Head's FAQs

Here are some of the questions which our Head is most often asked by parents. If you have any further queries which the website does not answer, please do not hesitate to contact us.

• What size are the classes?
• What percentage of the pupils are boys/girls?
• Do you offer help with fees?
• Are the children set and if so, for which classes?
• Can my child learn to play an instrument?
• Do the children take SATs (Standard Assessment Tests)?
• How much homework is given?
• How long has the Head been at the School?
• How many male staff are there?
• Do you have a high staff turnover?
• How much sport do the pupils do?
• Are parents encouraged to be involved in school life?
• How do you communicate with parents?
• What are your arrangements for before and after-school care?
• Is there any bullying at the School and what is your policy on it?

back to topQ: What size are the classes?

Our average class size is around 17, with a maximum of 21. We have two classes in each year group, which allows us to change the classes each year, encouraging children to make new friends. This is especially important in helping children's social skills.

back to topQ: What percentage of the pupils are boys/girls?

We usually have approximately half boys, half girls, though the exact percentage changes year on year.

back to topQ: Do you offer help with fees?

We offer a number of financial awards and have a special Junior Award Scheme, for children who want to join us at Year 3.

back to topQ: Are the children set and if so, for which classes?

Children are set by ability in Years 5 and 6, in Maths, English and Science.

back to topQ: Can my child learn to play an instrument?

We offer lessons in a wide range of instruments, from visiting instrumental teachers. Every year there is a demonstration to children from Year 2 to Year 5 so that they can hear the range of instruments.

back to topQ: Do the children take SATs (Standard Assessment Tests)?

We administer SATs at the end of Key Stage 1 (Year 2) and the end of Key Stage 2 (Year 6). We also assess the children throughout their time with us using a range of other standardised tests, though the children will rarely be aware that they are being formally tested.

back to topQ: How much homework is given?

In Years 1 and 2, there is reading daily, spellings once a week, maths on a Friday and very occasionally some topic-related tasks. Homework for Juniors is as follows: 20 minutes a night for Year 3, 25 minutes for Year 4, (with 10 minutes' reading for both year groups), 30 minutes for Year 5 and 45 minutes for Year 6 (with at least 15 minutes' reading and spelling for those year groups). The homework is increased in Year 6 to prepare children for the work they will encounter in secondary school.

back to topQ: How long has the Head been at the School?

Mrs Crouch joined the School in 2004.

back to topQ: How many male staff are there?

We have six full-time male staff (seven from September 2010) including two class teachers, our Music Subject Leader and our IT technician. We also have two part-time male sports coaches, a number of male instrument teachers and a volunteer grandfather who helps us with Green Club.

back to topQ: Do you have a high staff turnover?

The majority of our staff leave us on retirement, though some also leave us for promotion. A number of our staff are either current or former parents, which brings another level of involvement and knowledge that benefits the school community.

back to topQ: How much sport do the pupils do?

In Reception, children have four allocated PE sessions: one focuses on movement and music and is taught by form teachers; the other three are taught by specialist teachers and include basic ball skills and gymnastics.

In Year 1, the children have two longer PE sessions with PE staff, in readiness for Year 2, when they will have one PE sessions, one games session and one swimming session each week.

Years 3, 4 and 5 have one PE session, two hour-long games sessions and one swimming session each week; Year 6 has the same allocation of PE and games, but swimming stops.

Some sports clubs are available from Year 1, but the number increases significantly in Key Stage 2. Most of the clubs are free, but there is a minimal charge for coaching for a few of them.

back to topQ: Are parents encouraged to be involved in school life?

Parents are a vital part of our community. They come to Class Assemblies, plays and other events including information evenings and talks by staff and outside speakers. We also welcome parents as volunteers eg. helping with reading, working in the Art Room and on our many trips. Parents who help with the children have to have a CRB check which can be arranged through the School. We also have a lively and successful PTA.

back to topQ: How do you communicate with parents?

We use ParentMail (an email and text system for schools) to send information home about school events and to request permission for trips. We publish information on this website and our Parents' Area, which has dates and reminders for parents, as well as copies of all the letters sent home. There is also a fortnightly newsletter.

back to topQ: What are your arrangements for before and after-school care?

We offer Breakfast Club (Year 1 upwards), Early Stay and Late Stay, from 7.30am-6pm inclusive.

back to topQ: Is there any bullying at the School and what is your policy on it?

No school can claim to be wholly free from unkind behaviour, but we are committed to teaching children to be kind and respectful of each other. Our rules about behaviour are very clear. We have a Behaviour Policy and an Anti-Bullying Policy on our Parents' Area.