FAQ

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much is Dinner Money?

Presently the daily cost is £2.20

2. How do I apply for Free School Meals?

Please fill in this application form and return it to the school office.

3. What time does school start?

Gates open at 8:45am. We start school at 8:55am when the school bell goes. We would encourage children to be in the school playground from 8.45am to avoid lateness and the stresses this can bring. Any child arriving after 8:55 must enter by the school office and parents must explain why their child is late.

4. Where can I buy uniform?

Presently at the school office – you can order online using the ParentPay website.

5. How do I make an application for a school place?

You have to apply through Derby City Council School Admissions Team. 

How to Apply and when do they start?

When applying for a place to start Reception in September, parents must APPLY using the Common Application Form (CAF).

Main School – Reception Class

Places in main school are offered as follows:

  • In September for children who reach their fifth birthday between 1st September and 31st August

By law children must receive full-time education from the beginning of the school term following their fifth birthday. Parents can ask to defer entry, but not beyond the beginning of the term after their child becomes 5, or beyond the reception year.)

Derby City Council Admissions coordinate places. Ash Croft Primary Academy is a community school and as such priority is given to children in the following order:

  • Children in public care (also called Looked After) or a child previously in care but has been adopted or those subject to a residence order or special guardianship.
  • Children with an exceptional medical or social need for Ash Croft or Cottons Farm Primary Schools, which is supported by professional documentation
  • Children whose brother, sister , half siblings or foster siblings live at the same address and are on roll at Ash Croft  and will be on roll at the intended day of admission.
  • Children living closest to Ash Croft Primary Academy

The number of places available at the school is published annually and the school can not exceed that number, which is allocated with regards to available accommodation in the school.

Ash Croft: There are 40 main school places in each year group.

Derby City Council has an admission appeal procedure.

For further details regarding appeals please telephone: 01332 642727

For further details regarding school admissions please telephone: 01332 642727

Further information can be obtained from the school office and also at http://www.derby.gov.uk/education-and-learning/schools-and-colleges/school-admissions-appeals/

6. What should I do if my child is bullied?

Advise your child to speak to an adult in the school. This can be any member of staff that they feel comfortable with. You may also wish to support your child by talking to the teacher with your child. We would encourage that they report any incident to the class teacher as they can observe behaviour during lessons and advise lunchtime staff as necessary. We take accusations of bullying very seriously and any incidents are dealt with appropriately and with speed. If you are concerned about your child please speak to the Head of Academy and never approach a child or the parent.

7. Can I park at the school?

We do not have a car parking facilities on site. If you need to bring a disabled child to school please ask for car parking details. 

8. Can my child cycle to school?

Yes, your child can cycle or ‘scoot’ if they are accompanied by an adult. If you wish your child to cycle on their own they would need to be in Year 6. A secure cycle shed is provided on site.

9. Can my child walk to school alone?

Only children in Year 6 are allowed to walk alone or with their peers/older siblings.  Please inform staff/class teacher if your child is walking home or walking to school. 

10. What should I put in my child’s packed lunch?

We encourage healthy eating and expect parents to choose healthily when creating a packed lunch.

An example of a healthy packed lunch:

  • A sandwich (no peanut butter)
  • No crisps except baked snacks eg. Baked crisps, cheddars.
  • A wafer biscuit e.g. twix, kit kat, blue ribband.
  • Yoghurt and a piece of fruit.
  • Bottle of water or juice.
  • No fizzy drinks.

11. What do I do if my child has lost a piece of clothing?

Parents must either sew a name label into all clothing or write the child’s name in indelible ink. We are able to provide the use of an indelible ink pen when purchasing school uniform, and there is also an indelible pen in all classrooms. If an item goes missing your child must inform the class teacher and class teaching assistant and look in the lost property. We will do our utmost to find lost items but we are unable to provide a replacement.

12. Where will my child go when they finish in Year 6?

We offer varied support in the transition from primary to secondary school. This process includes a parents’ meeting, workshops and individual meetings with the head teacher. The school will keep you well informed regarding the CAF (common application form) process. 

13. When will my child start in Reception?

This will depend on their age and parental preference, usually children join Reception class in the September before their 5th birthday. Please see the school prospectus under the Admission section and for further advice you can speak to the school office staff.

14. Can my child bring toys in to school?

No, we normally discourage toys or collectables (e.g. football cards) being brought to school, unless the class teacher has specifically requested that they do. Please always check with the class teacher.

15. What is the best time to talk to the teacher if I have a question?

We would discourage parents from trying to talk to a teacher in the morning as they are busy preparing for the school day. We would advise you to speak to the teacher at the end of the school day after all the children have been dismissed. We can also make appointments in the school office for parents to see the class teacher or another member of staff.

16. Is there before and after school provision?

Due to COVID we currently do not offer any services.

Sinfin Community Childcare (SCC) offer a drop off and pick up service from Ash Croft and Cottons Farm. They have two out of School Clubs; ‘Sinfin Out of School’ is based at Sinfin Community Centre on Swallowdale Road.

18. How can parents get involved?

We encourage parents to get involved in various ways from attending trips to individual reading. If you would like to volunteer or get involved in fundraising please contact the school office. 

Ash Croft Primary Academy

Deepdale Lane, Sinfin, Derby DE24 3HF

Main Contact: Miss E Luff

SEN Contact: Mrs F Scott

01332 764160

info@ashcroft.theharmonytrust.org

STAFF LOGIN
SCHOOL BLOGS