Practical Matters
School Hours
8.45 a.m.-12.00 noon 1.00 p.m.-3.15
p.m.
Children should arrive at school between 8.45 a.m. and 8.55 a.m.
Children should be met from school by parents or other responsible persons known to the child and to the school. It is important for parents to keep the school informed of any unusual arrangement or possible delay in collecting children. A book is in each classroom for noting down home arrangements.
Children at Meonstoke School will never, under any circumstances, be required to remain behind after school as a punishment.
Illnesses and Absence
It is important that parents telephone the school office early on the first day that their child is away owing to illness. The office is open from 8.30 a.m. (If you have telephoned a written note on their return is not required). We are obliged by law to keep full records of the reasons for a child’s absence from school.
Advance
notice of dental and medical appointments in school time is appreciated.
When collecting children for such appointments please report to the School
Office first.
If it is necessary for a child to continue taking medicines after returning
to school, please hand them into the Office in a fully labelled container
and fill in the Administration of Medicines form. We are only able to
administer prescribed medication.
Please ensure that we are able to contact you in an emergency by notifying
us of any change in your circumstances, address or telephone number.
Medical and Dental Inspection
All children entering
school for the first time are examined by the School Nurse during their
second term. Parents are notified when the examination will take place
and be invited to attend.
Eye tests are made regularly and a hearing test will be given on request
if there is any suspicion of deafness.
The school dentist inspects the children's teeth once a year and will arrange
treatment if parents wish.
Collective Worship
A Christian-based, non-denominational collective act of worship is held every day. Great care is taken to provide the school community with opportunities for reflective thought and acts of praise. Parents who wish to withdraw their children from the collective act of worship may do so by informing the headteacher in writing. Withdrawn children read in the library during ‘assembly’ time.
No Smoking
We would ask you to respect the school’s No Smoking policy.
Clothing
The school uniform consists of a Meonstoke School sweatshirt worn with navy-blue or grey shorts, trousers, tracksuit bottoms, skirt or culottes. Royal blue tracksuit bottoms and tee shirts to match the sweatshirt and a blue and white striped or checked summer dress may be worn.
A pair of Wellington boots which can be left in school are vital for environmental work and playtimes.
P.E. equipment: All children will require trainers (preferably Velcro fastened), a pair of shorts and a tee shirt, a pair of tracksuit bottoms and a PE bag. All jewellery must be removed for PE lessons: this is a requirement of Hampshire LEA and is enforced in all schools. (In general, no jewellery should be worn for school: small stud earrings for pierced ears may be worn, as may a wristwatch for those in Year 2).
Swimming: All children will require a suitable
swimming costume, towel and hat.
All items of clothing should be clearly marked with the owner's name.
School Meals
Our mid-day meal is prepared by Hampshire Caterers at Droxford School
and delivered to us by 12.00 noon each day. The menu is sent home each
term. Children may, if parents prefer, bring packed lunches.
Dinner money is collected on Monday morning. For safety please send it
in a sealed and labelled envelope or purse. We welcome payment by cheque
in advance, for the term or half term. Please make cheques payable to Hampshire
County Council. Meals not taken will be credited to the next period. You
will be advised regularly about the price of meals.
Free School Meals: Circumstances in which pupils may receive free school meals are:
- families receiving supplementary benefit, family income supplement or housing benefit supplement.
- families whose income exceeds these benefits by not more than the price of a school meal for each child at school.
- every child who has a right to a free school meal should be able to have one. If parents think that their children are so entitled the Area Education Officer, or the School Secretary hold the relevant application forms.
Insurance Cover
For off-site activities the Education Authority has automatic insurance cover for compulsory cancellation, injury and illness, loss of money and personal property. A copy of the insurance certificate detailing the extent of the cover is available from the school.
Charging for School Activities
Charges will not be made for normal school activities. Voluntary contributions will be invited towards the costs of specific activities such as swimming, educational visits, visiting performers or workshops. Parents will be informed at the planning stage of an activity if a voluntary contribution is required.
Traffic and Parking at School
The volume of traffic at the beginning and end of the school day is obviously great and a potential danger to the children. We encourage parents to consider car-sharing if at all possible. Please follow these guidelines:
- no cars are permitted to enter the school drive for setting down or collecting children, unless special arrangements have been agreed with the school;
- Meonstoke High Street is narrow and inherently dangerous for children. Therefore parents are very strongly encouraged to use the school car park (see diagram)
- If parking or manoeuvring in the High Street, parents should avoid the blind corner between the High Street and Chapel Road, avoid obstructing residents’ gateways and should not use the school land for turning.
Note – the junction between Brockbridge Lane and the B2150 is dangerous when leaving Brockbridge Lane. Parents should turn left when leaving the school car park.
The following map shows the parking areas (click the map to enlarge):
We encourage
- car sharing
- walking
- safe cycling
Bike racks are available behind the Year 2 classroom.
Transport
If this school is the designated school for your address, your child may be eligible for free transport if your home is in Droxford or more than two miles from the school. Please call into the school office for details. All enquiries concerning eligibility for assistance with travel expenses should be directed to the Area Education Officer.
