This booklet is designed to answer any questions that new families may have before joining us and during the first weeks and months of starting at St Chris.
If you have any further queries before your start date, please contact the Admissions Team via admissions@stchris.co.uk.
Once your child has started at St Chris, their class teacher and the Junior School Office will be your main points of contact, and contact details can be found at the back of this booklet.
Hello and welcome to the St Chris Nursery.
I’m delighted to welcome you and your family to the Nursery at St Chris – the very beginning of your child’s learning journey with us. Our Nursery is a nurturing, joyful space where curiosity is encouraged, kindness is modelled, and each child is truly known and understood.
At St Chris, we believe childhood should be celebrated. Our Nursery is more than a classroom – it’s a caring, lively environment where children feel safe, happy, and inspired to explore the world around them.
We see every child as an individual, with their own pace, personality and potential. Our skilled team led by a Nursery teacher supports each of our students as they develop the confidence to express themselves, make friends, and discover a love of learning.
As Head of the Junior School, I am proud to lead a community that values warmth, creativity and thoughtful guidance. We understand how important these early years are – not only for laying the foundations for learning, but for helping children grow into curious, capable and compassionate people.
We look forward to getting to know you and to working closely in partnership – because at St Chris, you’re not just joining a school. You’re becoming part of a community where your child can thrive.
Katie Wright Head of Junior School
St Chris Year Groups
St Chris has its own historical names for year groups which were chosen by the students a number of years ago.
The St Chris Nursery is divided into two-year groups: Half Monte (from the start of the term that a child turns 3) and Top Monte (aged 3-4).
Staff
Term Dates
Staff
Chrissie Parry
Nursery Teacher
chrissie.parry@stchris.co.uk
The Nursery Team
The team is led by Nursery teacher Chrissie Parry, and a dedicated team of specially trained Early Years professionals who are passionate about child development. They play a central role in guiding your child’s educational journey and ensuring that each child’s unique needs are met. To enrich your child’s experience, we also have specialist teachers who provide Forest School, music and swimming lessons.
The Nursery Day
We offer four different sessions in the Nursery with a minimum sessions policy – four sessions for Half Monte children and six session for Top Monte children.
8.30am – 12:40pm Morning Session counts as one session
12:40pm – 4.30pm Afternoon Session counts as one session
8.30am – 3:30pm School Day Session counts as two sessions 8.30am – 4.30pm Whole Day Session counts as two sessions
At the start of your time at St Chris, the Nursery Team will confirm your child’s timetable including which days swimming, music and Forest School take place, but in general the Nursery Day runs as follows:
7.30am Wraparound Care available (booking required)
8.00 - 8.30am Children can be dropped off between 8.00 and 8.30am and should be dropped directly at the Nursery
8.30am Start of Nursery Morning Session, School Day Session and Whole Day Session. Please ensure all children attending these sessions arrive by 8.30am for registration.
10.00am Snack 11.30am Lunch 12.40pm Nursery Morning Session ends Start of Nursery Afternoon Session. Please ensure children arrive by 12.40pm for registration.
2.45pm Snack
3.30pm School Day Session Ends
4.30pm Whole Day Session Ends
3.30 - 6.30pm Wraparound Care available (booking required)
Start and End of the Day Information
For children arriving for a Morning, School Day or Whole Day session, the day starts at 8.30am unless a child is attending Wraparound Care. We offer a staggered start to the school day with our gates opening from 8.00am to ease traffic congestion. For children attending an Afternoon Session the day starts at 12:40pm
For Nursery children drop off is at the classroom door at the start of the day. For the Afternoon Session please come to the main Junior School gate where a member of the nursery team will meet you to collect your child.
Collection Information
To collect children who are attending a morning session, please come to the main Junior School gate where a member of the Nursery team will bring your child to meet you. For afternoon sessions, Nursery children should be collected from the front of the Nursery entrance. If parents have made alternative arrangements for collection with an adult who is not their parent, we ask that the class teacher is informed by email. In case of emergency regarding collection or drop-off, please contact the Junior School Office.
Any child who is not collected by 4.30pm will be taken to After School Care.
Absence Reporting
Unplanned absences, due to an emergency, medical appointment or illness, should be reported to the Junior School Office before 9.00am by emailing jsattendance@stchris.co.uk or by calling 01462 650962.
Please copy your class teacher into your email. Absence can also be notified by My School Portal which will inform the Office. We follow-up on any absences that we have not been notified about.
Lateness should be avoided whenever possible; it disrupts a child’s learning routine and the school day as a whole. Late arrivals for the Nursery should report to the Junior School Office. If your child is unwell and unable to participate in a swimming session, please ensure that the class teacher is informed in writing or by e-mail beforehand.
Access
The Junior School has a keypad for entry. Please press the buzzer which will alert the Junior School Office. During the school day, all visitors (including parents) must report to the Junior or Senior School Reception on arrival, where they will be given an identity badge and made aware of our Safeguarding and fire procedures.
Parking and Drop-Off for Parents and Carers
In the mornings, please can all Nursery parents use the Main Entrance to access the school and park in the Junior School playground to drop their children off. Parents are allowed to access school via the Junior School back door. This car park can be found at the following location: https://w3w.co/remedy.lions.woven.
If the road outside the Main Entrance (Barrington Road) is narrow due to oncoming traffic, please wait at the top of the road rather than mounting the pavement to pass.
We’re aware that the parking and drop-off areas can become congested at the start and end of the day.
We’re also located within a residential area, which makes it even more important that we park considerately and safely—for the sake of our neighbours, our community, and our students.
Please follow the guidance below when arriving or leaving the school site:
Please do:
• Use the designated car parks marked in green on the map for parking and waiting
• Drive no faster than 10 mph while on school roads
Be mindful of pedestrians, and be particularly aware of younger students who are learning about road safety Park safely and allow space for other drivers
Only use disabled bays if you hold a valid Blue Badge
Please avoid:
Parking or waiting on the roundabout at the front of the school or in any areas with “No Parking” signs or double yellow lines
Blocking driveways or mounting pavements—these must remain clear for prams, wheelchairs, and small children
Parking too close to junctions, especially near the Cloisters Entrance, as this creates serious visibility and safety issues
Leaving engines idling while stationary—this affects both air quality and the surrounding community Staff on Duty
To help support safe and respectful parking, members of staff are on duty at key points on the school site. They are there to monitor traffic and ensure safety for all members of the school community. Please follow their guidance and instructions—your cooperation helps keep everyone safe.
For more information about the school’s communication methods and some guidelines for parents, please see our Communications and Social Media Guidelines
Communication Between Home and School
There’s always something happening in the St Chris community, and we recognise that effective communication between home and school is essential in supporting social, emotional and academic progress.
In addition to speaking with staff directly, St Chris uses the following methods of communication:
Email
Where a member of staff needs to contact you directly they will use the email you have provided to the school.
We also share emergency information – such as school closures due to weather – via email. To aid this, please ensure that you keep your contact details up to date within My School Portal or by emailing hello@stchris.co.uk
An up-to-date staff list can be found on our website.
All staff can be reached by email using the format: firstname.surname@stchris.co.uk
Our guidelines are that staff will reply within two working days and within office hours except when on a residential trip (when they will be contactable throughout).
The Roundup
The Roundup is our weekly Friday newsletter that is sent to all parents/carers and contains news, notices and information about the week ahead.
My School Portal
My School Portal is a single secure platform that collates and displays all student information in one place. It is a mobile responsive website that works from desktop and Apple and Android mobile devices.
Ahead of starting at St Chris the Admissions Team will email you details about how you log in to My School Portal along with some helpful introductory videos.
Through the portal, you can view:
• Student timetable
• Attendance information
• School reports
• Weekly food menus
• View and subscribe to school calendar
• Book Parents’ Consultations
• Sign up for trips, visits and fixtures (via Evolve)
• Access ticket sales
• Share details in the parent directory
Evolve
Evolve is an online system the school uses for the planning, approval and management of trips, visits, sports fixtures and bookable co-curricular activities.
Once you start at St Chris you will be sent details of your Evolve account which can also be accessed directly through your My School Portal account as above.
Class Dojo
An app / website where class teachers can communicate directly with the class and share updates about activities. Class Dojo is where we share homework, spelling lists, reminders related to the Junior School and class specific reminders and news. Your child’s class teacher will send you the log in information for Class Dojo at the start of term.
Tapestry
An app for Nursery (Monte) and Reception (K Group) parents only, where we share your child’s learning journal. The class teacher will send you the log in information for Tapestry at the start of term.
Involve
Our Music Department uses Involve for the scheduling and booking of peripatetic music lessons. You will be sent your sign in Information for Involve if you sign up for music lessons. Please see later in this booklet for further information about booking music lessons.
Parent Surgeries
We welcome and encourage open dialogue between school and home. The Head (Rich Jones) holds weekly Parent Surgeries every Friday for any parent who would like to come in to speak with him – either face to face or via video call. To make an appointment please contact the Head’s PA via toni.warner@stchris.co.uk
You are also welcome to make an appointment with other members of the Leadership Team including: Katie Wright Head of the Junior School katie.wright@stchris.co.uk
Iain Wheeler (Fridays at 8.30am) Junior School Curriculum and Assessment Lead iain.wheeler@stchris.co.uk
Marcia Bonanni (Thursdays at 8.30am) Junior School Pastoral Lead marcia.bonanni@stchris.co.uk
Social Media
A great way to keep up to date with what is happening at St Chris is by following us on social media. We would love you to share our news and engage with our stories. You can also keep up to date by going to our news section on our website, stchris.co.uk
Class Rep and WhatsApp Groups
When a student starts at the school we ask their parent/carer if they would like to be put in touch with their Class Rep – another parent at the school. The Class Rep usually creates a WhatsApp group to share information with their class. These groups are an efficient way to stay up to date and enable social engagements to be planned.
Safeguarding
At St Chris, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
The Designated Safeguarding Lead is the person appointed to take central responsibility for child protection issues and safeguarding concerns in the School, and is part of a wider Safeguarding Team.
The St Chris community shares the goal of helping to keep students safe by contributing to a safe environment for all through communication, vigilance and taking appropriate action.
For a student or a parent, the best person to approach with any concerns in the first instance is their class teacher. However, if it is felt that this is not appropriate in the circumstances, please contact someone on the Safeguarding Team:
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Alistair Phillips alistair.phillips@stchris.co.uk
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads, Junior School
Katie Wright katie.wright@stchris.co.uk
Marcia Bonanni
marcia.bonanni@stchris.co.uk
Carly Ougham carly.ougham@stchris.co.uk
Learning in the Nursery
Our Nursery is a place where children grow in confidence, develop a love of learning, nurture their emotional intelligence, make lasting friendships, and have lots of fun.
Our Nursery’s foundation is built upon the principles of open play and free flow, aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, with our independence allowing us to draw from framework of highly effective approaches to early years education.
We offer a balanced curriculum with play-based learning through sensory play for early years, encouraging independent play and imagination and enabling social interaction in free flow play. The Nursery has an open classroom approach, where children have free access throughout the day to both indoor and outdoor learning areas. This open environment supports child-initiated activities, empowering them to explore and learn at their own pace.
Exploratory Play for 3-Year-Olds
Our curriculum focuses on nurturing the natural curiosity of 3-year-olds. Through exploratory play, they develop fine motor skills, interact with their peers, and start comprehending the world around them. It’s a crucial foundation for their educational journey.
Educational Play for 4-Year-Olds
For 4-year-olds, our curriculum offers educational play that helps them delve deeper into their interests. They begin to grasp essential concepts, enhance their communication skills, and foster creativity through expressive arts.
Find out more about the Nursery curriculum here
Curriculum Topics
Integrated into the curriculum are seven key areas of learning which guide the Nursery curriculum:
• Personal, social, and emotional development
• Communication and language
• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the world
• Physical development
• Expressive arts and design
Queries relating to curriculum matters should be sent to Chrissie Parry, chrissie.parry@stchris.co.uk
Children in the Nursery enjoy weekly sessions led by specialist teachers combined with the teaching from their dedicated Early Years specialist team where this is deemed best practice for development. Specialist sessions include:
Forest School
Our on-site Forest School provides a wealth of immersive learning experiences for our littlest learners, fostering a deep connection with nature. Our trained Forest School teacher guides children through activities that promote teamwork, problem-solving and environmental awareness, come rain or shine! Nursery students take part in a weekly Forest School session.
Forest School at St Chris is a child-centred, inspirational process that our young learners opportunities to challenge themselves, develop confidence and increase their self-esteem through hands on learning experiences in a natural environment. Sessions are based on a fundamental respect for children and for their capacity to instigate, explore and maintain curiosity in the world around them. Most importantly, our students develop a deep and meaningful connection to the natural world and understand their place in it.
Our youngest learners expand awareness of the outside world in Forest School sessions throughout the changing seasons.
Children learn new vocabulary, take part in sensory exploration, and start encouraging self-regulation by recognising when they feel hot or cold. Forest School sessions are hands-on and offer children lots of practical activities for dexterity; Nursery children handle sticks and ropes and practice pulling, pushing, and twisting. Throughout the sessions, the Forest School Leader draws attention to, and encourages children to explore, simple patterns, differences, and cycles in nature. During Forest School sessions, children also learn the fundamental aspects of fire awareness.
Music
We have a very passionate music team that nurture creativity, self-expression and confidence through joyful musical experiences. Children explore the magical world of sound and rhythm, developing an early appreciation for music through singing, playing instruments and movement.
Swimming Lessons
One of the early principles of St Chris was that all children – even our youngest – should develop their ability to swim for both safety and enjoyment reasons. Children enjoy weekly lessons in our on-site indoor pool, led by certified instructors. Children build water confidence and essential swimming skills in a safe and supportive environment and instil a lifelong love for physical activity through the joy of swimming.
Planning, Observing and Communication with Parents
We welcome open and continuous dialogue between school and home.
We use Tapestry as an online learning journal to observe and record your child’s progression during their time in the Nursery. Each child is observed individually and in an on-going way, enabling us to make informed decisions about how best to support their learning. It also helps us track them against the EYFS framework, enabling us to ensure that their developmental progression is supported.
As part of keeping parents and carers informed about their child’s progress at school, we hold regular Parents’ Consultations and send academic reports, with the calendar of dates for these sent to parents at the start of the Autumn Term.
The Nursery staff are also available to speak to at drop off and pick up and can be contacted for an appointment at any point during the year.
Individualised Support
We are committed to ensuring all students fulfil their academic potential, understanding the importance of developing strategies and skills that help each student grow in intellectual confidence, build resilience and develop the ability to reflect, to enable them to reach their educational and individual ambitions.
We appreciate that learning is not a linear pathway, and some students may need more individualised support at certain times. We aim to equip our students with the skills and tools they need to enable them to achieve their full potential across the curriculum, becoming independent and confident learners.
Students throughout the school can access support, irrespective of need or ability and this is assessed on an individual basis. This extra level of provision may take the form of in-class support, small group immersion programmes, or 1-1 focused sessions where appropriate.
We work closely with parents and encourage communication and the sharing of ideas through meetings in school, email and telephone contact.
If your child has a Special Educational Need or Disability (SEND) our Inclusion Team work closely with our Admissions Team to support your child’s transition into St Chris and will be in touch directly ahead of them starting at school to ensure a smooth process.
Pastoral Care
Excellent pastoral care underpins everything that we do at St Chris: taking the time to get to know our students and their different needs, and what inspires and motivates them, is a fundamental starting point to ensure that each child grows.
Taking the time to listen and talk through any issues is key: our students need to know that they are heard and supported in resolving conflict. We help our students to come together and understand different points of view which helps to develop empathy and resilience. When behavioural issues arise, having clear consequences, support and an open dialogue between staff, students and parents/carers helps to bring about resolution and provides the opportunity to move on.
For further information about Pastoral Care at St Chris, please contact:
Marcia Bonanni
Junior School Pastoral Lead
marcia.bonanni@stchris.co.uk
Co-curricular Activities
Trips and Visits
Our Nursery students enjoy day trips throughout the year, to support their topic work and bring learning to life. Whether it’s exploring historical landmarks, delving into nature, or engaging in cultural experiences, these trips create lasting memories and broaden the horizons of our young learners.
All day-trips are included in the school fees.
Music Tuition
Instrumental and Vocal Lessons
There are a wide variety of instrumental and vocal music lessons available at St Chris run by a range of visiting music teachers, under the guidance of Director of Junior School Music, Martin Goodchild. Nursery aged children can start with piano and violin lessons. Visit our website to find out more and to download the booking form.
Wraparound Care
St Chris Wraparound Care provides extended on-site childcare in a happy and homely environment from 7.30am in the morning to 6.30pm after school as follows:
Breakfast Club 7.30 to 8.00am Breakfast Club is available from 7.30am and includes a hot or continental breakfast each day of the week. Breakfast Club takes place in the Senior School Dining Hall (IG). Students are dropped off with a member of the Junior School team who supervise them at the Senior School.
At around 8.00am, after they have finished eating, students are taken to the Junior School for Morning Care where they are able to play and get ready for the day ahead, which starts at 8.30am.
Students can attend as many or as few mornings per week as you wish, subject to availability and Breakfast Club needs to be booked in advance, and the session is chargeable in addition to school fees. (Please see the school Fee Sheet for further information).
Morning Care 8.00 to 8.30am All students can be dropped off between 8.00 and 8.30am at the Junior School for Morning Care.
Students should go straight to the Junior School Hall where they will be registered and take part in supervised play.
Children then go to their classrooms for the start of the school day at 8.30am.
There is no additional charge for Morning Care and no need to book.
After School Care 3.30 to 6.30pm Junior School and Nursery students can join After School Care from the end of the day until 6.30pm.
At the end of the school day, or after they have taken part in their after-school club, students are taken to the After School Care rooms, where they take part in supervised activities.
On arrival, students are offered a healthy drink and snack. Students who stay between 5.30 and 6.30pm are accompanied to the Dining Hall (IG) in the Senior School for dinner and they can be collected directly from there after 5.30pm.
Please note, students booked on a school bus attend After School Care between 3.30pm and the departure time of the bus without charge.
Students can attend as many or as few sessions per week as you wish, subject to availability. After School Care needs to be booked in advance, and the sessions are chargeable in addition to school fees. (Please see the school Fee Sheet for further information).
Food at St Chris
School Lunches and Snacks
At St Chris we enjoy fresh, tasty vegetarian food for our school lunches. Lunch is served in the Nursery. We have a dedicated menu specially designed for our Early Years children, carefully balancing the nutritional needs essential for their growth and development. Our menu includes a wholesome lunch, as well as nutritious morning and afternoon snacks Weekly menus can be found on My School Portal.
Please let us know, via the Admissions Team, of any allergies or intolerances that your child may have. We are a nut and sesame free school.
Lunch is included in the fees for students in the Nursery up to Year 2 (H Group).
Packed Lunches
Rather than having school lunches, students are welcome to bring a nut-free, sesame-free vegetarian packed lunch which will be eaten alongside their class.
Birthdays
We are happy for students to celebrate their birthday with us. Students may bring in something special to eat (a birthday cake or treat) to share with their class if they wish. Please speak to a member of staff if you are planning a birthday treat, so you can be made aware of any allergies.
Clothing and Equipment List
Equipment List
Please ensure that children being in a reusable water bottle each day.
Everyday Clothing
There is no uniform at St Chris, but clothes must be appropriate for a school environment, clean and mended. Camouflage and military-type clothing are not allowed.
All children are asked to have indoor shoes to change into and these must be non-slip. The ideal indoor shoes are Crocs, sensible slippers, trainers or similar.
In the Nursery, children play outside whatever the weather so will need warm, water-proof clothes and wellington boots – these can be left in school.
In the summer, please ensure your child applies sunscreen before they come into school and that they have a sunhat to wear..
All Nursery children should bring a spare set of labelled clothes which can be left in school.
Forest School
Nursery children take part in weekly Forest School sessions.
In the winter for these sessions they need to bring in a coat, wellies, waterproof trousers, a hat and gloves. In the summer please ensure that they have wellies, a sun hat and suitable clothing – this could still be a coat!
Swimming kit
• A swimsuit or trunks. We support students’ confidence in the water and allow a wide variety of styles. Please see our guide below for further information.
• swim hat (material hats are most comfortable for young children): this is essential for taking part
• towel
• goggles
• optional rash vest/t-shirt to wear in addition to costume/trunks
Please ensure all items of swimming and PE kit are named.
Personal Belongings
Students should not bring valuable items into school. They are welcome to bring in toys and games, although we ask that no toy weapons are brought in.
Lost Property
Please ensure that all belongings are named, including water bottles, shoes andcoats .
Belongings do get mislaid but using the cloakroom and ensuring everything is named helps prevent problems. Lost property is handed in to the Junior School Office.
Health
St Chris has a School Nurse who needs up-to-date medical information for your child. To ensure we have the correct details, please share any updates with the nurse as soon as possible, either by emailing nurse@ stchris.co.uk or passing them on via the class teacher.
Injuries and Accidents
If a pupil has an accident or sustains an injury at school, you will receive a Medical Tracker email notification. In some cases, the School Nurse may need to assess the injury and will update you accordingly. Depending on the nature of the injury, it may be passed on to the Operations Manager for further investigation and reporting.
If your child experiences a head bump or injury, you will be contacted based on the severity. In some cases, we may ask you to collect your child and seek a medical review. Alternatively, you will be notified via the Medical Tracker system. The notification will include details of the injury, the treatment provided, and any follow-up advice, such as how to monitor for concussion and when to seek medical care. If your child remains in school, they will be given a head bump sticker to alert staff to monitor them closely.
Chronic Health Conditions
(Diabetes, Epilepsy, Sickle Cell Disease etc.)
Parents/guardians should notify the School Nurse upon enrolment or following a diagnosis of any chronic health conditions their child may have. The School Nurse will collaborate with parents/ guardians and relevant hospital teams to develop and maintain Individual Healthcare Plans (IHPs) tailored to their needs. The School Nurse will oversee the administration of medication, and will provide healthrelated training and support to staff.
Anaphylaxis
For pupils with known Anaphylaxis, parents/guardians should provide two labelled Adrenaline Auto Injectors (AAIs), which will be stored in a secure emergency box in the classroom. The box will be accessible to all staff but kept out of reach of pupils. It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to ensure that the AAIs are in date. Additionally, an Allergy Action Plan must be completed for any pupil with anaphylaxis.
Asthma
For any pupil with an Asthma diagnosis, parents must provide a labelled inhaler, which will be stored in a secure emergency box in the classroom. The box will be accessible to all staff but kept out of reach of pupils. Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring that inhalers are in date. Pupils in older year groups may be assessed as responsible for carrying their inhaler, and the School Nurse and Class Teacher will discuss this with you. Parents/guardians are also responsible for keeping the school informed of any updates to their child’s condition. An Asthma card must be completed for all pupils with a diagnosis.
Illness at School
If a pupil becomes unwell while at school a member of staff may contact home and ask for them to be collected. If your child has suffered from vomiting and/or diarrhoea, as a general principle, they should be regarded as potentially infectious unless there is good evidence to suggest otherwise. As per Public Health England advice and our school policy, your child should not attend school until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped and they are well enough to return. If your child has a high temperature, please keep them home from school until it subsides naturally, without the use of medication.
Medication
Prescription medication can be administered at school if necessary, but parents/guardians must complete an ‘Administration of Medication to Pupils: Parental Request Form,’ available from the Junior School Office or School Nurse. Medication must be in its original pharmacy-labelled container, clearly stating the pupil’s name, date of birth, and full prescription details. Loose or repackaged tablets (e.g., in envelopes or unlabelled containers) will not be accepted or administered.
Junior School staff do not administer over-the-counter (OTC) medication, such as Calpol, and parents/ guardians are asked not to request them to do so. However, the School Nurse can administer OTC medication if necessary, a phone call home will always be made to obtain consent before administering any medication and to confirm whether any medication has already been given prior to school.
Counselling
St Chris offers a counselling service for pupils, with appointments that can be scheduled during the school day. If you would like to discuss this, please get in touch with the Junior School Head: katie.wright@stchris.co.uk
Our Parent Body
All parents and guardians are automatically enrolled as members of the Parents’ Circle – our name for the PTA.
The St Chris Parents’ Circle has a long history within the School having played an active role since 1920. The group provides a welcoming environment where parents can get to know one another, share ideas, socialise and have fun! They also run fundraising initiatives for their chosen charities.
Throughout the year the Parents’ Circle organise several events, including quiz nights, Easter egg hunts and support the Summer Fair (St Christopalooza). Such occasions provide a school-wide inclusive environment to get to know other parents and support the sense of community that St Chris provides.
Each class has its own Parents’ Circle Class Rep –another parent at the School. When a student starts at the school we ask their parent/carer if they would like to be put in touch with their Class Rep. The Class Rep usually creates a WhatsApp group to share information with their class. These groups are an efficient way to stay up to date and enable social engagements to be planned.
For more information about the Parents’ Circle, or if you have any questions, comments or suggestions please email parentscircle@stchris.co.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please find below answers to some additional questions you may have. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us. Before your child starts at school please contact Lucy in the Admissions Team via admissions@stchris.co.uk. Once you have started at St Chris, your class teacher or the Junior School Office is your first port of call. We aim to respond to all emails within two working days.
What do I do if I have concerns about my child?
If you have any worries, questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact your child’s class teacher in the first instance. They are experienced in supporting students through the transition to a new school both in terms of their general wellbeing, changing friendship patterns and academic progress.
Most friendship patterns sort themselves out naturally without adults getting involved, and students form lasting, happy relationships. However, parents should contact the class teacher if their child becomes unhappy or withdrawn, or if they are struggling to settle in, and students should also feel free to speak to their teacher at any time. Parents should also contact the class teacher if they suspect that behaviour towards their child may be deliberately unkind.
Marcia Bonanni, Lead of Junior School Pastoral (marcia.bonanni@stchris.co.uk) and Katie Wright, Head of Junior School (katie.wright@stchris.co.uk) are responsible for supporting all students within their care, and can be contacted directly by email.
What is the Silence?
The Silence is a tradition at St Chris where the staff and students take a moment together to pause, think and listen. It’s an important part of our Morning Talks and school meetings and in the Junior School, students ring a bell at lunchtime to signify a moment of silence. There is a bell in the Dining Hall (IG) that anyone can ring to start a moment of silence.
Can I bring my dog to pick my child up from school?
Other than guide or hearing dogs, dogs are not allowed in the School buildings. Please keep dogs on a lead at all times and under your direct control, and be aware that some of our students are scared of dogs or may be allergic to them.
Can I book additional swimming lessons for my child and can our family use the pool?
Parents can book additional swimming lessons through the St Chris Swim School; these take place after school hours and at the weekend. You can find further information on our website: stchris.co.uk/swim-school
We also run regular weekly Family Swim and Adult Swim sessions for those families who have a child at St Chris. Further information is sent out in The Roundup at the start of each term.
Who do I need to tell if my child needs to leave School for a medical appointment?
If parents would like to request their child leave school for a medical appointment, this request can be made by the parent to the class teacher by email.
If a student has an appointment during the school day, they need to sign out and back in again with the Junior School Office. Parents can come to the Junior School Office to meet them.
What do I do if my child is going to be late to school or is off ill?
Unplanned absences, due to an emergency, medical appointment or illness, should be reported to the Junior School Office before 9.00am by emailing jsattendance@stchris.co.uk. Please copy your class teacher into your email.
If your child is unwell and unable to participate in a PE or a swimming session, please ensure that the class teacher is informed in writing or by e-mail beforehand.
How do I request time off for my child during term time?
If parents wish for their child to miss school for any reason other than illness or an emergency medical appointment then they should write to the Head of the Junior School, Katie Wright, in advance, requesting permission for the absence: katie.wright@stchris.co.uk
You can also request time off via My School Portal.
How do I visit the school to see a member of staff?
If you wish to meet with a member of staff, please contact your child’s class teacher in advance, to arrange a convenient appointment.
All visitors (including parents) must report to the Junior School Office on arrival at the school, where they will be signed in and given a visitor’s badge, and made aware of our safeguarding and fire procedures.
What are the school’s bank details?
Account Name St Christopher School (Letchworth) Limited
Account Number 90800643
Sort Code 20-41-38
The bank details are the same for all payments to the school, so please include a reference for your payment e.g. SURNAME FEES or SURNAME TRIP.
Where do I find the school’s policies?
A comprehensive list of our policies and procedures can be found on the school website: https://www.stchris.co.uk/policies
Alternatively please contact the Head’s PA, who can send you a digital or hard copy: toni.warner@stchris.co.uk
How do I make a complaint?
The open climate of St Chris encourages parents, along with students and staff, to voice their concerns. Usually, discussion of the matter allays or removes the worry without the need for formal procedures.
All complaints are carefully considered, and it is usually helpful for there to be a discussion at an early stage about the issue, the procedures and the possible outcomes. In the first instance, please contact the Head: head@stchris.co.uk
A copy of our Complaints Policy can be found on our website. stchris.co.uk/policies
How do I contact the Governors?
The Chair of the Governors may be contacted in confidence by email at alison.burrows@stchris.co.uk or c/o the main school address: Chair of Governors, St Christopher School, Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire SG6 3JZ.
Key Contacts in Nursery
Main School Switchboard
Junior School Office
A full staff list can be found on the website: stchris.co.uk/meet-the-team
