We want everyone, pupils, parents and staff at Great Heath, to feel proud of the school and to feel that they can contribute something to make it even better
We all care about the children as individuals and do everything in our power to help them fulfil their potential and develop the independence they will need to lead useful and satisfying lives
Children need to develop a wide variety of skills. They, like adults, learn best when they are interested and involved in their learning and can see the point of what they are doing.
The school day
Our school day starts for Reception to Year 6 at 8.45am and ends at 3.15pm. Children in KS1 and KS2 have a 15 minute break in the morning and all children have a 45 minute lunch break. Nursery operates in two session: 8:45 – 11:45 and 12:30 – 3:30. Children may pay to attend the 45 minute lunch club.
Assemblies
Key Stage assemblies take place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. On Tuesday and Thursday, assemblies take place in class. Whole school assemblies take place at the end of each term.
Absence from school
If your child is absent from school for any reason, please notify us on the first day of absence. If you know your child is going to be absent, for example they may have an appointment, please let us know before the absence.
Holidays/ Other School Absence
All absence in term time is at the discretion of the Principal and will only be authorised in exceptional circumstances. All requests for absence should be made in writing ahead of the absence using the appropriate form which is available from the school office.
Lateness
Children must be on time to be given a mark for the session and parents are asked for their co-operation to ensure their child arrives in good time. All late-comers must report to the main office where records of lateness are kept. In the case of repeated lateness warning letters will be sent out and it is likely that the Education Welfare Officer will make contact.
School Meals
Dinner money is paid in advance through School Money. Menus are posted on the school notice board and kitchen window and on the ‘Lunch Menu’ page of the school website. A nourishing two course balanced meal is served.
Free meals are available to those children whose parents are receiving Income Support, Income Based Job Seekers Allowance (JSA-1B), Child Tax Credits or Pension Credit and most recently to all pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. To apply it is necessary to obtain a form from the School Office or the Area Education Office. When completed the form should be sent to the Area Education Office where it will be dealt with in the strictest confidence.
Children are able to bring a packed lunch and a drink to school. Please do not send glass containers or provide fizzy drinks or sweets.
Snacks
Children from Nursery to Year 2 will be provided with a fruit or vegetable snack each day provided by the government fruit and vegetable scheme. Older children may bring a small snack for playtime ~ but PLEASE ~ no chocolate or sweets. Children are also encouraged to bring water in named plastic drinking containers.
