Prepare my child/children for the school day


Dear Parents/Carers,
On this page you will find all the essential toolkit and key information you and your family need to prepare your child or children for the school day. If you require any additional information please email your child’s year group.

Attendance Guidance

Every School day counts towards a bright future


At the Leys we are passionate about providing the best possible education for your children...but we NEED YOUR HELP! . We have high expectations of attendance and punctuality! The lessons your child misses, are important.

Please find the link to our current policy.
Attendance Policy 2021-24

Attendance Awards Overview

Please find below our recent Attendance Newsletters
End of Term 2022
Summer 2022

Autumn Term 2019

Spring Term 2019
Summer Term 2019


Our pupils are happy in school and enjoy their lessons, but they can’t do it alone! We know sometimes children get poorly, and are genuinely not able to get into school, but on other occasions ask yourself:

What are the long term consequences of poor attendance?

We know that we need to work together to prepare our children for the future. In a global world there will always be competition and hundreds of others will have the same ambitions as your child.

LET YOUR CHILD BE THE ONE WHO STANDS OUT FROM THE CROWD!!!!

Home School Agreement

Our Home School Agreement document is available to download here.

Home School Agreement 2023-24

Mental Health

For urgent mental health help or if you need to urgently speak to someone, Call the Single Point of Access (SPA)Tel: 0800 6444 101 available 24 hourly.
Email: hpft.spa@nhs.net
www.hpft.nhs.uk

Mental Health Newsletter Autumn 2023
Mental Health Newsletter Summer 2023

Mental Health Newsletter Spring 2023

Newsletter Autumn 2022

Mental Health Policy

Newsletter Summer 2022

Newsletter Spring 2022

What is Mental Health?

'Mental health is a state of wellbeing in which an individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.’
'World Health Organisation 2004'

‘Mental health, in effect refers to the capacity to live a full, productive life as well as the flexibility to deal with its ups and downs.  In children and young people it is especially about the capacity to learn, enjoy friendships, to meet challenges, to develop talents and capabilities.
'Young Minds'

What is wellbeing?

Wellbeing is ‘a positive state of mind and body, feeling safe and able to cope, with a sense of connection with people, communities and the wider environment.
’World HealthOrganisation 2007'

What are the risk and protective factors for children?


What can we all do to help build positive mental health?

The five ways to wellbeing

Connect

There is strong evidence that indicates that feeling close to, and valued by, other people is a fundamental human need and one that contributes to functioning well in the world.

It’s clear that social relationships are critical for promoting wellbeing and for acting as a buffer against mental ill health for people of all ages.

With this in mind, try to do something different today and make a connection.

- Talk to someone instead of sending a text message
- Speak to someone new
- Ask how someone's weekend was and really listen then they tell you
- Walk to school with a friend

Be Active

Regular physical activity is associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety across all age groups.

Exercise is essential for slowing age-related cognitivedecline and for promoting well-being.

But it doesn’t need to be particularly intense for you to feel good - slower-paced activities, such as walking, can have the benefit of encouraging social interactions as well providing some level of exercise.

Today, why not get physical? Here are a few ideas:

- Go for a walk or run at lunchtime
- Walk or cycle to school
- Have a kick-about in a local park
- Do some 'easy exercise', like stretching, before you leave for school in the morning or walk the dog

Take Notice

Reminding yourself to ‘take notice’ can strengthen and broaden awareness.

Studies have shown that being aware of what is taking place in the present directly enhances your well-being and savouring ‘the moment’ can help to reaffirm your life priorities.

Heightened awareness also enhances your self-understanding and allows you to make positive choices based on your own values and motivations.

Take some time to enjoy the moment and the environment around you.
Here are a few ideas:

- Get a plant for your room or do some gardening
- Have a 'clear the clutter' day
- Take a different route on your journey to or from school

Learn

Continued learning through life enhances self-esteem and encourages social interaction and a more active life.

The practice of setting goals has been strongly associated with higher levels of wellbeing.

Why not learn something new today? Here are a few more ideas:

- Read a newspaper or a book
- Do a crossword or Sudoku
- Research something you've always wondered about
- Learn a new word or musical instrument

Give

Participation in social and community life has attracted a lot of attention in the field of wellbeing research.

Individuals who report a greater interest in helping othersare more likely to rate themselves as happy.

Research into actions for promoting happiness has shown that committing an act of kindness once a week over a six-week period is associated with an increase in wellbeing.

- Help fund raise for a charity
- Support a PTA event
- Offer to help an elderly neighbour
- Give your old toys or books to a charity shop

Don't forget eating healthily and a good night's sleep is also important.

Useful websites and apps for children and their parents

Films -Short films to help parents and children who may have a diagnosis, may be showing symptoms of a potential mental health condition or may be struggling as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic.

Lumi Nova - Effective Digital Therapeutic support for children with anxiety

Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Services and Resources

youngminds.org.uk - online resources & parent helpline

minded.org.uk - resources and online training

annafreud.org - national centre for children and families

sam-app.org.uk - self help app for anxiety

positivepenguins.com - app to help understand feelings and challenge negative thinking

talkwellbeing.co.uk - how to get help with mental health problems from Hertfordshire Wellbeing Team

justtalkherts.org - quizzes, parent top tips, support and information

healthyyoungmindsinherts.org.uk

actionforhappiness.org.uk

childline.org.uk

Sandbox

Prospectus

Our 2023-24 School Prospectus is available to download here.

School Day

School Times

Nursery

Morning session: 8.45am to 11.45am

Afternoon session: 12.30pm to 3.30pm

Parents to bring their child into class at 8:45 a.m. or 12:30 p.m., help them hang up their coats and self-register. Pupils need to be collected from the classroom door at 11.45 a.m. and 3.30 p.m. at the end of the session.

Reception to Year 6

Class doors open at 8.45 a.m. Parents can drop off pupils at their classroom door from 8.45 p.m. to 8.55 a.m. After this the door will be closed, and the pupil will need to be signed in at the school office.

Pupils need to be collected from the classroom door at 3.15 p.m. If parents and carers are late your child will be at the main office.

The Leys operate a 32.5 hour school week.

Before School

Children should not arrive on the school premises before 8.30 am as there is no supervision before this time. Classroom doors will be opened at 8.45 a.m for all other years. Parents should leave pupils at the door at the same place they collect at the end of the day. The door will be kept open to 8.55 a.m. by a nominated member of staff. When the door is closed the register can be taken.
When weather is bad (e.g. heavy rain etc.) then classroom doors will be opened earlier or Senior leaders will open the Junior and Infant halls and supervise until class teachers arrive to collect.

School Meals

School Dinner

Healthy food is extremely important to ensure the wellbeing of all children, both mentally and physically. Therefore we aim to offer the right balance when it comes to your children’s meals at lunchtime. We try to ensure that the meals being provided are always of the highest quality, whilst still affordable.


HCL Catering provides our school lunches. To download a copy of the latest menu click here.

HFL were awarded the Local Authority Caterer of the Year 2017.

If your child has special dietary requirements, you will need to:

1. Apply directly to HCL Catering using the following link www.hcl.co.uk/allergy-menu-application
2. Provide evidence from a medical professional.
3. Contact our school office to ensure your child has a care plan for your child in school to cater for their dietary requirements

Home Packed Lunch


For children who bring in a home packed lunch please avoid sweets and chocolate bars –
For ideas on healthy packed lunches use the following links.

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/school-packed-lunch-inspiration

http://www.childrensfoodtrust.org.uk/childrens-food-trust/parents/your-childs-food-at-school/packed-lunches/what-to-put-in-a-lunchbox/

https://www.nhs.uk/change4life-beta/recipes/healthier-lunchboxes#RudE4HZqXTG3BtLR.97

Nut Free School Zone


It is school policy that the school is a nut free zone to protect our staff and pupils who are allergic to nuts. This includes all products such as nutella that are made from nuts.

School Uniform

All pupils are expected to wear school uniform every day, including black school shoes.

School uniform is available to purchase online at:
www.mapac.com/education/parents/uniform/
theleysprimarynurseryschoolsg14qz


School Uniform & PE Kit Reminder - December 2023

Summer Uniform

- White polo shirt. (Expected)
- Black trousers OR Black shorts OR skirt. (Expected)
- Red cardigan OR Red Jumper. (Expected)
- Red checked dress. (Optional)
- School Sweatshirt/Red Fleece. (Optional)

- White school socks. (Optional)
- Black school shoes. (Expected)

Winter Uniform

- White polo shirt. (Expected)
- Black trousers OR skirt. (Expected)
- Red cardigan OR Red Jumper. (Expected)

- White school socks. (Optional)
- Black school shoes. (Expected)
- Tights.

PE Kit

- Plain white t-shirt and black shorts or jogging bottoms (in the winter). All Expected
- Black plimsols for indoors, and trainers for outdoors. All Expected

We accept generic versions of our uniform.

PLEASE NOTE:

- Pupils may wear boots to school in winter but MUST change into their black school shoes when they arrive at school.

- Junior pupils may wear trainers in the playground, however they must change back into school shoes when they go back into class.

- Pupils may not wear earrings during PE lessons and all medium to long hair must be tied back due to Health & Safety Regulations.

Term Dates

Term Dates 2023/24

SPRING TERM 2024
Inset Day: 4th January 2024
Term: 5th January 2024 - 16th February 2024
Half Term Holiday: 19th February 2024 - 23rd February 2024
Term:  26th February 2024 - 28th March 2024
Easter Holiday:  29th March 2024 - 12th April 2024

SUMMER TERM 2024
Term: 15th April 2024 - 24th May 2024
Bank Holiday: 6th May 2024
Half Term Holiday: 27th May 2024 - 31st May 2024
Inset Day: 3rd June 2024
Term:  4th June 2024 - 23rd July 2024
Inset Day: 12th July 2024
Summer Holiday: 24th July 2024 - 30th August 2024


Term Dates 2024/25

AUTUMN TERM 2024
Term: 2nd September 2024 - 25th October 2024
Half Term Holiday: 28th October 2024 - 1st Nov 2024
Inset Day: 2nd September 2024
Term:  4th November 2024 - 20th December 2024
Occasional Day: 2nd December 2024
Christmas Holiday: 23rd December 2024 - 3rd January 2025

SPRING TERM 2025
Term: 6th January 2025 - 14th February 2025
Half Term Holiday: 17th February 2025 - 21st February 2025
Inset Day: 6th January 2025
Term:  24th February 2025 - 4th April 2025
Easter Holiday: 7th April - 21st April 2025

SUMMER TERM 2025
Term: 22nd April 2025 - 23rd May 2025
Half Term Holiday: 26th May 2025 - 30th May 2025
Bank Holiday: 5th May 2025
Inset Day: 11th July 2025
Inset Day: 23rd July 2025
Term:  2nd June 2025 - 23rd July 2025
Summer Holiday: 24th July 2025 - 29th August 2025

Clubs

We pride ourselves in the range of Clubs that we offer to our pupils, Please Click here to view a detailed summary of Summer Term 2023 Clubs including dates, times and who the clubs are for.

If you would like your child to attend any club, please contact the appropriate member of staff responsible.

After-School Clubs:   Children must sign up for the complete term of the club. Parents must notify staff if their child is unable to attend each week.

The Leys Primary & Nursery School

Ripon Road, Stevenage, Herts, SG1 4QZ.
01438 314148
admin@leys.herts.sch.uk

Copyright © 2024 - The Leys Primary & Nursery School
Headteacher:  Mrs D Khangura
Chair of Governors:  Mrs Marina Stone