School Hours
8.50 am to 12.00am 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm
The school day commences at 8.50 am and continues to 3 pm. During the day there are break periods for pupils. Our Lower Phase have two breaks, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Middle and Upper Phases, Key Stage 4, and Post 16 pupils have only one break which is in the morning. Pupils are however, allowed water to drink on request throughout the day.
The breaks are 15 minutes long and during this time the children are closely supervised. The school provides milk, and drinks. The 'early years' have fruit. Pupils can bring in snacks for the morning break if they wish, clearly marked.
Lunchtimes
This is an important part of the school day. It provides an opportunity for pupils to interact and learn the social skills and manners that apply during periods when they are actively involved with others.
We operate a cafeteria system for pupils who are able to select their own food independently. For our younger children we operate a 'family' service. Menus are sent home weekly.
Lunch break is between 12-00 noon and 1 pm.
Dinner Money
The school would like all dinner money placed in a envelope marked with the child's name and class teacher, and to be sent into school on Monday morning. Should your child be entitled to free school meals you will be asked to re-apply annually at the Benefits Office and they will confirm to us if the entitlement is to continue. It is therefore important that you return documentation to them as soon as requested.
Money can be sent into school for cookery, drinks, uniform and trips and this should be placed in a separate envelope and clearly marked.
Home School Liaison
Old Park recognises that we cannot deal totally with the needs of children without the involvement, opinion and knowledge provided by parents. Teaching is a partnership between parents and school. Every effort is made to encourage parents to take an active interest in their child's education, and parents are welcomed into school at any time.
Parents wishing to speak with a particular teacher should attempt to do so around 8.30 or alternatively at lunchtime or after 3.15 pm. However if there are concerns that are considered urgent the Headteacher can always be contacted to arrange an immediate appointment.
When a child first begins school there is frequent contact between the class teacher and parents. During this important time the school understands that parents need reassurance and as such a daily diary will be sent home. This diary continues throughout the Foundation stage.
Throught their time in school, your child will have a Home School Book. This is not a diary but rather a communication between home and school for noting important developments and issues. These books are checked daily by the class teacher but should not be used to advise us of illness or absence.
Parents are invited into school for Parents Evenings held during the Autumn and Summer Terms. At these times, parents are invited to contribute to setting their child's Individual Education Plan (IEP) targets.
Each year the pupil's progress is reviewed through the Annual Review procedure. Through this process parents and other professionals are given the opportunity to discuss the child's progress and make recommendations to the child's statement.
The recommendations of the Annual Review Meeting are forwarded to the LEA who inform parents of any changes to their child's statement.
Facilities
To cater for individual dietary requirements, our school cook provides fresh food daily prepared on the premises. A menu is sent home each week.
We have a large, well stocked library in pleasant surroundings that is supervised by our own Librarian.
I.C.T. is a powerful stimulus to many pupils at Old Park and motivates many to learn. We have our own I.C.T. suite equipped with touch screens rollerballs and switches to cater for individual need. Our network of PCs includes one in each classroom.
Many of our pupils have complex needs and our sensory room provides multi-sensory experiences which are necessary and relevant to individual development.
The School has its own swimming pool and full time qualified swimming teacher. We also have a hydro pool to provide essential physiotherapy.
All pupils have access to the school minibus. Pupils enjoy a whole range of off-site enrichment activities that form a significant part of the School curriculum. |