Absence

If your child is absent from school, a phone call to the office, or written confirmation, of the reason is required before 9.30am if at all possible. Once you have notified the office, any absence will be recorded on an authorised absence form. The school has to implement such procedures in order to monitor authorised and unauthorised absences. This information has to be published at the end of each academic year.

Please do not send your child to school if they are unwell. The best place for them to be in order to make a full and speedy recovery is in the comfort of their own home. For the health and well being of all members of our school family, in the case of your child experiencing sickness or diarrhoea we ask that your child has at least 48 hours ‘clear’ of suffering before returning to school

The school needs to know immediately if your child catches an infectious disease. Headteachers have the final responsibility for deciding whether your child can return to school after an infectious illness. A guide for the recommended periods away from school for some of the more infectious illnesses is availbale from the school office.

 

 

Adverse Weather

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY CLOSURE

Should extraordinary circumstances arise which make it necessary to close the school you will normally be notified in advance by letter.  If no advance notice is possible, then we shall initiate a text in addition to Heart, Newbury Sound and BBC Radio Berkshire who will all put out an announcement and notices will be posted on the school gates and published on the West Berkshire Council website.  Should it ever be necessary to implement a late start to the day or close early during the school day, we will contact as many parents as possible via text.  Children will never be sent home before the end of the normal school day without prior notice. Many thanks in anticipation of your continued support.

Health matters

 

Medical information

It is absolutely vital to inform the school of a child’s medical problems. Such information should be stated on the enrolment form and parents should be sure that the child’s teacher is aware of such medical information. Parents are asked to check and update data and medical information on an annual basis.

Emergency contact numbers

The staff at St Joseph's deal with minor ailments and accidents just as you would deal with them at home. If a child becomes seriously ill, or has a severe accident, discretion is exercised over the steps to be taken. In this case every effort would be made to contact you. It is essential for every child to have an up to date emergency number on record in case of accident.

Medicines

Medicines should not be sent into school with a child as parents are responsible themselves for the administration of medicine to their children. If your child needs a dose of medicine at lunchtime we would encourage you to please would you come into school to administer it yourself.  If this is not possible, please complete an Administration of Short Term Medicines/Treatment Consent Form which is available from the office and discuss with a member of the office staff. Staff are only able to administer prescribed medication in line with the completed form.

Routine checks

Our School Nurse carries out routine checks of hearing, eyesight, etc.

Head lice

Any child can catch head lice from an infected head at any time. There is no need for embarrassment if this happens to your child as we know that this is not related to dirtiness or neglect. Parents are responsible for checking their child’s head regularly. If you discover that your child has head lice then the appropriate treatment must be given before your child returns to school. A leaflet is available from the school office.

Hygiene

We insist that children wash their hands after they have used the toilet facilities. We appreciate parents’ support by reinforcing such routines at home.

 

Parking and Site Security

Parents are not permitted to drive cars into the school grounds due to very limited space. Parking is available along Newport Road. To maintain existing good relationships we ask parents to park safely and considerately without causing obstruction. Please note that Newport Close and Iden Court are private roads and unauthorised parking, or waiting, is strictly forbidden. In the spirit of safeguarding the health, safety and well being of all children in our school family, the governors have undertaken a review of the vehicular access and parking arrangements within the school site, and the following measures are in place.

Staff vehicular movement to be limited and no access or departure between 0835 - 0915 and 1445 - 1515

Parents are not permitted to park on school site at any time, including dropping off / picking up from clubs. If at all possible leave home in plenty of time to allow for the fact that parking may not be available in close proximity to the school. Please also consider the merits of ‘Park & Stride’ by taking full advantage of additional car parking at St. Joseph’s Church, The Toby Carvery & The Narrow Boat pub. If parking in neighbouring roads please park considerately both for local residents and pedestrians.
When escorting your children to school, please keep a close eye on your children and their whereabouts.

Delivery companies will be asked to try to make deliveries between 10am and 2pm only.
We also respectfully request that the road directly outside the school gates is kept free of parked or ’waiting’ vehicles.

Governors of the school will also make use of alternative parking when making visits to the school.

St Joseph’s staff and governors are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children; we take this responsibility very seriously.

 

School clubs and enrichment opportunities

At St Joseph’s we are lucky enough to have a wide range of clubs and extra-curricular activities. Some clubs run throughout the year whilst others are only available on a termly basis. The school informs parents of new clubs starting through the school newsletter or individual class letters for specific year groups.

 

 

Pick up and drop off

Children and accompanying adults should enter and leave the grounds by the side pedestrian gate and walk on the footpath. When collecting your child at 3.00 pm we ask you to wait near the appropriate classroom doors so that your child’s teacher can ensure that your child leaves safely with you, or whoever you have designated to take care of them. Please note that, for health and safety reasons no dogs are permitted in the school grounds.

Children should arrive at school no earlier than 8.40 am as this is when supervision commences. The school does not accept any responsibility for children before that time. We ask you to ensure that your child arrives in time for the start of the school day and is collected promptly at the end of the day.

 

Collecting during day 

If you are collecting your child during the day for an appointment, or coming to help in school, please report to the office first.