STARTING SCHOOL

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A FULL TIME SCHOOL PLACE FOR MY CHILD?

The statutory age at which children begin full time school is the term following their 5^th birthday. However in Hillingdon children may begin full time school before they are five. The allocation of full time school places is the responsibility of Hillingdon Local Education Authority (LEA). Hillingdon Borough issues “school choice” forms (called proformas) to all families with children due to start school during the next school year. The form must be returned to the school of your choice by the stated deadline. The Local Education Authority then allocates school places taking account of parent’s wishes. Children whose 5^th birthday is between the beginning of September and end of February start full time school in September. Children whose 5^th birthday is between the beginning of March and the end of August start full time school in January.

We hold an Open Day each year for parents/carers to visit the school before completing the Admission Proforma

Visits can also be arranged by contacting the school on 020 8573 5177

 

EARLY YEARS EDUCATION – THE FOUNDATION STAGE

Minet Nursery and Infant School offers part time education, 5 days a week either morning or afternoon, in our Nursery Unit for children aged 3 years to 4 years and full time education in our Reception classes for children aged 4 years to 5 years.

The teaching in our Nursery and Reception classes follows government guidance for the Foundation Stage. We believe that our early years education, taught in real partnership with parents, ensures future success for your children. However Early Years Education in Nursery and Reception is non- statutory, parents have a choice about whether they want their child to attend.

HOW DO I GET A NURSERY PLACE FOR MY CHILD?

Parents/carers should contact the school to put their child’s name on our Nursery waiting list. This should be done before the child’s third birthday. Parents/carers are offered a place for their child in Minet Nursery usually for 3 terms before they begin full time school.

Priority is given to :-

          children who’s parents/carers, due to disability, would have difficulty getting  to another Nursery place.

          have siblings already at Minet Infant or Junior school

who have an identified Special Educational Need.

 

It is important to keep the school informed of any changes of address or telephone number so that when an offer of a place in made in writing by the school it goes to the correct address.

       NB This admission policy is for the Nursery only and does not affect the LEA admission arrangements for statutory schooling at five.

Attendance at Minet Nursery does not guarantee a place in the Infant School.

HOW THE SCHOOL IS ORGANISED

School Hours  

Nursery                       9.00 am            11.30 am morning session

                                    12.45am            3.15 pm   afternoon session

Infant                          8.45am             12.00pm

                                    1.00 pm             3.00 pm

The school has a 60- place Nursery Unit, which operates on a part time basis, for children to attend daily, either each morning, or each afternoon session. The nursery has two teachers and three qualified Nursery Nurses.

There are up to 12 classes in the main school with 4 parallel classes in each Year Group. Reception Year for children age 4 year to 5 years, Year 1 for children age 5 years to 6 years and Year 2 for children age 6 years to 7 years.

Children start full time school in September or January.  Children transfer to the Junior School (Key Stage 2 ) in the September following their 7th birthday.

In main school children are taught for the major part of the week by their class teacher. Additional teachers teach in classes at particular times or to support particular children’s needs. In Year 2 children are taught some English and Maths in groups according to ability. The school has a team of classroom assistants who work alongside teachers to support children’s learning. Each Reception class has a classroom assistant working full time in the classroom with the teacher.

At lunch time children who stay at school, are supervised in the dinner hall and the playground by our SMSA’s  (dinner ladies).  A Catering Company provides a hot meal, which must be paid for, in advance, on Monday each week.

The school has a full-time Welfare Assistant, Administrative and Finance Officer, Clerical Assistant, Premises Manager and Cleaners who complete the school’s staff team.

Minet Nursery and Infant School

Home School Agreement

 

The school will :

·      value each child’s special talents and abilities

·      have high expectations of achievement for all children

·      ensure a safe and secure environment for learning

·      provide a curriculum that is stimulating, balanced and differentiated

·      provide feedback to children, and their parents,  on their progress

·      promote racial equality

Pupil’s name_______________________will

 

·      be kind to others

·      speak politely to others

·      listen when other people are speaking

·      work quietly in class

·      look after school equipment and environment

·      not touch other people’s property

 

The parent or carer(s) of ____________________________will:

 

·      ensure that their child attends school regularly, arrives on time and is suitably dressed for school.

·      support their child at home with activities set out in the school’s Homework Policy.

·      participate in Parent Consultation meetings and other meetings to discuss their child’s learning

·      keep the school informed about any circumstances that may affect their child’s learning.

·      support the Behaviour Code & promotion of racial equality in the school

 

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WHO’S WHO AT MINET INFANT SCHOOL

 

SCHOOL GOVERNORS

The Governing Body is made up of Parent Governors, governors appointed by the Local Authority and Co opted Governors from the local community. They are appointed to exercise care and oversight of the curriculum , and management of the school.

The full Governing Body meets at least twice each term  There are three Sub Committees  of the Governing Body, Finance and Assets, Curriculum and Personal these sub committees meet through out the year.

The Governing Body provides an Annual Report to parents/carers and arranges an Annual Parents Meeting to explain their work.

Chair of Governors          Christopher Geake

Vice Chair                       Sohail Lal

Council Nominee               Vacant  Conservative

                                      Vacant         “

          “                            Cllr Alistair Morrison Labour

Parent Governor               Ms Rideout

                                      Ms G King

          “                            Mr S. Lal

                                      Mrs Matharu

Co opted Governor           Christopher Geake

          “                            Mr J. Rai    

Teacher Governor            Lesley Bailey

Support staff Governor   Jackie Green

Headteacher                    Lydia Keyte

SCHOOL STAFF

TEACHING STAFF         Mrs Lydia Keyte              Headteacher

                                      Miss Judith King    Deputy Headteacher,SENCO

                                      Mrs Lesley Bailey            Phase Manager

                                      Miss Nicola Davies           Year Group Leader

                                      Miss Rachel Inniss                     “

                                      Miss Shabana Ali                       “

                                      Mrs Christine Beynon       Teacher      

                                      Miss Paula Rudland                    “

                                      Miss Amy Dundas                      “

                                      Mrs Terri Chanter                     “

                                      Mrs Susan Dhadwal          School Improvement Project

                                                                             Team  Manager

                                      Miss Avril Ashley                      “

                            

SUPPORT STAFF            Mrs Jackie Green            Admin Finance Officer

                                      Mrs Janet Bailey             Clerical Assistant  

                                      Mrs Mary Oakley            Welfare Assistant

                                      Mrs Chris Kelly               Classroom Assistant

                                      Mrs Susan Chick                        “

                                      Mrs Wendy Clark                      “

                                      Mrs Sylvia Andrews                  “

                                      Mrs Sanita Flora                       “

                                      Mrs Pauline McClosky                “                 

                                      Mrs Gillian Burgen                     “

                                      Mrs Ruth Costello                      “

                                      Mrs Caroline Stanton       Nursery Nurse

                                      Mrs Sandie Hart                       “

                                      Mrs Tracey Dykes                     “

                                      Mrs Somate Kakar                     “

                                      Mr Kevan Giebeler           Premises Manager

 

ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance is vital if children are to make good progress. Infant and Nursery Education is the bedrock of all future educational success so it is important to ensure good attendance habits in Nursery and Reception.

The awarding of the Attendance Cup to the class with the best attendance in our weekly Progress Assembly and the awarding of termly Attendance Certificate to children with 100% attendance are ways the school rewards good attendance.

·       It is the duty of parents/carers to ensure that children attend school regularly

·       Children should only be absent from school if they are unwell.

·       Parents/carers must inform the school, either by letter, telephone call or verbally on the first day of absence, the reason for their child’s absence and on their return to school provide a letter or speak to the class teacher about the absence.  

·       Only Schools can authorise absence not the parent. The school will only authorise absence for Medical or Dental appointments, religious observance in the religion to which the parent belongs, or specified circumstances previously agreed with the school.

·       Arriving after the start of the school day 9 a.m. or taking children out of school before 3 p.m. is judged to be an absence.

·       Hillingdon’s Education Welfare Officer inspects our Registers and contacts parents of children with poor attendance.

·       Children should not take holidays during the school term.

If you have to take a holiday during term time permission for the absence must be requested in writing to Minet Nursery & Infant School Governing Body with at least four weeks notice. A period of authorised absence may be agreed.  If children are away from school for a long period of time with out notice being given to the school their name may be taken off the school roll and their place be given to a child on the school’s waiting list.

If you are having any difficulties with bringing your child to school regularly please come and discuss it with the Headteacher so that support may be arranged through our Education Welfare Officer.

School Dinners

A hot school meal is available for all children attending full time school. The food is prepared in the school kitchen by a Catering Company. Children choose from a range of different daily choices, which includes a vegetarian dish. Animal fats are not used in any of the cooking.  Special dietary needs should be communicated to your child’s class teacher.

Meals must be paid for weekly each Monday morning. The correct amount of money should be sent in a clearly labelled envelope.

We cannot give credit, but families may be entitled to apply for Free school meals Forms are available from the Clerical Assistant and are treated with complete confidence.

Children may bring a packed lunch to school in a suitable container that is marked with their name.

Children’s pack lunches should include a balanced meal. Chocolates, sweets and fizzy drinks are discouraged. We do not allow drinks in glass bottles for safety reasons, or cans to avoid spillages.

 

SCHOOL MILK

A daily free carton of milk is available to all children under 5 years old. You will need to complete the necessary form for your child to get their entitlement. Your child may still have a daily carton of milk after their 5^th birthday but there is a small charge.

 

SCHOOL UNIFORM

Minet Nursery and Infant School Uniform is designed to be practical and easily managed by young children. We prefer our pupils to wear uniform as it helps promote a sense of belonging.  It is also much easier for busy parents in the mornings! School Uniform can be bought from the school during term time.

Shoes must be a style that is held on to the foot (laces buckles or Velcro) to ensure the safety of the children when they run and play.

Don’t forget, your child will need a coat to wear at playtime and plimsolls or trainers to change into if they wear boots to school in wet weather.

Clothing must be marked with your child’s name.

 

Minet Nursery and Infant School Uniform

·      Red school sweatshirt with school logo.

·      Red school cardigan with school logo  

·      Red school T-shirt

·      White Polo Shirt with school logo

·      Dark Blue or Grey trousers, skirt or pinafore

·      Summer Dress in Red check cotton.

Dress for PE

P. E. is taught in the school hall. In the interest of safety and on the advice of the PE Teachers Association children work in bare feet.  It is not essential for children to have additional clothing for PE if suitable underwear of vest, pants or knickers are worn for children to undress to.  If clothing for PE is purchased it must be white cotton shorts and a close fitting white T-shirt, not a polo shirt.  Coloured shorts and T-shirts are not allowed.  These items of clothing should be clearly marked with the child’s name and kept on the child’s peg in a clearly marked bag.  During the summer term some PE lessons are taught outside on these occasions Plimsolls will be needed.

 

Jewellery should not be worn to school.

CARING FOR YOUR CHILD

At Minet Infant school we have a Home School Agreement and a Behaviour Code, which sets out the responsibilities of school, parent and child. This code forms the basis of the school’s Anti Bullying Policy. This policy is available on request.

The Home School Agreement and Behaviour Code appear on a separate sheet.

·       We have three designated First Aiders to provide first aid when required..

·       If your child becomes unwell during the school day you will be contacted and your child looked after until you can collect them and take them home.

·       It is vital that we have contact numbers for every child: home, work or a neighbour. Hospitals are reluctant to administer treatment if a parent or guardian is not present.

·       The Welfare Assistant is available to give advice on general childhood health issues but further advice is available from the School Nurse who can be contacted at Minet Clinic 020 8573 2634. She visits school regularly to do sight, weight and hearing screening tests.

·       In the interest of the security we ask all parents/carers and visitors to report to the School Office if they come into school during the school day. While we do not wish to discourage parents/carers to come into school we are mindful of our responsibility to keep your children safe.  All external doors are fitted with digital locks and the main entrance has a video door entry system. Therefore parents must bring children to the main entrance to gain entry if you arrive after 9 o ‘clock in the morning. 

·       We do not allow children to be collected from school by unknown persons. If you or the usual carer is unable to meet your child from school please telephone before 3 pm to clarify the situation and avoid embarrassment.

·      We have an Asthma Policy. This asks parents/carers to provide up to date information to our Welfare Assistant about preventative and emergency medication and additional inhalers to be left in school.

·      If your child needs regular medication for other medical conditions for example epilepsy or allergies, this must be given  to our Welfare Assistant with written instructions from a Doctor, for their use.

·      If your child has an attack of diarrhoea or vomiting they should be kept home for 24 hours.

·      Parents/carers should undertake regular head checks to prevent against infestations of Head Lice

 

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

We like parents to be fully involved with the life of the school.  We strongly believe that children learn best when parents and teachers worked together.

We enjoy having parents/carers working with school staff on a whole range of activities including reading with the children sewing, cooking gardening and playing games.

We appreciate parent/carers help with supervising children on school  outings and visits to the local community.

We provide a wide range of classes for parent/carers on Family Learning, Keeping up with your children, First Aid, and Basic English.

We arrange workshops to explain the curriculum - what the children are taught - in order that you may help your child more effectively.

At the beginning of term class teachers arrange meetings to discuss their plans for the term and identify areas where you can best support your children. This includes advice and guidance about Homework.

Class teachers arrange “Read  In” mornings  and Maths Games Workshops when you are invited into class to share activities with your children

Homework:

Children are given regular work to do with you at home.  Details are set out in the Homework Policy and explained at the beginning of the year at the Homework Meeting.

HOW DO I FIND OUT HOW MY CHILD IS GETTING ON.

·       Our doors open at 8.45a.m so that parents can settle children into class, take part in our  “Read Ins” by sharing a book with your child, look at work that has been going on in the classroom or talk to the class teacher before the formal beginning of the school day.

·       Teachers are available to speak briefly and informally with parents about mutual concerns at the end of the school day at 3 pm. Please wait until the teacher has dismissed the class if you want to talk with them.

·       Each term we arrange a Parents Consultation Evening so that children, parents and teachers can meet together to discuss progress and set targets for future learning.

·       At the end of each year parents/carers receive a written report about their child’s progress in all National Curriculum Subjects and Religious Education or the Foundation Stage Curriculum.

·       Parents/carers are very welcomed to meet with the Headteacher to discuss any concerns, ideas or suggestions they may have. Sometimes it may be necessary to make an appointment.

Queries and Complaints

If you have a query or problem related to your child, please do not hesitate to contact us.  Talking it through with the class teacher, Deputy Headteacher or Headteacher will help us to deal with anything that causes you anxiety, however insignificant. 

 

Formal Complaints procedure

·       If you have a complaint about any aspect of the teaching of the National Curriculum and Religious Education in the school, you should initially put your complaint to the Headteacher either verbally or in writing.

·       A meeting will be arranged with you to discuss the issues raised and endeavour to resolve the situation.

·       If the complaint cannot be resolved at the meeting a letter, setting out the complaint, should be sent to the Chair of Governors.

·       The Governing Body will then carry out an investigation and inform you of the outcome of their investigations.