Frequently Asked Questions
If there’s something you’d like to know, we’re always happy to respond to your queries. But if it’s one of the more popular questions we are asked, you might find your answer right here in our FAQs.
What should I do if I'm worried about my child's progress.
If you have any concerns about your child’s progress we ask that you arrange an appointment to talk to your child’s class teacher.
How long do the children get to eat lunch?
Full details of the timings can be found on our School Day information page.
What happens if my child has an accident as school?
Your child will recieve first aid from one of our trained members of staff. If the injury is significant, we would inform parents/carers and involve medical services if needed. All injuries and treatments are carefully logged on the school system.
How much is a school dinner?
School dinners cost £2.80 per meal and can be paid weekly, monthly or by term. To see if you are eligible for Free School Meals please visit our School Meals information page for full details.
How do you communicate with parents?
At Leigham, we use Arbor as our main point of contact. In app messages can be sent by staff to share information about how well pupils are doing in class. We hold termly Learning Together sessions (and a class assembly once a year). We also use our school Facebook and Instagram accounts to share activities happening in school, newsletters and celebrations.
If you need to contact school, you can call the main office on 01752 790990, send an in app message on Arbor or email admin@leigham-primary.plymouth.sch.uk
What happens if my child has a medical/dental appointment?
Please try to arrange these appointments out of school hours. If this is unavoidable, we ask that you bring the appointment letter to the school office so it can be recorded the register.
Can my child wear jewellery in school?
We ask that pupils do not wear jewellery in school.
One pair of small stud earrings can be worn but these must be removed by pupils on PE days. If your child can not remove their own earrings, we ask that they do not wear them on these days.
Where do I go to locate lost property?
You should request access to view our lost property items via our reception staff
What if my child can't speak English?
At Leigham we welcome all children regardless of their nationality. We have several children who have joined our school unable to speak English and, as a staff, we are trained to support childen with E.A.L.
Can my child cycle to school?
We encourage children to ride safely to school and we have a bike rack outside our Year 4 classrooms where bikes/scooters can be safely stored throughout the school day. We do ask that bikes/scooters are not ridden on school site and that children get off at the school gates and push their bikes/scooters from there.
How can parents get involved?
We ask that parent support pupils by reading at home and practicing spellings, times tables and number facts. We also ask that you familiarise yourself with your son or daughter's class page on our website. Detailed information can be found there about what they are working on and you can also download the current term's curriculum & homework menu.
Can I send someone else to pick up my child?
If you need someone else to come to school to collect your child/children, please speak to the class teacher in the morning or leave a message with the office team.
When are the school holidays?
Full details for the current and next year's term dates can be found on our Term Dates information page and on the weekly newsletter.
What do I do if my child is prescribed medication?
If your child needs to have medication at school, you must complete a green form from the school office. We ask that medication at school is kept to a minimum and if antibiotics are prescribed for less than four times a day, we suggest this can be organised out of school time.
What does SEND / SENDCo / IEP stand for?
SEND: Special Educational Needs and disabilities / SENDCo: Special Educational Needs and disabilities coordinator / IEP: Individual Education Plan
What do I do if my child is late to school?
Please notify the main office if you know your child is going to be late to school. On arrival, take your child to the main office and they will sign them in and order lunch if necessary.
What are school opening and closing times?
Our classroom doors open at 8.35 am each day and close at 8.40am allowing a soft opening. All pupils will be ready to be picked up in the afternoon at 3:10pm each day. Our on-site Nursery is open each day from 9 am until 3pm.
What clubs are there?
We offer a lot of enrichment activities for children to get involved in, from additional learning opportunities to sports and creative clubs. To see photos of previous activities and read more about what is on offer, visit our club information page.
What should I put in my child's packed lunch?
We encourage children to bring a healthy lunch to school which could include items such as fruit, vegetables, pasta or rice salads, yoghurts.
We are strictly a nut-free school.
Hot drinks and soup is not permitted.
At breaktime, our Foundation and Key Stage One pupils are provided with free fruit/vegetables for their snack. In Key Stage Two, children can bring in fruit/vegetables from home for morning snack.
Is drinking water available in school?
Yes. All classrooms have access to safe drinking water. Please send your child to school with an appropraite drinking bottle.
How can I arrange an appointment with my child's teacher?
Either speak to your class teacher on the door after school or contact main reception on 01752 790990 .
How will I be informed if there is an enforced school closure?
On the very rare occasion that the school needs to close, we will inform all parents via an in-app message on Arbor and all social media platforms.
What do I do if my child has headlice?
If your child has headlice, we ask that you treat them quickly to ensure that they do not spread. If we notice that your child has headlice during the school day we may contact you to inform you. If you would like to collect them, treat the headlice and return them to school you are welcome to do so.
Can I take my child on holiday during term time?
Attending school is a compulsory obligation that parents must adhere to and therefore you should avoid taking your child out of school. The school follows Local Authority guidance for attendance and the issuing of penalty notices.
What do I do if I am going to be late in collecting my child?
There are times when parents are late collecting their child from school. If this is going to happen, we ask that school is informed and the expected delay is given. If a child is not collected, no reason is given and we cannot contact a second contact, they will go to our after school club. This will be charged in accordance with their costings. If a child is still not collected, Children’s Social Care will be contacted.
How long is it before my child can return to school after an illness?
We ask that children remain at home until they are well enough to return to school. In the case of sickness and stomach bugs, we ask that children remain at home for 48 hours after their last bout of illness to ensure that infections do not spread.
How do I report my child's absence from school?
Please contact the office before 8:30am on the day of you child's absence. To safeguard your child, the office will contact you before 9:30am if they haven't had a message regarding your child's whereabouts.
How will my child be able to contribute their views?
We have a number of ways that children’s views can be heard and listened to:
- School and Connect Council
- Pupil Voice interviews
To read more about this you can visit our School Council information page.