School Day
Following Government guidance, we deliver a school week of 32.5 hours.
Our school day runs from 08:50 to 15:20 (8:50 am to 3:20 pm)
The 32.5 hour minimum expectation includes the time from the official start of the school day (morning registration at 08:50) to the official end of the compulsory school day (15:20). The 32.5 minimum includes breaks and lunchtimes as well as teaching time. It does not include after school clubs or wrap around provision.
It is vital that all pupils are on site before the whistle blows at 08:50. Any pupils arriving after this time will be marked as late in the register.
Here are the timings of our school day:
Time | Activity |
08.50 | Start of the School Day |
08:55 to 10.30am | Teaching Session 1 |
10.30 to 10.45 | Morning Playtime |
10.45 to 11.05 | Collective Worship (Assembly) |
11.05 to 12.15 | Teaching Session 2 |
12:00 to 1:00pm 12.15 to 1.15pm | Lunch and Playtime (Ash Class - Reception) Lunch and Playtime (All other classes) |
1.00 to 2.00pm 1:15 to 2:00pm 1:15 to 2:15 pm | Teaching Session 3 (Ash Class) Teaching Session 3 (Holly Class) Teaching Session 3 (Oak and Willow Class) |
2.00 to 2.15pm | Afternoon Playtime (Ash and Holly Class) |
2.15 to 3.20pm | Teaching Session 4 |
3.20pm | Home Time |
Be in the Line at ten to nine!
The whistle blows at 8.50am each morning and children are expected to be in the playground by this time. Pupils can be dropped at the school gate from 08:40 and will be supervised on the playground until the whistle.
Morning Teaching Sessions
This session starts promptly at 08:50am. Lesson timings vary from class to class but are generally based around English and mathematics. In maths lessons the youngest of our children will be developing confidence and fluency with whole numbers, counting and place value as well as shapes and measures. As children progress, work will include the four number operations as well developing the ability to solve a range of problems.
English lessons include aspects of speaking, listening, reading and writing as well as the teaching of specific skills such as spelling, handwriting, punctuation and grammar.
Early reading is taught through the Floppy Phonics programme in EYFS and Key Stage 1; together with a range of activities and experiences aimed at developing understanding and nurturing a love of books and reading. As pupils progress in their decoding skills, there is more emphasis on independent language comprehension and analysis of different writing styles.
Playtimes
A member of staff supervises play time and there is always plenty for the children to do. We encourage everyone to be active and enjoy the fresh air and outdoor space. The children have access to a variety of playground equipment, can use the adventure trail and the playground markings for games with their friends or run around on our large field. There are also opportunities for peace, quiet reflection and spirituality on the benches, in the playhouses and in our sensory garden. Our pupils love the opportunities both to be active and to be able to share a quiet moment with their friends.
Collective Worship
Our Collective Worship is based upon our school Christian vision: 'building a foundation for love and learning' Our staff, pupils, governors and parents have chosen key Christian values which underpin our vision and support our school ethos. Each half-term we think about our school vision through one of our Christian values and we aim to ensure that collective worship in our school is inclusive, invitational and inspiring.
Worship will give our children the opportunity to:
• enjoy singing a range of songs that express worship or celebrate our school vision, values and ethos
•participate, lead worship and become involved, giving pupils the opportunity to use their gifts to plan and lead worship
• celebrate special occasions and seasons in the Church’s year and the life of the nation/community.
• mark events of national and international significance
• join with parents, governors and staff to worship together.
• welcome visiting speakers or participants
Collective worship also reflects the diversity of beliefs within the school, valuing the practices and traditions of others who are a part of the school community, as well as other important times of celebration for wider religious communities
Lunch Times
Lunchtime Supervisors look after the children during this time. We can offer a hot meal at lunch time prepared, cooked and transported by Red Hen Cookery. Ordering from healthy option menus can be done by parents online on the Red Hen website. Children may also bring a packed lunch to eat at midday if they wish to.
Afternoon Teaching Sessions
In the afternoons children will be studying the full range of foundation subjects. Please see our curriculum pages for further details.
At Callow End our Christian vision of 'building a foundation of love and learning' is central to our curriculum planning. We offer a broad and balanced curriculum, with carefully planned progression, engaging teaching methods and lessons which are designed to suit the needs and interests of the children.
Home Time
At the end of the day the children will be brought out by class teachers to meet parents at 15:20. We always ensure that children are met by a parent or known adult, and we take any uncollected children back into school for safety.
If you are going to be late do contact us as soon as you can. If someone other than the usual parent/carer is collecting your child, please inform Mrs Crote or Ms Simons, giving details of approved adults and a password which can be shared with staff. Please be patient and treat our staff with respect if they need to confirm the details of adults before allowing your child to leave school with them. We are sure that you appreciate the fact that we would rather check than allow a child to leave with an unapproved adult.