School routines

The School Day
Morning Session 1: 8.55 a.m. - 10.15 a.m.
Break  10.15 a.m. - 10.30 a.m.
Morning Session 2 10.30 a.m. - 12.00 noon
Lunch  12.00 noon - 1.15 p.m.
Afternoon Session 1.15 p.m. - 3.05 p.m.

Dropping off and collecting children
Parents may bring children into the playground from
8.45 a.m., when a member of staff is on duty. You may stay until the whistle is blown at 8.55 a.m. and the children walk down to their classes with their teacher. On wet days, parents may bring children into the classroom from 8.45 am.

When children first start school parents may bring them to the classroom to ensure that they are happy and settled.

At the end of the day parents are asked to wait at the back of the playground. Teachers bring their classes to the playground every day and ensure that the children are met.

Contact with teachers
You are always welcome to make an appointment to meet with your child’s class teacher to discuss progress or concerns. It is possible to have a brief word with staff at the end of the school day. Early in the morning teachers are busy preparing for the school day so this time is best avoided where possible. There is a weekly ‘drop in’ session for parents between 3.05 pm and 3.30 pm, at the moment this is on a Monday. This is an opportunity to look at displays and chat informally to the class teacher. The school organises sessions each term for parents to meet with staff.

In September parents are invited to attend a curriculum evening, when the year ahead is explained. Parents learn about routines, work planned and how to help children at home.

In the autumn and spring terms, parents/teacher consultations allow parents to look at the work their children have been doing and to discuss progress with the teacher. During the spring term individual progress reports are sent home which detail progress and achievement across the year. Targets for development in literacy and numeracy are shared with parents. Parents are invited to an open afternoon in the summer term when they can visit every classroom with their child.

Home/school links
We are very keen at Reigate Parish to keep parents informed of what is happening in school. Regular newsletters provide information, news and dates. All information is also put on our website.

Information coffee mornings and evening workshops are arranged throughout the year to inform parents of how the school approaches different subjects and of new initiatives that are put into place.

Collective worship
As a church school, RE and collective worship are intrinsic parts of our teaching and learning policy. An act of collective worship happens each day for about 15 minutes. Parents are legally permitted to withdraw their children from these activities.

Links with St Mary's Church
Each term the school attends church for a special service to which they contribute readings, poems, music and drama. A member of the clergy visits school on a weekly basis to lead our collective worship.

Parent Teacher Association
The school has a very active and successful Parent Teacher Association. The Association provides money to purchase extra items for the benefit of the children. All parents are welcome to become members and the committee is elected annually in the autumn term. We hope you will support the school by helping and attending these events.

Homework
Doing some work at home helps children to develop important skills. We encourage young children to share books at home for short periods of time. As children become ready they will bring home activities linked to reading, spelling, other literacy work and number work when it is appropriate. In Years 1 and 2 the average time spent on homework should be approximately one hour a week.

Clubs
There are opportunities for children in Years 1 and 2 to join a variety of clubs outside lesson time, eg, French Club, Chess Club and Fulham Football Club.

Educational visits
On occasions through the year we organise for children to go on visits or invite people into school to support the work of the curriculum. Voluntary contributions are usually requested to help cover the costs. The costs of booking coaches are expensive, which means that for occasional visits we may ask for contributions of around £10.00.

Help in school
Parents are welcome in school to assist in classes or in the library. General help is sought to play games and support class activities, but if you have a special interest do let us know, eg art, music, I.T. All parents helping in school are asked to complete an enhanced Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) check. Application forms are available from the school office.