How can I help the school?

 The PTA have a separate page on this website, an they are always very keen to have new members.
 
What do I do if I think my child is not making the progress he or she should?
 
Firstly speak to the class teacher, who can arrange for some specific tests to be done by the Inclusion Manager.
 
How is bullying dealt with?
 
Bullying is taken very seriously at John Stainer. Never try and sort it out yourself with a pupil at the school, as approaching a pupil other than your own child could result in your being banned from the school premises. Let the headteacher know the details immediately, and she will make sure that the matter is sorted out, generally within one working day.
 
How often do I get to hear from the teacher about my child's progress?
 
We have a teacher/parent consultation every term, where we show you your child's books, share their Individual Education Plans and discuss any concerns we may have. You can see the teacher at any other time simply by putting a request in writing in your child's bookbag.
 
What do I do if I am not happy with something?
 
We try to resolve all matters informally. If you are unhappy with a teacher or member of the support staff, come in as soon as possible and see the headteacher about it. If you are unhappy with the headteacher, you can ask to see the Chair of Governors, Debbie Berrill, by written request via the school.
 
What are SATs and when do they take place?
 
The Standard Attainment Tests are a national requirement in state schools and take place in Year 2 and Year 6. The Year 2 tests have been made much more informal and relying more on teacher assessment, a move welcomed by parents and schools alike. We also do the optional tests in Years 3, 4 and 5 so that we can accurately measure the progress your child is making each year in the core subjects of English, Science and Maths.
 
Is swimming optional?
 
All children are expected to take part in swimming lessons, unless they have a medical certificate that states they are unable to do so. All levels of swimmers are catered for, from complete beginners to expert swimmers. Children swim, all year round, from Year 3 up to Year 5.
 
Are there any school journeys or trips?
 
All classes go out on at least two trips a year from Nursery up to Year 6. In Year 6 the children have the chance to go on a residential school journey in November to the Kingswood Centre in Norfolk, which is a fabulous experience.
 
What if my child is sick at school?
 
We have three fully qualified First Aiders, one who is full time in the office. If your child is sick, we try to contact you as soon as possible and make them as comfortable as we can. It is extremely important that we have your most up to date contact numbers as well as several emergency numbers.
 
How will you monitor my childs progress?
 
Teachers keep detailed records on computer of the areas experienced and skills learned by each child as they move through the school. This ensures that children are always given work at a level that builds on their existing knowledge, and this also picks up if a child is not making as much progress as we think they could. By law, all children are tested in Reception for us to determine what skills they are arriving at school with, and then again at Years Two and Six (called the SATs tests). We also use the optional QCA tests at Years 3,4 and 5 so children become very used to the style of the tests and they can develop confidence and skills in completing them.
 
These tests should closely reflect the assessments already done by the teachers over the year. You will receive an Annual Report which will give you information on the progress they have made over the year, as well as the National Curriculum Levels they are achieving in the core subjects.
 
OFSTED 2004 – “Teachers have very positive attitudes and this markedly increases the self-esteem of the pupils, who are eager to show what they know and what they can do.”