View our frequently asked questions below:
My child’s first day at school
What will my child need to bring?
- A smiling face
- PE kit (Named) You can click on the link to view our Uniform Information Page
- A water bottle
- Book Bag
- Spare named underwear in their PE Kit
- Packed lunch if required
- Sun hat, sun cream applied before school, raincoat or coat – depending on the weather.
Please make sure all of your children’s belongings are name.
Where do I drop off and collect?
To be confirmed
Is my child entitled to free milk at school?
Free school milk is available to all school children under the age of five. Once your child turns 5 you will have to contact Cool Milk to pay and add your child back on to the milk list. This has to be done by a grown-up at home, as school can not do this.
Do I need to apply for Free School Meals
- In short, the answer is YES.
- All pupils are entitled to a free school lunch in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. This is a government-funded scheme called Universal Free School Meals. It is not income dependent and the school does not receive any additional funding for those pupils.
- Some pupil may ALSO be eligible for Disadvantaged (or Benefits-Related) Free School Meals. This is income and benefit dependent and it means the school receives additional funding to support those pupils for the next six years of their school career.
- Many parents/carers do not apply for Free School Meals because their child will receive a free school lunch anyway. I cannot stress enough how important it is that you apply. It takes a matter of minutes and is very simple. The funding is there to accelerate and promote pupil outcomes and diminish the gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers but we can only access it if you fill in the form.
- You can submit a Free School Meal Application Form at any time during your child’s time in school. It is especially important to do so if there is a change in your employment or financial circumstances.
Parent Concerns
What if my child seems upset about coming to school?
- Do not worry, starting school can be unsettling and take a while to get used to.
- Stay calm and positive about school at all times.
- Continue to bring your child to school.
- Talk to the class teacher about ways we can help.
My child occasionally forgets to go to the toilet. Is that a problem?
- Not at all.
- It will be a help, however, if you send in named spare underwear with your child’s PE kit.
- If your child comes home with some of the school’s spare clothing, please remember to return all the items washed, to school as soon as possible.
Daily Routines
When do children play outside?
Children in Early Years have access to the outdoor provision all day!
Years 1 and 2 will have have a morning break time and an afternoon break time.
What happens at lunchtime?
We will be updating this section shortly
What is the procedure for talking to my child’s class teacher?
- Teachers are usually available at the end of the school day for an informal chat about minor concerns or messages.
- If you want a private meeting please contact the school secretary who will arrange an appointment with the teacher.
How will I be kept informed about school events?
- Look out for the school newsletter.
- Look at the school website www.durhamnewtonhall.durham.sch.uk
What should I do if my child is ill?
- Telephone the school office on the first day of absence.
- If the illness is ongoing, keep us informed regularly.
- If your child has vomited or has had diarrhoea, they should not return to school until 48 hours have passed after the last occasion of illness.
My child needs to take some medicine during the school day. What should I do?
- It may be best for you to come to school to give your child the medicine yourself.
- Occasionally, designated staff are able to give medicines, but only if they have been specifically prescribed for your child and their name is on the bottle or packet. It is necessary for you to complete a form (available in the office) authorising this.
