Parent Handbook 2024/25

ST. ANDREW’S SOUTHGATE PRIMARY SCHOOL (CE)

3. GETTING TO AND FROM SCHOOL

We encourage families to walk or cycle all or part of their journey to school, or to use public transport.  If you drive to school, please ensure that you park considerately. It is crucial to avoid obstructing private driveways, as inconsiderate parking can understandably cause frustration among local residents. We value our relationship with the local community and, and it is our desire to preserve this relationship by urging all members of our school community to exercise thoughtfulness in their parking behaviours both before and after school.

Please do not park on the zigzag lines of the zebra crossing as such actions are not only illegal but also pose a significant danger to our children and local community.  Please do not park on the pavements to drop children at school. Please note: The school's car park is exclusively reserved for staff use only.

We encourage parents to park away from the school, possibly at Asda and then walk the remainder of the distance.

We have bike racks to store bikes and scooters during the day. If you leave a bike/scooter on school premises it must be secured with your own chain/lock. Please ensure all bikes/scooters are collected at the end of your child’s school day and not left overnight.  This also applies to pupils attending after school club.  The school does not take any responsibility for any bikes or scooters damaged on site. 

4. INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS (Y5 & Y6 ONLY)

Only children from Years 5 and 6 will be permitted to travel independently to and from school. Parents/carers will need to complete a ‘Lone Traveller Form’ and this can be obtained from the school office or welfare. Parents are then advised to complete a trial journey with their child so that they are secure with the journey home. (Return to contents)

5. ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance at school is of paramount importance in fostering your child's developmental progress. In adherence to recent government guidance, it is emphasised that "Head Teachers should not grant leave of absence unless in exceptional circumstances." Should there be a compelling need to request leave of absence for your child, it is imperative that such requests be submitted in advance and in written form. The written communication should explicitly articulate the exceptional reasons requiring the absence.

Each request will be meticulously assessed by the Head Teacher to determine whether the absence can be duly authorised. Subsequent to the evaluation process, a formal response will be issued to communicate the decision regarding the requested leave of absence  (Return to contents)

6. ABSENCE DUE TO MEDICAL OR OTHER APPOINTMENTS

Scheduled medical and dental appointments are expected to be arranged outside of the regular school day. In circumstances where this proves impractical, students are encouraged to attend school for a portion of the day. Prior notification of such appointments is imperative and should be conveyed to us in writing well in advance of the scheduled date.

In the event that it becomes necessary to remove your child from school before the standard dismissal time, strict adherence to the following protocol is mandatory:

1. Provide written notification to the attendance officer, detailing the specific reason for the early departure. Supporting documentation evidencing the appointment is also required.
2. Personally, sign-out using the electronic register located in the front office.
3. Upon returning your child to school, it is essential to report to the office to ensure a seamless reintegration process.  (Return to contents)

7. LATENESS

Punctuality is essential. If a child misses the start of the day, they can miss important teaching and vital information concerning the school day. Children arriving late can also disrupt lessons and it can be embarrassing for the child. Good time-keeping is a vital skill which will help our children as they progress through their school life and out into the wider world.

If your child arrives late at school, i.e after registration they  must enter the school through the main entrance door and report to the School Office and sign in using the electronic register.

Any children who have not been collected by 3.40pm will be taken to the School Office and a telephone call made to the primary contact to establish the pick-up arrangements. A record is kept of all children who are picked up after 3.40pm. If parents are consistently late to pick up, they will be required to attend a meeting with the Head Teacher or Safeguarding Officer. (Return to contents)

8. FORGOTTEN ITEMS

Please ensure that your child is equipped with all necessary items for the school day, including a packed lunch if applicable. It is important to emphasise that unless the school issues a specific request for the delivery of a forgotten item, such items will not be taken to classrooms. This policy is in place to uphold an optimal learning environment by minimising disruptions.  (Return to contents)

9. MEDICAL ISSUES 
Illness

In the event of your child's absence due to illness, we kindly request that you report the absence using the form available on the school website. This report should be submitted prior to 8:50 a.m. on the first day of the absence. It is crucial to adhere to stringent guidelines for cases involving vomiting or diarrhoea; children exhibiting such symptoms must refrain from returning to school until a minimum of 48 hours has elapsed without any signs of continued symptoms.

Alternatively, you may communicate your child's absence directly via email using the dedicated email address: attendance@st-andrews-southgate.enfield.sch.uk. Should you choose to report an absence via email, it is not obligatory to submit any additional written documentation upon your child's return to school.

To maintain a high standard of attendance and punctuality, the London Borough of Enfield's Education Welfare Officer routinely reviews our registers each term.

Please be advised that the administration of medication to children is not a standard practice unless under exceptional circumstances. Any inquiries in this regard should be directed to the Welfare Officer.

Furthermore, it is imperative that the school possesses accurate and up-to-date contact information to reach you in case of emergencies during the school day. In the event of any changes to your contact numbers, a written notification to the office is required, along with the updating of your contact information on Arbor.

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10. FOOD

The school is a NUT FREE ZONE.  NO nuts in any food please.

More and more children are developing life-threatening allergies to nuts.  St Andrew’s is now a nut free zone to minimise the danger of any of the children coming into contact unknowingly with products containing nuts or even traces of nuts.  We would ask you to be vigilant on this point.

Snacks

We belong to the ‘Free Fruit for Infants’ Scheme.  Every Infant child (Reception to Year 2) will be given a piece of fruit to eat during their school day, so there is no need to bring a snack from home, unless your child has a particular preference, in which case they can bring their own.  Only fruit is allowed, nothing else is permitted.

Sweets

Sweets are not allowed at school and this includes chewing gum and bubble gum. We sometimes receive requests to distribute sweets on behalf of a child celebrating a birthday. We regret that we are unable to facilitate this as there are a number of children with allergies or dietary restrictions at St Andrew’s Southgate Primary School. (Return to contents)

11. School Meals

Your child can choose between either a packed lunch or having a school lunch (it is not possible to combine a mixture of both in one day). School lunches always offer a choice of dishes and there is always a vegetarian option. 

For seamless meal management, parents are required to use the Arbor online cashless payment system to book their child's meals. Pre-ordering provides parents with greater control over their child's daily consumption. Additionally, parents must select 'packed lunch' on the Arbor platform if that is the preferred meal option for their child.

Key features of the pre-ordering system include:

• Meals can be ordered at any time leading up to the start of the school day; the menu follows a rolling three-week cycle, that changes twice an academic year.
• Parents have enhanced control and visibility, enabling them to monitor precisely what their child is consuming in school.
• Pupils receive their preferred meal.
• The system accommodates allergies, religious requirements, and special diets. Parents can update allergen and dietary information to ensure their child receives appropriate and safe meals.

The online meal ordering system is convenient and flexible, allowing quick bookings, amendments, or cancellations. Parents can access and make bookings on any device or computer—by logging into their child's Arbor profile. Bookings can be made up to a half-term in advance, with an option to repeat a meal choice selection whenever it is available.

The system automatically supports Free School Meal and Universal Infant Free School Meal children, ensuring meal choices can be made without any required payment.

Meal bookings can be completed online via Arbor. Please see the below box regarding Universal Free School Meals for all London school children.

UNIVERSAL FREE SCHOOL MEALS (UFSM)

All pupils at St. Andrew’s Southgate will receive free school meals.

This new scheme is covered by the mayors funding and will provide all primary school children in state-funded schools in London, with free school meals for the 2023/24 academic school year.

This funding has been allocated, as an emergency cost of living support measure until the end of the 2025 academic year (July).  

For further guidance on ordering school lunch via Arbor, a comprehensive 'Parents Guide' is accessible on the school website.

If you are providing a packed lunch, it is imperative to clearly label the lunchbox with your child's name. Please be mindful that the use of products containing nuts (including chocolate spreads) is strictly prohibited. Furthermore, packed lunchboxes should not include sweets, chocolates, or fizzy drinks. (Return to contents)

12. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Should you need to visit the School Office at any time, the sole entrance for access is through the main entrance gate located to the left of the car park, accessible via the designated pedestrian footpath. For safety considerations, please use the school's front pedestrian path when approaching the main entrance and avoid from crossing the car park.

Upon arrival, kindly press the buzzer at the main gate and a member of staff will open the gates. Patience during this process is appreciated. All visitors are required to sign the electronic signing in system and wear the designated badge while within the school premises. Please do not ask children to open doors and give you access to the school.

Parents are not allowed to wander around the school premises unaccompanied at any time. Any parental inquiries should be directed to the front office.

When attending school events like class assemblies, exhibitions, and parents' evenings, please be aware that the sole entry point to the school is through the main entrance. When exiting the building, kindly utilise the designated 'Press to Exit' button situated to the left-hand side of the door and subsequently push the door open.

Should you wish to consult with the Welfare Officer regarding medical matters or absences, please make the necessary inquiry at the School Office.

For meetings with a Class Teacher before or after school hours, kindly proceed to their exterior classroom door. Alternatively, communication can be facilitated via email using your child's class-specific email address (e.g., year1@st-andrews-southgate.enfield.sch.uk).

Security is the responsibility of everyone.

If you are on the school premises at any time other than the usual drop off and collection times, please ensure that the gate and all doors are shut and secure.

If at any time you see something that concerns you, please find a member of staff and inform them immediately.

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13. UNIFORM

Adherence to the appropriate school uniform is mandatory for all students. A comprehensive list of the uniform requirements is available on the school website. We actively encourage students to take pride in their affiliation with St Andrew’s Southgate Primary School, with the uniform serving as a visual representation of this community membership. We emphasise the importance of dressing smartly and taking pride in appearance, seeking the support of parents in this endeavour.

Our designated uniform supplier is Smith’s School wear, located at 25 Station Parade, Cockfosters EN4 0DW, with contact details as follows: Tel: 020 8363 2424, Website: www.smithsschoolwear.co.uk. Uniform items can be conveniently bought in-store, online, or through telephone orders.

While many uniform items are available from high street stores, specific items such as the school tie, jumpers, cardigans, summer dresses, PE T-shirts, PE shorts, PE tracksuits, and reading book bags with the school logo must be purchased exclusively from Smiths School wear. The only alternative approved summer dress is the ‘Sainsbury's Burgundy Gingham Tie Front School Dress’ – the red or purple variations are not permitted. Other items, such as shirts, trousers/shorts and skirts can be sourced from various high street stores.

For Art activities, an art overall is mandatory. In the event of paint stains, the recommended method of removal is to rub the stain with soap and soak it overnight in cold water. It is advised to avoid using detergents before soaking, as they may set the stain.

All clothing and belongings must be clearly marked with your child’s name. It is noteworthy that writing your child’s name in an article of clothing may fade with washing, so regular checks for visibility are encouraged.

Trainers must be plain black or white. It is essential to note that trainers and boots are not permissible at any other time. Children should arrive at school in sensible black shoes suitable for safe play in the playground.

No jewellery is allowed, except for very small ear studs. Nail varnish is strictly prohibited. Watches should be functional and discreet, with toy and smart watches (or those with a camera) not permitted.

Hair bands must be plain and adhere to the colours of black, white, or maroon exclusively. Long hair must be tied back. (Return to contents)

14. MOBILE PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Mobile phones are prohibited. Special permission must be obtained from the head teacher if your child is a lone traveller and a mobile phone is needed for their journey to and from school. Phones for independent travellers must be deposited either with the class teacher or in the School Office in the  mornings immediately before or after registration. Phones will be kept secure until 3.30pm. No other electronic devices are permitted on school premises. . (Return to contents)

15. LOST PROPERTY

A designated lost property box is provided within the school premises and is periodically placed in the playground for easy of accessibility. If your child has misplaced any clothing items, please make it a routine to check this box. It is important to highlight that identifying unnamed uniform items is typically challenging, emphasising the responsibility for parents to actively participate in the search. Any unmarked and unclaimed items remaining at the conclusion of each half-term will be subject to sale by the PTA.  (Return to contents)

16. PRECIOUS THINGS

We kindly request that children refrain from bringing or wearing anything precious or valuable to school unless prior approval has been obtained from the teacher. Precious items, at the very least, may be susceptible to misplacement or damage. Additionally, children should not bring any money into school. (Return to contents)

17. PE

PE is an important part of the curriculum at St Andrews Southgate.  As children progress through the school, they have the opportunity to participate in an array of sports, including football, swimming, and athletics. Please look out for regular updates regarding the current clubs and teams offered at school.

On allocated PE days, children are expected to attend school dressed in their PE kits, and on such days, school uniform is not required.

The importance of clearly labelling all your child's belongings is exemplified by PE activities. Without name labels, identifying and matching items of clothing to the respective children becomes a challenging task.

We frequently seek assistance from parents/carers for team transportation to matches and to provide support. Detailed information is communicated before each event. Your involvement and support in these sports-related activities are highly valued. (Return to contents)

18. COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS

In an effort to reduce costs and minimise our environmental impact, St Andrew’s Southgate Primary has moved to a paperless system of communication. Consequently, our interactions with parents will primarily occur through Arbor, email and SMS, where feasible. It is imperative that your contact details are kept up-to-date to ensure you receive all pertinent communications. Regularly checking our website is also recommended, and activating your Arbor account is essential. Parents of reception children should additionally register for our online learning journal, Tapestry.

Please see our school website for additional support in creating and using your Arbor account.

The School Website: www.st-andrews-southgate.enfield.sch.uk

A wealth of valuable information about the school is accessible on our official school website, featuring links to additional resources. The website functions as our principal platform for keeping parents abreast of school activities; therefore, it is imperative to routinely check its contents. (Return to contents)

​19. COLLECTIVE WORSHIP

An outline of the daily Collective Worship sessions our pupils experience at St Andrew’s Southgate can be found below:

Monday - Value and Achievement Assembly led by Mrs Pitsillides

Tuesday - Hymn practice led by Miss Monaghan

Wednesday - Whole School Collective Worship led by Fr Edd and Fr Tom

Thursday - Class Collective Worship led by Class Teachers

Friday - Teacher’s Assembly led by Class Teachers. Class Teachers will explore our school Christian vision, values and other religions with pupils. (Return to contents)

20. CURRICULUM ISSUES - concerns

During the Autumn term, a 'Meet the Teacher' meeting will provide you with an opportunity to pose inquiries, as is usually scheduled to take place early in the term or at the commencement or conclusion of a school day. Additionally, parent-teacher meetings are held twice a year.

Should you or your child encounter any challenges or have concerns related to school matters, both academic and otherwise, we encourage you to engage with the class teacher. Direct communication can be facilitated by emailing them through the designated class email address.

Your child's teacher is committed to being available for discussions, either before or after school, and, when necessary, will allocate a dedicated time to meet with you. It is important to note that teachers are unable to engage in discussions with parents once the school day has commenced, as their undivided attention is required for the students during that period. (Return to contents)

21. SCHOOL REPORTS

School reports are sent to parents towards the end of the Summer term. This annual report covers the pupils' achievements, general progress and attendance record. (Return to contents)

22. REWARDS

A ‘Star of the Week’ award is given out to one child each week during assembly. Class dojo points are used as a reward system to acknowledge an excellent attitude to learning, academic success, the following of school rules and school values. This award is linked to curriculum excellence and awarded by the Head Teacher in front of the school.

A Friendship Cup, linked to school values, is also awarded weekly to a child who is nominated by the staff for an act of friendship above what is normally expected. This is awarded in assembly and the child then has the friendship cup on their desk for the week.

Results of awards are shown outside the staff room.

House points can be earned both individually and as a class. Collectively house points are recorded by House Captains each week and totalled each half term leading to a reward for all the pupils whose house has received the most points.

A values certificate is also presented to one child per class weekly. This is the acknowledge the values of our school and how they have been practiced or carried out in the week. (Return to contents)

23. SCHOOL CLUBS AND ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES

At St Andrew’s Southgate Primary, we value not only the academic achievements of our children, but also the extra-curricular achievements. We believe that our job is not just to teach, but also to nurture the whole child. This ethos is reflected in our enrichment programme which gives children the opportunity to participate in a broad range of clubs including sporting activities such as football and multi-sports to drama and art. As well as being enjoyable, these clubs allow children to develop personally and socially.

Some school clubs are run by independent companies who use school premises and charge accordingly, e.g. Spanish Club. You will be provided with information regarding charges as well as how to book your child’s place.

The Extended Club provision is run and managed by St Andrew’s Southgate Primary School and exists to provide high quality, stimulating and creative activities to enrich the school experience of our pupils both before and after the normal school day.

The St Andrew’s clubs operate from 7.30am to 8.45am and from 3.30pm to 5.50pm term time. All clubs must be booked and paid for in advance via Arbor.

Booking places for clubs is done via the Arbor system.

Forest School is a half termly club which is run as part of the school day and is rolled out to ks1. The club is rotated between year groups in ks1 and it runs for a half term. The aim of this club is to promote the holistic development of all involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners. KS2 seeks opportunities to incorporate the forest school skills across the curriculum at the start or end of topics throughout the year.

Example activities that pupils may encounter whilst at Forest School:

• Den building – collaboration, engineering, gross motor skills, habitats, risk assessment
• Engineering pully systems (raising & lowering), collaboration, engineering, motor skills, habitats, risk assessment
• Scavenger hunts – exploring the environment and learning about/naming plants and insects
• Arts and crafts with natural materials – artistic expression, exploration with materials, collaboration
• Mud kitchen – fine and gross motor skills, role play, collaboration
• Sharing children’s books and stories with a message of ecological preservation
• Balancing on fallen trees – generating role play  (Return to contents)

24. MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES

Recorder, string instruments, woodwind, brass, keyboard, and piano lessons are additionally offered at the school for students in Years 3 - 6. These lessons incur a charge and are organised through the Enfield Music Service. Application forms for music lessons can be obtained from the foyer located in front of the School Office.

As part of the school curriculum, students in Year 5 undertake recorder lessons, seamlessly integrated into their regular lesson schedule. (Return to contents)

25. SCHOOL EVENTS

All school events are documented on the school calendar. Occasionally, reply slips may be provided for the acquisition of tickets or similar requirements. Standard examples of school events include:

• Harvest Festival
• Carol Service
• School Nativity Service & Christmas Fair
• All Saints' Day
• Easter Service
• Summer Fete
• Sports Days
• Leaver’s Service

Throughout the academic year, additional events such as World Book Day, Number Day & Science Week will be organised. Comprehensive details for these events will be made available either via email or the school website and integrated into the school calendar.  (Return to contents)

26. EDUCATIONAL VISITS

Educational trips are an integral component of the curriculum for all students within the school. These outings serve as significant learning experiences, providing valuable reinforcement of classroom lessons.

Contributions may be requested to facilitate the funding of these educational visits, and while financial assistance is available, inquiries can be directed to the School Office if required. Payments for school trips are processed through your child’s Arbor account.

Whenever feasible, our students will utilise London Transport, leveraging the convenience of Southgate tube station and the nearby bus station, both situated within a five-minute walking distance from the school.

In Year 6, the class embarks on a residential visit. This distinctive event imparts a sense of independence and confidence to the children as they prepare for their transition to Secondary School. (Return to contents)

27. INSET DAYS

INSET Days, an acronym signifying 'In Service Training' for staff, are periodically placed throughout the school year. Typically affixed to either the commencement or conclusion of a school holiday, these days necessitate the closure of the school to students.

For the specific dates of INSET Days, kindly refer to the school's official website and communication channels. It is imperative to note that students are not expected to attend school on INSET Days. (Return to contents)

28. HOME VISITS (Reception children only)

Prior to the commencement of the Autumn Term, the Reception Class Teacher and Teaching Assistant will conduct a home visit. This meeting holds paramount importance, serving to gather essential information that contributes to ensuring a seamless transition for your child into school. During this visit, the staff will need to verify details such as your child's date of birth (requiring a birth certificate and proof of address), ethnicity, and home language. (Return to contents)

29. SCHOOL GOVERNORS

The Governing Body holds a critical responsibility for ensuring the provision of the highest quality education for all pupils at the school. It plays a specific role in elevating academic standards and is entrusted with the duty of ensuring the school's commitment to delivering value for money. The appointment of the Head Teacher falls under the scope of the Governing Body, which collaborates closely with them to provide support in fulfilling their role. The collaboration between the Head Teacher and the Governors is integral to the effective functioning of the school.

Accountability extends from the Governing Body to parents, the local authority, and the broader local community. Regular updates regarding the composition of the Governing Body will be provided to you.

St Andrew’s Southgate Primary School, being a Church of England school, mandates a governing body with a balance of at least one more church representative than non-church representatives, ensuring the continued honouring of the school's Trust Deeds.

Should you have a concern that remains unaddressed by the class teacher or Head Teacher, the Chair of Governors, accessible through the school, is the appropriate channel for resolution.

The parent governors, your elected representatives, serve as receptive conduits for your concerns, always willing to listen and convey your perspectives to the Governing Body. While they cannot act autonomously, it is obligatory upon the parent governors to stay informed about issues that concern parents.

Sarah Elkins	Chair of Governors
Philip Miall	Foundation Governor
Anastasia Neocleous	Parent Governor
Olivia Clifford	Parent Governor
John Hey	Associate Member
Fr Edward Turner	Foundation Governor - Vicar
Sujal Zaveri	Enfield Clerk
S. Pitsillides	Head Teacher (as of 1 September 2023)
Jason Demetriou	Staff Governor
Jodie Common	Foundation Governor
Lucy Omeara	PCC Governor
Director of Education, Children’s Services and Leisure	Mr P Nathan Civic Centre, Silver Street, Enfield, EN1 3XQ 02083791100
London Diocesan Board for Schools	36 Causton Street, London SW1P 4AU  020 7932 1100

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30. THE PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION (The PTA)

Congratulations, as your child is now at St Andrew’s you automatically become a member of the PTA!

It has been a long standing tradition at St Andrew’s School Southgate for parents to play an active role in supporting the PTA events and your continued support would be most welcomed, so please do get involved.

The PTA has a vital part to play in helping to improve the school by supporting the staff and children.

1. It’s a registered charity (1063520), with clear aims about helping the school to advance the education of all the children.
2. The PTA helps subsidise school trips and organises fun events for both children and adults –
   whilst raising vital money for the school.

Your PTA is in need of fresh faces and new ideas.  We strongly believe everyone has something to offer.  ALL contributions are greatly valued.

The PTA Committee meets regularly at the school.  Class link parents act as your representatives at a half termly meeting with members of the senior leadership team. 

Check the PTA Noticeboard (in the playground) or the school website for details of the meetings and events.

Fundraising

The PTA organises various events in order to raise money to enhance the children’s school life and improve resources within the school, e.g. new books, ICT and playground equipment, school trips and much more.

The big events such as the Christmas Bazaar and Summer Fair require everyone’s input to ensure that the event is a success and we raise money for new initiatives. 

It is vital that everyone gets involved to help organise and volunteer to run events.  Please be a willing helper when your class reps ask for support.  Please don’t wait to be approached, if there’s anything you can help with or you know someone who can - let your class rep know.

Do you frequently attend restaurants, hairdressers, barbers, opticians, dentists?  These businesses can mutually help support your school and get their names noticed by placing adverts in the programmes.

If you shop online then please use the following website which helps raise valuable funds for our school: www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/standrewssouthgate

A great way to be involved in your child’s education is to take an active part in the PTA.  Your PTA needs you – what can YOU do?

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31. SCHOOL STAFF 2024/25

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