Parent/Carer Information Guide

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Our Values AMBITION

We believe in 1% improvements in everything we do, every day.

RESPECT

In a world where we can be anything, we choose to be kind.

COMMUNITY

We believe alone we can do so little, but together we can achieve so much.

Welcome

Dear Parents and Carers,

It is a pleasure to welcome you and your child to Alsop High School. We are proud of our school, our students, our staff and our role in the heart of the Walton community.

As one of the largest schools in Liverpool, we understand the responsibility that comes with educating young people and we take that responsibility seriously.

We are committed to ensuring that every child who walks through our doors feels safe, supported and challenged to achieve their very best. We ask our staff to treat your children as though they were our own. Our expectations are high and we make no apology for that.

We believe in the adage "children's learning is not a rehearsal, they only get one chance" therefore, we need the highest of expectations, every day. Your child will be taught by dedicated staff who are passionate about what they do and genuinely care about every student’s progress and wellbeing.

Starting secondary school is a big step. Our transition programme and pastoral care systems are designed to ensure your child feels confident and settled as they begin this new chapter. We work in partnership with families to help every student succeed, not just academically, but socially and emotionally too.

This guide contains key information to help you and your child feel prepared for the start of school in September. We are excited to begin this journey with you, and we look forward to working together to support your child throughout their time at Alsop.

Welcome to our school.

Mr J Kerfoot and Mr P Mee

Mr P Mee Head of School
Mr J Kerfoot Executive

Meet our Year 7 Leaders

Mr Heavey - Associate Assistant Principal - Year 7

Mr Heavey leads our Year 7 team and is responsible for ensuring a smooth and successful transition from primary to secondary school. He works closely with our feeder primary schools, students, families and staff to promote high standards, encourage positive habits and help every child settle quickly into Alsop life. His focus is on long-term success, building the foundations for a positive and rewarding secondary school journey.

Mrs Phillips - Progress Leader - Year 7

Mrs Phillips focusses on the academic progress of every student in Year 7. She works alongside classroom teachers to monitor achievement, identify support needs and celebrate success. Her role is to ensure that all students are challenged, motivated and given the tools they need to reach their full potential and make excellent progress.

Mrs Hurley - Year Manager - Year 7

Mrs Hurley is our pastoral lead for Year 7 and is a point of contact for both students and parents. She supports students with their wellbeing, behaviour and personal development. Whether helping to resolve friendship issues, encouraging positive choices or simply offering a listening ear, Mrs Hurley is a reassuring and consistent presence throughout the year.

SEND Support & English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Our Safeguarding Team

Our Safeguarding Team plays a vital role in keeping students safe. They are trained to respond to any concerns and provide a trusted point of contact for students and families. Whether it’s a worry big or small, students are always encouraged to speak to a member of our approachable and caring team.

Our Mental Health & Wellbeing Team

We understand that a student’s emotional wellbeing is key to their success.

Our Mental Health & Wellbeing Team provides support for students who may be feeling anxious, overwhelmed or in need of someone to talk to. They help promote positive mental health across the school and are available for both short-term and ongoing support.

SEND and EAL Support

Our SEND Support Team works closely with students who have special educational needs or disabilities, ensuring that the right support and adjustments are in place to help them succeed.

Our EAL Officer supports students for whom english is an additional language, helping them to build confidence and fully access school life.

Our Home School Agreement

By sending your child to Alsop High School, you are agreeing to our expectations and values.

Alsop High School’s Positive Behaviour Policy provides a framework to ensure our core values (Ambition, Respect, Community) are embedded within our daily practice. Every student is expected to uphold these values.

Perfect Uniform:

Correct Equipment:

Positive Behaviour:

Manners & Respect:

Punctuality & Attendance:

Calm Corridors:

Full school uniform, including correct full black footwear is expected to be worn by all students every day.

Students are expected to arrive every day with the correct equipment to support their learning.

Positive behaviour: we expect students to meet our school’s relentless routines which are based on our school’s values. This supports a safe and disciplined environment.

Our school expectation is that all students are kind and respectful to all members of our community.

Our school expectation is that students attend and are punctual 100% of the time.

Students are expected to move calmly, safely and quickly between lessons.

In addition to ensuring your child upholds our school’s values you are also agreeing to:

• Support your child with their academic studies and use the Bromcom My Child at School app.

• Attend parents’ evenings and have discussions about your child’s progress.

• Agree to the school’s Behaviour Policy and support us to ensure success for your child.

• Encourage your child to participate in extracurricular activities.

• Promptly inform the school of any concerns or problems that may affect your child’s learning or behaviour.

Our Learning Habits

Be Ready

Perfect Uniform

Full school uniform, including correct full black footwear is expected to be worn by all students every day.

Correct Equipment

Students are expected to arrive every day with the correct equipment to support their learning.

Be Respectful

Positive Behaviour

Positive behaviour: we expect students to meet our school’s relentless routines which are based on our school’s values. This supports a safe and disciplined environment.

Manners & Respect

Our school expectation is that all students are kind and respectful to all members of our community.

Be Safe

Punctuality & Attendance

Our school expectation is that students attend and are punctual 100% of the time.

Calm Corridors

Students are expected to move calmly, safely and quickly between lessons.

Students not meeting our expectations will be given sanctions

Attendance Matters

We believe that excellent attendance is key to success. Every single day in school matters academically, socially and emotionally. Research shows that students who attend regularly are more likely to achieve well, feel confident and make the most of every opportunity. Even occasional absence can add up to missed learning. That’s why we set high expectations for attendance and work closely with families to ensure every child is in school, on time, every day.

Reporting Absence

If your child is unable to attend school, please let us know by 8:30am for each day of absence by calling our Attendance Team on 0151 235 1200, sending a message via the MCAS app or by emailing attendance@ahs.omegamat.co.uk. Please note that by reporting an absence it does not automatically mean it is authorised. Absences will be reviewed in line with government guidance.

Medical Appointments

Whenever possible, please try to book medical appointments outside school hours. If an appointment during the day is unavoidable, provide prior notice to the school office with a copy of the appointment letter or card. This ensures we can accurately record attendance and minimise disruptions to your child’s learning.

Working Together

Our dedicated Attendance Team monitors attendance closely and will work with families where a student’s attendance falls below expectations. We’re here to support, before attendance becomes a concern. For full details on attendance expectations, authorised absences and the support available, please visit our website for all our attendance frequently asked questions.

Let’s work together to give your child every opportunity to succeed.

Attendance Matters Every Day Counts...

Students

There are 175 non-school days during the year to spend on family time, visits, holidays, shopping, household jobs and other appointments.

Days off school add up to lost learning.

School Day

Our Uniform

Our school uniform is considered to be an important aspect of the School ethos and full school uniform is expected to be worn by our students every school day.

Blazer

Green blazer with yellow trim and the school badge

Pullover/ Cardigan

V- necked navy blue jumper or cardigan with the school badge may be worn underneath blazer

Shirt/ blouse

Plain white shirt/ blouse

Tie

For our new Year 7 starters their tie colour will be green with a navy stripe.  Don’t worry you don’t need to change this each year, their tie colour will move up with them!

Trousers/ Skirt

Formal plain black trousers

Formal navy blue skirt

Socks

Plain dark coloured socks with trousers

Navy blue coloured socks to be worn with skirt

Shoes

Flat, plain black, polishable shoes

PE Kit

Scan the QR code to view examples of shoes we allow.

On days where students have a PE lesson on their timetable they should wear the full Alsop PE kit with an Alsop PE hoodie. Students who do not have a branded Alsop hoodie should wear their blazer.

Students must wear an Alsop branded top with plain black bottoms. The bottoms should be suitable sports wear and have ONE logo maximum, no bigger than the size of the Alsop logo on the PE top.

The Alsop school uniform can be purchased from either of the two outlets conveniently located within the community.

Laser Schoolwear

61 County Road

Walton Liverpool

L4 3QD

Tel: 0151 524 9818

Trutex Schoolwear Pre-loved uniform

27 County Road Walton Liverpool L4 3QA

Tel: 0151 523 8422

We hold a stock of pre-loved uniform, if you feel that this may be of benefit to you, please contact the schooloffice for further information.

Pullover Hoodie
T-Shirt Shorts
Track Pants Sports Bra
Long Sleeve Shirt
Leggings
SCAN HEREi

Parent/Carer Communications

We believe strong communication between school and home is essential. We want to work with you to support your child and to do that e ectively, we ask all families to follow our communication process.

Email enquiries@alsophigh.org

For most queries, please email in the first instance. This allows us to direct your message to the most appropriate member of staff. We will aim to respond within 48 hours during the school week.

Unscheduled visits cannot be accommodated

All our staff have responsibilities across the school day and for this reason we cannot accommodate unplanned visits or immediate meetings. Please email us to book an appointment if you wish to speak to a member of staff.

Phone lines for urgent enquiries only

Our phone lines are open between 8:00am and 4:00pm and should be used for urgent matters only. Please be aware that our reception team can only take a message to pass to the relevant team member and they are not able to interrupt staff during the day.

We are committed to treating all families with respect and care and we ask the same in return. By working together in this way, we can ensure your child and every student gets the attention and support they deserve.

Parent/Carer Communications

We want families to feel informed, involved and connected to life at Alsop High School. There are a number of ways we keep families up to date with important information, events and celebrations of student achievements.

Our School Website

Visit www.alsophigh.org.uk for key updates, term dates, letters and our full school calendar.

Social Media

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates, photos, event highlights and snapshots of life at Alsop. @alsophighsch @alsophighschool

Head of School Letter

Every two weeks, Mr Mee will write to you to keep you updated on school news, priorities and key reminders.

Alsop Newsletter

Our digital newsletter is full of good news stories, celebrating student achievements, school events and the fantastic things happening across our community.

My Child At School App

How to download the

Setting up the app is quick and easy. Scan the QR code to access the step-by-step guide or email mcas@ahs.omegamat.co.uk if you need support or visit our website for our FAQ section

i

Everything in one place to support your child

We want to keep you fully involved in your child’s journey at Alsop and the My Child At School (MCAS) app makes that easier than ever. We strongly encourage all families to download and use MCAS to stay connected and engaged.

What is MCAS?

MCAS is a secure app and website portal that gives you real-time access to important information about your child’s school life. It’s the best way to stay up to date. Through the app, you can:

• View your child’s attendance, behaviour, and achievement records

• Check their timetable, school calendar, and exam information

• Read school letters, announcements, and updates

• Monitor homework and stay informed on academic progress

• Contact school directly through the in-app messenger (we aim to respond within 48 school hours)

Parent Pay

Parent Pay

As a cashless school, we use ParentPay, a secure and convenient online payment system that allows you to pay for your child’s school lunches, trips, equipment and other items quickly and easily.

Before your child starts in September, you will receive a letter containing your unique username and password to activate your ParentPay account. You will need an active email address to register. Once activated, you can top up your balance and start using the system immediately.

Your child will be issued a four-digit PIN code, which they will use to pay for lunch at the tills. Our school uses a cashless catering system, meaning no cash is accepted at the dining hall.

ParentPay ensures that your top-ups are secure and funds are available and it also allows you to manage your child’s account with ease. You can track your balance, view your payment history and receive school communications all in one place.

We recommend topping up your child’s account before the start of term to ensure they’re ready for their first lunch at school.

If you have any questions or lose your login details, our school admin team will be happy to help at enquiries@alsophigh.org.uk

For more information visit: www.parentpay.com

Beyond the Classroom

At Alsop, we believe that education is about more than just what happens in lessons, it’s about experiences that shape character, build confidence and spark ambition.

We offer a wide range of clubs, teams and enrichment opportunities to help students explore their interests, try new things and develop lifelong skills. From football, rugby and gymnastics to art, drama, music, computing and STEM, there’s something for everyone. Many clubs also lead to performances, competitions and showcases.

We also provide a rich programme of educational trips and visits from local museums and universities to national and international destinations. These trips bring learning to life, encourage independence and open students’ eyes to the wider world.

Whether it’s joining a debate team, performing on stage, exploring a castle or visiting a European city, these opportunities help students grow in confidence, connect with others and create lasting memories.

No booking is required for clubs as students can simply turn up and get involved.

Beyond the Classroom

Awards & Rewards

We believe it’s important to recognise and celebrate the achievements of our students not just in the classroom, but in all aspects of school life.

Our rewards system is designed to motivate, encourage and inspire. Each week, students are recognised for positive behaviour, attendance, academic progress and personal development. These achievements are shared and celebrated in form time, assemblies and through weekly rewards highlights.

Students earn “house points” throughout the year, contributing to their House total and building a strong sense of pride and team spirit. Our five Houses - Attenborough, Franklin, Parks, Turing and Redgrave lead the way in encouraging healthy competition, teamwork and community involvement.

Each term, we celebrate student success in assemblies and every year we host our Prize Giving Event where we honour outstanding contributions across all areas of school life.

At Alsop, rewards aren’t just about results they are about effort, attitude and making a difference!

Mobile Free School

At Alsop High School, we are proud to be a phone-free school during the school day to create a calm and focused environment. We understand that mobile phones are useful for travel and communication before and after school. However, during the school day, they can distract from learning and affect focus, wellbeing and social interaction.

That’s why we have a “never seen, not heard” approach to mobile phones and AirPods:

• Phones must be switched off and out of sight as students enter the building.

• If a phone is seen or used during the school day, it will be confiscated.

• Confiscated devices will be returned at the school’s discretion to either the student or their parent/carer.

This policy supports our commitment to a safe, respectful and inclusive environment where students can concentrate, connect with others and thrive.

We ask all parents and carers to support us in reinforcing this message at home. A shared approach helps ensure students understand the importance of staying focused and fully engaged during the school day.

We will guide new students through this policy with fairness and kindness, helping everyone settle into our calm, focused school culture.

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