Frequently Asked Questions

We appreciate that parents/carers who are new to our school will have questions and concerns.

Here are some answers to questions in relation to your child’s education, school timings, procedures and a variety of other topics. We won't have answered everything so if you are unable to find the information you are looking for please contact the school by telephone or email:

Telephone: 01322 52 32 36
Emailadmin@st-paulinus.bexley.sch.uk

Please be aware that our school office is open from 8:30am until 4pm during term time. Enquiries outside of this time should be emailed to the admin address where they will be dealt with during opening hours. 

Attendance and Timings

What are school opening and closing times?

The school gate opens at 8.40am each morning and closes at 8.55am (registration is at 8.55am so children are expected to be in class at this time).

  • Year R, 1 and 2 finish school at 3.20pm.
  • Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 finish school at 3.25pm.

What do I do if my child is late to school?

If your child is late for school they must be brought in via the main school office – parents will need to sign their children into school. This will be marked as a late in the register and may be followed up by SLT and the Education Welfare Officer.

What do I do if I am going to be late collecting my child?

You will need to call the school office and your child’s teacher will be informed.

If there is a change to the arranged collection of your child, please inform the school office as soon as you are aware of this.

Can I send someone else to pick up my child?

The school office will need to be informed of this so please call them as soon as you know this is the case and they will make sure the class teacher is aware.

How do I report my child's absence from school?

To report an absence, please either email on absence@st-paulinus.bexley.sch.uk or ring the school office. If no one is available or it is out of office hours you can leave a voicemail stating:

  • Your child’s name and class
  • Reason for absence 

The school office may contact you later in the day for further details. Please remember if your child is sick or has had diarrhoea they must leave a 48 hour period of time before returning.

 

Can I take my child on holiday during term time?

Parents must seek permission by writing to the Principal stating reasons for the holiday. We expect children to be in school every day (unless unwell) so holidays are marked as unauthorised. Only in very exceptional circumstances are these requests granted as authorised absences.

 

Health issues

What do I do if my child is prescribed medication?

Any medication needs to be handed in by an adult to the school office (a form must be completed and signed). The school office staff will ensure your child takes the medication at the directed time.

What happens if my child has a medical/dental appointment?

We understand that sometimes it is unavoidable to change hospital appointments. However, we would ask that routine appointments are scheduled outside of the school day as much as possible to avoid disruption to your child's learning. If your child must attend an appointment during the school day, please inform the school office by email or phone call stating the date and time of the appointment. In most cases, your child will be able to attend school around the appointment and won’t have to miss a full day of school.

How long before my child can return to school after an illness?

With any sickness and diarrhoea children must leave a 48 hour period of time before returning to school. Other illnesses depend on the individual circumstance and in some cases a doctor’s note may be required.

What happens if my child has an accident at school?

If your child has bumped their head and this has been treated in school you will receive a note to inform you of this. Accidents which have needed treatment from our qualified first aiders are logged on BromCom and you will be informed if required.

If an ambulance is needed or school are concerned and feel you need to visit a doctor or hospital we will ring you immediately.

What do I do if my child has head lice?

This needs to be treated using the recommended remedies. Please inform the school office if this is the case as, when numbers reach a certain level, the school is required to send a message to parents.

 

Transport

Can I park at the school?

There is no parking on the school site. The car park is strictly for use of school staff only. There is parking available on the streets outside of the school but at pick up and drop off times this gets very crowded so we encourage parents/carers to walk wherever possible. Please respect our neighbours and never park over their driveways or park dangerously across road corners or on no-parking lines (this causes danger for the children as driver’s visibility is reduced).

Can my child cycle to school?

We have a place for children to leave bikes during the day. Although this is inside the school gates we strongly recommend your child has a lock to keep the bike secure.