FAQ'S
We understand that starting a new school comes with plenty of questions. This FAQ page has been designed to support new parents and carers by providing clear, helpful information about day-to-day school life, routines, and expectations. If you can't find the answer to your question on this page, please contact Jo or Alex in the office and they will be happy to help.
DAILY ROUTINES
What are the start and finish times?
Children should arrive between 8.45am and 8.55am. School finishes at 3.30pm
How does drop off and pick up work?
Key Stage 1 children should enter via the gate on New Street and be taken to the gate to their outdoor area (or playground if in year 2). The children are encouraged to say goodbye at the gate and walk into the classroom.
Key Stage 2 children should be taken to the playground on Church Hill where they will be met by staff.
If you arrive late, please bring your child to the office so that they can be signed in and we can ensure their lunch is ordered.
Pick up is from the same location as morning drop off.
Can somebody else collect my child for me?
If you have somebody collecting on a regular basis (e.g. grandparent, childminder), please let the teacher or office know so that they can add them to the list of approved adults able to collect your child.
There may be times where you arrange for someone else to collect your child on an ad-hoc basis (e.g. playdates). In this instance, please contact the school office to give them the name of the person your child is going home with. They will then pass this message on to the class teacher.
What should I do if my child can't attend?
Please ring the school office in the morning of the first day of absence by 9.15am to let us know. You can leave a message on the absence line. If your child is ill for an extended period, please send an email to explain the absence.
As far as possible appointments should be made out of school hours. However, if an appointment is made during the school day, school must be informed in writing beforehand stating the time of the appointment in order that the absence can be authorised.
What happens if my child is ill at school?
If your child is poorly and we feel that they need to go home you will be asked to come and collect your child. It is essential that you make sure all contact details are up to date with the school office. It is good to have some emergency contacts on record so we can always contact somebody.
What should I do if my child needs to take medication during the school day?
If your child needs medication whilst at school, please bring a named bottle to the school office. The office staff are able to give prescription medicines during the day, but your written permission will be required. The forms can be found on our website or are available from the office.
UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT
What is the school uniform policy?
We have a simple and practical uniform at Cubbington which all children should wear. A list of uniform is available on our website.
Please try to make sure all clothes need to be named as it helps us to ensure any lost property is returned promptly.
You can purchase items with our school logo from: www.schoolshopsales.com/cubbingtonprimaryschool
Does my child need to bring PE kit?
On the day your child does PE they should wear their PE kit to school. This saves them having to change during the school day. A list of PE kit can be found on our website.
You will be advised when PE is going to be by your class teacher. Children in reception will have a few weeks to settle in before starting PE sessions and the teacher will let you know when these are going to start.
What should my child bring to school each day?
Children in KS1 should bring their book bag and a named water bottle. Book bags are provided when your child joins us.
Children in KS2 should bring a small backpack, a named water bottle and a healthy snack. Children in KS2 can choose to bring in a pencil case with the following items; handwriting pen, HB pencils, rubber, sharpener, ruler and colouring pencils.
Should my child bring spare clothes with them?
Whilst we have some spare clothing in school, we don't always have the right size for each child. For that reason, children in reception are encouraged to have a spare set of clothes with them, in a named bag. This can stay on their peg in the classroom to be used if needed.
If your child is older, you may still choose to send a spare set of clothes in for them to keep in school. Spare trousers are often useful in the winter months as some children may get wet or muddy at playtime. You can read more about our playtimes here .
FOOD AND LUNCHTIMES
Is school lunch provided, and how do I order?
Children have the option of a school lunch or bringing in their own packed lunch. Each morning the teachers will take a lunch register. Our menus can be found on our website and will be sent out to you each time they are updated. Children who are having a school meal will be asked to choose what they would like each morning.
How much does a school lunch cost and how do I pay?
School meals for children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are free under the government “universal free school meal” scheme.
For children in KS2, a dinner costs £3.05 per day. Payment is added to ParentPay. You don't need to pre-pay for dinners although some parents choose to use the auto-top up feature in ParentPay to ensure they stay up to date with payments.
Could I be entitled to Free School Meals?
Free School Meals are offered to those who are eligible. To check whether you may be eligible and to make the application, please visit https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/education-learning/apply-free-school-meals
Does my child need to bring a snack?
Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 will receive a snack as part of the government free fruit scheme.
Children in KS2 need to bring a snack with them to have during morning break. This should be a healthy snack such as fruit, vegetables- nothing high in sugar or salt. This website provides some helpful ideas: https://www.nhs.uk/healthier-families/food-facts/healthier-snacks/
What can my child bring to drink?
All children should bring in a named water bottle which should only contain water, not fruit juice or squash.
How are dietary needs and allergies managed?
You will be asked to confirm any dietary needs or allergies when you complete our school admission form. If your child does have any needs, the school office will contact you to ask you to provide more detailed information on our allergy management/special diets form. We work closely with the kitchen staff to ensure that the allergy procedures are followed. If required, the kitchen can provide alternative menu's for your child.
COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS
How will the school communicate with me?
We use email to send reminders, information and newsletter links out to parents. Newsletters are sent fortnightly
Email is our preferred method of communication for all matters. If you wish to get a message to a particular member of staff please put FAO and their name in the subject and send it to [email protected] This will be handled confidentially and passed on to the relevant member of staff who will endeavour to reply as soon as possible.
If we need to speak to you urgently we will telephone you so please ensure that your contact details are up to date.
We also use an app called Seesaw to send messages relating to learning and homework. Whilst you are able to send messages to staff directly via Seesaw, this is not monitored at all times of the day so all formal messages such as changes to collection, requests for meetings or concerns should come via email as explained above.
How can I contact my child's teacher?
If appropriate, you can speak to your child's teacher at drop off and pick up as they will be on the gate. If you need a more detailed conversation, please arrange this via the school office by sending an email or giving us a call.
When will we have Parents Evening?
We hold two Parents Evenings per year, one in the Autumn Term and one in Spring Term. These evenings consist of two dates per term, often a Thursday and a Tuesday. We are currently holding one evening face to face and one virtually, as we have found this to be the most popular option for our parents. More details about Parents Evenings will be sent out at the time.
WRAPAROUND CARE
Do you offer Wraparound Care?
Yes, we do. The Nest is the name of our provision and it's open daily from 7.30am - 8.45am and 3.30pm - 6pm (except for Fridays when it closes at 5pm).
There are unlimited spaces in The Nest so you never need to worry about whether you can arrange childcare. Some of the specific clubs (e.g. sports or craft clubs) have limited numbers but The Nest itself is able to cater for all. Bookings are made on a half termly basis and can be made ad-hoc.
The Nest has it's own page on our website so if you need wraparound care you can find all the information you need here.
Can children in Reception access The Nest?
Absolutely, The Nest is open to all pupils. Once children in reception are with us full time, you will be able to book them into The Nest. The only difference is that for the first half term the extra-curricular clubs (e.g. sports, arts) won't be available for reception - this helps to get them settled into the school routine and used to being part of The Nest. After October half term, you'll be able to book different clubs if you feel your child is ready. You can check out the type of clubs on offer on The Nest page.