnamed items are retained by the school in the lost property box for half a term. If items are not claimed, they will be taken to the second hand uniform shop and sold.

After St Margaret’s St Margaret’s has an outstanding record of helping our Year 6 pupils gain entry to their chosen schools. Our leavers apply to a wide range of senior schools and staff and parents work closely to select the most appropriate school for each child. Most of our children continue their education in the private sector, many with scholarships, and we fully support the 11+. In recent years we have sent pupils to the following schools:

Bishop’s Stortford College

Chelmsford County High School for Girls

King Edward VI Grammar School Chelmsford

Colchester County High School

Colchester High School

Colchester Royal Grammar School

Culford School

http://www.perryuniform.co.uk/


Felsted

Ipswich High School

Ipswich School

New Hall School

Old Buckenham Hall

St Mary’s, Cambridge

St Mary’s, Colchester

Stoke College

The Leys School, Cambridge

The Perse School, Cambridge

The Royal Hospital School, Ipswich

Communication Open, honest and swift communication is at the heart of an effective home/school partnership. In order to keep parents informed and abreast of changes, we adopt a variety of communication techniques. These include:

Weekly newsletter

Homework and reading diaries

Social media

School website

Email

ParentMail and Text

Termly calendar

School reports

Parents’ evenings twice a year

Curriculum meetings

Contacting teachers You can contact staff in the following ways:

Homework/reading diary If you need to get a message to a teacher you can do this via your child’s homework or reading diary.

Email All staff are contactable by email. Please use the format [email protected]. The staff will endeavour to respond to you within one working day.

mailto:[email protected]


Telephone The Headmaster and non-teaching staff are available by phone via the school office. A message can be left with the office for teaching staff who will return your call as soon as possible.

Visiting School

You are welcome to come and talk to your child’s teachers at the start and end of the day. If you have an appointment and at other times of the day, all visitors must report to the office, where admin staff will be ready to help. St Margaret’s is a no-smoking site (including ‘vaping’) and we also ask that no pets are brought onto the premises. Visitors are asked not to use mobile phones in the presence of Early Years pupils.

Parents’ Evenings Parents are invited at the end of the Summer Term to a curriculum evening where an overview of the coming year’s work will be explained. Parents also receive a booklet explaining the workings of each year group. In October and March, evenings are set aside for parents to discuss their child’s progress with members of staff. We hope that all parents will endeavour to attend these evenings. An appointment system operates in order to cut down on waiting times and to allow private interviews. If you feel that you need longer than the allotted time please feel free to set up an appointment with the member of staff in question.

Problems and Complaints If you are in any way unhappy or concerned about your child’s education and/or wellbeing at St Margaret’s it is important that you let us know as soon as possible so we can work together to investigate and address the issue. It is our aim to ensure that problems and difficulties which arise from time to time are dealt with swiftly, effectively and compassionately. Please contact your child’s form teacher in the first instance. The school has a complaints procedure which can be found on the website should you wish to make a formal complaint.

Attendance

Regular attendance is essential for the continuity of the learning experience at school. It is also a legal requirement. Therefore, we expect all children to attend school unless they are ill, or there is some other unavoidable reason for absence. For more information see


the school’s Admissions, Attendance and Children Missing From Education Policy which can be found in the Parents Area of the website.

Authorised Absence

When a child is ill

Unavoidable medical or dental appointments

Family bereavements

Days of religious observance

Off-site educational activities, ie, school trips, sporting events, etc

Unauthorised Absence

No message received;

Shopping during school hours

When there is a reason to doubt the explanation for absence Any requests for absences will only be granted in exceptional circumstances following a written application to the Headmaster. An absence request form can be obtained from the office or the Parents Area of the website. A decision will be made as to whether these will be counted as authorized or not, according to individual circumstances.

Lateness Children area asked to arrive at school between 8.30am – 8.45am. Lateness has to be regarded as unauthorised absence by the Department of Education and is recorded against full attendance. This is a legal requirement.

Illness The School follows the following systems with relation to pupil illness:

Home is the best place for children who are feeling ill

Children should not return to school following sickness or diarrhoea until at least 48 hours have passed without any incidence

If your child wakes up with a temperature, please do not administer ‘Calpol’ and send them to school. Please keep your child at home until they are better

If your child needs antibiotics, please keep at home for at least the first 24 hours

Cough sweets should not be brought to school

The school office can advise you as to whether or not a particular condition requires a pupil to be away from school and when they can return. You can also consult the Guidance for Parents on Infectious & Contagious Diseases document which can be found in the Parent Area of the website. In order to fulfil the statutory obligation to accurately record authorised and unauthorised absences throughout the school, please follow the following procedure: On the first day of absence, the parent should contact the school by making a telephone call. Please keep


the school updated on a daily basis either by phone or email until the pupil returns to school

Medication

Medicines must be brought to the school office in their original container, with the accompanying instruction sheet, specifying dosage to be administered. A Request to Administer Medicines form must be signed by the parent allowing us to administer the required dosage. This can be obtained from the office or the Parents Area of the website. We do not administer medicines which have a dosage of under four times a day. The school does not administer medicines containing Aspirin or Ibuprofen unless this is under prescription. Inhalers for asthma and Epipens are kept in the Office and in the classroom and must also be named. It is the responsibility of the parents to ensure that these are kept updated. All staff are trained annually in the treatment of anaphylaxis. For further details please see the ‘Administration of Medicines’ policy on the website.

Illness/Injury at School The school has its own medical bay and all staff are first aid trained. If your child receives first aid during the school day you will receive an email outlining the incident and the treatment administered. For more details see the First Aid Policy which is available on the website. If your child is badly injured or falls ill during the school day we will endeavour to contact you in order to collect them from school. This will be by telephone, email or text message. In exceptional circumstances, a member of staff may escort a child to hospital for treatment of an emergency nature. Please ensure that we have an up-to-date telephone number (home/work/mobile) for you and someone else who can collect your child in an emergency.

Photography/Filming Photographic permission sheets are sent out to all parents when their children join the school. These should be read, completed and returned to the School office with all other paperwork. While we fully understand that parents may wish to take photographs and films at events, these must not be uploaded onto any form of social media. For more information please see the Safeguarding: Photographic Images and Filming Policy which is available on the website.


Snacks Snacks may be brought to school for mid-morning break. This should include either fruit, vegetables or cheese and plain crackers, no sweets, crisps, nuts or cakes are allowed. We do have a very strict ‘no nut or nut content’ policy as we have children with severe allergies. Milk or water is served by the school kitchen to all children at break. Children in Nursery and Transition may bring in a small piece of tuck for afternoon break, but still adhering to the ‘no nut or nut content’ policy, please.

Website Our School website is www.stmargaretsprep.com. This is a useful tool to keep up to date with school events and results, as well as day to day information, including menus and music timetables and a range of important policies and forms. Both the parents’ and pupils’ areas are password protected and log in details are available from the School Office once your child has been admitted to the school.

Parental Support On registering a child as a pupil at St Margaret’s, we expect that parents uphold and support the policies and principles of the school. For our part, we will endeavour to involve parents in the activities of the school as well as to keep them informed about school happenings and the progress and development of their own children. The website is a useful tool which we update almost daily and is an excellent point of contact in the first instance. Parents may wish to become more actively involved in school fund raising functions and this they may seek to do so through the Parents Association. The school has a unique relationship with its parents and is proud of its school-parent collaboration

http://www.stmargaretsprep.com/

parents’ handbook - st margaret's preparatory school

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