Prep Booklet (Dumpton)

24/25 FOUNDED 1903

Prep Handbook

TER M DATES

The Autumn Term begins on Wednesday 4 September 2024 and finishes on Tuesday 17 December 2024 There is a half-term break from Thursday 24 October to Friday 1 November 2024 The Spring Term begins on Tuesday 7 January 2025 and finishes on Friday 28 March 2025 There is a half-term break from Monday 17 to Friday 21 February 2025 Easter Holiday Club runs from Monday 31 March to Friday 4 April 2025 The Summer Term begins on Wednesday 23 April 2025 and finishes on Friday 4 July 2025 There is a half-term break from Monday 26 to Friday 30 May 2025 There is also no school on Bank Holiday Monday 5 May 2025 Summer Holiday Club runs from Monday 7 to Friday 18 July 2025 A termly calendar can be found on the school’s website www.dumpton.com and our Parent Portal at the beginning of each term

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P R EP HA NDBO O K

Dumpton has many moving parts! But for all the excitement and opportunity this provides the children, we’re aware that there is lots to learn as parents to ensure you are up to speed.

This handbook is here to help - a one-stop shop for the key information you might need about the year ahead. Whether you are a new Dumpton parent, or an experienced one, we hope the information on the following pages helps you understand the school, your child’s experience, and importantly, your own role as parents.

We do feel that the closer we can work with you, the better. They do say ‘it takes a village to raise a child’...

Christian Saenger Headmaster

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SC HO O L VA L UES

Lie at the heart of all we do at Dumpton.

BE KIND Kindness could not be more important to us. Our main school rule is ‘treat others as you would like to be treated’, and we aim for friendliness and empathy to permeate every classroom and corridor of the school.

The atmosphere is nurturing and inclusive, and pupils, staff and parents share strong relationships as a result. Dumpton is more than just a school: it is a home away from home.

AIM HIGH Our quiet sense of aspiration and ambition is illustrated by our school motto: ‘you can because you think you can’. Inspiring self-belief is key.

Inside the classroom, this means a commitment to small class sizes, highquality teaching, and academic success for all. It means helping every child realise that with hard work, practice, determination and resilience, anything is possible. Every single child has remarkable potential within them: it is our job to help them discover it.

BE KIND, AIM HIGH

Collaboration

Creativity

Enthusiasm

Resilience

Courage

Global Citizenship

Empathy

C HA R AC TER EDUC ATIO N THE DUMP TO N WAY

At Dumpton, we believe that character matters.Whilst academic success remains a core priority, we ensure pupils know that it is the person they become – not the grades they achieve – that is most important to us.

We are preparing our pupils for an increasingly challenging world. We believe that discovering, developing and harnessing their character at school is the best preparation for happiness and success in their futures.

Our approach to character education is underpinned by ‘The Dumpton Way’. This framework is built around seven character virtues which we model, teach, seek out and celebrate throughout the school: Empathy, Resilience, Courage, Collaboration, Enthusiasm, Creativity, and Global Citizenship.

Drop Off

THE STRUC TUR E OF THE SC HO O L DAY

All children are expected to arrive between 8.00am and 8.15am each morning in time for registration and assembly. On the first morning in September you are welcome to accompany them to the classroom, but after this they should make their way to their classroom independently.

Should it be required, Early Morning Drop-Off is available from 7.45am-8.00am and pupils arriving between these times must go directly to the Dining Hall on arrival for supervision.

Prep School pupils can be dropped off in the following ways: • In the Drop Off Zones (please remain in your vehicle if possible) • By parking in the top car park and walking down to the school gate • Pupils in the Seniors (Y6-Y8) can be dropped off via the staff car park behind the Main House Pick Up

The ability for pupils to stay at school to complete homework as well as take part in a host of other co-curricular experiences is a vital part of life at Dumpton and benefits the pupils in so many ways. We also recognise its importance to so many parents, providing ‘wrap-around care’. As a result, the end of day arrangements are as follows: • 4.15pm Early Pick-Up • 4.15pm Tea – a drink and sandwiches / snack • 4.25pm Prep (Homework, DECA, Hobbies) • 5.15pm End of Prep School Day / Pick-Up • 5.30pm School Buses Depart • 5.15pm Stay Late – to allow parents to pick up pupils flexibly from the ICT Suite between 5.15pm and 5.45pm.

Children brought to or collected from school at any other time of the day must sign in or out in the School Office.

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C UR R IC UL UM

We broadly follow the National Curriculum from Year 3 to Year 6. In Year 7 and Year 8 pupils embark on our own bespoke curriculum, the Dumpton Diploma, which prepares them brilliantly for life at their chosen Senior School.

All Curriculum Overviews can be found on the Parent Portal.

Children in Year 3 remain in their form room for Maths, English, Science, PSHE/RSE and Humanities but move to different rooms with specialist subject staff for French, Computing, Performing Arts, Art, DT, Outdoor Learning, PE and Games.

Year 4 gradually have more specialist staff, and inYear 5 toYear 8 children are taught by specialist subject staff for all subjects and move to different rooms for each subject.

All classes are mixed ability classes. However, we begin setting children in Year 5 for Maths, in Year 7 for English and Latin, and in Year 8 across several subjects.

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ATTA INMENT A ND P RO GR ESS

Our small class sizes ensure that we gain a strong understanding of children’s progress. Pupils are awarded attainment statements each term in their core subjects so that their progress can be tracked. These are shared in school reports and can give you a sense of your child’s progress across the range of subjects they study. We do not share these grades with pupils – instead, we focus on sharing their ATL Grades (see below).

Attainment Statement

Working significantly above age-related expectation

Equivalent Grade *

Working above age-related expectation

A

Working towards age-related expectation

C

Working at age-related expectation

Working significantly below age-related expectation

B

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ATTITUDE TO L EA R NING GR A DES

The children are also assessed according to their attitude to learning (ATL). Every half term, the ATL grades will be shared with parents via the parent portal, and form tutors go through these grades with their tutees.

Each subject teacher awards the pupils with scores which are based against the school’s key values of Aim High and Be Kind.

Aim High • Engaged and focused • Shows resilience in the face of challenge • Works to the best of their ability with determination

Be Kind • Displays a positive and respectful attitude to learning • Kind, considerate and well-mannered towards others

STA NDA R DISED A SSESSMENTS

We use Standardised Assessments to compare our progress against national expectations.

Children take Cognitive Ability Tests (CATS) from Year 3. Their standardised scores give an indicator of their innate ability, informing future choice of schools and allowing us to track progress.

In addition, the Mathematics Department carry out Progress Test in Maths (PTM) and the English Department carry out the Progress Test in English (PTE) each year.

These results, whilst only a snapshot of your child’s performance in one test, are useful to help get a sense of your child’s progress over time, and how they are performing against their peers nationally.We share these results with parents each year in our Standardised Testing Report, which is added to the Parent Portal each October.

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AC A DEMIC R EP O RTS A ND PA R ENTS’ EV ENINGS

Reports are written and shared with parents for each child: • Autumn Attitude to Learning Report (October) • Standardised Testing Report (October) • Autumn Summary Report (December) • Spring Attitude to Learning Report (February) • Spring Attainment Report (March) • Summer Attitude to Learning Report (May) • End of Year Full Report (July)

Early in the Autumn parents are invited to an Information Evening where key information for the year ahead is shared and you will meet your child’s form tutor - we do encourage everyone to attend.

In addition, there will be a schedule of parent evenings throughout the year as included in the school calendar parents evenings occur in the Autumn and the Spring Terms.

We would stress that reports and parent evenings are merely the formal points where we touch base about your child - you are always welcome to contact us informally to discuss progress or any other concerns at any time.

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DROP-INS

Drop Ins happen throughout the year - parents will be invited to attend optional ‘Drop-in’ sessions with their child at the beginning of the school day. This is an opportunity for your child to share with you what they have been doing in their classes, for you to look through their books, and even take part in activities with them. Dates of these will be shared throughout the year in the school calendar.

HOMEWORK

A homework timetable will be sent out at the beginning of the new academic year.

Pupils can complete their homework in the ‘Prep’ slot at school, or at home if they leave at Early Pick-Up. Children will record their homework in their planners, and we encourage them to develop independence and responsibility for their homework as they progress through the school.We try to ‘get the balance right’ with the amount of homework.

ONLINE PLATFORMS

We use a number of online platforms to support learning which can be accessed from home, including:

• Reading Plus supports reading skills and vocabulary development • Times Tables Rock Stars supports times tables fluency • Atom Learning (from Y5) supports preparation for 11+ and ISEB Pre-Test • Sparx Maths (from Y7) • Quizlet to support language learning

Each child will be given a Microsoft Office account, and Teams is used to organise work and learning from Year 4 onwards.

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THE DUMPTON DIPLOMA

The Dumpton Diploma is our bespoke Year 7 and Year 8 programme that aims to ensure that every child is inspired to fulfil their potential here at Dumpton, as well as preparing them to flourish in their futures. The Dumpton Diploma includes six domains which capture pupils’ all round academic and personal development. This includes their performance in the Dumpton Certificate, as well as other areas such as the Independent Project Qualification, Co-Curricular Participation and the Scotland Trip.

Pupils receive their Dumpton Diploma on Speech Day when they leave Dumpton – it acts as a record of their achievements, but also a memento of their time here.

THE DUMPTON CERTIFICATE

The Dumpton Certificate is the academic strand of The Dumpton Diploma. It is our own academic pathway for Year 7 and Year 8, which culminates in a set of exams in the June ofYear 8.The Dumpton Certificate combines the best elements of the rigorous Common Entrance curriculum with a more bespoke approach that is aligned with our vision at Dumpton and the ever-changing needs of our pupils. We set and mark the exams ourselves, sending the papers to Senior Schools afterwards. Children receive their Dumpton Certificate grades as part of their Dumpton Diploma, awarded to them on Speech Day in Year 8.

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CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

A range of activities are run in addition to our curriculum throughout the year.

This includes before school clubs, break time and lunch time clubs, as well as activities during the ‘Prep’ slot (4.15pm-5.15pm).

DECA (Dumpton Extra Curricular Award) occurs each Thursday at 4.15pm for pupils in Year 3 to Year 5. Children who attend DECA complete a range of activities through the year, including things like cooking, lifeguarding, charity fundraising and the allotments. Children receive a badge as a reward if they complete DECA each year.

Hobbies occurs each Friday at 4.15pm for pupils in Year 3 to Year 8. Children are given a long list of activities which change each term, and pupils can sign up for their favourites.

A range of other opportunities are also on offer across the week. Information about DECA, Hobbies and any other co-curricular club opportunities are sent out at the beginning of each term for pupils and parents to sign up to.

DEVICES

We try to get the balance right with technology in the classroom. In Year 3 to Year 6, pupils have access to Chromebooks and Laptops in all classrooms, as well as access to two computing suites. Teachers will use these to supplement their teaching.

In Year 7 and Year 8, each child is given a school Chromebook which they take from lesson to lesson, and more of their work and learning is managed through Microsoft Teams.

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EXAMS AND ASSESSMENTS

There are no formal exams for Years 3, 4 and 5 as they are assessed regularly in the classroom throughout the year.

Year 6 start experiencing the exam process with class-based assessments in lessons which take place in the Summer term.

Years 7 and 8 complete more formal exams in the exam hall and details will be available on the school calendar.

Revision lists are sent out in advance of all exams, and pupils are given support in learning how best to revise.

LEARNING SUPPORT - EDX

We have a fantastic learning support department known as EdX. All children at Dumpton are supported to fulfil their potential, and if they have any barriers to their learning we will work closely with you to identify what these may be and put the appropriate support in place.There is universal support for every child in the classroom, but targeted support in small groups and one-to-one sessions are also available. We want every child to flourish, and we celebrate neurodiversity as a school.

We complete a dyslexia screener in Year 3 for all pupils. We also analyse data from assessments and what we do in the classroom to ensure that we identify areas where pupils might need support.

If we feel your child has a specific learning difficulty we will raise this with you, but please always feel free to speak to us if you have any concerns about their learning and progress. .

P R A ISE A ND R EWA R DS

We promote the wonderful atmosphere and culture at Dumpton by celebrating and praising pupils who display the behaviours we want to promote. Children are motivated by praise and rewards, and this helps them build their own motivation moving forwards.

As well as lots of day to day praise, we have a rewards system in place:

Merits: These are given as a reward for good work, trying hard or being helpful. Merit badges (Bronze, Silver and Gold) are awarded in Assembly for achieving merits across the year.

Postcards: These are awarded to children who live the values of the school and are presented in assembly. A postcard is worth 3 merits.

Headmaster’s Commendations: Exceptional acts/performances may be celebrated by the awarding of a Headmaster’s Commendation Certificate. These Certificates will be presented in Assembly, and are worth 5 merits.

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SA NC TIO NS

Children at Dumpton are invariably keen to please and we try at all times to build positive relationships. Whilst we focus very much on praise and rewards, the following is in place to help make sure that the learning, wellbeing and happiness of everyone at Dumpton continues as it should. We also ensure that our approach is based on supporting pupils to understand and reflect on any poor behaviour.

Conversation: for any low-level issues - pupils will be required to talk with their teacher about a behaviour - but this conversation is logged so we can track this carefully and intervene if necessary. Parents will not usually be informed but tutors will be aware.

Reflection: for repeated poor behaviour or for a more serious issue this involves a written consideration of a pupil’s behaviour which is sent home to parents.

For more serious issues and repeated poor behaviour, this will generally involve the school making direct contact with parents. Pupils may be placed on pastoral report. This may include the involvement of the Senior Deputy Head or Headmaster. More information can be found in our Behaviour Policy.

BUL LYING

We take allegations of bullying very seriously, albeit an infrequent occurrence at Dumpton. Bullying is behaviour by an individual or a group, repeated over time that intentionally hurts another individual either physically or emotionally, and usually involves an imbalance of power. We work hard to ensure that any unkindness at Dumpton is identified and responded to swiftly, and that we have a culture where children will speak up. Children are routinely given time and space to disclose anonymously in form time, encouraged to speak to their form teachers or any member of staff they feel comfortable with, or to email share@dumpton.com.We investigate all allegations and take appropriate action where necessary to help both parties involved.

Please see our Anti-Bullying Policy for more information.

We would always urge any parents with bullying concerns (either victim or perpetrator) to contact their form teacher to discuss it.

Retrospective reports are so much harder to deal with, and minimising distress for children will always be our priority.

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ASSEMBLIES AND CLASS ASSEMBLIES

School Assemblies are a vital part of Dumpton life. We have assemblies throughout the week from 8.30am to 8.50am (except Wednesdays), and as well as covering our theme of the week, we use assemblies to ensure that we are celebrating our school vales and recognising individual and collective success together as a community.

Parents are welcome to any assembly where their child is performing.This includes our Performing Arts/Sports Assemblies each Thursday where any child can volunteer to perform or play their instrument. Each pupil will also be involved in two ‘class assemblies’ a year, as per the calendar. We do hope you will enjoy coming along and participating in these special community occasions.

PUPIL VOICE

Pupil Voice is a big part of Dumpton life – we want the children to know that their voices matter. Whilst we always try to listen to pupils and take their opinions into account, in the Prep School they can volunteer to take part in one of our School Council Committees: General, Wellbeing and Global Citizenship.

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WELLBEING AND RULER

At Dumpton, kindness, empathy and wellbeing lie at the heart of all we do. Our forward-thinking approach to whole school emotional literacy is called RULER, and it aims to give every child the strongest possible foundations for their wellbeing.

We will share the RULER tools with you so you can use them with your children at home too. As ever if you are ever concerned about your child’s wellbeing or emotional health, please come and talk with us straight away.

We regularly survey the children’s wellbeing at school, and the staff wellbeing team meet weekly.We have the ability to give emotional support in school through a range of expertise on our staff team, as well as having a team of trained ELSAs (Emotional Literacy Support Assistants).

SA F EGUA R DING

The most important thing of all at school is that everybody is safe. It is our top priority to know everyone as an individual and to provide a secure and caring environment so that every pupil can learn in safety.We work closely with parents to understand specific family circumstances and situations where it is appropriate to offer extra support. We encourage you to share as much with us as you can, in the knowledge that all personal information will be treated with the utmost sensitivity and confidentiality.

Whilst safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility, it is led by a dedicated team of Designated Safeguarding Leads. They and all staff regularly receive relevant and up to date training and Dumpton has strong links with local Safeguarding Partners. The Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is on the public area of the school’s website. Other policies, including arrangements for admissions, accessibility, children with EHCPs, anti-bullying, health and safety and many others are available on request from the School.

If you every have any concerns about anyone safety’s or wellbeing – a child, a parent or a member of staff – at Dumpton, please do let us know. The Designated Safeguarding Lead is Sam Moulton s.moulton@dumpton.com tel: 01202 847936.

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PUPIL PLANNERS

Your child will be issued with a new Pupil Planner at the start of each academic year. Children will be encouraged and assisted by teachers to use this planner to record their homework. This is also where merits are recorded. These will not be checked each day so parents should use email in the first instance to communicate with teachers.

KEY EVENTS

There are numerous performances, concerts, assemblies and events that we will invite you to over the course of the year, and these will be outlined in the school calendar. However please be aware of the following key events:

To finish the Autumn term there is a Carol Service held in Wimborne Minster in which all children are involved.

On the Friday before Summer half-term we hold our Family Afternoon.

All parents are invited to walk round the school with their children to view the exhibitions and displays.Tea for all is served and half-term begins afterwards.

To finish the Summer term we hold Speech Day in our Sports Hall at Dumpton. Once again, we hope all parents will be able to attend. The Speech Day ceremony is followed by a fete-style afternoon on our fields.

There are no lessons on this day and children are free to go home straight after the formalities.

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TRIPS AND RESIDENTIALS

This is a big part of Dumpton life, and these opportunities can expand pupils’ horizons, broaden our curriculum, and excite and challenge the children in a whole range of ways. As well as a range of day trips and visits for each year group, the following residential trips happen each year: • Y3 Campout at Dumpton (June) • Y4 Campout at Dumpton (June) • Y5 Camping in Purbecks (September) • Y6 Skern Lodge in Devon (May) • Y7 Normandy (May) • Y8 Scotland Trip (September) and Cornwall Trip (June) It is entirely normal for some children to be worried or anxious about staying away from home – however, we really hope that all children will take part, as they stand to gain so much, even if it is a step out of their comfort zone. We look after the children incredibly well – if you have any concerns about the residentials, please do speak to us and we will be happy to support you. .

PERFORMING ARTS

Individual Instrumental and Singing lessons

Pupils who learn a musical instrument are scientifically proven to have better cognitive abilities and improved mental health. Those who take this further and perform in groups and ensembles with others, do even better...

Once in the Prep School, pupils are at liberty to take up singing or instrumental lessons with our full array of professional musicians.Once progress has begun, we also have a full schedule of ensembles and choirs (as well as a busy performance calendar!) which, as well as the benefits listed above, will increase their aural awareness, sight reading skills and general musicianship. Pupils who join a group, tend to progress much faster, so there are opportunities for all! Formal music exams are also encouraged for those pupils who meet the necessary requirements with the progress.

Ballet

We are delighted to announce that from September 2024, we will be offering specialist ballet tuition to pupils in the Pre-Prep up toYear 5. Pre-Prep ballet will take place during hobbies sessions and Prep School ballet will take place before school on Tuesdays and Thursdays.There may be some further options depending on demand. Ballet pupils will also have the opportunity to work towards formal dance exams as well as school performances.

Dramarama and LAMDA

Specialist performance, speech and drama lessons are available to pupils from Pre-Prep up to Year 8, starting with ‘Dramarama’ sessions held in hobbies sessions up to Year 3. These include drama and singing games, performance practice, and lots and lots of fun! From Year 4, pupils are able to start the LAMDA programme, which is more exam focused. Year 4 and 5 can join group classes on a Monday or Tuesday respectively, at 4.15-5.15pm. Pupils in Year 6 to 8 wishing to take LAMDA lessons will do so on an individual or paired basis timetabled mainly on Friday afternoons.

Once appropriate standard is met, pupils will have the opportunity take formal exams which take place in school in the Spring.

All of these additional Performing Arts lessons supplement a varied and exciting Performing Arts curriculum for all our children. The above ‘extras’ incur an additional termly cost. Please contact Ms Oakes for further information and do look out for relevant information at the start of the academic year.

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GAMES AND PE

Sports is an important part of life at Dumpton. Children in the Prep School will have an hour of outdoor activity every day on their timetables, and we try to ensure that they play in a competitive match for Dumpton each week.

In the Autumn and Spring terms the boys play Football, Rugby and Hockey.

In the Autumn and Spring terms the girls play Hockey, Football and Netball.

In the Summer term all children play Cricket, Tennis and do Athletics together.

As well as our major sports, children get the opportunity to compete in Cross Country Running, Swimming, Sailing, and much more.

In addition, all children have a PE lesson each week and have the opportunity to swim in blocks across the year (or at the optional lunchtime Swim Squad clubs).

Children should participate in games every day unless an email addressed to matron states to the contrary and pupils can attend Off Games. Please use email matron@dumpton.com.

Games Kit

Games kit must be brought to school on the first day of each term for kit check.

It remains in the school changing rooms during the week and it will normally be brought home on Friday so that it can be laundered and returned to school on Monday mornings. Please note there is no parental access into the changing rooms.

All kit, including socks and shoes, must be clearly named and towels should have loop half-way down the long side.

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Match Day for Year 3 (U8) and Year 4 (U9) - Tuesdays

The sports website can be found at www.dumptonsport.com. Team lists will be posted on the website a couple of days in advance. These will include information on departure and arrival times, venue, kit and any other requirements. Please check the website on a Tuesday morning for last minute, up-to-date match information.

After every home match there will be tea for the children, parents and spectators.

Following which, children are required to escort the visiting team back to their transport and see them off. Children are then either free to go home as usual or can stay until 5.45pm if required. Evening buses will run as normal on a Tuesday and all away matches will return to school in time for these services.

Match Day for Year 5 to Year 8 (U10, U11, U12, U13) - Wednesdays

The sports website can be found at www.dumptonsport.com. Team lists will be posted on the website a couple of days in advance. These will include information on departure and arrival times, venue, kit and any other requirements. Please check the website on a Wednesday morning for last minute, up-to-date match information.

After every home match there will be tea for the children, following which they are required to escort the visiting team back to their transport and see them off.

Tea is also provided for parents and spectators at the same time.

On a Wednesday, following matches and activities, school finishes at 4.15pm for all children – please note that some matches will not finish by 4.15pm. However, if parents cannot pick up their children at this time, they will be supervised in Stay Late until 5.45pm. Please note that the normal school bus schedule does not apply on a Wednesday evening.

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C OMMUNIC ATIO N A ND K EEPING YO U UP TO DATE

Staying in touch is so important, and we are keen to ensure the communication between home and school is as effective as possible.

iSAMS Email: If we need to tell you something important, we will email you. We try to give you as much notice as possible about upcoming events involving you or your child. All letters from school are sent home by email to parents via iSAMS. These are also stored in your Parent Portal account.

Headmaster’s Newsletter: This weekly newsletter arrives by email and contains important and useful information for parents and is a must read each week.

School Calendar: The school calendar, detailing all events for the current term is on the homepage of the website where it can be downloaded to your phone. It can also be found on the Parent Portal.

Sports Calendar (SOCS): All the detail of sports fixtures including team sheets, kick offs and return times as well as match reports can be found here. You may find it useful to download the sports site (www.dumptonsport.com) to your phone.

Parent Portal and iParent App: All parents should also log in to a personalised parent portal which includes lots of information about your child, access to important documents, as well as a record of all school reports and communication. Whilst this can be accessed via a webpage, we highly recommend downloading the iParent App - once logged in for the first time, access is extremely straightforward. All letters from school are sent home by email to parents via iSAMS. All emails sent home are stored in your Parent Portal account.

Social Media: Social media feeds are at the top right of the website – please follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Updates and photographs of what has been happening within the school are posted regularly and it is a lovely way to see clips and pictures of school events, trips and much more.

Policies: All key school policies are also published each year on the website, as well as the Parent Portal.

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GETTING IN CONTACT WITH US

You can always get in contact with us. If you have any query, no matter how big or small, we would encourage you to get in touch.

In person: Please always feel free to catch us in person at the beginning or end of the day. If we need a longer chat we can always arrange one.

Teaching staff can often find time for a short meeting during morning assembly slots (8.30am-8.50am).

Email: Email is perhaps the most efficient way to communicate with us.

We have the opportunity to check emails before and after the school day and during free periods and will do our best to respond quickly, and certainly within 24 hours Telephone: Telephone messages may also be received via the School Office 01202 883818.

MEDICAL MATTERS

We have a fantastic team of three Matrons. A Matron is “on call” every day between 8.00am and 4.30pm for any medical emergencies. All medicines that are brought to school by any child must be handed straight to Matron, with an explanatory letter, and will be dispensed under supervision.

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MEDICAL ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL

If for any reason your child is unwell and unable to come to school, please telephone Matron on 01202 843942 or email matron@dumpton.com as soon as possible to advise of their absence. It is always worth letting your child’s form tutor know as well.

Please also send any planned Medical/Dental Appointments to matron@dumpton.com as well as your child’s form tutor.This is to ensure our Matron team are aware of any upcoming appointments and so they can update the registers accordingly and inform the School Office.

OTHER ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL

All other non-medical requests for authorisation of a planned term-time absence, or leaving early from school, must be made either by emailing the Headmaster (headspa@dumpton.com) or using the form available on our Parent Portal. Requests will be reviewed and responded to as soon as possible.

To avoid disruption of lessons and school activities, parents are requested not to arrange holidays during term-time – any such absences will be marked as ‘unauthorised absence’ on your child’s attendance record, and will only be approved if the circumstances are exceptional.

EX TR A F O O D

Children do not need any extra food. Menus for the week can be found on the website and Parent Portal.

We aim for all food leaving the kitchens to be nut free. While we understand that a complete nut free school cannot be guaranteed, we aim for a whole school awareness of allergy, educating all staff and pupils in the signs and symptoms and how to deal with allergic reactions.

As a result of ‘Natasha’s Law’ and the associated risks, we would ask that no food is brought into school from home, including birthday cakes, coins in Christmas cards etc.

P ER S ON A L BEL O N GIN GS

No money, mobile phones or cellular watches should be brought to school or carried by children. Any ‘Smart Watches’ must not be able to access the internet.We would also discourage children from bringing fragile or very precious possessions into school, just in case they get lost or damaged.

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DUMPTON FRIENDS

The Dumpton Friends organise social events throughout the year for parents to get to know each other. Dumpton Friends use the Classlist App for parents to connect with each other, organise events and learn about the school community. Please sign up at Classlist.com

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SCHOOL TRANSPORT

Children can use the School Transport to and from school as soon as they are ‘ready’.

The school uses an online minibus booking system called Vectare https://dumpton.vectare.co.uk. You will be able to sign up using your email address that is registered with the school. On the website there is a useful ‘how to book’ guide along with a FAQs section. There is also a parent App ‘VecTive Passenger App’ available in the App Store where you can book and cancel trips using your Android or Smartphone. If you have any queries or questions about the minibus service please email busadmin@dumpton.com or call the School Office on 01202 883818.

TERMLY ACCOUNT

Fees should be paid in advance by the first day of each term. Please note that the fees are normally reviewed annually and parents are informed of any increases to take effect the following September as soon as possible.

K EY STA F F

Some key staff who will be a part of your child’s journey in the Prep School:

Headmaster Christian Saenger

Senior Deputy Head Pastoral and Operations Hilary Shaw

Assistant Head Wellbeing and Safeguarding Designated Safeguarding Lead Sam Moulton

Deputy Head Academic David Morgan

Head of Seniors Heidi Clemmitt

Head of Juniors Gary Ashworth

Head of EdX Vicki Wakefield

Director of Sport Aissa Randle

Director of Performing Arts Sarah Oakes

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Head’s PA Lerryn Chaffey 01202 883818

Admissions and School Fees Juliet Siggers 01202 883961

School Reception Naomi Miller 01202 883818

Bursar Justin Perry 01202 847937

Matron matron@dumpton.com 01202 843942

All staff at Dumpton can be contacted by email using their initial and surname eg: a.teacher@dumpton.com.

C A MPUS 1

2

Performing Arts School, Recital Room & Arts Courtyard

4

Pre-Prep & Nursery

3

Food Technology, Design Technology and Art

5

School Reception

7

Adventure Playground

6

8

9

22

Deans Grove Pitches

15

Main Entrance

16

Visitor and Parent Parking School Campsite

10 Environmental Ponds 11 Forest School Site

14 13

12 Watson Astro Pitches

13 Allotments, Orchard and Outdoor Classroom 14 Lower Pitches 15 Top Pitches

16 Science Laboratories

17 Library

18 Prep School Classrooms

19 Assembly Hall

20 Swimming Pool

21 Browning Sports Hall

22 Netball & Tennis Courts 23 Uniform Shop

11

10

45

21 17

19

1

20

2 3

4

5

18

6

7

12

8

9

23

Prep

Deans Grove House, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 7AF 01202 883818 . www.dumpton.com @dumpton_school Images by PaulWest Photography This programme is sustainably printed by Shelleys of Sherborne and is 100% recyclable