Homework
All pupils take reading books home on a daily basis to share with members of their family. Parents are encouraged to support their children in their reading development by listening to them read for at least five minutes each day. This forms part of each child’s homework.
Pupils in Year 1 and 2 are also given a range of spellings and a mathematics task each week. In Year 3 and 4, pupils begin to use a homework diary to record their tasks. This assists the children in gaining independence in organising their home studies. Year 3 and 4 pupils have a short homework task each day. A copy of our Homework Guidelines for Parents can be obtained from the school office.
School Lunches
We actively encourage all children to have a school lunch, although there is the option for pupils to bring a packed lunch. A two course meal, nutritionally balanced for the requirements of young children, is prepared and cooked on the school premises and is provided every day. We can cater for all dietary or religious requirements of pupils, but special requirements must be confirmed in writing to our cook, Mrs Blaylock.
Lunch Money
The amount is notified to parents at the beginning of each new half term. Payment may be made half termly or weekly, preferably each Monday. Cheques should be made payable to Northumberland County Council.
Data Protection and the school dental service.
For many years, schools and the School Health and Dental Services have worked together to ensure that all children in school are offered immunisation, health and dental surveillance, advice and support. To do all this, the School Health and Dental Services need population databases – an up to date list of all children attending school. These are used to provide programmes, including immunisation against tuberculosis (BCG) and meningitis C, and dental, hearing and vision screening. In response to changes in the Data Protection Act we are required to ensure that parents know that the school gives your child’s name and date of birth to the School Health and Dental Services for this purpose.
This information will be shared unless you advise the Head Teacher in writing that you do not wish this to happen.
Information about the services offered by School Health and Dental Services are detailed in an information leaflet that parents receive when children start school. Further copies, if required, can be obtained from the school nurse (based at the Abbey Clinic in Hexham). Please note no immunisation or dental work is carried out without a signed consent form from a parent or guardian.
In the Reception Year, all pupils have hearing and vision screening and parents are informed of any problems that may be identified.
Dr Wildmore, our school doctor, visits Beaufront once every half term. No child will be seen by her without parental consent. If parents wish to have a consultation with Dr. Wildmore, an appointment can be arranged through school or by contacting her by letter or telephone at the following address:
Dr J. Wildmore, School Health Department,
Accident or Illness
In the event of a child becoming ill or having an accident in school, we will need to contact you. You are therefore asked to ensure that up to date emergency contact details are available to school, however temporary they may be.
Medicine
Staff may only administer medicines that have been prescribed by a doctor. If possible, parents should administer medicines before and after the school day, but if essential for a child to have medication during the school day, staff may administer it following the completion of a permission form (forms are available from the School secretary). Please note that staff are not permitted to administer medicines such as Calpol or Cough Linctus when a doctor has not prescribed them.
If a pupil has a specific medical need, parents must inform the Head Teacher of it. A Healthcare plan form is available from the school secretary. This confidential information is kept in a Healthcare Plan file for staff access only.
First Aid
All staff receive regular training in First Aid. In addition, Mrs Daniel has completed more detailed training and has achieved her First Aid at Work qualification.
Charging Policy
There are many activities, which enrich the curriculum, such as visits to different localities, museums, places of interest which do incur an entrance or transport cost and any voluntary contributions from parents are greatly appreciated. No child will be excluded from participating in an activity during the school day because of a lack of parental contribution. However the activity might not take place if there is a shortfall of funds. We make a charge for children receiving specialist music tuition and swimming.
Behaviour
We believe that it is important for young children to learn to understand and respect one another. We aim to encourage good behaviour and achievement by a system of incentives and rewards, which are well understood by all pupils.
School rules are kept to a minimum and are shared and agreed with pupils.
PTA
We have a well-established and very active Parent/Teacher association to which every parent automatically belongs. Our P.T.A organise a wide range of special events throughout the year. It is very successful in fund raising and in helping to promote excellent home/school relationships. (Website: www.beaufrontpta.org.uk)
Voluntary Help
Voluntary help from parents and friends of the school is greatly appreciated. However, anyone wishing to help regularly in school must agree to be police checked before we can allow them to do so.
No Smoking
The school actively promotes a health related No Smoking Policy. Health related education forms an important part of the whole school curriculum.
Transfer to Middle School
Although children from Beaufront move onto a variety of middle schools, our feeder school is
Before leaving Beaufront, all Year 4 pupils meet their new Head Teacher and Head of Year 5. They also spend a day at their new school.
Every care is taken to ensure that our pupils remain with their friendship groups from Beaufront as they make the transition to middle school.
A special Leavers Assembly is always held on the last day of the summer term, to celebrate children’s achievements during their years at Beaufront and to say ‘good-bye’.
We hope that all pupils leave us with treasured memories of their time at
A Final Note
Dear Parent,
If you are considering sending your child to Beaufront, I would be delighted to show you around.
Please do not hesitate to ring the school (01434 602903) to arrange a mutually convenient appointment.
Yours faithfully
Eileen Daniel (Mrs.)
Acting Head Teacher