Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I order the uniform from?

It is the policy of the Governing Body to encourage the wearing of school uniform as it helps to create a sense of community and pride in the school. The Logo part of the uniform is available to order and purchase on-line by going direct to the Smarty Pants. All other items may be purchased elsewhere.

Delivery

You can choose to have items of uniform delivered direct to an address of your choice but standard Smarty Pants delivery charges will apply (please refer to Smarty Pants website for details – all orders over £30 offer free delivery).

There is a free of charge delivery service to the school which takes place on the 2nd and 4th Friday of every month.

Payment

Payment for the uniforms should be made direct to Smarty Pants when completing the online order. When making your first order, you will need to create a new account as indicated on Smarty Pants website.

Girls’ Uniform

Navy school sweat-shirt/cardigan with logo
White polo shirt
Flat black school shoes

Summer:

Blue checked summer dresses (gingham)
Plain white socks with summer uniform

Winter:

Grey skirt/pinafore/trousers
Plain grey tights with winter uniform

Boys’ Uniform

Navy school sweatshirt with school logo
Grey trousers/shorts
White polo shirt
Flat black school shoes
Black or grey socks

P.E Kit

White t-shirt (Plain)
Navy shorts or games skirt
Plimsolls
Trainers and a change of socks

In cold weather, a PE sweatshirt or tracksuit may be used. Please supply a named drawstring ‘PE Bag’ in which to keep the PE Kit.

Please note:

All items of uniform and clothing should be clearly named.
Jewellery, other than watches, is not permitted and studs or sleepers only are to be worn in pierced ears. Jewellery must not be worn for sporting activities and earrings will need to be removed. Long hair must be tied back at all times.

What happens during severe weather?

Adverse Weather Closures

If we do decide that we need to close the school as a result of bad snow or bad road conditions, this is not a decision that we take lightly. Adverse weather really does mean ‘severe’ as opposed to a slight flurry. If circumstances are such that you think there is a possibility that we may be forced to close either first thing in the morning or during the day, we would please ask you to check the following:

In the first instance, please visit the school’s website to see if a message has been posted on the home page.

Radio Broadcasts

You can tune into the local radio stations listed below where closure information will be broadcast on a regular basis (note that BBC Essex’s website is updated before any broadcasts). However, it can take us up to 20-30 minutes for our call to them to be connected, and the message will only be broadcast in the next ’round’ of announcements.

BBC Essex: 103.5 FM / 729 AM

Dream 100: 100.2 FM

Early Closure

If weather conditions should deteriorate once the children are already in school, please first check the school’s website to check for any new message that have been posted on the home page. Where possible, please do try to avoid calling the school office for information as it is very difficult to function with such a high volume of incoming calls.

If we decide we must close early, we will inform the radio stations (again, BBC Essex will update their website before any broadcasts take place) and also text & email parents.

What are the school opening times?

The school day

7.30am Breakfast Club opens
8.30am Gates Open
8.35am – Classrooms & Registration opens
8.50am – Registration Closes
10.15am – 10.45am – Staggered Morning Breaks
11.45am – 1.00pm – Staggered Lunch Breaks
3.15pm – End of school day
3.15pm-5.30pm Wraparound After School Clubs

What is your Late/AbsenceProcedure?

Our procedures are to ensure that we know where your child is and that you are all safe.

If your child is not going to be in school, please let us know before 9am on the first day of the absence. You can now use the Arbor Portal & App to inform us when your child is going to be absent from school. Alternatively, you can call the office on 01206 865747 or email the school on office.sjc@dcvst.org to report their absence.
If your child is going to arrive after 9am, please let us know by telephoning the office on 01206 865747. Our classroom doors close at 8.50am, after which time your child will need to enter via the main school office.
If we have not heard from you by 9am, we will then start to call all the contact numbers that you have provided in order to gain an explanation for the absence. If we still have not been able to ascertain where your child is, we may have to take further action. In some cases, we might report it to the police (as your child will then be classed as a ‘missing child’).

Please ensure up-to-date contact details are provided.

My child is sick. Should they still come to school?

Local NHS experts have joined forces with Essex County Council to produce an at-a-glance guide to 17 childhood illnesses including Chicken Pox, Glandular Fever, Ringworm and Tonsillitis.

This poster NHS Poster – Advice on Childhood Illness highlights key symptoms of common illnesses which are traffic light colour coded to indicate whether children should go to school or stay at home.

Green category – for example colds and conjunctivitis – are those where children should continue to go to school.
Amber category – is when an illness could be catching and there are some restrictions on school attendance.
Red category – Children should not go to school and should see a GP. Red category illnesses are German measles, Impetigo, Measles and Whooping Cough.

The poster also advises parents on where they should first seek treatment, either from their local pharmacist or their GP.

There is guidance on when to consult a GP if symptoms persist and advice on when it should be safe for a child to return to school if they have a particular illness.