parent handbook

Dear Parent/Carer

This booklet has been compiled by teachers, parents and governors to give you useful information about our school.  We really hope that the beginning of your child’s formal education at The Ferncumbe will mark the start of your long and happy association with our ‘Ferncumbe Family’.

We encourage close partnership with parents. Over a long career in education we are convinced that one of the most important factors in ensuring pupils achieve well and develop as confident life-long learners, is the quality of the home-school partnership. There is pressure on everyone’s time these days, but your children’s years at primary school are so special, and can be a defining time for you all, as you establish lasting friendships and community spirit. Do try to get actively involved in supporting school in some way. You might volunteer to be a regular helper* in the classroom, forest school or to accompany children on school trips. Parents Associations make a huge difference to the life of any school, so I would urge you to support the events of the ‘Friends’ or, better still, become a member of the committee. You may have special skills or talents, or useful business links, that we could call on from time to time. Children are always proud to see their parents being involved in school life!

We provide an enriched and varied curriculum in which your child will be encouraged to develop and achieve. But education is a process, not limited to academic knowledge and attainment.  Children are learning for all of their time in school – how to play, how to behave and how to develop positive relationships with other children and adults. We encourage everyone in our school to have a positive, optimistic outlook on life – both in school and in the wider community.

We hope that you find this booklet useful and would welcome your comments if you feel it could be improved.  Please read it carefully and keep it safe.  Some pages will be updated when necessary.

Should you require further information or wish to make an appointment to discuss a school related issue please do not hesitate to contact us.  We are here to help.

Sally Morris, Executive Headteacher

Tracey Webb, Head of School

 *Regular volunteers have to be cleared by the Disclosure and Barring Service.