Parental Involvement

We value the role of parents and feel that a good relationship between home and school maximises a child’s education. At St. Andrew’s we actively encourage parents to contribute to the life of the school and many of our parents come and help in classrooms on a regular basis. We have an ‘open door’ policy and parents are welcome to come and discuss any aspect of their child’s education with their class teacher. We keep families informed of events and dates etc through our regular newsletters. If you wish, newsletters may be sent electronically. Please contact the school office if you would like to receive newsletters in this way.

It is vital that school has up to date contact information, so please keep the school informed about any changes of address or contact telephone numbers.

Any health issues should be reported to school and parents are reminded that the school takes no responsibility for administering prescribed medication. Children who suffer from Asthma are allowed to carry and administer their own inhalers following parental instruction.

Home & School Association

The school is fortunate to have a very active Home and School Association of which all parents are automatically members. The HSA organise a wider range of fund raising and social events which take place throughout the school year and these are communicated to parents through regular newsletters and half termly HSA committee meetings. Regular events include Ice Skating, Discos, a Praise Party, Christmas Fair, Easter Bingo and termly ‘cake break’.

Coming to School

It is important that pupils are in the playground ready to start the school day at 8.55am.
The break and lunchtimes are staggered for Key Stage 1 and 2 children to make more effective use of our playground. St Andrew’s has achieved Healthy Schools Status and supports children and parents walking to school wherever possible. We ask that parents that have to bring the children to school by car, pay particular attention to the safety of others by driving and parking sensibly at all times.

Parent/Teacher Discussions

Parents' Evenings are usually held during the Autumn and Spring terms, when parents may make an appointment to speak to the class teacher. However, should you have any matters that need prompt attention, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s class teacher to arrange a mutually convenient time to meet.

Reports are sent home at the end of the Summer Term.

Homework

Homework at St Andrew’s is in line with Government recommendations.

From Reception onwards children are encouraged to take books home to read and we hope parents will read with their children on a regular basis. The development of children’s phonic knowledge forms the other main element of homework in the Foundation Stage. This is extended at Key Stage 1 to include Numeracy activities.

In Key Stage 2 homework is more structured, with each child having a homework diary. Children are asked to learn multiplication tables and spellings and undertake independent research on a range of different curriculum topics. This will enable them to build up the discipline necessary for such work as a preparation for secondary education.