Frequently Asked Questions

What is special about St Agnes C of E Primary?

We are a Church of England School, and already have good links with the community that surrounds our building. The school puts the community at the centre of its thinking, where the Acting Headteacher is well known, and where family is key. We have already held several welcome events, and have further stay and play activities planned, including our healthy eating workshops continuing from last year. These events provide an opportunity to work alongside our staff, meet other families, and start to build a better school community.

Lateness

What shall I do if my child is late?

For the first five minutes of the school day you can bring your child to their usual drop off point. However, if you go beyond this time you will need to take your child to the main school office, where staff can register your child and then escort them to their classroom.

Attendance

My child is sick, what do I need to do?

Ring the school between 8.30-9.30am and a message will be passed onto your child’s teacher. If your child is absent due to illness the staff may ask you for medical evidence from your GP for your child’s absence from school.

Health

My child’s health concerns me. Who should I ask to see?  

If you have any concerns with regards to your child’s health, you need to inform school as soon as possible. At St Agnes’ we have two designated leads for health. Please ask for an appointment to see Ms Lynton (Acting Deputy Head) in the first instance and we can put together a Health Care Plan and cater for any medical needs that your child has as soon as possible.

Will the school be supporting each child to have four year health checks, including hearing?

We support the NHS work of CHAMPS (Children’s Health and Monitoring Programme) at St Agnes and your child will have regular health checks throughout their time at school with the team. In Reception, the children will have their height, weight, hearing and vision checked by NHS screening at 4 – 5 years. Across the school all children will have their height and weight checked in the Autumn Term, this is placed on a data base and the information ensures the NHS can support the children’s needs at St Agnes’ accordingly. Parents can keep a close eye on their child’s growth too as CHAMPS supply you with a unique log in to observe their results whilst at your child is at Primary School.

How will the school support parents in dealing with head lice?

As soon as we are aware of any cases of head lice we will inform all parents by letter and give you tips on how to limit further cases, e.g. tying hair up. We will also work with the local chemists to give you advice on how best to treat any cases.

Food and Drink at St Agnes’ C of E Primary

Should I give my child a healthy snack for break time?

As a school we are keen to promote lifelong healthy eating habits. We like to think all of our children have a healthy breakfast to ensure they have the best possible start to their day. Children who opt for school dinners will receive a balanced diet that has been developed by Manchester Fayre. This is carefully planned across the week to ensure all children are getting their necessary nutrients. We promote healthy pack lunches by running workshops to support parents with healthy options too. To ensure all children have a mid-morning healthy snack at school, all EYFS and Key Stage One children will enjoy a piece of fruit and a vegetable as a part of their mid-morning break. This is usual a part of their routine before they go out for outdoor at 10:30 am. Therefore, there is no need for additional snack to be brought into school.

Due to children and staff at school who may have allergies to nuts, we ask all parents to not put any nut products into their child’s packed lunch boxes.

Lunch Times

Will all the children be eating in the hall at the same time?

At St Agnes’ the Nursery are served their lunch first and then subsequent year groups follow in age order across the designated hour and a half. We stagger our lunch times in this way, so we can cater for the needs of all the children. For example, if you’re a Nursery child the hall can be quite daunting if it is full of children talking. All children will eat in the dining room throughout the designate time, as this will encourage self-confidence and develops their independence in a safe environment. For example, our Reception children who follow the Nursery children into the hall, choose what they are eating each day and carry their own trays from the serving hatch back to their seats without adult support. As the older year groups enter, the children are offered the opportunity to self-serve on the salad bar to ensure they are more independent diners.

What kind of food will the school serve?

At St Agnes’ C of E we celebrate food from all around the world and serve halal and vegetarian options for all of our children. We are aware of the need to reduce sugar and salt intakes for our children too and work closely with Manchester Fayre to ensure all meals offered are of the highest nutritional value possible.

Wet Play

If it is raining or snowing, will be my child be going out to play?

Yes, children love playing out in all kinds of weather so we ask that you make sure that they have the appropriate clothing and footwear. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to bring a spare pair of wellies in a bag with your child’s name, to keep on their peg.  After a few hours in a classroom it is good for them to go outside and get fresh air and exercise in all kinds of elements. If for any reason a child doesn’t want to go out and play in the rain, that’s okay too. we can still ensure they enjoy some fresh air by staying under sheltered outdoor areas on the school grounds. If it is considered a risk to take the children out in heavy snow for example, the children will stay in their classroom with a Designated Lunchtime Organiser. A member of the Senior Leadership Team will always assess if the weather is considered a cause for concern for outdoor play and all staff will be informed of their decision, to safe guard all of our children.

How are younger children in the year group supported?

Lessons are prepared so that they stretch all children, whether the youngest or oldest in the year group.  The Early Years includes regular assessment of both social and academic skills, with baseline assessments conducted during the first two weeks of school. In addition to offering home visits, we contact existing nursery providers and childminders to help with this assessment. The Reception class staff will also take account of tiredness in young children, and provide emotional support to them as needed. We aim to meet with all EYFS parents on a six weekly cycle to share each child’s progress and set new targets.

Will parents be shown how to support their children with school work?

Yes, parents will be invited to see how phonics and maths is taught in order to help them support children using the same methods as school. Workshop dates will be provided before the start of the school term or are available on our school website.