FAQs
In addition to our regular newsletters, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions and our answers that we hope you find useful, whether your child is currently at Queensway, or you are considering us for their education.
If you have a question that isn’t listed here, please contact us and a member of staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
My child is unwell and will not be attending today. How do I report this to the academy?
If your child is ill and cannot attend school please phone us as soon as possible on the first day of absence. If the absence is longer than one day we ask parents to phone us each day to update us. We monitor attendance and procedures are followed where attendance becomes an issue. Authorised absence includes illness and medical appointments.
Our expectation is that pupil attendance will be 98% and above.
Should no message have been received by the academy, we will ring the parent on the mobile phone number or house phone number kept in the child’s records. Should no one answer the phone, a message will be left asking the parent to contact the school.
My child is going to be late. How do I report this to the academy?
If your child is going to be late arriving at school please phone us to let us know. Where a child arrives late they must be brought to the main academy reception so that we can register that they have arrived.
It is important that children arrive in school on time every day for a number of reasons – please remember:
- It is the legal responsibility of parents/carers to ensure that children attend their registered school on time each day
- If a child is late they miss important information about the day’s activities
- A child that is late will miss schoolwork
- Children that arrive in good time for registration are able to talk to their friends before school and settle into the school day with them
- A child that is late disrupts staff and other children
If there is a particular reason why you are finding it difficult for your child to arrive to school on time please discuss this with your child’s class teacher or the Principal.
What happens if my child has a dentist/ doctor appointment during the day?
We ask parents, where possible, to arrange routine appointments outside of school time so that children do not miss valuable time in class. However, we understand there are occasions where appointments have to take place during the school day.
If your child has to go out of school at any time during the school day for an appointment please let us know. When collecting your child during the day for an appointment please come to the main reception and we will collect them from the class for you.
What is the procedure for asking the academy to grant my child exceptional leave of absence?
As you may be aware, new Government guidelines have made it clear that head teachers may not grant leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Exceptional circumstance may be:
- Families of armed forces personnel returning from a tour of duty
- Police or other service personnel whose leave has been cancelled during academy holidays
- A family funeral
Please be aware that these guidelines are set by the Government, not schools and if you decide to take your child out of the academy during term time unauthorised, you may receive a penalty notice.
If you wish your child to be considered for a leave of absence, then please call into the Academy Office for a form. Our expectation is that pupil attendance will be 98% and above.
What time does the academy open and close, and how is the school day structured?
Our school times are:
Nursery
- Morning session – 8:45am – 11:45am
Infant and Junior Schools
- School opens - 8:30am (with entry window between 8:30am - 8:40am)
- School closes - 3:30pm
Parents are asked to come into the school and leave by the small gates. PLEASE DO NOT USE THE BARRIER ENTRANCE – this is for vehicular access only. If you are unable to meet your own child personally please make sure the teacher knows who you have authorised to collect him/her.
We ask that parents do not bring cars into the staff car park and that they take great care when parking cars outside the school to ensure the safety of the children and in consideration of local residents and other road users.
How much homework should my child be doing?
Your child will be given homework at times which relates to work they are doing in class. This may be some further reading, to find something out or a worksheet. Homework should not be more than 30 minutes a night but please speak to your child’s class teacher for information on what is expected or if you have any concerns.
My child needs to take medication - how is this managed at the academy?
Please let us know about any medical conditions your child may have and remember to inform us of any changes.
We are able to administer prescribed medicines at the academy, providing that the child concerned is otherwise fit enough to be at school. These can only be administered if a consent form has been signed, which is available from the office. Please ensure that you:
- Only provide medicines with a prescription label on the container which clearly shows your child’s name and the time and size of the dose.
- Leave the medicine and form with a member of staff at the academy reception
Children suffering from asthma can keep inhalers close at hand – please print their name on the inhaler, and make sure we have details about the circumstances when your child may need to use it.
How do I give feedback on Queensway?
Ofsted’s Parent View website allows you to give your views and read the results of previous parent questionnaires.
Our staff are always happy to talk to parents about our school both about what we are doing well and what you would like us to improve. If you have any feedback that you would like a response to, please come in and talk to us or book an appointment. You can contact us in person, by phone or online.