Towards A Working Partnership

Common Aims For School & Home

 

 

 

The following points are included so that you are aware of the type of ethos that we hope to create in the school:

 

1. The value of education

Children find it difficult to comprehend what schooling has to do with adult life.  It is important that the child believes that an adequate level of education is not only vital for achieving success in life but is also of value for its own sake.  Learning exercises the mind as physical training exercises the body.

 

2. Your child’s schoolwork

We will make every effort here to inform you of the topics that your child will cover during the course of the academic year.  It is always helpful when a child is supported and encouraged in his/her school activities. This is best achieved by discussing the topic with them, offering guidance and advice where appropriate.

 

3. Differences of opinion

It is perfectly understandable for some parents to have different opinions to those of the school.  However, it is conducive to a more harmonious situation if the child perceives that the school and his/her parents are all interested in his/her education and upbringing.  There is nothing to be gained if the child hears parents criticising the school rather than both parties attempting to reconcile any differences of opinion.

 

4. Contact with the school

If a parent requests a visit to the school in order to discuss a matter concerning their child, every effort will be made to arrange this as soon as possible.  However, please understand that teachers have a responsibility to their teaching commitments and therefore please make an appointment beforehand by calling the school or sending a note with the child. The first point of contact should be the child’s class teacher.

 

5. Arriving on the school premises

On arrival at the school please request entry using the intercom system at the security door. You are then requested to report your presence on the school grounds at Reception, to the secretary. In the interests of security and the children’s safety it is important that the school Staff is aware of bona fide visitors to school.  Unauthorised visitors may be challenged and/or asked to leave the premises. Dogs are NOT allowed in the school premises.

 

6. Open days

As parents you will be invited to a number of ‘open days’ during the year in order to discuss your child’s progress. In addition, written reports will be given at least once a year. Should you wish to speak to your child’s teacher at any time, please phone to arrange a time when he/she may see you.  The class teacher is the person to contact any time you wish to know about your child’s progress. This teacher is responsible for your child throughout the year and should there be any behavioural or learning problems it will be this teacher who will make the necessary arrangements so that you are informed immediately.

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7. Extra-curricular Activities

There are a number of activities which take place outside school hours, including the lunch hour.  The teacher in charge of these clubs will inform the child of days and times. Should you be unsure, please feel that you can contact the school to verify that your child is remaining after 3.30pm on the premises.

 

8. School Trips

Children benefit enormously from school trips. It is hoped that your child will avail him/herself of the opportunity to attend these, during their stay in the school.  It must be stressed that attendance at such trips is a privilege under the school’s DFL (Discipline for Learning) policy and, therefore, only children showing the necessary maturity and behaviour will be allowed to attend.  Further information on these trips will be made available during the course of the year when exact dates, prices etc... are provided. Please note that some trips require a border crossing, so each child must be in possession of their own individual passport. Children under the age of 16 are not allowed to travel with ID cards unless they are with their parents.

 

9. Homework 

The concept of homework has changed considerably in recent times.  In simple terms, it is a continuation of work started and prepared in class. Homework should not be considered a burden or punishment. Sometimes, however, it is required that pupils complete the written work in their own time.  

It is also a means by which pupils begin to understand the concept of self-discipline and how best to use their free time fruitfully. It is appreciated if parents ensure that pupils meet homework targets and that these are completed within the required time frame.  

 

Homework may also take many forms, not just that of producing written work.  Pupils may be asked to carry out some research and if they do not have access to the Internet at home, it is helpful if parents offered some guidance as to how to obtain the required information.  It is very important to note that homework is for the pupils and not the parents. It is preferable for a child to get it wrong rather than the parent give them the correct answer, yet not be able to explain the process or concept involved.  

 

Pupils are encouraged to ask the teacher for further explanation before leaving school if they do not fully understand the work to be completed at home.  However, as experience has shown, this does not always happen. As parents, we would encourage you to ensure that your child fully understands the homework before leaving the school premises. Teachers will always endeavour to make themselves available to explain work to the pupils, either after a lesson has finished or at a time that is convenient for both teacher and pupil.

 

10. Safeguarding

At BFS, we view the safeguarding of children as our main priority. We believe that all children have the right to learn in a happy, safe environment and we all have a responsibility to make this happen. We will ensure that:

• the welfare of your child remains paramount

• all children whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious beliefs and/ or sexual identity have the right to be protected from harm

• all suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately

• all staff working at our school have a responsibility to report concerns immediately.

 

All school Staff are:

• trained in Safeguarding Children Tier 1 and are aware of the procedures to follow

• encouraged to be vigilant in order to maintain the safety of our children

• aware of the need to maintain privacy and confidentiality.

 

Because our first concern must be the well-being of your child, there may be occasions when we have to consult other agencies before we contact you. We are fortunate to be supported by a range of external agencies which can be called upon to support the work we do in school. These include Health Practitioners, Educational Psychologists at the Department of Education (DoE), BEST Support, SLT Support, OT support and the Care Agency. 

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11. Injuries and medical information

If a child has had a bump to the head we will inform parents via phone just after the incident has occurred. We treat this by placing an ice-pack on the injured area. Complications from bumps are often not evident for some hours after the event. Class teachers are informed so that they, too, are vigilant throughout the remainder of the school day if your child remains in school.

You will be provided with an information sheet for your child. Please indicate any medical issues your child has. The school should always be kept informed about any health problems e.g. Allergies, need for inhalers or other medication. Staff are trained in the use of first aid. If it is necessary for your child to receive medication, during the school day, please note that this will need to be administered by the parent/guardian.

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12. Mobile Phones and Tablets

Nowadays, many children have their own mobile devices. We do not allow them in school or permit the use of these, during the school day. This is mainly for reasons of security and data protection.