Frequently Asked Questions

If there's something you'd like ot know, we're always happy to respond to your queries. But if it's one of the more popular questions we're asked, you might find your answer right here in our FAQs.

General

Answers to queries across a variety of areas of school life.

Admissions

Get guidance on applying for school places at Eggbuckland Vale.

Behaviour

Information about how we pupil behaviour expectations.

Attendance

Answers to common queries about school attendance.

Curriculum

Resolving the most popular questions about our school subjects.

Parental Involvement

Answers to questions about the role of parents and carers.

Activities and Clubs

Responses to popular queries about Eggbuckland Vale's varied pupil activities.

What is the school's approach to teaching pupils with special educational needs or disabilities?

See the SEND page of the school website.

How are pupils rewarded for good Behaviour?

See Behaviour Policy.

What resources are available to support pupils with their learning?

We use a range of texts to teach English, manipulatives when teaching maths and any additional resources relevant to the subject e.g. artefact for RE.

How are pupils assessed and graded during the early years foundation stage?

Children are assessed at the beginning of the year through the Reception Baseline Assessment. Throughout the year staff observe and assess children to ensure we have matched provision closely to maximise their progress. At the end of the year staff complete the EYFS Profile, assessing children as working at the expected standard or not. Profile data is reported to parents and parents would be made aware of concern areas and how the school is supporting their child to close the gap where possible.

What is the school's approach to assessment and testing?

We complete statutory assessments including EYFS Reception Baseline and Profile. Y1 Phonics Screening Check, Y2 SATs, Y4 Multiplication Tables Check and Y6 SATs. All children are assessed by their class teacher (familiar adult) on a termly basis using a mixture of assessments materials.

What is the school's approach to promoting healthy eating and physical activity?

All children complete 2 hours of physical activity a week and we have resourced our playgrounds to promote physical activity. We teach this through our PHSE lessons and encourage parents to pack healthy food in children’s lunch boxes.

What is the school's approach to play-based learning?

All EYFS leaning is play base, following the EYFS Framework.

How can I check my child's progress?

We hold parents' evenings in the autumn and spring term and a full report in the summer term. Parents are also welcome to ask their child’s class teacher for an update at any point in the academic year. For children with additional needs, parents will get an update on progress during Team Around Me meetings (TAM) and EHCP reviews.

What resources are available for Current Families to help them support their child's education?

Each Year Group page on our website has useful information, relevant to your child's age. We also run parent workshops to support them with relevant approaches to learning. See the Curriculum page for more information.

What are the admission criteria for the school?

This is all managed by Plymouth Admissions.

What is the homework policy at the school?

We set homework weekly from Y1 upwards which focuses on key skills such as reading and maths.

What is the procedure for applying for leave during term time?

Complete an absence request form with as much detail as possible. We are unable to authorise holidays during term time.

What is the school's approach to supporting pupils with additional learning needs?

See the SEND page of the website for all information.

What should I do if my child is absent from school?

Call the school office to speak to a member of staff or leave a voicemail.

What is the deadline for submitting an application for admission?

EYFS admission deadline is 15th January every year.

How does the school encourage Current Families to be engaged in their child's education?

We have a clear home school agreement, year groups outline their specific expectations and we run parent workshops, for example for Phonics.

What is the school's approach to involving Current Families in decision-making processes?

We have a PTFA who support the school with making decisions, but the wider school community are also consulted regarding larger changes and our pupil representation groups, such as the School Council, Food Critics and Eco Team also play a key role in the decision making process e.g. changes to our reward system.

What is the application process for admission to the school?

This is all managed by Plymouth Admissions.

How are pupils assessed and graded during primary education?

EYFS Profile indicates whether children are working at the expected standard by the end of their year in Foundation. Y1-Y6 children are assessed as below the expected standard, working towards the expected standard (WTS), at the expected standard (EXS) or working above the expected standard, at greater depth (GDS).

Are there any opportunities for pupils to participate in outdoor education or field trips?

All children have access to enrichment activities which may take place at school, at an external setting or as a residential trip.

What are the school hours?

Morning starts at 8:50am and finishes at 3:20pm for Foundation to Year 6. Nursery sessions run from 9am-12pm and 12pm until 3pm. Early bird sessions are available from 8.45am for an additional cost of £1.

What is the school's behaviour policy?

What support is available for pupils who are struggling?

We adapt learning in every lesson for children who require additional support and teachers would refer children to the SENDCo if they felt additional support would be beneficial for the child.

What is the early years foundation stage?

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) sets standards for the learning, development and care of your child from birth to 5 years old. At our school, we have two Foundation classes and a Nursery which takes children from the term after their third birthday.

What are the school's values?

We are ROARR-some! Resourceful, Open, Aspirational, Resilient and Reflective. See our School Values page for more information.

What subjects are taught in primary school?

See curriculum page of the school website.

What resources are available to support Current Families with their child's mental health and wellbeing?

Our Family Support Work hand to support with this and can sign postparents to relevant resources and support groups as and when needed.

What are the costs associated with extracurricular activities and clubs?

Some clubs are free as they are run by school staff, however some clubs do incur a charge as they are run by external agencies e.g. Plymouth Argyle.

What is the process for reporting an absence or lateness?

Call the school office to speak to a member of staff or leave a voicemail.

What is the best way to contact my child's teacher?

They can speak to them at drop off in the morning, collection at home time, phone the school office to speak to them or email them directly.

What is the procedure for taking my child out of school during term time?

Complete an absence request form with as much detail as possible. We are unable to authorise holidays during term time.

How does the school support pupils who are struggling in a particular subject?

We adapt learning in every lesson for children who require additional support and teachers would refer children to the SENDCo if they felt additional support would be beneficial for the child.

What is the school's approach to pastoral care?

What is the school's approach to Attendance and punctuality?

What is the average class size?

30 pupils.

What is the school's approach to safeguarding?

What support is available for pupils who have Behavioural issues?

Support would be given on an individual basis based on the specific needs of the child. We have a, Assistant Head for Inclusion, SENDCo and Family Support Advisor who would all work with the child and family to create a package of support.

How can Current Families get involved in school events and activities?

They can become involved in the PTFA by contacting the school or via Facebook or can become volunteers by contacting the school office.

What support is available for pupils who struggle academically?

We adapt learning in every lesson for children who require additional support and teachers would refer children to the SENDCo if they felt additional support would be beneficial for the child.

What is the school's approach to involving Current Families in their child's education?

We have a clear home school agreement, but we also run workshops.

What is the Curriculum for the early years foundation stage?

How often are extracurricular activities held?

They happen after school throughout the week, across the whole school year.

How are lessons structured in primary school?

Children will complete core subject learning (reading, writing and maths) on a daily basis and foundation subject learning spread throughout the week.

What is the school's approach to promoting pupils' emotional and social development?

We teach PHSE through the Kapow program. Please see our PHSE curriculum page for more information.

What disciplinary measures are taken if a pupil misbehaves?

What is the school's approach to promoting positive behavior?

What is the policy for admitting pupils with special educational needs or disabilities?

This is all managed by Plymouth Admissions.

What is the school's approach to promoting language and communication development?

We teach early reading through phonics (ELS) and the teaching of Oracy is incorporated into English and other subjects as we recognise that being an effective communicator is the most crucial skill for a child to go on to be successful in life.

What is the school's approach to ensuring that extracurricular activities and clubs are inclusive and accessible to all pupils?

All children have the option to join a club should they wish.

Are there any opportunities for pupils to participate in creative activities like music?

We teach a fully rounded curriculum, which includes all foundation subjects – science, ICT, PE, history, geography, art, D&T, music, RE, MFL and PHSE.

How are pupils prepared for the transition to primary school?

We have a comprehensive transition to primary programme to ensure it is a positive experience for children and families. We host a parent and carer meeting in June to ensure families have all the necessary information before children start. Then we run two stay and play sessions in July. In September, we carry out Home Visits and then the children complete one part-time week of school, before beginning full-time education in their second week. Children spend their first two or three weeks getting to know each other and staff before their classes are decided. Children are allocated classes after the first few weeks based on relationships they have built with other children and staff members in the unit.

What is the school's policy on school uniforms?

We do wear a school uniform. Please see the uniform section of the school website for more information.

How are pupils prepared for the transition to secondary school?

Year 6 pass on essential information to the children's allocated secondary school using an online portal. Our Y6 teachers also meet with the secondary schools and the children have transition days where they visit their secondary school to get to know their new school and their new teachers. When helpful, children complete an enhanced transition process that includes additional visits to their new school.

What is the school's policy on lateness?

How are pupils grouped or streamed according to ability?

Children complete their learning in mixed ability groups where possible however for some additional provisions, they may be grouped with other children of a similar ability to facilitate additional adult support.

What is the school's policy on Attendance?

What is the school's approach to teaching literacy and numeracy?

See curriculum page of the school website.

How often will Current Families receive updates on their child's progress?

We hold parent evening in the autumn and spring term and a full report in the summer term. Parents are also welcome to ask their child’s class teacher for an update at any point in the academic year. FOR children with additional needs, parents will get an update on progress during Team Around Me meetings (TAM) and EHCP reviews.

What forms will I need to fill out if my child is joining?

This is all managed by Plymouth Admissions.

What clubs or societies are available for pupils to join?

We have a range of club which changes termly but these include sporting and creative clubs e.g. football and theatre club.

How does the school ensure that pupils in the early years foundation stage are safe and well-cared for?

We ensure that all children are safe and well-cared for through good pupil to staff ratios and a safe and stimulating learning environment, with appropriate adult support ratios.

What is the school's approach to dealing with bullying?

We have a zero tolerance approach to bullying and we work with the children to understand what bullying is and how to be kind and inclusive to all children regardless of their needs or background.

What is the school's approach to inclusion and diversity?

See the SEND page of the website for all information.

Are there any specialist teachers or teaching assistants?

We have one HLTA in each year group, teaching assistant in every year group and individual music lessons are taught by peripatetic teachers.

How can Current Families communicate with their child's teacher?

They can speak to them at drop off in the morning, collection at home time, phone the school office to speak to them or email them directly.

How many pupils attend the school?

Maximum number on roll is 420.

What is the school's approach to providing a broad and balanced Curriculum?

See the curriculum page of the school website.

What is the school's catchment area?

There isn’t a catchment area anymore, children are placed based on distance from school as the crow flies and priority need.

What is the school's approach to teaching and promoting creativity and the arts?

All children have access to creative subjects and we support children to thrive in their area of strength, whatever that may be.

Want to know more?
If you have questions about any aspect of school life at Eggbuckland Vale Primary School, we’re here to answer them.
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