Parents’ Handbook
The Structure of The School
All children in the Prep School are in one of three school sections:
Junior House
This is the name given to children in Years 3 and 4
Middle School
This is the name given to children in Years 5 and 6
Upper School
This is the name given to children in Years 7 and 8
While this handbook contains useful information about the School, you will find significantly more detail on our website, www.junior-kings.co.uk
A copy of this handbook is held on the Parent Portal, accessed via the School website, should you wish to refer to it at any future date. You will be sent details of how to access the Parental Portal at the start of your child’s first term in school.
Welcome
My staff and I would like to welcome you and your child to Junior King’s and hope that the coming years will be happy and inspiring. The aim of this handbook is to give you some key introductory pointers and notes regarding our school. However, should you be unclear about anything, please do not hesitate to speak to us or refer to the website which holds information about life at Junior King’s.
Our children are at the centre of all we do and each child is valued as an individual. Our supportive and nurturing ethos, with kindness as the cornerstone, enables our pupils to thrive.
We value the partnerships that we have with parents and children; all our staff are approachable and very happy to help in all aspects of your child’s education and development. There are a range of people who will be working closely with your child. The Form Tutors and the Section Heads are perhaps the most important staff who oversee the day-to-day running of the form and year groups, monitoring every child’s
wellbeing, social and academic progress and I do encourage you to get to know them early on. The Form Tutor is your first point of contact in case there is anything of concern and you are able to email the individual subject teachers, and members of the Senior Management Team, at any time.
We are very much looking forward to welcoming you to Junior King’s.
Mark Brotherton Headmaster
Communication
Communication is important throughout your child’s time at Junior King’s and it is vital that there is effective, two-way communication between home and school at all times.
Form Tutors are the first point of contact for matters of concern either in, or out, of the classroom. They may be contacted by email using a first initial followed by their surname and then @junior-kings.co.uk
A full list of staff names can be found on our website.
If there is something urgent to communicate, or if you have a general query, please contact the School Office: office@junior-kings.co.uk or by phone on 01227 714000.
For health-related matters please contact the Health Centre: health@junior-kings.co.uk or by phone on 01227 714032.
For major concerns or worries please contact: head@junior-kings.co.uk or contact the Head’s PA, Mrs Emma O’Brien eobrien@junior-kings.co.uk or by phone on 01227 714008.
Aside from boarding parents, we request that parents restrict emails after 7pm during the week, and also on Saturdays and Sundays to emergencies only please.
Other contacts: The Bursary
For all matters concerning school fees: fees1@kings-school.co.uk 01227 595544
The King’s School Shop
For purchase of school uniform: shop1@kings-school.co.uk 01227 595551
The King’s School Admissions
For Senior School Admissions: admissions@kings-school.co.uk 01227 595727
The School Website www.junior-kings.co.uk
You can find a great deal of information about the School on our website, including some of our school policies, term dates, the School calendar, photographs and news of any recent events, and current, and past copies, of the weekly newsletter.
You will be able to access ‘My School Portal’ via the parent link from the home page on the School website. Here you will be able to access the following:
• School Reports (Academic, Music, EAL, SEN)
• Letters from the Headmaster
• Timetable information
• Menus
• Contact Information
• SOCS/EVOLVE - Sport results and fixtures
• School events
• Transport information
• Breakfast Club details
Social Media
News, photos of daily school life and information on upcoming events can be found on our social media pages. We post regularly to Facebook and Instagram and you can like or follow us on these platforms @JuniorKingsSch.
We also have a LinkedIn page and invite you to connect with us at: www.linkedin.com/company/ junior-king-s-school-canterbury
Newsletter
Every week, a newsletter, ‘The Week’, containing information about the forthcoming week is published and emailed to parents.
Letters home
From time to time, letters are sent via email from various staff about school trips and other current issues.
Absence
Pupil Absence
If a child is absent for illness, please ring the School Office (01227 714000) on each day of absence between 8.30am and 9.15am.
Any requests for exceptional absence (e.g. funeral, educational exam, school visit) from school during term time must be made in writing at least 7 days in advance to the Head (head@ junior-kings.co.uk)
We ask that family holidays are please taken out of term time and in the school holidays, so as not to disrupt your child’s learning.
Please also, wherever possible, try to avoid routine doctor and dentist appointments during term time, or alternatively make the appointments for out of school hours.
Parents’ Absence
If you are going to be away for a few days or longer, it is helpful for your child’s Form Tutor to know this, since parental absences may affect a child’s behaviour or work in school. The Headmaster and School Office should also be notified with whom your child will be staying in your absence, and who will be collecting him or her. The School Office should be given any emergency telephone numbers, including those of guardians.
Change of contact details
Please notify the School Office immediately of any changes to phone numbers, email addresses or home addresses, as it is vital that the School holds up-to-date information.
The School Day
Termly Calendar
A calendar of events is published each term. It informs you of meetings with the teaching staff, dates for assessments, sports fixtures against other schools, concerts, plays, future term dates and much more.
This information is also available on the School website, My School Portal, SOCS/EVOLVE and on a weekly basis in our newsletter.
START OF THE SCHOOL DAY
Monday to Friday
The School is open from 8.00am and children may be dropped off at any time after this.
Children should arrive in time for registration at 8.20am. If children arrive late, after 8.20am, they should go to the School Office where they will be registered.
Saturday
Registration for Years 5-8 is at the later time of 8.50am on a
Saturday. Children may be in school from 8.30am.
Please note that day children in Years 3 and 4 do not have school on Saturday; there are optional activities from 8.50am to 12.10pm for interested Year 4 pupils.
END OF THE SCHOOL DAY
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
All children finish school at 4.15pm. Optional activities start at 4.15pm, and finish for Years 3-4 at 5.00pm and 5.15pm for all children in Years 5-8. A ‘Late Club’ is also available from 5.00-6.00pm for all Year 3 and 4 children. Children in Years 5-8 can stay until 6.00pm where they will be able to complete any prep. We ask that all day children are collected no later than 6pm.
Wednesday
Please note that for day children, Years 3 to 8 finish at 3.15pm (depending on fixtures). Late
Club runs on a Wednesday until 6.00pm for all children in the Prep School.
Saturday Day children and weekly boarders, who are not involved with sport, may leave after morning school at 12.20pm. Activities or sport will be organised for full boarders and those choosing to stay on in the afternoon. Day children staying on, and not involved in sports matches, will finish at 3.15pm.
Waiting with younger siblings Parents with younger children in the Pre-Prep may of course choose to leave children in the ‘Pre-Prep late service’ collecting them by 6.00pm at the very latest. Alternatively, they may choose to collect them at 3.30pm and then use the Adventure Playground. It would be helpful if parents could refrain from allowing their children to play on the grass, or trees, outside Junior House, and from waiting inside the main building of the Prep School, as this can disturb lessons.
Breakfast Club
A term-time Breakfast Club is offered from 7.30am to 8.00am, Monday to Friday, for all pupils from Reception to Year 8, and from 8.15am to 8.45am on Saturdays for pupils in Years 5 to 8.
Children enjoy a selection of hot and cold food, with the menu available to view on the parental portal. Breakfast Club can be booked online one week in advance, and all charges are added to your child’s end-of-term bill.
Meals and Snacks
Day children have lunch in the Dining Hall each day. There is a delicious, nutritious and wide choice of food at all meal times, and vegetarian and special diets are catered for. Fresh fruit is always available as a dessert option. The School operates a ‘nut aware’ policy. Any communications about special diets should be sent to the Sisterin-Charge: health@junior-kings.co.uk
All children have a snack and a drink mid-morning and midafternoon and fresh drinking water is always available from outside the Dining Hall and Sports Hall. Day children should not bring their own food, tuck or sweets into school.
Exeats and Half Term Breaks
Each term there are two ‘minibreaks’, or exeats, taken over weekends at quarter term points. Dates and times are provided in the calendar. During these times the boarders go home or to
guardians, and the School is closed.
Half term breaks take place each term during which period the School closes. All dates are published in the calendar.
Trips and Visits
As part of the educational experience at Junior King’s we organise trips and visits that enhance curriculum learning. Some trips take place overseas and are optional (e.g. Sports Trip, Choir Trip, Classics/Languages Trips, Skiing Trip etc.). These are published well in advance to assist parents’ planning.
Academic Matters
Prep (Years 3 - 8)
A prep timetable is published for children and parents at the start of the academic year. Children are given a planner in which to record details of the preps set. Parents are encouraged to use the planner or email to communicate with Form Tutors.
Day children may complete their prep in school after the end of the School day, either between 4.15 and 5.15pm or 5.15 and 6.00pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (except on exeats and half terms).
Reading is actively encouraged in the School. The School has a Junior House library which focuses on books that are suitable for readers in Year 3 and Year 4. The main school library offers a comprehensive collection of books that are suitable for all standards of readers in Years 5 to 8. The library is also open during break and lunch times, offering a
quiet space for reading, studying and relaxation.
Reports
Parents will receive written reports regarding their child’s progress. All reports are published via the ‘My School Portal’ link which is accessible via the School website. Information on how to access the reports will be provided to all parents prior to the reports being available.
Form Tutors, Subject Teachers and the Deputy Head (Academic) are always happy to see parents by appointment to discuss any queries or concerns.
Parents’ Evenings
A Welcome Evening for all parents is held at the start of the academic year, providing parents/ guardians with the opportunity to meet their child’s/children’s Form Tutor(s) and other teachers.
Learning Support
The Head of Learning Support works across the school, in Nursery up to Year 8, and closely works alongside the Head of English as an Additional Language (EAL). Pupil progress is consistently monitored, and suitable provision, where necessary, is put into place.
The school recognises that some pupils may experience additional barriers to their learning. Most additional needs can be met in the classroom, through highly trained and experienced staff, who use Quality First Teaching Strategies. Some pupils may require a higher level of support, therefore provision can be adapted, and interventions introduced to meet their needs. If progress is still not made and concerns remain, external agencies may be consulted, or further specialist assessments may be recommended. Parents are informed every step of the way, and play a major role in decision-making.
Any queries about learning support should be addressed to the Head of Learning Support, Miss Hannah Morris (hmorris@junior-kings.co.uk), or the Head of EAL, Mrs Holland (kholland@junior-kings.co.uk).
Assessments and Exams
Years 3 – 6: Children are formally assessed twice during the course of the year in November and May.
Years 7: Children have exams in English and Maths in November and exams in all academic subjects in May.
Year 8: Children will have exams in English and Maths in November, mock exams in February and their final Year 8 exams in June.
Year 8: We select 13+ Academic Scholarship candidates at the start of Year 8. Scholarship candidates for The King’s School Canterbury and others follow a Scholarship programme. The Scholarship Assessments for The King’s School Canterbury take place in February.
Year 8’s are nominated for 13+ Scholarships in Art, Drama, Dance, Design Technology, Music and Sport. These take place in the Lent Term. Information regarding dates can be found on the relevant Senior School Admissions pages of the website.
Scholarship candidates for other schools will sit mocks in November and usually sit their Scholarship exams in March or May, or as determined by those schools.
Future Schooling
Pupils are admitted to The King’s School Canterbury or other public schools at 13+ following their final Year 8 assessments in June. For other subjects we use internal assessments. Parents are encouraged to discuss their intentions with the Senior Teacher, Mr Chris Lapthorn (clapthorn@junior-kings.co.uk) at an early stage, usually during Year 5 or soon after joining the School. Parents are also advised to register for a place at King’s in plenty of time, and by the end of the Autumn Term of Year 6. Discussions regarding the suitability of King’s, as a Senior School, will take place early on in the process.
Please contact Admissions at The King’s School Canterbury on 01227 595727 or email admissions@kings-school.co.uk
Junior King’s Hymn Book
All children will require the official Junior King’s hymn book. This will be issued at the start of the year to those who do not have one and will be charged to your school account.
Stationery
All children will need pencils, a rubber, a pencil sharpener, both 15 and 30cm rulers, coloured
pencils, felt-tip pens, a glue stick, highlighter pens and a named pencil case. Year 3 and above require an ink pen and cartridges. Equipment should be checked regularly by parents and replenished as necessary!
Maths Equipment
New children joining in Year 5 and above, will be supplied with a Junior King’s Maths bag, and are asked to supply the following equipment in a separate, named pencil case for use in Maths lessons: 1×15cm and 1×30cm ruler, 1 clear 360º protractor, 1 pair of compasses, 2 HB pencils, 1 small HB pencil to fit compasses, 1 pencil sharpener and 1 eraser.
The Maths Department will also supply to children in Years 7 and 8, a calculator, which will be charged to the parents’ bill. All Maths equipment should be clearly named and stored in the School Maths bag.
Co-Curricular
Sports
All children play games at least twice a week. This is in addition to their timetabled PE lessons.
Details of matches are listed in the termly calendar and all parents and guardians are welcome to attend both home and away fixtures. Full details for all home and away fixtures can be obtained on the JKS Sports Portals (SOCS/EVOLVE) via the School website. Many sporting activities are offered each term.
Boat Club
Children in Year 8 are able to start sculling using the facilities of The King’s School Boat House at Westbere. This takes place as an optional after school activity.
Music
Music is central to the life of the school and children receive one hour of class music per week. Many learn one or two instruments and there
are currently twenty-eight instrumental teachers who offer expert tuition in all instruments. We have a wonderful, spacious, purpose-built Music School where, as well as all the instrumental and class lessons, we hold many concerts, recitals and workshops.
Ensembles
There are around twenty instrumental ensembles that rehearse each week, including an orchestra, two graded ensembles for strings, wind and brass and a percussion ensemble. There are also many rock bands that rehearse weekly and perform during the year.
Choirs
All children in Years 3 - 6 are expected to sing at events during the year, including the Carol Service in Canterbury Cathedral. There are also voluntary choirs for Middle School and Upper School and a Changing Voices
Choir for boys in Years 7 and 8. Our auditioned Chamber Choir is made up of around 25 pupils from Years 6-8. They perform at events both in school and around Kent, and every two years there is a European Tour. We also encourage Chamber Choir members to audition for the National Youth Choir and National Children’s Choir.
Concerts
There are regular concerts, details of which are published in the School calendar. There will usually be one major concert, including the orchestra, each term in the Barn, but also regular informal concerts, an annual Pre-Prep concert, and a summer outdoor concert for bands. There is also a series of six instrumental workshops which take place during the year for piano, strings, wind, brass, singing and percussion. These feature a guest professional musician who helps the children improve their performances.
Individual Music Lessons
Details of these are posted on the Music Notice Board in the Music School and onto the Involve Education app. Lessons are, in most cases, rotated on a weekly basis across the term. Careful attention is paid to ensure that minimal disruption to learning
is caused. Group theory lessons are also available. A music lesson request form should be filled in, in order to start instrumental or theory lessons.
Drama
Details of productions are listed in the School calendar. It is anticipated that all children will have an opportunity to participate in a small or larger scale performance at least once during each academic year. Rehearsals may be during lesson times, lunchtimes, after school activity sessions and some evenings for larger scale productions. Full details and schedules will be sent to parents well in advance. We offer a range of drama clubs and activities. There is also the opportunity for children to prepare for, and take, LAMDA exams if required.
Computing
All children have timetabled Computing lessons. In addition, there are regular opportunities for children to use the facilities available in the Computing Suite. IT is also used directly in classrooms with our mobile suites of laptops and iPads. Please ensure that the IT Pupil/ School Agreement is signed and returned before the start of term in order for your child to be given access to the School network.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Junior King’s offers a particularly wide range of activities both during the day and in the evenings.
Optional Evening Activities
Evening activities take place after school between 4.15pm and 5.00pm for pupils in Years 3 and 4 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 4.15pm - 5.15pm for pupils in Years 5 - 8. On Monday and Tuesday, priority is given to the Chamber Choir and School Orchestra. Details of these activities are emailed to parents prior to the start of each term.
For some activities, outside specialists and coaches are used and a small charge is made, this is added to the end of term bill. Some activities are extremely popular and have to be limited in size for safety reasons.
Afternoon Activities
These take place for children in Years 5-8, on a Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, for those who are not involved in sports fixtures or training.
Pastoral Matters
School Values and Golden Rules
Underpinning the ethos of the whole school are the School’s Values and Golden Rules, which children are expected to adhere to in order to help Junior King’s operate in a safe and happy manner. We aim to treat other people as we would like them to treat us, and we strive to exercise common sense at all times.
Rewards and Sanctions
‘Stars’ and E-Praise points are awarded for positive behaviour, excellent effort and work. We like to encourage the positive. Sanctions are given for misdemeanours following verbal warnings. Full details are provided in the Positive Discipline and Behaviour Policy.
Positive Behaviour and Discipline
Good manners are very important at Junior King’s, as is using common sense. Bad language, and speaking rudely
or inappropriately to others, is strictly unacceptable. Good manners are rewarded and valued; unacceptable behaviour will be challenged and sanctions will be given.
It is essential for the wellbeing of children that a clear understanding is given about the School’s behavioural expectations. This guidance is contained in the School Rules, which are displayed in every form room and are regularly revisited. Children are encouraged to positively observe the School’s expected standards of behaviour.
Please see the School’s Positive Discipline and Behaviour Policy on the School website for full details.
House System
All children are part of the School House system. Children are grouped into four houses, all named after parrots. These are called Macaws, Keas, Kakas and
Cockas. They meet together for regular House assemblies, take part in competitions for their House and gain house points for good behaviour and for good work.
Safeguarding Safeguarding is of utmost importance at Junior Kings, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our children. We are committed to creating a nurturing and secure environment where every child feels respected and protected. Our safeguarding policies cover various areas, including child protection, online safety, and emotional wellbeing.
If you have any concerns, please contact Deputy Head Pastoral, Adam Pape, at: apape@junior-kings.co.uk.
Prompt action will be taken to address any issues and support our children. Thank you for trusting us with your child’s education and wellbeing. Together, we can foster an environment where every pupil can thrive.
Anti-Bullying Statement
The Junior King’s School is a caring and supportive learning community where all children are valued as individuals and a positive self-image is promoted.
The School community will not tolerate any unkind actions or remarks, even if these are not intended to hurt.
Our policy supports this belief and ensures that all parents and children are aware that bullying complaints will be dealt with firmly, fairly and promptly. At Junior King’s, we have a zerotolerance towards bullying. Please see the School’s Anti-Bullying, Behaviour and Safeguarding policies on the School website for full details.
In accordance with The Children Act, the following confidential contacts of people and organisations who are not involved with the running of Junior King’s are provided.
1. The School Friends Mr Philip & Mrs Elizabeth Lewis 01227 719303
2. Childline 0800 1111
3. The Children’s Commissioner for England 0207 783 8330
4. NSPCC Helpline 0808 800 5000
Uniform and Equipment
Uniform
Children are expected to dress smartly at all times. Shoes should be black and kept polished and shirts should be tucked in. School dresses and kilts should be knee length.
Children in Years 7 and 8 wear blazers at all times; children in Years 3-6 will wear blazers for formal/special occasions only.
Unless specific permission has been given, children are not allowed to wear jewellery, apart from plain gold or silver stud earrings. These should be removed before playing games.
Hair should not be dyed other than natural colours and extremes should be avoided. Long hair should be tied back using a navy, black or brown hair band or clip.
Please make sure that ALL items are clearly marked, including
trainers and shoes. Your child’s name must be clearly visible on the outside of their P.E. bag.
The King’s School Shop (Canterbury)
The School Shop is open during term time at the following times:
Monday 9.30am - 3.00pm Tuesday 9.30am - 5.00pm Wednesday Closed Thursday 9.30am - 5.00pm Friday 9.30am - 3.00pm Saturday 9.00am - 1.00pm
During the school holidays, times vary so please contact the shop at your earliest convenience for specific details. Telephone: 01227 595551 or Email: shop1@kings-school.co.uk
Please note the School Shop in Canterbury gets extremely busy, so outfitting for new and existing children is carried out by appointment only. Payment for outfits should be cleared by
debit or credit card on the day of purchase. American Express is not accepted.
The School Shop offers a name taping sewing service for £60.00 per uniform, payable during the fitting appointment. Once completed, uniforms must be collected from The School Shop. They can also sew, store and deliver the uniform to the boarding house upon request.
All uniform and home clothes must have name tapes before the start of term. If you wish to make use of this service, please ensure that you have either ordered name tapes at the time of making an appointment, or previously sourced them. If you wish to provide your own, please ensure labels include your child’s first and last name, these can be purchased from www.cashnametapes.co.uk
Please check deadlines for the purchase and sewing of name tapes with the School Shop.
Second-Hand Uniform Shop
The Friends of Junior King’s operate the Second-Hand Uniform Shop (SHUS), which provides an affordable and environmentally friendly option for purchasing pre-worn school uniforms (Nursery to Year 8).
Uniforms are kindly donated by families when outgrown, and all contributions are gratefully received. Each item is carefully checked for quality and safety by our dedicated parent volunteers. All proceeds support the wider school community through the initiatives of The Friends of Junior King’s.
Visit the SHUS at the Swan Inn (Sturry High Street, CT2 0BD) every Monday and Friday from 8:30am (term-time only) or for further information, please contact fjksevents@gmail.com
School Bags
A bag, clearly named, is essential for all children from Year 5 upwards. Pupils in Years 3 and 4 will be supplied with a reading folder and do not require an additional bag.
Sports Clothes and Equipment
Please ensure all sports clothes are clearly named. Sports clothes should be brought to school at the start of week in the School sports bag. These are then stored in the changing rooms during the week. Although not essential, a small padlock is also recommended for safe storage of kit within the bag.
We ask that sports clothes are taken home on a Friday for
washing over the weekend.
Year 5 - 8 children can wear sports kit to school on Saturdays but will be required to wear uniform on special Saturdays such as Open Mornings.
Mouthguards
Mouthguards are required for rugby and hockey; no child will be allowed to train, or play these sports, without a mouthguard. We recommend that mouthguards are properly fitted by a dentist and we arrange for ‘Opro’ to visit in September to fit mouthguards for children with parental consent.
Lost Property
All lost property for Years 3 and 4 is stored in Junior House. All other lost property is stored in the cupboard in the main school corridor. All named items will be returned to their owner. Any unnamed and unclaimed items will, after a suitable period of time, be disposed of.
Mobile Phones, Smart Watches and Tablets
Mobile phones, smart watches and tablets are now a feature of modern society and many of our children own them. We have clear rules about their use at school, however, and all children in the Prep School are required to sign the ‘Mobile Phone and Smart
Watch Policy’ at the start of each academic year.
No pupil is permitted to wear a smart watch at Junior King’s, regardless of its intended use.
Years 3 - 8
All children in Years 3 - 8 may not use, or carry, mobile phones or tablets within school hours for any purpose.
Exceptions:
Where a written request has been made by a parent and accepted by the Deputy Head (Pastoral). These phones will be kept in the Staff Room.
For children who come to school on public transport their phone will be kept in the Staff Room.
Boarders may use mobile phones within the boarding house at those times decided by the house staff.
Any children allowed to have phones or tablets are requested to have them turned off during the day and will need to sign and abide by the School’s Mobile Phone Agreement. Mobile phone sanctions will apply for children who fail to comply with this agreement. Please refer to the Mobile Phone and Smartwatch Policy on the website.
Health Care
Health Information
Please ensure that health information forms are completed before the start of term and notify the Health Centre of any changes to your child’s health status after submission of the form (immunisations received, childhood illnesses, allergies, dietary requirements).
Medicines
All medicines are kept in the School Health Centre. If your child requires medicine during the school day, please hand it directly to the school nurse. Please ensure it is provided in the original packaging. Prescribed medicines must have a named pharmacy label attached. The nurses will only administer age-appropriate medicines. They must be licensed treatments in the UK and all the information must be in English. The nurses will not administer any homeopathic treatments or remedies during the day.
Signed parental consent is required before any medicine or remedy is administered. Please request a consent form from The Health Centre before sending any medicine into school.
The Health Centre stock some common Non-Prescription medicines and remedies to offer symptom relief for minor ailments. When you complete the Health Information Form, please ensure you have indicated your consent for these remedies to be administered to your child if required. If any medicine is administered during the school day, your child will be given a note to bring home detailing the reason for the treatment, the name of the medicine, the dose, and the time it was given. It is essential that you inform The Health Centre if your child has taken any medicine or remedy before they come to school in the morning.
Health Conditions
Children with Asthma should carry a reliever inhaler with them at all times. It must be in the original box with a named pharmacy label attached. A spare named reliever inhaler should also be provided to be stored in the Health Centre.
Children with severe allergies who have been prescribed an adrenaline auto injector (EpiPen) should carry this with them at all times. It should have a named pharmacy label attached. Spare adrenaline auto injectors are kept in the School Health Centre.
Please be aware, that children will not be allowed off site for visits or matches if they do not have their emergency inhaler or Epipen with them.
Children with complex medical needs
Parents are asked to liaise closely with the Health Centre to agree an appropriate plan of care for safe and effective management of health conditions in school.
General illness
If your child is unwell and needs to be absent from school, please inform The School Office as soon as possible. If your child has an infectious illness, please contact The Health Centre for advice regarding the required absence
period and when to return to school.
Following an episode of diarrhoea or vomiting, a child should not return to school for at least 48 hours after the last episode. Children with a high temperature and symptoms of a respiratory infection, should remain absent from school until they no longer have a high temperature, and feel well enough to return to school.
Off Games
If your child is injured or has been unwell, and you do not wish them to take part in games or physical activities, please email both the Health Centre health@ junior-kings.co.uk and your child’s Form Tutor. Please specify the nature of the illness or injury and length of time they need to be ‘off games’. The School Nurse may also advise that a child is ‘off games’ following a visit to the Health Centre during the course of the day. After a head injury, children will not under any circumstances be allowed to play sport. If a concussion injury is suspected the child will have to follow a graduated return to play.
Illness during the School day
If a child becomes unwell during the School day, parents will be contacted and the child sent home. Children will remain in the Health Centre under the
care of the school nurses while awaiting collection. In the case of more serious accidents and emergencies where we are unable to contact parents, the school nurse may have to act ‘in loco parentis’ and seek medical advice or arrange for a member of school staff to accompany the child to hospital. Parents will also be notified if children present frequently at the Health Centre with the same problem.
School Counsellors
We have two School counsellors who offer emotional support to children who need space to talk through worries and problems. If you have any concerns about your child, you can contact the Health Centre or speak to your child’s Form Tutor.
Head Lice
Head lice and nits are very common in young children and their families. They are not caused by dirty hair and are picked up by head-to-head contact. To prevent the spread of head lice at school we request that parents check their child’s hair for lice weekly using a finetooth comb and treat if required. In cases of serious infestation, parents may also be requested to take their child home for treatment.
Sun Protection
Every child must have their own named supply of sunscreen with them during the warmer months. Children should also have a sunhat to wear outside for sport and breaktimes. The sunscreen must be clearly named and be at least factor SPF 30. Sunscreen will be available across the school site, if children forget to bring their own. Children will be encouraged to reapply sunscreen throughout the day, particularly before sport. Please inform the Health Centre if you do not want your child to use the School sunscreen.
Vaccinations
All pupils are required to be up to date with their vaccinations as per the UK immunisation schedule found on the NHS website. If your child has received their vaccinations overseas, and you are unsure if they are vaccinated in accordance with UK recommendations, please contact The Health Centre for advice.
Quarantine
If a pupil is in contact with an infectious disease, the School must be informed. The Headmaster will take the advice of the Health Centre and the Medical Officer on when the pupil should be allowed to return.
Boarding
Boarding at Junior King’s
Boarding at Junior King’s is happy, positive and busy. Boarders learn to be part of a community that is caring, respectful and constructive, where they have fun together and learn to support one another.
There are many advantages of boarding, and the pupils learn to be more independent and build lifelong friendships.
Flexi-Boarding
We also offer flexi-boarding, where space permits, enabling families to balance busy boarding school life with quality family time at home.
Flexi-boarders become part of the boarding community and have the option to stay between one to four nights, Monday to Friday. All requests should be made directly to the Houseparents.
If you wish you child to do regular
flexi-boarding, please contact the Head of Boarding ahead of the term beginning for further details.
(Head of Boarding): Mrs L Hutchings lhutchings@junior-kings.co.uk
Joining the Boarding Community Boarders are members of either the boys’ house (Kipling) or the girls’ house (Juckes). Each boarder has their own bed, with space to keep their clothes and belongings.
The boarding house is like an extended family: an allage community with its own expectations which complement those of the School.
Parents who would like their day children to convert to boarding should contact the Registrar (registrar@junior-kings.co.uk) to check that space is available, well in advance of the intended start date.
Full Boarding
Full boarders are at school through the week and at weekends, and benefit from an extensive weekend boarding programme. Main events are published in the School calendar and described on the website.
Invitations to Boarders at the Weekend
We are happy for boarders to be invited out for part of a weekend providing:
• the host family liaises with the child’s parents and has their permission
• that the Houseparents have at least 48 hours’ notice
The host family should contact the Houseparents directly to make the necessary arrangements.
Transport
Cars at Junior King’s
Please only enter the School grounds from Milner Lane via the Milner Gate and exit via Church Lane. Once on the School grounds, please do not exceed 5 mph to ensure the safety of all. We request that you drive carefully through the lane and be especially careful on entry to the Junior School. Please switch off your engine while you are stationary and do not park in the lane or obstruct the gates in any way. We have a one-way system for traffic, please avoid driving to the school from Church Lane as this can cause congestion.
We encourage parents to use the pick-up/drop-off zone at the front of the School in order to reduce congestion. Parents who wish to park may do so in the car park by the Pre-Prep. There are a few spaces in front of the School but please do not park in the pickup/drop-off zone; this must be kept clear to enable it to operate.
The School Sergeant is usually available to assist with parking in the mornings and afternoons.
School Minibus Service
The School operates a fleet of branded minibuses, enabling local pupils to travel to and from school, Monday to Friday. Bookings for this service can be made in advance online. Further details of our extensive minibus routes together with costs are available here or please contact the School Office for further information: office@junior-kings.co.uk.
Train
Members of staff escort children on the train from Wye Station to Sturry on weekday mornings and accompany the children into school. The train is met by additional members of staff who also accompany the children into school. At the end of the day, the children are accompanied on the train from Sturry to Wye
by one or two members of staff. There is no official train party on Saturdays, though the morning train is met at Sturry Station by one or two members of staff, who accompany the children to school; the children are escorted to the station to catch the return train to Wye, travelling unaccompanied. All train times are subject to any timetabling changes and cancellations. Further details are available from the School Office: office@junior-kings.co.uk.
Security
Apart from the normal arrival and pick-up times and match afternoons, on arrival at the School, all visitors (including parents) should report to the School Office where they will receive a visitor’s badge. All external doors to the main school buildings have electronic security codes. Please note that any ‘forgotten’ items should be dropped off at the School Office
during the day and should be collected from there by the child concerned. The welfare of the children is paramount, and we therefore ask that parents should not be in the main school buildings during normal school hours.
Useful Information
Concerns and Complaints
The Junior King’s School has long prided itself on the quality of the teaching and pastoral care provided to its children. However, if parents do have a concern or complaint, they can expect it to be treated by the School in accordance with the Complaints Policy. Please contact your child’s form teacher, Head of Section or a member of SMT.
Please see the School Policies page on the website for full details.
Finance Payment of Fees
The Bursary will send out information about the School Fees, private medical, fees insurance and the School Fees Remission Scheme. Should a problem ever arise, please let the Bursary or the Headmaster know as soon as possible. Such matters are treated in confidence.
Extras
The fees are inclusive of meals, textbooks, and compulsory activities etc. Most extras are optional (for example instrumental tuition, evening activities) and have to be requested, or agreed, by parents in advance.
Personal Property and Insurance
The School does not accept financial responsibility for the loss of, or damage to, personal property. It is advisable to see that your own insurance policy provides necessary cover for items you consider to be of value, especially musical instruments.
The King’s School Sports Centre
All children have free membership of the Sports Centre in St Stephen’s Road, and parents can become members at a reduced rate. Application forms for parents can be obtained from the Centre.
The Friends of Junior King’s
The primary aim of the Friends’ Association is to foster a sense of community among parents, staff, and others who are interested in the wellbeing of the School. This is achieved through the organisation of social, cultural, and other community-focused events. We hope you will consider supporting these activities. Any surplus funds raised are donated by the Committee for the benefit and advancement of the School.
All parents and guardians automatically become members of the Friends’ Association, and a number of parents volunteer as Class Representatives. They manage Classlist, a digital communication platform that facilitates easy interaction among parents.
The Friends also organise a variety of social events during term time, including coffee mornings and community-building activities.
Details of these events will be shared via Classlist and the School’s official communication channels. You can also stay informed by following their Instagram page: @juniorkingssch.fjks.
If you are interested in participating in events or joining the committee, please speak to a current committee member. Further information, including contact details, is available on their website: www.friendsofjunior-kings.co.uk