If we ever need to contact you about your child by phone the staff member who rings will identify themselves to you. Please do not discuss school business with someone who does not identify themselves to you. We will not discuss matters concerning your child unless we are sure who we are speaking to. If in doubt phone the school on 01237 475276 (or email the office) or check who has rung by dialling 1471. We normally only ring from the School number

Friends of St. Helen’s P.T.A. is a well organised and enthusiastic organisation and is always on the look-out for new members and new ideas. If you would like to be involved, please get in touch with the association through the school office.

The School Nurse and Doctor make regular visits to carry out health checks. Parents are invited to attend if they wish. We follow County Guidelines regarding administering medication, inhalers etc. Please inform us of any special medical conditions or medications your child is taking and complete the relevant forms.

Please ensure that all clothes and belongings are marked so that we may return them when they are found.  Unclaimed property is placed in the lost property box.

More detailed information regarding your child’s progressed is provided through an annual meeting with parents and a password protected on line reporting system, as assessments are carried out. At any time during the term, you can arrange a meeting to speak to a member of staff if there are matters concerning you or your child. We are happy to chat after school or at other times by appointment. Please help by keeping us informed about any changes in your circumstances, such as address or contact numbers, etc.

School begins at 9.00 a.m. and children are allowed on site from 8.50 a.m. onwards. First play is at 10.30 a.m. and the morning session ends at 12.30 p.m. with an hour for lunch. Afternoon school is from 1.30 p.m. to 3.30 p.m.

A variety of clubs is run by staff and volunteer helpers. These include football, netball, choir, recorders, tag rugby and performing arts. Please check your newsletter for details.

What’s On

A regular online newsletter will keep you up to date with what is happening. If you need information-just ask

All policies relating to St. Helen’s C of E Primary are available for inspection, upon request, at the school office.

Child Protection Policy

The welfare of the child is paramount.In all matters relating to Child Protection the procedures in the Devon Child Protection Multi Disciplinary Handbook must be followed. This is followed at all times, and records kept of action taken. This book is located in the school office.

The welfare of the pupils is safeguarded and promoted in all aspects of school life. Support for pupils is essential in achieving this.

The headteacher is the designated person responsible for child protection, and in her absence it is the next senior member of staff.

The headteacher has regular full training and all staff have training. Some Governors have also received training.

In the event of any incident or disclosure occurring, the designated person takes over immediately and acts in accordance with the guidelines.

School works closely and confidentially with other agencies in child protection. The designated person will decide who is to be informed: this is the only area in which informing the parents may not be in the child’s best interest.

Other associated safeguarding policies are available for inspection in the school office.

Please ask for information concerning your eligibility to use the school bus to get to Abbotsham. We will be able to advise you.

Our school uniform is turquoise blue in colour, and the following items are available:- sweatshirt, T-shirt and gym trousers.

Uniform is available from Mrs. Marilyn Beckley who can be contacted via the school

School bags – We have only limited space. Please use bags no bigger than the hessian carrier bags available in supermarkets. Children need only to bring lunch, reading diaries and homework books. Sports kit can come in a separate drawstring bag. Thanks for your help.

Like most schools we ask that should your child be affected by a bout of sickness or diarrhoea he or she should be kept at home for 48 hours after the last attack.

• Please ensure that your child arrives in school with appropriate clothing each day. This includes a waterproof coat and wellies if the weather is wet. We believe that children are better learners when they have regular access to the outdoors, so need to be appropriately dressed for the weather.

• Please note that teachers are on duty in classrooms from 9 a.m. and children should not be dropped off before 8.45 a.m. unless attending Breakfast Club.