Hormead CE (VA) First

& Nursery School

PARENT HANDBOOK

Great Hormead, nr Buntingford, SG9 0NR 01763 289201 admin@hormead.herts.sch.uk

www.hormead.herts.sch.uk

We are delighted that you have chosen Hormead First School for your child

and look forward to working in partnership with you over the coming years.

This is the beginning of a new chapter in your child’s life, an exciting journey of learning and discovery. We

will work hard to ensure it is the best start to school your child can possibly have. We are very proud of our

school and want every child and family to share in belonging to what is a very special community.

We hope that you and your child will share in the, "Love of Learning, Love of Life and Love of God." that

permeates throughout our wonderful village school.

Hormead School is a fully inclusive Church of England School founded in 1815. We welcome children from

the age of 3 to 9 years old from all faiths and cultures and are proud to have been providing quality

education for over 200 years. We have an amazing teaching team who place children at the heart of all we

do. We pride ourselves on knowing each child individually and appreciate what makes each individual

unique. We are passionate that every learner at Hormead will be the very best they can be both

academically and socially and all adults have nothing but the highest expectations.

Parents and carers play a very important part of school life and so we value our partnership with you all.

We look forward to working closely together in the best interests of all our children and encourage you to

become involved in all aspects of school life, so that, as partners, we can promote high standards of

learning, behaviour and attitudes to enable every child to reach their full potential.

This booklet has been designed to provide you with all the information you will need to ensure your child’s

start at Hormead is as smooth as it can be. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to

ask us.

I look forward to getting to know you and your child. Welcome!

Mrs Lynda Cowler

Headteacher

Love We love each other as God loves us

Courage We are brave as we meet new challenges

Kindness We are a good friend

Resilience We learn from our mistakes

Co-operation We work together as a team

Honesty We tell the truth to each other

Aspiration We aim high and always do our best

We celebrate our values and use them to help us with our behaviour choices. We choose a focus value for

each half term – look out for which one we’re exploring in our fortnightly newsletter.

Love of Learning, Love of Life, Love of God

Our school is organised into three classes taught by their own, dedicated teacher and full time teaching

assistant.

ASH CLASS

Nursery & Reception

WILLOW CLASS

Year 1 & Year 2 (KS1)

OAK CLASS

Year 3 & Year 4 (Lower KS2)

Pupils are taught individually, as a group or as a whole class, but always according to individual needs and

in ways that will take them forward in their learning and development.

School uniform can be ordered through Saffron Apparel. A full uniform list can be provided by the office, please just ask. Other items can be found at reputable supermarkets/shops locally. If you have difficulties

buying uniform please speak to the School Office.

Jewellery is not permitted in school. Pierced ears should be a plain stud only, which must be removed (by

the child – if unable to remove it themselves, then they shouldn’t be worn for that day) for PE. Taping up is

only suitable during the first six weeks of piercing and will provided by the parent. This is a matter of your

child’s safety.

Long Hair must be tied back – shoulder length is a good guide for when to tie back. Fashion haircuts are

also strongly discouraged. Plain bobbles, hairbands and ribbons – no fashion bands/bobbles please.

Nail varnish should be removed before the start of each school day.

Check List for the first Day: ✓ Uniform

✓ School Book Bag – available online.

✓ PE kit in a bag

✓ Home packed lunch if you are not having school dinners

✓ Water bottle – (KS1 & KS2 only) available from school

Make sure all items are named – helps us to relocate their owner

when found!

Many children like to hang something,

for example a small key ring, to their

school bag, or PE kit bag so they

instantly know which one is theirs.

DROPPING OFF YOUR CHILD

First Day at School

School doors open at 8.45am so arrive early and we can welcome you and help you find your way. Lessons

start promptly at 9.00am so it’s good to get into good habits from the start. If starting midway through the

year, bring your child to the Main Entrance where a member of staff will greet you and show them the way

to their classroom.

Subsequent Days

Nursery and Reception children (Ash Class) enter through their classroom door in the Outside Learning

Area. KS1 children (Willow Class) enter through the class door by the exterior ramp and KS2 children (Oak

Class) enter through their class door on the playground.

Doors open at 8.45am so children can come into school – it is best to let them come in independently. If you

have a message for their class teacher, let the office or Headteacher know – the Headteacher is usually on

the playground every morning after doors open. There will be Morning Work/Busy Finger activities for

them to be getting on with. Please note there is no adult supervision on the playground before school starts.

COLLECTING YOUR CHILD

Nursery children finish at either 12noon, 1pm or 3.15pm (collect from Ash classes outside play area gate).

All other children finish at 3.15pm and can be collected from where they were dropped off.

If pupils are being taken out of school at any other time than the usual end of their school day, please collect

them from the office where you will need to sign them out.

It is parents’/carers’ responsibility to collect their children at the end of their school day, or to make

arrangement for their care. To ensure the safety of all children, please inform your child’s teacher if

someone else will be collecting them or contacting the school office as early as possible if the normal

arrangements need to be changed unexpectedly. We will always check if the person collecting your child has

permission to do so. It saves lots of time and worry if you tell us beforehand!

MORNING CLUB (Nursery to Yr 4)

We offer a Morning club every day to children from Nursery to year 4. This will be held in the School Hall

area, which is in the old part of the school. The hours are 8.00am to 8.45am. Please contact the school if you

would like a place for your child/children and booking information. (Tel. 01763 289201). Places are

available for Ad-Hoc sessions; please fill in a registration form on the morning of attending, if not already

done so. Thank you.

EXTENDING THE DAY

We provide our children with as wider range of opportunities as possible, and through the year organise after

school clubs that reflect their passions and interests. These include cookery, football, art, crafts, story club,

dance, and many others. We also offer extended childcare to 5pm. Details are available on our website.

We aim to develop an open and friendly relationship with all our parents/carers, so there is a two-way flow

of information about each child – home to school, and school to home. This way, children’s learning can be

supported and extended, and any achievements or problems can be shared. Please ensure you update us

whenever you change your contact information – this is especially important should we need to contact you

in an emergency.

SCHOOL GATEWAY

Please download the School Gateway app (available for Android and iPhone). You can also use the

online website (link on our website) to access your account. We use this app for online payments.

We are a cashless school. Ask in the office for more information.

SCHOOLPING

Please download the SchoolPing app (available for Android and iPhone). You can also use the

online website (link on our website) to access your account. We use this app for

communication, sharing letters, Newsletters, Parents Evening Booking system and any

important updates. Ask in the office for more information.

NEWSLETTERS

We send out fortnightly Newsletters which contain lots of information. We share upcoming dates, important

notices, news from the classes, and celebrate the children’s achievements.

WEBSITE & TWITTER

Our website is a trove of information – do look at it regularly. The latest newsletters, other news/photos,

policies, and dates are published there. We also have information from Parent Workshops, and a digital copy

of this handbook. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, let us know. We have a school Twitter where we

upload news, photos, live feeds from trips, and celebrate children’s achievements. You can follow us on our

Twitter account, @HormeadSchool. Please note that we never publish children’s names with photos, and

fully respect parents’ consent with using photos online.

LETTERS FROM SCHOOL

Sometimes, when a reply is needed, paper copies of letters

are still sent home for things like trips, consent forms,

surveys. Children bring this home in their book bags.

Copies can also be requested at the school office.

TALKING TO YOUR CHILD’S

TEACHER

If you need to speak with your child’s teacher, you have a number of options:

• Email the office on admin@hormead.herts.sch.uk where your email will be forwarded to your child’s

class teacher.

• Catch the teacher first thing, or ask at the office, to arrange a suitable time to talk to them. A great

time to catch them is at the end of the day on the playground too.

• Phone the school office and leave a message – remember to say if it’s urgent and which child it is

for. If we need to, we will call you back as soon as we can.

If it’s not urgent, you can leave a note in the Reading Record diary and these are checked at least once a

week (though the children need to remember them in their book bag every day, just in case…).

Go through your

child’s school bag

daily to see what is

lurking inside!

Additionally, the Headteacher is always willing to meet with parents, and can be found on the playground

most mornings, or ring the office to arrange a suitable time.

COMMUNICATION - FAQ

How do I let the school know about medical and hospital appointments?

These appointments should be arranged outside of school time wherever possible. If this really isn’t

possible, then you’ll need to write a letter to the office. The letter should state the date, time, and type of

appointment e.g. hospital, doctors etc. Please email a copy of the appointment text to the office.

How will the school let me know if it’s closed due to snow?

Whilst the school is determined always to stay open, severe weather conditions such as snow can mean it

isn’t safe for pupils to be in school – for example if not enough staff can make it to school. On these rare

occasions the school uses SchoolPing, the Herts County Everbridge system, the school website and the

local radio station to inform parents the school is closed. Please see the ‘Parent’ / ‘Severe Weather

Closure’ section on the Website for more information, and to register for the Everbridge system.

What should I expect at Parent Consultations?

Parent Consultations usually take place in October and March on an afternoon or evening after school.

The latest (6.50pm) and earliest (3.30pm) appointments are usually in high demand, so book early! In the

weeks before, you will receive a School Ping requesting that you book a time slot.

You will be able pre-book a 10minute slot to talk to your child’s teacher about how your child is getting

on, and see your child’s books. It’s a chance to hear from the teacher, as well as to ask any questions you

have. We will share your child’s targets and progress so far. They are generally very positive experiences

and we aim to meet with every parent.

What should I do if my child is unwell and unable to go to school?

Please phone the school office before 930am in the morning to let us know. Ring every day your child is

absent, so we can mark the registers accurately. When your child returns to school, send in a letter to

explain the absence, include any appointment cards if a medical appointment was required. Without the

follow up letter, absences will be recorded as unauthorised. If we haven’t heard from you by 9.30am, we

will ring as part of our Safeguarding duty to ensure we know where children are if we were expecting

them in school. We will use the numbers provided on the Registration Form – so please ensure these are

up to date. Our Attendance Policy is on the website – in the Policies section under Our School.

How can I find out what’s going on in school in advance, so that I can plan ahead of time?

The Newsletter sent out by email, lists upcoming dates for the following months, and we publish dates on

the Website calendar (on the homepage).

Will the school administer medicine to my child?

If your child has been prescribed medicine by a doctor/pharmacist, the school office will administer it to

your child. If at all possible, please time dosages so that it can be given at lunchtime, or avoid the school

day entirely. Please ensure that the medicine is clearly labelled with your child’s name, the original

pharmacy label, and you have completed a medicine form. Medicines must be handed to the office team

by an adult.

SCHOOL MEALS

We are fortunate to be able to offer freshly cooked meals onsite every day. Children may also bring in a

home packed lunch if they prefer. The children eat their lunch in the School hall together sat in their House

Groups, helping to create our school community. Menus for school meals are sent home regularly – this

service is provided by Herts Catering Ltd. and details of their meals are available on their website:

www.hertscatering.co.uk

Universal Free School Meals are currently available for all children in Reception and Key Stage 1. This

means these children are entitled to a free meal every day free of charge. Please register online for this:

www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals

For all other children, school meals must be paid for in advance, through School Gateway. The latest

prices are published in the Newsletter and on our website. Additionally, Free School Meals can be provided

for eligible children – visit the website above.

If your child will be late in to school, please inform us by 10.00am and let us know if they want a school

meal so that one can be ordered for them.

HOME PACKED LUNCHES

We encourage our children to eat healthily by teaching them about balanced diets. Our school meals are

nutritionally balanced and we find the following guidelines, as suggested by the School Food Trust, to be

helpful for planning packed lunches:

• A starchy food e.g. pitta, wholemeal bread, crackers or bagel

• Meat, fish or a non-dairy source of protein

• At least one portion of fruit

• At least one portion of vegetable or salad

• A milk or dairy food

• A cold (non-sugary) drink

Please also be mindful that certain items are not allowed in school: glass containers, cans, fizzy

(carbonated) drinks, nut/sesame seeds products (some pupils and staff are allergic to contact with nuts) and

sweets or chocolate are not permitted.

Please ensure lunch boxes are clearly named to avoid any confusion!

WATER, SNACKS and MILK

Children are encouraged to drink water throughout the day. Nursery and Reception children

have cups and fresh water available all day. KS1 & KS2 children are encouraged to use a

small sports style bottle to drink from – these can be purchased from the school office or

brought in from home. Water is available in school to refill the bottles – no juice or squash

please. We suggest taking bottles home over the weekend for a thorough clean.

All children in school are provided with a piece of free fruit or vegetable snack daily. Milk is

provided free for all children under 5, and all others may purchase it at a subsidised rate

through school. Please contact the school office for more details.

PUNCTUALITY AND ATTENDANCE

Please make every effort to ensure your child attends school regularly and arrives on time at 8.45am and by

9.00 am. Much progress can be lost when attendance is irregular and lots of time can be wasted by tardiness.

We will be pro-active in supporting you with this, please speak to us if you are having difficulties with

getting your child to school on time. Please also see our Attendance Policy (on our website) for more

information.

If your child is absent from school for any reason, please call the school office by 9.30 a.m. We ask you to

ring every day when your child is off to ensure that we can mark the registers accurately. Upon their return

to school, we also ask that you write a note to confirm why your child was absent. Medical evidence may be

requested by the Attendance Officer, so it is best to provide this whenever possible.

Useful Comparisons:

95% Attendance or better is the expected rate for all children.

90% is like taking one full day off every two weeks.

80% is like taking one full day off each week.

Being just 5 minutes late every day means 16 hours of learning opportunity is missed each year.

HOLIDAYS AND TERM DATES

Family holidays should take place during the school holiday dates. These are published a year in advance.

Recent changes to legislation means days off school during term time can only be authorised in exceptional

circumstances. A family holiday is not an exceptional circumstance. A form for requesting term-time

absence is available from the office. Please allow at least two weeks for requests to be processed.

CELEBRATING CHILDREN

We believe wholeheartedly in celebrating pupil’s achievements through our

rewards systems and certificates in school. These are shared with the whole

school community in our Celebration Assemblies, to which parents and

grandparents are invited to join us and celebrate our successes! Every child

is a member of a House Team and they can earn house points each day. The

prestigious Headteacher’s Award is given to individuals for excellent work

in class. In celebration of their demonstration of a school value Children can

also receive a value leaf which is displayed in their individual classrooms.

If you are unable to attend an event in school, feel free to ask

someone else to go in your place whether it is a grandparent,

uncle, or aunt. It really matters to the child that they have a

grown-up there to look for and show off to!

SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS & DISABILITIES (SEND) Our approach ensures that the children’s needs are met in

the classroom. From time to time, we may need to ask

other professionals to help us achieve this for some

children. These children are listed on our Special

Educational Needs Register, and we create individual

plans for supporting their learning and development.

This support is logged as part of a Pupil Profile, updated by all those working with the child. A copy of the

updates is shared at Parent Consultations or other suitable moments through the year. At every stage, we

meet and discuss with parents our observations and the support we are putting in place to help your child

achieve and succeed. More information about SEN matters can be found on our website. Please, ask if you

have specific concerns about your child, you can speak to Our Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator Mrs

Debbie Johnson or make an appointment through the school office.

HOMELEARNING Reception, KS1 and KS2 pupils receive age appropriate home-learning (homework). We believe this helps

our children to consolidate their learning and practice the skills they have developed. It is also a brilliant

opportunity for you to be involved in your child’s learning in a practical way. Every child is asked to read

every day at home – even in the holidays! We also encourage parents/carers to read to their children too.

Reading is a vital skill that can also create a great deal of pleasure.

Children may also receive sounds, spellings

and/or times tables depending on their age

and expectations. KS1 and KS2 children

will also receive a short task linked to class

work.

BEHAVIOUR Children in our school behave exceptionally well and are caring towards each other. This is key to their

success as learners, since disruptive behaviour prevents learning from taking place. Everyone in school

should be polite, friendly, kind to others and respectful of people and property. These expectations are

explicit in our school values. We have developed a strong, positive system to help our children manage their

behaviour choices and learn about consequences for when their behaviour does fall short of our

expectations. We only have 4 rules – Be Ready, Be Safe, Be Respectful and Be Honest. These along with

our school values are shared with children daily to remind them of the expectations at Hormead School. Full

details of our Behaviour Policy are available on our website (in the Policies section).

Bullying

As a school we take bullying very seriously. If you or your child feels that they are subject to bullying of any

form whilst in school, or if they are having any friendship problems that are worrying them, we strongly

encourage you to come and speak to us as soon as possible so that we can help resolve matters quickly.

MONEY MATTERS We accept online payments through the School Gateway app. Here you can track how much is owed for

dinners, after school clubs/childcare, trips and other charges such as Music Lessons. Please download the

app (following the method for your device) and use your email address to register. If you have any

problems, please let us know in the school office.

We are a cashless school; therefore our preferred method of payment is via School Gateway. Only on

exceptional circumstances will we accept cash or a cheque.

Help encourage your child to

read with you every day from

labels on food packaging to sign

posts.

We ask that all payments are made in a timely manner and in advance, most often before term starts or at the

start of term. School meals can be paid on a daily/weekly basis. We recommend paying at least half termly.

All outstanding payments should be cleared by the end of each term so that everyone starts each term with a

clear account balance. Ask at the office for how much is owed or look online.

SCHOOL MEAL REGISTRATION Please register your child for School Meals on the website: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals This

ensures that you are able to claim everything you are entitled to for your child, especially in Reception and

KS1 to confirm your eligibility for Universal Free School Meals. If you are eligible for Free School Meals,

school will receive additional funding (Pupil Premium Grant) to support improving your child’s education in

school.

CHILDCARE VOUCHER SCHEMES We accept Childcare Vouchers for payment towards eligible items. This includes after school clubs, Nursery

additional hours and other childcare costs. Please ask in the office for more information, and to see if we’re

already registered with your scheme provider. If not, we’ll register!

SCHOOL TRIPS & CURRICULUM ACTIVITIES Contributions for curriculum activities, such as trips and visitors to school, are all requested on a voluntary

basis. However, we are often unable to afford to run them without parent contributions and this limits the

learning opportunities we can provide. If you have any concerns about these costs, or any other costs, please

come in and ask us.

GOVERNING BODY

We have an active and supportive Governing Body who help shape the strategic direction and leadership of

the school. They work closely with The Headteacher and senior staff on continual school improvement and

development. You can find out more about what they do on our website, or if you have a question, concern

or suggestion you can email chair@hormead.herts.sch.uk

From time to time vacancies arise for a governor and we hold elections. Look out for nomination forms!

FRIENDS AND PARENTS OF HORMEAD SCHOOL

Our Friends and Parents Association do many wonderful things for our school, helping to raise funds for our

school and children. They also support us by giving up their time and expertise to bring projects to fruition.

Events are organised through the year and you are invited to join in with as many as you can. If you would

like to join the association to help organise events, please contact the School Office.

SCHOOL FUNDRAISING

Our Friends and Parents group help to support school by holding events that raise money towards school

activities. Each year we have a well-supported professional Fireworks Extravaganza. This is one of our main

fundraising events and it is all hands-on deck – please do look out for requests for help!

PARENT HELPERS

Being a small school, we always have a need for help during the school day

and special events through the school year (such as school trips). It could be

listening to readers, tidying the library or helping to prepare a display, sharing

a skill or your work with the children, or generally helping out round school.

Please contact Mrs Tompkins or Mrs Holden in the school office to volunteer

your help and we sort the rest (DBS check etc). Do also speak to the

Headteacher if you have any specific ideas about helping us out in school.

GOLDEN LUNCH TICKETS

Every Friday 5 tickets are available for parents or relatives to join

their child for lunch in school. The cost for a ticket is an adult meal

(ask in the office for current prices) and they are strictly on a first

come, first served basis. The children love to have lunch with their

family, and they can then spend a little time showing you their

classroom and work.

CELEBRATION ASSEMBLY

Every Friday we have a Celebration assembly in the school hall where we recognise, Birthdays, Headteacher

Awards, House Points and out of school achievements (certificates, trophies, medals, for sport, dance etc.)

are celebrated. Out of school achievements can be brought in to school. We look forward to celebrating with

them!

Once a month we have a whole class celebration assembly where you are invited to join us. This is a special

time where children get to share with you some of the work they have been doing in school. Everyone is

welcome to attend.

CHURCH SERVICES

We walk up to St Nicholas’ Church, Great Hormead as a whole school each term for Harvest (October),

Armistice Day (November, usually at the village memorial), Christmas (December), Easter (March/April),

and for our end of year Leavers’ Service (July). The services are almost always in the afternoon from

2.30pm and all parents and relatives are warmly welcomed to join us. The children take part in a variety of

ways, singing, reading, performing poetry, drama, and music. We involve all children in each service.

WOW DAYS

We arrange special event days, approximately once per term, to inspire the children in a

new skill, activity or topic. Recent days have included table tennis, music workshops and

trips to the Pantomime. Do join us if you can help on these days!

NATIVITY

Nursery, Reception and KS1 put on a Nativity production each year and they perform together. Last year it

was standing room only at the performance, so for future years tickets will be allocated per family, per

performance. It’s a great opportunity for the children to develop their performing skills – and an ‘Aww’

moment for everyone else!

CRAFT DAYS – CHRISTMAS & EASTER

In the run up to Christmas and Easter we hold a craft morning where the children make and do seasonal

things. At Christmas, the children make a gift to share with our local community. We then go for a Village

Walk and deliver them to each house in the village. We often need help for these craft days so look out for

requests in the Newsletter!

SPORTS DAY & FAMILY PICNIC

This is held in July on a Friday morning. Parents and relatives are warmly invited to come and cheer along

their children. Children earn house points to see which house will be the Sports Day champion! Afterwards,

the children have picnic lunch on the field, to which parents and relatives are invited to stay and join in with

(bring you own food, blanket, chairs etc.). After lunch the children return to classes and continue with the

day.

EASYFUNDRAISING.ORG.UK

Do you shop online? If so please sign up to www.easyfundraising.org.uk and link yourself to Hormead

School. Whenever you shop online, open the online shop through the easyfundraising website and Hormead

School will receive a donation each time.

It’s totally free for you, but raises money for our school. Whether it’s food, clothes, travel or insurance,

whether you use eBay, Next, Amazon, Argos or Tesco, go via easyfundraising and help raise money. There

are 100s of online retailers signed up, so have a look if the one you’re buying from is listed. Thank you!

TEACHER TRAINING DAYS (INSET)

There are 5 teacher training days throughout the school year where school is open for teachers only. Pupils

have an extra day off! This is so teachers can focus on developing their professional work by learning about

strategies to support pupil’s learning, developing key areas of the school building, or attending training to

help keep pupil’s and staff safe. They are usually just before or just after a school holiday.

HOW MUCH UNIFORM TO BUY?

Questions to consider: How messy are your children? How often do you wash their clothes?

We’d recommend (from parent’s experiences):

• 5 polo shirts, 1 for each day

• 3 pairs of trousers/skirts/dresses

• 2 or 3 sweatshirts/cardigans

• PE kits – 1 set is usually enough as children keep them in school and they only come home for washing at the

end of each half term (or sooner if particularly muddy!)

FOREST SCHOOL

All classes use our Forest School once per week, whatever the weather. There is no such thing as the wrong

weather, just the wrong clothing! School provides the waterproof jacket and trousers for wet weather.

Parents will need to provide long sleeved clothing (to protect from nettles and cold – joggers and sweater

from their PE kit are perfect for this) and wellies (it does get muddy!). These lessons are a fantastic

opportunity for children to develop skills and knowledge of the outdoor world. We have seen a dramatic

boost to our pupils’ self-esteem and confidence too, as they also develop teamwork and problem-solving

skills. A specialist teacher leads these lessons and they are often a favourite lesson!

REMEMBER TO NAME

EVERYTHING!

☺ Buy shoes with Velcro straps until your child is confident doing

buckles or laces. Avoid heels – they are not sensible for running

around in on the playground!

☺ If you have missed forms, letters, or think you have, email the

office or ask in person. There is a folder with Letters Sent Home.

☺ The school number is 01763 289201. Save it on your mobile phone in case you need it

in an emergency.

☺ For children in Nursery and Reception, find out which days your child has PE so you

can make sure they are wearing clothes that are easy to get off and back on. Practice

changing with them so they can be independent at doing this – imagine 10 or so

children fighting with tights, pinafores and jumpers!

☺ For Nursery and Reception children, put spare underwear in their PE bag just in

case…

☺ Never be afraid to ask something – there are no silly questions! Chances are

other parents want to know too.