COLBY SCHOOL 2009.doc  · Web viewThe information in this brochure will tell you something about...

COLBY SCHOOLBRIDGE ROAD

COLBYNORWICH

NORFOLK NR11 7EA*

TEL: 01263 733381FAX: 01263 731300

EMAIL: office@colby.norfolk.sch.ukWeb Address: www.colby.norfolk.sch.uk

School Motto:‘We treat others as we wish to be treated’

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CONTENTS

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2 Contents3 Preface4 Introduction 5 Members of Staff 6 Governing Body 7 Admissions 8 English 9 Maths / Science 10 ICT / Sex Education / RE / Home/School Agreement 11 Learning Support / Homework12 Parents’ Evenings / School Links13 Communications / School Meals14 Transport / Helping Hands15 Medical and Dentals Care / Uniform 16 Educational Visits Policy & Risk Assessment/Behaviour in School17 Extra Curriculum Activities18 Making a Complaint / When Things Go Right19 Administration of Medicine / Child Protection20 Term Dates / School Hours21 Friends of Colby Shcool – the PTA

Glossary SEN – Information for ParentsHome School Agreement formsHomework Policy Photography in School and Permission SlipInternet Guidelines and Permission SlipSchool Admission FormOfSTED Report March 2009

PREFACE

If you are new parents to Colby School, we welcome you and look forward to a happy and successful association over the coming years. If you already have a child here, or have had in the past, we look forward to furthering our links between you and the school.

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The information in this brochure will tell you something about Colby School, its aims and objectives, organisation, management and curriculum.

You should be aware, however, that this is only an introduction. You will find out more about the school from newsletters, meeting with teachers and attending events. Our very pleasing Ofsted Report (March 2009) can be found at www.ofsted.gov.uk.

We would like parents to feel welcome, to be part of the life of the school and, by encouraging a close relationship between teachers, parents, and pupils, to provide a suitable environment for each individual to develop academically and socially. Some of you may also like to offer to help in some way during the school day.

We hope you will enjoy your visits to the school and that, by working together, we can ensure that it is a place where parents, teachers, visitors and, most of all, the children enjoy coming.

Christine MeadHeadteacher – December 2009

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ABOUT OUR SCHOOL

Colby School educates children from 5-11 years old. The catchment area includes the villages of Colby, Banningham, Felmingham and Suffield, through which the school bus currently runs.

The school opened in 1880 and the building still retains much of its Victorian legacy. The main building houses four large classrooms, three of which were recently added. We have one class in a mobile. Viewing the artwork in newly refurbished hall/dining room is a must. We also have a library, three toilet areas, a disabled toilet, a kitchen, and school office. The outside play area includes a large tarmac playground and covered quiet area, extensive grassed playing fields, climbing apparatus, a wildlife pond and children’s gardens. There is a staff car park. The newly opened Field Study Centre was converted from two old sheds and now houses the school’s ICT Suite.

The school children have a happy, friendly outlook at Colby and provide a welcoming and cheerful atmosphere, demonstrating the school motto.

THE PEOPLE WHO LOOK AFTER YOUR CHILDREN AT SCHOOL

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Teaching StaffMrs Christine Mead - HeadteacherMrs Catherine Williams – Teacher – Amber Class (Reception)– Head of Key Stage 1Mrs Judit Ward - Teacher - Sapphire Class Mrs Mary Longhurst - Teacher – Emerald ClassMrs Alex Jellings – Teacher - Emerald Class Mrs Wendy Towers – Teacher – Ruby ClassMrs Christine Mead - Teacher – Ruby Class Mr Gavin Frost – Teacher – Amethyst Class – Head of Key Stage 2Classroom Assistants Mrs Lynn Brown Mrs Elizabeth Moulton Mr Simon Mead Mrs Angie Ryan Mrs Pat WymerMrs Georgina Wright Mr Mike Townsend Miss Harriet GraySecretariesMrs Ann Mackenzie Mrs Helene Smith Cleaner in charge Mrs Sylvia Demmen Dining Room Supervisor Mrs Kim PlattonMidday Supervisors Mrs Barbara Cook Mrs Jenny Hazel Mrs Beryl WoodMrs Maureen Canham

THE GOVERNING BODY

Governors are a group of interested people who, along with the Headteacher, make decisions about how the school is to be run. They meet twice a term at school and are appointed by certain bodies such as the Local Education Authority, parents, the community and so on.

Colby School Governors

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Dr David Clarke - Chair - Community GovernorMrs Margarette Rebbeck - Vice Chair - Community GovernorMrs Helene Smith – Clerk to the GovernorsMrs Christine Mead - HeadteacherMr Jim Papworth - LEA GovernorMrs Patricia Spencer - LEA GovernorMrs Pauline Garnham - Community Governor Reverend Susan Smith - Community GovernorMr Stuart Clarke - Community Governor Mrs Paola Cumiskey-Wright Parent GovernorMrs Hannah Daugaard-Hansen Parent GovernorMrs Denise Duffield - Parent GovernorMrs Sarah Mount - Parent GovernorMrs Diane Smith - Parent GovernorMrs Catherine Williams – Staff GovernorMrs Ann Mackenzie – Staff GovernorMr Eric Allaway - Associate Governor

Our Governing Body provides active and strong support to school management. It informs parents of the main points discussed at the meetings in a regular newsletter, and the minutes of the meeting are available in the school office. As parents you will be notified when the next parent governor elections are to be held – the term of office is four years.

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ADMISSIONS

We are advised by the Local Education Authority (LEA) on this point. Children who live within the school catchment area have priority registering, followed by those with siblings already in the school, followed by those children who live out of the catchment area. Registration closes at the end of March. At Colby every child whose birthday is before February 28 th enters full time education in September. Pupils who are five between March and August attend school for five mornings a week until January when they are admitted full time.

a) For first admissions (Reception) registration is made through the LEA at County Hall. School also requires that an admissions form is completed and returned to the school office.

b) For children moving into the area or changing schools, parents are given an admissions form to complete and return to the school office.

There are certain mornings during the year when children joining the school are welcome to visit with their parents or carers and to meet Mrs Williams, the class teacher. Those interested to see the school may also come along. C.A.S.H., the Parent-Teacher Association organises coffee mornings, often combined with a little performance by some pupils, to which interested parents are welcome to attend.

The school’s Special Needs Policies are inclusive and ensures that teaching is specifically designed for the individual child. These policies are in place to meet the needs of all pupils with special needs whether it be the less or the more able child.

Wheelchair access is available to areas of the main building and is also in-place for the mobile classrooms if required.

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CHILDREN’S LEARNING AND THE CURRICULUM

The pupils at Colby are given the opportunity to “discover, enquire, investigate, make judgements and evaluate the world and all its complexities”.

Classroom environments, resources and educational visits and visitors are all planned to stimulate and challenge children in order to provide a context for effective learning. Individual and group work are encouraged so that children may discover answers to their own questions through research, enquiry, observation, experimentation and guidance by their teacher. Children will be expected to work at their own individual level of ability.

EnglishA daily English lesson is timetabled in each class. Within this subject the children develop as competent readers and writers, and as confident speakers and listeners. Children are encouraged to read description and stories they have written themselves, to each other, to adult helpers and occasionally the whole school during assembly.

The children use written expression, e.g. about their experiences, descriptions, stories, letter and script writing. We do care about handwriting and correct spelling but there are other important qualities in children’s written work. When we assess work with children we look for effective communication, style, ideas and content as well as spelling and punctuation.

The spoken word has a high priority in our society. We plan a range of opportunities for children to develop as speakers and listeners. For example children will talk to each other, to adults, to groups and larger audiences. These occasions may be pre-planned or spontaneous. They may retell a story, argue a point of view or explain an idea. This underpins the whole curriculum as we work towards making Colby a ‘Thinking’ school.

MathematicsA daily Mathematics lesson is held in each class. Through mathematics we aim to develop children’s awareness and concept of number, measurement and shape. Children are taught basic mathematical skills such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division and have to apply them in problem solving situations and mathematical games. They are also taught to look for

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order, relationships and pattern in groups of objects, to show information pictorially (e.g. graphs and diagrams) as well as in words and figures.

ScienceScience is about making sense of the world around us. In their science work, children will be developing their powers of observation, investigation and interpretation.For example when exploring foods and fruits children may ask such questions as: how long will it take for a piece of fruit to begin to decay, how long can we keep food fresh, in what conditions will the sunflower seed grow? By posing questions and hypothesising, children are able to devise experiments to test their ideas. Recording their findings and drawing conclusions helps children extend their understanding.

Health Education is taught as an integral part of the Science curriculum at alllevels and is fitted to the age and maturity level of the children in the lesson.Sex Education is addressed in Years 5 and 6. It is taught through planned class lessons with the aid of a video and other resources.Parents are encouraged to view the video before it is shown to the class, and are also entitled to withdraw their child from the sex education class if they so wish.A copy of the Sex Education Policy is available for inspection at the school.

Information Communication TechnologyOur children are growing up in a world that uses computers in a variety of ways. We have a responsibility to prepare them to face the fast changing opportunities and challenges that information technology poses.At school we view the computer as a tool to assist children in the learning process. Pupils use ICT to find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information in an appropriate manner. We believe that all of our children, whatever their ability, should have many opportunities to work on the computer, extending their ICT knowledge, skills and understanding. Pupils have at least one hour a week learning, developing and using new ICT skills.

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Pupils were asked:What do you like most about your school?

The systems such as School Council, Eco Committee, Play Ground Angels, Buddies, Head Girl and Boy, House points and Merit Badge holders,

I like my school because we have birds and chickens,

The children are very friendly and always there when you need it,

It’s a sensible, friendly, clever school with clubs and the quiet area. Also the discos, mufti-day and talent contest.

Paintings on the walls

What would you change about your school? Bananas, I think it is perfect, I think it is exactly right how it is.

We currently have eighteen computers and this area is being extended. All classrooms have their own computers. All classrooms have Interactive Whiteboards.

Sex Education.Sex Education is an integral part of our PSHE curriculum, as well as part of the Science curriculum. It is essential that every child learns about him or herself, to respect themselves and others in a relaxed way, free from fear or doubt.The school believes that sex education should be a partnership between teachers and parents to ensure sensitive support for children as they grow and mature. Parents may, if they wish, withdraw their children from all or part of the sex education provided, except that which is part of the Science National Curriculum.

FrenchAll pupils in Years 4, 5 & 6 receive an hour of French every week.

Religious EducationWe respect and explore other faiths as well as Christianity through our class teaching and in our assemblies.

Daily Collective WorshipAn act of Collective Worship, mainly of a broadly Christian character, is held daily. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from assemblies and should they wish to do so are asked to discuss this with the Headteacher.

Home/School AgreementEducation is a partnership between parents and teachers and pupils. At Colby we sign an agreement to clarify responsibilities. There is an example at the back of this prospectus.

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LEARNING SUPPORT

All children are different and some have particular problems. At Colby School we have a special programme which identifies at reception age those children who require additional support. Work is carefully planned, monitored and reviewed to make sure that all the children who need extra help receive it. We are also able to call on the support and advice of the County’s Learning Support Advisory Teacher and Educational Psychologist. We also identify the more able children who have their own particular needs. These pupils receive extra support to accelerate their learning. An information sheet for parents that refers to the Code is to be found at the back of this prospectus. A copy of the Norfolk Curriculum Policy Statement, adopted by the school, is also available for inspection at the school.

HOMEWORK

Homework is set every week, beginning in Amber Class. This activity is very much a learning partnership between child, parent and school. We expect parents to read together with their children regularly.

If we are to continue to succeed in our teaching, we require your support. If your child is to achieve his/her full potential, he/she will need your aid as well as that of the teachers. The task of educating children is not dependant on school alone, but on co-operation between school and home.

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PARENTS’ EVENING

Parents’ evenings are held during the Autumn and Spring terms. On these evenings parents are invited to make an appointment to see their child’s class teacher to discuss the child’s targets and progress. Parents are always able to arrange to see a member of staff by appointment, preferably at the end of afternoon school. This may be to have a private discussion about any concerns, at home or at school.Parents are encouraged to express their views about the school’s performance through the Governors’ and through C.A.S.H., the school’s P.T.A.

SCHOOL LINKS

Children are transferred to secondary school at the start of the school year following their eleventh birthday. Colby is a feeder to Aylsham High School. We also have strong links with other feeder schools. Pupils take part in music festivals, country dancing, netball, football, swimming, sports competitions, Design and Technology festivals and local quizzes.

The school fosters close links with the community. A wide range of visitors are invited into the school and include local representatives from churches, the police force, local businesses, charities and Members of Parliament. Frequently we have the opportunity to welcome visitors from overseas.

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COMMUNICATIONS

During the school year parents will receive a weekly newsletter from school, which will contain information regarding forthcoming activities. Pupils complete a Daily Planner, which is taken home for their parent's comments. This is a very valuable means of bridging the gap between home and school. The Governing Body also keeps parents up to date on decisions made and points discussed at their meetings twice a term.

The school records all absences, authorised and unauthorised. If a child is absent from school, parents are requested to telephone the school before 8.50am explaining the reason for the child’s absence and send a note on his/her return. Parents wishing that their child be excused from P.E./Games/Swimming lessons should send a note on the appropriate day.

If it is the intention of parents to take an annual holiday during term time, permission must be sought in writing prior to booking, as the decision whether permission is authorised or not is entirely at the discretion of the Headteacher. Permission will not be granted for any child during SATs week (May 10 th – 14 th 2010).

SCHOOL MEALS

School dinners: - main course and pudding, are available and must be paid, in advance, for each week, payable by Tuesdays with the order form, or payable by cheque in advance half termly. A vegetarian menu is also available. Special, medical, diets can be accommodated. The food is locally sourced and organic where-ever possible. Children may go home for lunch, or they may bring a packed lunch with a drink (drink in a plastic bottle or flask please).

Children of parents receiving the Jobseeker’s Allowance or Income Support are encouraged to apply for free school meals. Forms can be obtained from the Office or the Education Advice Centre, Pupil & Student Services, Education Department, County Hall, Norwich NR1 2DL.

Children are encouraged to be adequately hydrated during the school day by bringing drinking water to school, in their own sports bottle, for drinking in class. There are drinking fountains around the school for break and lunch times.

TRANSPORT

A bus travels from Felmingham, via Suffield, Colby and Banningham. Children aged 4-8 years, living more than two miles from the school, or over 8 years old, living more than three miles from the school and within the school catchment area, may qualify for free school transport. Contact either

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the school Secretary or the County Transport Officer for any transport queries and forms.

Parents sending their child to school by bicycle should ensure that the cycle is in safe working order and that the child is a competent road user. Cycle Proficiency courses are run for children 9 years and over. Details are available from the school Secretary. There is a bicycle rack at the school. All cyclists must wear a helmet.At the beginning and end of the school day, traffic congestion occurs outside the school in Bridge Road. Parent drivers are asked to have regard for the safety of all children and other road users. There is a designated parking area alongside the playing field for Park and Stride. Please use this whenever possible, or car share where-ever possible.

HELPING HANDS

Colby School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We welcome parents into school to help with activities. If you would like to help, please contact the class teacher or Headteacher. Occasionally parents may be invited to accompany us on visits. All parents regularly helping in school must complete a Police Check form. This can be obtained from the office.

MEDICAL AND DENTAL CARE

All children have routine medical checks in their first year at school and annual dental inspections. If there are any problems, the parents will be informed and the child will be given further tests to investigate the problem fully.

If a child is taken ill at school, every effort will be made to contact the parents to explain the situation. Otherwise, the child will be made comfortable at school. If the child is involved in a serious accident the parents will be contacted. It is vitally important that we have a daytime contact number/mobile for your child.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

The uniform is a green sweatshirt with the school logo.Jewellery is not allowed as advised by Norfolk County Council.

Girls BoysWinterNavy blue/Black skirt/trousers Navy blue/Black trousersNavy/black tights Dark socksNavy blue/Black/white socks Dark shoes - indoor and outdoorDark shoes - indoor and outdoor White top

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White topSummerGreen and white gingham dress Navy blue/Black shortsWhite T shirt/polo shirt with logo White T shirt/polo shirt with logoSandals (not flip flops) Dark shoes

P/E/ GamesBlack/navy shortsWhite/green T-shirt with logo Plimsolls & Track suit

Sweatshirts, white polo shirts, green t-shirts with the school logo are available from the School office.Navy fleeces with the school logo are also available to order through the Office.

Book bags and P.E. bags in the house colours are available from the Office

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EDUCATIONAL VISITS AND RELEVANT CHARGING POLICY

Opportunities are provided for all our children to make relevant educational visits. These take place mainly during school time but sometimes extend beyond. The Educational Visits Policy, like all policies, is available in the school office.Risk Assessments are conducted either by the provider of the visit or by the teacher in charge before each Educational Visit takes place.Recent interpretations of the law require us to make it clear to parents that we can only ask for voluntary contributions towards the cost of such visits and any child whose parents choose not to contribute will not be excluded. We ask parents to pay if they possibly can because if insufficient funds were raised to cover the expense of such visits, then the visit would be cancelled.

BEHAVIOUR IN SCHOOL

We aim to create a positive atmosphere that values achievement and appropriate behaviour.There are several systems in place, which raise awareness:

Buddy System – An older child is given the responsibility of caring for a new pupil.

Head Boy and Head Girl – Leadership qualities are needed to organise and help children throughout the school.

Merit Badge System – Children who have shown excellence in behaviour, kindness and schoolwork take on class responsibilities.

House System – Aims to promote co-operation and a sense of belonging by being part of the house family.

Philosophy/Personal, Social & Health Education Lessons – to encourage the children to be aware of good citizenship, both in their immediate environment and in the outside community.

As well as: Individual classroom charters i.e. rules of behaviour promoting an

atmosphere of responsibility and thoughtfulness. School Council system having a valued input into school life. Playground Angels – to be a playground friend, a helpful person during

break and lunch times. Circle Time – where children can air their grievances and share in

resolutions.

EXTRA CURRICULUM ACTIVITIES

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The gardening club is organised within the children’s classes as each class has its own raised bed.

The activities marked with * may be run by outside organisations and are paid for by parents. Some clubs are restricted to certain ages/year groups.

Please do encourage your child/ren to participate, and of course to be consistent with their attendance. If there are any activities that you (as a Parent) would like to organise, we are always open to suggestions.

MAKING A COMPLAINT

Like all organisations we are not perfect, although that is our aim. Occasionally we make mistakes which may affect you, or your child. It is important, therefore, that you know how to make a complaint.

1. In the first instance you should make an appointment to speak to the member of staff concerned. If this does not resolve the problem:

2. Make an appointment to see the Headteacher, indicating that you have already discussed the matter with the member of staff concerned. If you are still not satisfied or your complaint is about the Headteacher:

DAY LUNCHTIME AFTER SCHOOLMonday Recorders –Mrs Towers Book Club – Ms Mount & Ms

CoulsonTuesday Handbells – Mrs Towers Table Tennis* - Mr Gilbert

Netball – Mrs LonghurstCookery* - Mrs Williams (spring and summer term)

Wednesday School CouncilEco Council

Drama* – Mrs MeadTag Rugby/Cricket – Mr Mead

Thursday Cycling Proficiency – by arrangementEnergy Busting Group – Mrs Ward Chess Club – Mr Mead

Bug Club Reception & Yr 1

Friday Drawing Club – Mrs Jellings Fencing – Mr Frost

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3. Write to the Chair of Governors stating your complaint; give all relevant details including why you do not accept the Headteacher’s findings, your name and how you may be contacted. If you are not satisfied with the findings of the Chair of Governors:

4. Write to the Chair of Governors within ten days stating why you are not satisfied with the findings. Request that a Governors’ Complaints Panel is set up to investigate the matter. If you believe that the school’s complaints procedure was not followed appropriately:

5. Write to the Director of Children’s Services stating your case and explaining the breach of procedure you require to be investigated.

We all hope that matters will be resolved long before this stage, if they occur at all, but it is essential that you know the procedure. It is also important that all stages of the complaints procedure are followed and that no attempt is made to short cut the system.A booklet detailing our school’s complaints procedure can be obtained from the office.

WHEN THINGS GO RIGHT

We hope this will be your more usual experience of our school. We do respond to praise, so:

Speak to the member of staff and express your satisfaction. Speak or write to the Headteacher. Speak to a Governor or write to the Chair of the Governing Body.

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINES IN SCHOOL

When a parent requests that medicine be administered to their child at school, the Headteacher will consider the circumstances and the decision will have a regard to the best interests of the child and implications for the staff.There are two main sets of circumstances in which a request may be made for the administration of prescribed medicines to children at school:a) Cases of chronic illness or long-term complaints such as asthma, diabetes

or epilepsy.b) Cases where pupils recovering from a short-term illness are well enough

to return to school but are receiving a course of prescribed medicine such as antibiotics.

Where a request for medication to be administered is made to the school by parents, please ask in the School Office for a form, which then needs to be filled in and handed to the Class teacher.

Copies of this and the Administration of Medicines Policy are in school.

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CHILD PROTECTION

The school’s Child Protection Policy follows the recommendations and guidelines of the Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC), and staff will follow up and act upon any child protection issue. The Headteacher is the recognized Child Protection Officer and the Chair of Governors the appointed representative for the Governing Body.

Colby School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and well-being of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

GENERAL INFORMATION

School Year: the school year starts on September 1st and consists of approximately 40 weeks, divided into three terms, autumn, spring and summer.

Term Dates 2010/2011Autumn Term 2010Inset Day Wednesday 1st SeptemberPupils Return Thursday 2nd SeptemberCloses for ½ term Friday 22nd OctoberRe-opens Monday 1st NovemberEnds Friday 17th DecemberSpring Term 2011Pupils Return Wednesday 5th JanuaryCloses for ½ termFriday 18th FebruaryRe-opens Monday 28rd FebruaryEnds Friday 8th AprilSummer Term 2011Pupils Return Tuesday 26th AprilCloses for ½ termFriday 27nd MayRe-opens Monday 6th JuneEnds Friday 22nd JulyInset Day 4 other days to be arranged

School also closes Monday 2nd May 2011 – May Bank Holiday

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THE SCHOOL DAYMonday to FridayMorning: 8.50 a.m. – 12.00 KS 1 / 12.10 KS2Afternoon: 1.00 p.m. - 3.00 p.m.There is a whole school break of 15 minutes during the morning session (10.30-10.45 a.m.) and 15 minutes during the afternoon (2.00-2.15 p.m.) for Infants only.

Children should not arrive at school more than 10 minutes before the start of the school day (i.e. 8.40 a.m.). Registration is at 8.50 a.m.Registers are closed at 9.10; pupils arriving after this time will be marked in as lateIf any parent is going to be late collecting their child/ren at 3.00pm they must inform the school. Their child/ren will be waiting for them in the library.

Please advise the office as soon as possible if your child is off sick

FRIENDS OF COLBY SCHOOL

This is the P.T.A. and fundraising body run by parents, carers and friends, which is extremely active and supportive, providing resources for various items of equipment and much needed extras. They organise many different activities throughout the year for the participation and enjoyment of children, staff and families, which are always extremely well supported. They also have a role to play as a pressure group, expressing parents concerns to the Local Education Authority and protecting the pupils’ interests. Details are available in the school office

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This information was correct in December 2009. There may be changes or variations to the information during the time a pupil remains in the school.

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