Click on any of the questions below for the answers. To retract an answer for easier viewing of the questions, click on the question again, not the answer.
Q: What do I do if my child is unwell?
A: It is important to notify the school if your child is unable to attend as the school is expected to follow up any un-notified absence by 10am of the morning of absence. Parents or carers can phone into school from 7.45am to inform us if their child is unable to attend. Please do not notify us of absences via e-mail – our e-mails come to us via a central server and there is sometimes a delay in receiving them.
Q: When is the School Uniform Shop open?
A: Our School Uniform shop is open from 2.45pm to 3.30pm on term time Fridays and published times during the Summer Holiday (see Dates for Diaries). If however you are unable to get to the school when the shop is open arrangements can be made to order uniform via the school office.
Q: In the event of severe weather how do I know whether the School is open?
A: In the event of severe weather it may be necessary to close the school for all or part of the day. If this is the case Authorised School Staff will notify the Local Radio Stations. We advise parents to listen to BBC Essex on 103.5 and 95.3 FM or Essex FM on 102.6 and 96.3 FM for updates and advice. There will also be signs displayed outside the school.
Q: What do I do if I think I might be able to claim free school meals for my child?
A: Please telephone or call into the school at your convenience for further information. Enquiries of this nature are dealt with confidentially and in private.
Q: My child has lost an item of clothing/bag etc. What should I do?
A: At St Katherine’s we ask that all personal property, including clothing, is clearly labelled with the child’s name. We also strongly encourage children to be responsible for their own belongings, to keep them safe and not leave things behind. If your child has lost something, please ask them to look for it themselves in the first instance – it may be easier for them to search the cloakroom during breaktimes or after school. Lost Property is displayed on Friday afternoons from 2.45pm to 3.30pm in the Uniform Shop in the Parish Room. However, due to lack of storage space any unclaimed items are disposed of after two weeks.
Q: I have changed my address/phone number/mobile phone number. What should I do?
A: It is very important that the school has up to date contact details for parents and carers of all children in case we should need to contact you. If your contact details change, please send us written notification of the changes along with your child(ren)’s name and class number. We can then ensure that our records are up to date. Please remember that this also applies to contact details for any other carers listed on your child(ren)’s records for emergency contact.
Q: Someone different will be collecting my child from school today. What should I do?
A: It is very important to let us know if your child is being collected by someone other than yourself. This particularly applies to Nursery, Reception and Infant Children. Children cannot be handed over to ‘unknown’ adults without confirmation, so if necessary a phone call will be made to seek the permission of the parent or guardian.
Q: I am going to arrive late to collect my child – what will happen?
A: If you are delayed, please telephone the school if possible to let us know and your child will stay in the office until you arrive. ALL our children are told that if there is no-one in the playground to collect them they MUST come to the school office and we appreciate parents’ support in teaching their children the same rule.
Q: Can I speak to my child’s teacher or the Head teacher?
A: Yes you can! We do however ask that all requests to speak to teachers are made via the office please. You will be asked if you can give a brief outline of what you would like to discuss – this is to ensure that the teacher can have any relevant documentation or facts to hand. If the matter is confidential however, please feel free to say so. All our staff have meetings and other responsibilities before and after school and are not always immediately available. If possible, please leave some suggested times when you are available and remember that it is sometimes easier to see teachers before school instead of after. We ask that parents and carers do not delay teachers as they are taking children into class or dismissing them at the end of the day. If the matter you wish to discuss is urgent you will always be seen by someone, even if the specific teacher you may wish to speak to is unavailable. Someone is always available to share your concerns and answer your queries.
Q: Can I come into school?
A: ALL visitors to the school must come in via the school office, where they will be asked to sign in the visitors’ book. This is to ensure against intruders as well as keeping a check of who is in the building in case of the need for emergency evacuation. Adults must not enter the school via any other door without first visiting the office.
Q: Does my Child have an after school club tonight?
A: Children are taught from an early age to take responsibility for reminding parents when they are staying for after school clubs. Details of club dates and times are displayed on notice boards in the school and children have ample opportunity to read them. From time to time it may be necessary to cancel clubs and staff always endeavour to give as much notice as possible. In the event of cancellation at short notice we would make every effort to contact parents by telephone and a notice will be displayed in the office window. Children whose parents cannot be contacted will be kept in the school office until they are collected.
Q: How do I apply for a place for my child?
A: If you would like to apply for a place at St Katherine's School for your child, please phone us on 01268 685611 or call in to request an Application Pack. The pack contains an application form together with a range of information to help you with your decision, including details on arranging a visit to the School. You will also receive a copy of the School Prospectus.
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