If you require translations in any other language, please contact [email protected]
Parent/Carers Hub
TERM DATES
Autumn 2024
Non-Pupil Days |
Monday 2nd September Tuesday 3rd September |
Term |
4th September - 25th October |
Half Term Break |
17th October - 21st October Inclusive |
Term |
24th October - 20th December |
Christmas Holiday |
23rd December - 3rd January 2025 Inclusive |
Spring 2025
Non-Pupil Day |
Monday 6th January Friday 4th April |
Term |
7th January - 14th February |
Half Term Break |
17th February - 21stFebruary Inclusive |
Term |
24th February - 3rd April |
Easter Holiday |
7th April - 21st April Inclusive |
Summer 2025 |
Term |
22nd April -23rd May |
May Bank Holiday |
Monday 5th May |
Half Term |
26th May to 30th May |
Term |
2nd June - 16th July |
Non -Pupil Day |
17th July 18th July 21st July 22nd July |
Occasional Days |
23rd July 24th July |
SCHOOL MEALS
Our school meals are prepared and cooked to order daily in our school kitchen. All children in Reception, Year 1 and 2 are currently entitled to free school meals as part of a Government funded scheme. For up to date allergens please scan the QR code on the menu.
FREE SCHOOL MEALS
Eligibility Criteria for Free School Meals
Section 512 of the Education Act 1996, as amended, places a duty on maintained schools, academies and free schools to provide free school meals to pupils of all ages that meet the criteria.
Who is eligible for free school meals?
Free school meals are available to pupils in receipt of, or whose parents are in receipt of one or more of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit (provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400, as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods)
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- The guarantee element of Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
- Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
How to apply
Apply through the Devon Citizens Portal. This is the quickest and easiest way to apply and will result in you getting an instant decision. Alternatively, call the Education Helpline on 0345 155 1019.
PTA - FOBS
Friends of Bridestowe Primary School
The "Friends of Bridestowe School" (FoBS) play a vital role in helping the school. We’ve been running for many years and our aim is to support the education of the pupils by assisting in the provision of facilities (not normally provided by the LEA) that benefit the school and children, in work and at play!
Please contact Steff Southcott via email [email protected] if you have any suggestions for us, would like to get involved or would just like to know more.
Thanks
FoBS
Please contact Steff Southcott via email [email protected] if you have any suggestions for us, would like to get involved or would just like to know more.
Thanks
FoBS
The Present FoBS Committee
Chair |
Steff Southcott |
Secretary |
Kirstie Floyd-Walker |
Treasurer |
Penny Chestnutt |
Vice-Chair |
Kylie Emson |
News, Events and Fundraising
Here you will find details about our planned events, successes and of course the great things that our funds raised go to!
For all forthcoming FoBs events!
Online Shopping
DON'T FORGET - When you do any online shopping please go through The Giving Machine website and school will receive a percentage of everything you spend without you having to do a thing! Please contact us if you need help registering, or just go to their website, search for Bridestowe School, register then shop - Thank You!
WRAP-AROUND CARE
Our out of school clubs / wrap-around care is provided by Tree Tops Pre-school in Bridestowe. Arrangements can be made for your child/children to be dropped off in the mornings and picked up at the end of the school day.
Breakfast Club
The Breakfast Club runs, 5 days a week term time from 7.45am-9am. Breakfast is optional and activities follow similar to that of their holiday club with games, craft and outside play.
The charge is £5.50 per child and can include breakfast if required.
The charge is £5.50 per child and can include breakfast if required.
After School Club
The After School Club is a very popular club which runs in term time only from end of school time until 6pm five days a week. This is now a very busy club full of varied activity. Those that attend really enjoy the sessions which include cooking and play based activities again working in line with the Playwork principles.
The cost is £9 per child and includes a light tea/snack on arrival from school.
The cost is £9 per child and includes a light tea/snack on arrival from school.
VOLUNTEERING
We welcome volunteers from the community to our school and hope that you will enjoy the enrichment that working with children can bring. However, all volunteers must undergo a strict recruitment process in a similar way to staff recruitment.
A completed application form is required; all volunteers will be required to submit appropriate information to acquire a DBS certificate, which may include a copy of their passport, driving licence and two other forms of identification which may be bank statements, utility bills or other governmental letters/statements, which cannot be more than 3 months old.
Volunteers must adhere to all the policies and procedures applying to the primary school environment and therefore you should be prepared for some training and a great deal of reading. If successful, the volunteer will be required to undertake a short interview with the school Principal and furthermore an induction process regarding our safeguarding procedures.
A completed application form is required; all volunteers will be required to submit appropriate information to acquire a DBS certificate, which may include a copy of their passport, driving licence and two other forms of identification which may be bank statements, utility bills or other governmental letters/statements, which cannot be more than 3 months old.
Volunteers must adhere to all the policies and procedures applying to the primary school environment and therefore you should be prepared for some training and a great deal of reading. If successful, the volunteer will be required to undertake a short interview with the school Principal and furthermore an induction process regarding our safeguarding procedures.
E-SAFETY
Being online is an integral part of children and young people’s lives and of their education. The internet and online technology provides new opportunities for learning and growth, but it can also expose them to new types of risks.
E-safety forms a fundamental part of Bridestowe’s safeguarding and child protection measures. Keeping children safe online is one of the biggest challenges facing society today and it is all of our responsibility to ensure that children are educated to make positive, informed choices when they are online. Online safety is a core aspect of our school curriculum. Your help at home is also needed to prevent children accessing inappropriate material at home by way of filters and parental controls.
In school, all new pupils are asked to sign an acceptable ICT working agreement where children take responsibility for their online actions.
The Dartmoor Multi-Academy Trust have a comprehensive ICT policy which addresses technical firewalls and other professional measures to keep children safe, but at Highampton School we also feel it is important that the children themselves learn to keep themselves safe online.
The School Acceptable ICT Working Agreement is below:
E-safety forms a fundamental part of Bridestowe’s safeguarding and child protection measures. Keeping children safe online is one of the biggest challenges facing society today and it is all of our responsibility to ensure that children are educated to make positive, informed choices when they are online. Online safety is a core aspect of our school curriculum. Your help at home is also needed to prevent children accessing inappropriate material at home by way of filters and parental controls.
In school, all new pupils are asked to sign an acceptable ICT working agreement where children take responsibility for their online actions.
The Dartmoor Multi-Academy Trust have a comprehensive ICT policy which addresses technical firewalls and other professional measures to keep children safe, but at Highampton School we also feel it is important that the children themselves learn to keep themselves safe online.
The School Acceptable ICT Working Agreement is below:
Help for Parents
Please note that no search engine is ever 100% safe but below provides some links to some “safer” search engines:
Research searching
Image searching
Research searching
Image searching
Websites for More Information
CEOP (The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre) delivers a multi-agency service dedicated to tackling the abuse and exploitation of children in the real and ‘e’ world. Often it is referred to as an online 999. By clicking on the button, young people and parents can get advice on a range of issues such as viruses, hacking and dealing with bullying online.
Vodafone have produced a Digital Parenting Magazine which informs parents about the various technologies children are accessing today. There is information on Facebook settings, Xbox360 settings, Blackberry controls, jargon busting and many more 'How to Guides'. Well worth a read!
Vodafone have produced a Digital Parenting Magazine which informs parents about the various technologies children are accessing today. There is information on Facebook settings, Xbox360 settings, Blackberry controls, jargon busting and many more 'How to Guides'. Well worth a read!
The “Thinkuknow” website is brought to you by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) centre.
Here you will find information and resources to help you support your child to have a happy and safe online experience.
SCHOOL CLUBS
We offer a range of extra-curricular clubs including; Cookery, Drama, Debating, Music, Multi-Skills, Netball, Football, Dance, Orienteering and Tag Rugby throughout the year.
After School Clubs
Autumn Term 2024: 3.30pm-4.15pm except Dance and Multisports which finish at 4.30pm.
DAY |
CLUB |
YR |
LED BY |
Monday |
Lunch Choir |
3 - 6 |
Mr Arnold |
Tuesday |
Dance |
1- 6 |
Esme Lovell |
Wednesday |
Drawing Club SATS |
1 - 5 6 |
Mrs Lammas/ Mrs Baker Mrs Ambrose |
Thursday |
Puzzle & Board Games |
1 - 6 |
. |
Friday |
Multisports |
1 - 6 |
Tallan - Brendan Worth Academy |
- Clubs are offered on a voluntary basis, usually by staff and volunteers.
- Any misbehaviour will not be tolerated.
ABSENCE AND ATTENDANCE
Children must attend school from 8.45am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Student Illness
If a child is ill or unable to attend school for any reason, parents/guardians (only those with parental responsibility) must contact the school by telephoning or emailing ([email protected]) before 9am and advise of the reason for their child’s absence (ie cough/cold/vomiting).
Parents/guardians must advise the school on the first and every day of absence due to illness.
In the case of vomiting or diarrohea, all children must remain off school for 48 hours after the last episode of vomiting or diarrohea, even though they may appear recovered.
Parents/guardians must advise the school on the first and every day of absence due to illness.
In the case of vomiting or diarrohea, all children must remain off school for 48 hours after the last episode of vomiting or diarrohea, even though they may appear recovered.
Holidays/Absence Including Medical Appointments
If a parent/guardian wishes to organise a planned period of absence for medical reasons such as a hospital appointment or for social reasons such as a family holiday during term time, they must apply to the School Principal using form S2 which can be collected from the school office or downloaded below. Any letter or communication from the medical facility should be attached to the form. The Principal will consider the request and grant authorisation or not accordingly. Parents will be provided with a copy of the Principal’s decision.
THE SCHOOL DAY
- Morning: 8.45am – 12.15pm
- Afternoon: 1.15pm – 3.30pm
We open the gates at 8.40 am and cannot be responsible for legal and insurance reasons before this time. Total contact hours each day is 5.75.
PARENTAL CONSENT
Where a school activity is considered an integral part of learning, such as classroom activities then parental consent is considered as given.
Parental consent is required for certain activities and such consent will be requested either at the beginning of your child’s learning journey with the school or at the beginning of the club.
Examples of these consents include but are not limited to:
If parents withhold their initial consent and subsequently change their mind, then a simple email to our admin office indicating your consent in writing is all that is required.
Parental consent is required for certain activities and such consent will be requested either at the beginning of your child’s learning journey with the school or at the beginning of the club.
Examples of these consents include but are not limited to:
- To change your child's details if necessary
- Use personal photograph/image
- Provide emergency medical treatment including first aid
- Transport your child by staff/volunteers
- Take your child on local visits (usually by foot)
- The use of certain computer programmes for home learning eg Teams/Dojo
If parents withhold their initial consent and subsequently change their mind, then a simple email to our admin office indicating your consent in writing is all that is required.
UNIFORM
Uniform Expectations
Uniform consists of:
After the May half term:
Girls may wear red and white checked dresses as an alternative to skirts or trousers. Black/grey dress-shorts (not sport shorts) may also be worn in summer instead of trousers for boys or skirts for girls. Open neck shirts can also be worn at this time without jumpers and ties. Baseball caps are also available for warmer weather (with School Logo).
PE kit
Winter weather
The wind can blow very strongly here in the winter and parents will naturally want to send their children to school with warm outdoor clothes - coats preferably with a hood - but we also encourage the girls to wear thick black or grey tights with skirts, or trousers when it is cold.
Children should not wear nail polish or make–up, and jewellery is limited to stud earrings and a watch.
- Burgundy v-neck jumper or cardigan (with School Logo)
- White shirts
- Burgundy and gold ties (with School Logo)
- Girls: black or grey skirts or trousers
- Boys: black or grey trousers
- Children should wear sensible flat-heeled black shoes, not open-toed, to ensure good protection for feet and to avoid accidents while playing.
After the May half term:
Girls may wear red and white checked dresses as an alternative to skirts or trousers. Black/grey dress-shorts (not sport shorts) may also be worn in summer instead of trousers for boys or skirts for girls. Open neck shirts can also be worn at this time without jumpers and ties. Baseball caps are also available for warmer weather (with School Logo).
PE kit
- A burgundy t-shirt with logo and burgundy shorts
- Optional PE hoodie with school logo may also be worn
- When participating in PE, children should wear appropriate trainers or plimsolls which are separate to their normal school shoes.
Winter weather
The wind can blow very strongly here in the winter and parents will naturally want to send their children to school with warm outdoor clothes - coats preferably with a hood - but we also encourage the girls to wear thick black or grey tights with skirts, or trousers when it is cold.
Children should not wear nail polish or make–up, and jewellery is limited to stud earrings and a watch.
Buying Uniform
Uniform can be purchased from our two suppliers by clicking the buttons.
Leonard Hudson stock our uniform in their online shop with home delivery.
Schoolwear Direct stock our uniform both online and in their Okehampton store. Orders can be collected from their Okehampton store by arrangement.
Some items will still be available in school until stock is run down.
Leonard Hudson stock our uniform in their online shop with home delivery.
Schoolwear Direct stock our uniform both online and in their Okehampton store. Orders can be collected from their Okehampton store by arrangement.
Some items will still be available in school until stock is run down.
Optional Item
Baseball Caps
Items Not Available From School
Baseball Caps
Items Not Available From School
- Grey Trousers/Skirts/Shorts
- Grey Pinafore
- Red gingham summer dress
- Black school shoes/sandals (not open toe)
- White shirt
ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINES
Under the DMAT Policy, our School is unable to administer any medicine to a child that has not been prescribed by their doctor.
In order to administer any medicine, the 2-page Medicine Administration Form must be completed in advance by the parent. You can collect this from the school office or print it out below.
In order to administer any medicine, the 2-page Medicine Administration Form must be completed in advance by the parent. You can collect this from the school office or print it out below.
If a child requires an asthma inhaler, ideally one should be given into the safe keeping of the teacher for the required period and another kept at home. It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure the inhaler is taken home and taken back to school (if appropriate) or it is replaced when low or empty and that it has not exceeded its expiry date.
SCHOOL GATEWAY
Communications and Payment Gateway
School Gateway provides parents with a secure, online payment system for school meals and trips, also allowing consent to be given for trips and events, for booking your child's school meals and securing places onto after school clubs.
Additionally, it is the school texting system for sending messages, e.g. in the event of club cancellations/reminder of events and, also the email application for notification of payment/consent requests etc.
To register, please sign up for a School Gateway account by visiting www.schoolgateway.com. Enter your current email address and mobile number (these must match the primary contact details you have registered with the school) and select the 'Send PIN' button. A PIN will be then be received on your mobile phone to enable you to log into your new School Gateway account. With your School Gateway account, you will be able to book pupil meals, view payments and check your balance. The minimum payment bundle for school meals is £11.50.
Additionally, it is the school texting system for sending messages, e.g. in the event of club cancellations/reminder of events and, also the email application for notification of payment/consent requests etc.
To register, please sign up for a School Gateway account by visiting www.schoolgateway.com. Enter your current email address and mobile number (these must match the primary contact details you have registered with the school) and select the 'Send PIN' button. A PIN will be then be received on your mobile phone to enable you to log into your new School Gateway account. With your School Gateway account, you will be able to book pupil meals, view payments and check your balance. The minimum payment bundle for school meals is £11.50.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will emails get to me and what will they look like?
The emails will arrive in your inbox at your email address just like any other email and will have the school’s name in the “from” box.
Will I get any advertising spam?
No, your contact details are not shared with anyone except the school office. You will only receive messages from School Gateway that have been sent by Bridestowe Primary School.
What if I change my email address or mobile phone number? Please contact the school directly and inform them of any changes to your contact details.
Can I reply to emails or texts?
No, you should contact the school office by phone on 01837 861361 or by email: [email protected]
The emails will arrive in your inbox at your email address just like any other email and will have the school’s name in the “from” box.
Will I get any advertising spam?
No, your contact details are not shared with anyone except the school office. You will only receive messages from School Gateway that have been sent by Bridestowe Primary School.
What if I change my email address or mobile phone number? Please contact the school directly and inform them of any changes to your contact details.
Can I reply to emails or texts?
No, you should contact the school office by phone on 01837 861361 or by email: [email protected]
Class Dojo
Home Learning in the event of non-attendance (Covid19)
All children are expected to attend school, but if they are required to stay at home due to Covid19 restrictions the school will provide Home Learning. This can be accessed via Class Dojo or here on our school website.
All children are expected to attend school, but if they are required to stay at home due to Covid19 restrictions the school will provide Home Learning. This can be accessed via Class Dojo or here on our school website.
Class Dojo usage
Class Dojo is an online learning platform where we have set up your classroom community ready for remote learning. It is an excellent way to stay in touch with staff and to see pupil learning. Classes can be shared with other teachers in the school and school leaders so that learning can be shared.
Class Story
Class Story is where we will share photos, tutorials and files to aide learning with ALL families. This private feed is viewable by the parents and students, through both parent and student account. Your class teacher will post weekly planning as well as tutorials, worksheets etc to assist remote learning.
Teachers may use Class Story to:
Comments under posts in stories are visible to all, so these should be appropriately positive and polite in tone. Queries or requests for support with any problems should be addressed to the teacher using the messaging service or through emailing or telephoning the school office. The school reserves the right to remove inappropriate comments from posts if necessary.
Please ensure that any photos you upload are appropriate and that your child and family members are fully dressed.
As always, if you have any safeguarding concerns, please contact the Head of School or any safeguarding lead directly and do not raise these through Class Dojo.
Portfolios
Portfolios is a digital portfolio that allows students to share with their teachers and family! Students can add to their portfolio using Chromebooks, laptops, and iOS/Android devices, even from home. Teachers can view and approve student work on Portfolios using any device. Once approved, only parent accounts connected to their student can see those particular posts and both parents and teachers can leave positive feedback in the form of a like and/or comments.
Messaging
Messaging allows you to communicate with every family in your classroom. Available on the internet and iOS/Android devices, it allows you to send messages, photos, stickers, and voice notes to parents (without giving out your phone number). Messaging is also a way to connect directly with your child’s teacher or the Head of School. Messages should be directly related to teaching and learning.
Class Dojo's Privacy Policy can be viewed here
Class Dojo is an online learning platform where we have set up your classroom community ready for remote learning. It is an excellent way to stay in touch with staff and to see pupil learning. Classes can be shared with other teachers in the school and school leaders so that learning can be shared.
Class Story
Class Story is where we will share photos, tutorials and files to aide learning with ALL families. This private feed is viewable by the parents and students, through both parent and student account. Your class teacher will post weekly planning as well as tutorials, worksheets etc to assist remote learning.
Teachers may use Class Story to:
- Record up to 8-minutes tutorial lessons
- Post challenges and learning updates
- Share links to learning sites to keep pupils practicing their skills
- Upload attachments like worksheets and other printables for families to complete at home
- Read stories to the class
- Share photos of the wider curriculum or similar to engage learners
Comments under posts in stories are visible to all, so these should be appropriately positive and polite in tone. Queries or requests for support with any problems should be addressed to the teacher using the messaging service or through emailing or telephoning the school office. The school reserves the right to remove inappropriate comments from posts if necessary.
Please ensure that any photos you upload are appropriate and that your child and family members are fully dressed.
As always, if you have any safeguarding concerns, please contact the Head of School or any safeguarding lead directly and do not raise these through Class Dojo.
Portfolios
Portfolios is a digital portfolio that allows students to share with their teachers and family! Students can add to their portfolio using Chromebooks, laptops, and iOS/Android devices, even from home. Teachers can view and approve student work on Portfolios using any device. Once approved, only parent accounts connected to their student can see those particular posts and both parents and teachers can leave positive feedback in the form of a like and/or comments.
Messaging
Messaging allows you to communicate with every family in your classroom. Available on the internet and iOS/Android devices, it allows you to send messages, photos, stickers, and voice notes to parents (without giving out your phone number). Messaging is also a way to connect directly with your child’s teacher or the Head of School. Messages should be directly related to teaching and learning.
Class Dojo's Privacy Policy can be viewed here
USEFUL LINKS
If you are a parent/carer, we hope you will find the following web links below useful:
Governance Link
Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust (dartmoormat.org.uk)
Dartmoor MAT Vacancies
Vacancies - Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust (dartmoormat.org.uk)
Dartmoor MAT Feedback and Complaints
feedback - Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust (dartmoormat.org.uk)
Dartmoor MAT Annual Accounts
Annual Reports and Accounts - Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust (dartmoormat.org.uk)
Dartmoor MAT Trustees & Governance
Governance structure - Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust (dartmoormat.org.uk)
Devon County Council Admissions
School admissions - Education and Families (devon.gov.uk)
DFE PE and Sports Premium
PE and sport premium for primary schools - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Devon County Council SEN
Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) Local Offer and vision - Education and Families (devon.gov.uk)
Governance Link
Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust (dartmoormat.org.uk)
Dartmoor MAT Vacancies
Vacancies - Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust (dartmoormat.org.uk)
Dartmoor MAT Feedback and Complaints
feedback - Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust (dartmoormat.org.uk)
Dartmoor MAT Annual Accounts
Annual Reports and Accounts - Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust (dartmoormat.org.uk)
Dartmoor MAT Trustees & Governance
Governance structure - Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust (dartmoormat.org.uk)
Devon County Council Admissions
School admissions - Education and Families (devon.gov.uk)
DFE PE and Sports Premium
PE and sport premium for primary schools - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Devon County Council SEN
Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) Local Offer and vision - Education and Families (devon.gov.uk)
- Department for Education - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- Devon's Family Information Service
- Action for Children Action for Children supports and speaks for the UK's most vulnerable and neglected children and young people.
- BBC Bitesize Fun activities to help children at learn more key subjects.
- Department for Education Articles and advice for children and young people.
- Parent View
- Parent Info Expert information to help children and young people stay safe online.
- UK Safer Internet Centre E-safety tips, advice and resources.
- NSPCC Online Safety Helpful advice and tools you can use to help keep your child safe whenever and wherever they go online.
- Childnet International Parents and Carers information to keep your child safe online.
- Car Seat Safety Helpful advice from GoCompare
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