Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much is Dinner Money?
Presently the daily cost is £2.43

2. What time does school start?
We start school at 8.50am. The gates open at 8.40am and pupils can go into school from 8.45am. We would encourage children to be in the school playground from 8.40am to avoid lateness and the stresses this can bring.

3.  Where can I buy uniform?
All uniform with our school logo (school jumper, sports top, fleece, baseball cap, school bag) may be purchased through

www.horncastles.co.uk/c/57/Shoreham-Village-School

Any uniform without our logo can be purchased from any retailer.

4. How do I make an application for a school place?  

For a child starting school in Reception, please apply via the local authority 
Kent Admissions

For a child transferring from another school, please complete an In-Year form and send directly to the school.
In-year Admissions

5. What should I do if my child is bullied?
Advise your child to speak to an adult in the school. This can be any member of staff that they feel comfortable with. You may also wish to support your child by talking to the teacher with your child.  We would encourage that they also report any incident to the class teacher as they can observe behaviour during lessons and advise lunchtime staff as necessary. We take accusations of bullying very seriously and any incidents are dealt with appropriately and immediately. If you are concerned about your child please speak to the head teacher and never approach another child or their parent/carer.

6. Can I park at the school?
Parents/carers may park in the local car park on Filston Lane.  We ask all visitors to park considerately in the village and never to park on the zigzags at the front of the school building. 

7. Can my child cycle to school?
Yes, your child can cycle if they are accompanied by an adult. If you wish your child to cycle on their own we would need a permission letter from the adult with parental responsibility. A secure cycle shed is provided on site.

8. Can my child walk to school alone?
If you wish an older child to walk to school alone we must receive a permission letter from the adult with parental responsibility.

9. What should I put in my child’s packed lunch?
We encourage healthy eating and expect parents to choose healthily when creating a packed lunch.  We are a nut free school due to having pupils with severe allergies. 
An example of a healthy packed lunch:
•    A sandwich 
•    A small packet of crisps, preferably baked snacks eg baked crisps, cheddars.
•    A wafer biscuit 
•    Yoghurt and a piece of fruit.
•    Reusable bottle of water 
•    No sweets, fizzy drinks, nuts or chocolate (unless covering a wafer/biscuit)

10. What do I do if my child has lost a piece of clothing?
Parents/carers must either sew a name label into all clothing or write the child’s name in indelible ink.  If an item goes missing your child must look in the lost property box and inform the class teacher and class teaching assistant. We will do our utmost to find lost items but we are unable to provide a replacement.

11. Where will my child go when they finish Shoreham Village School in Year 6?
We offer varied support in the transition from primary to secondary school. This process includes a general information meetings with all parents / carers, workshops, Kent booklets and individual meetings with the head teacher. The school will keep you well-informed regarding the CAF (Common Application Form) process. Due to our geographical location, our pupils go on to various secondary schools across Kent which include selective state, non-selective state and private schools in Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Wrotham and Dartford. 

12. When will my child start in Reception?
This will depend on their age and parental preference; usually children join Reception class in the September before their 5th birthday. Please see the school prospectus under the Admissions section and for further advice you can always speak to the school office staff.

13. Can my child bring toys in to school?
No.  We normally discourage toys or collectables (e.g. football cards) being brought to school, unless the class teacher has specifically requested that they do. Please always check with the class teacher.

14. Can I receive the newsletter by email?
All communications are emailed (we try to do this every Friday so that parents know when to look for letters).  If you require a print-out, please advise the school office who will help you.

15. What is the best time to talk to the teacher if I have a question?
For quick questions or to pass on vital information, please talk to your child's teacher in the morning but be aware that they will be preparing for the school day. For more detailed matters, we  advise you to speak to the teacher at the end of the school day after all the children have been dismissed. We can also make appointments in the school office for you to meet the class teacher or another member of staff. 

16. Is there before and after school provision?
Our River Club offers Breakfast from 7.30am and after school care from 3.20 – 6.00pm. To book places please phone or email:  

Tel: 07999 960475

Email: riverclub@shoreham.kent.sch.uk

We offer a wide range of extra-curricular clubs for different age groups which take place before school, at lunch times and after school from 3.20 -4.00pm or 4.20pm. Clubs change every term, and you will always be notified so that you can apply for places.  Clubs run by our staff are free and those run by external providers incur a charge.

 
17. How can parents get involved?
We encourage parents to get involved in various ways from attending trips to individual reading. Our PTA is called Friends of Shoreham School (FOSS) and all parents are automatically members.  FOSS always welcome new committee members with new ideas and contacts. If you work for a company that is able to sponsor or donate to fundraising in the school please email: fossinformation@gmail.com

18. Can my child take additional music lessons at school?
Yes.  We have a peripatetic music teacher who can teach a range of instruments to individual pupils or small groups.  There is a charge for this.