FAQs

We understand that there is a lot of information for parents whilst your child is at school with us. We have done our best to answer as many of these as possible below, but please do not hesitate to get in touch if you require any more information or have anything that you wish to share. 

Here is our Parent Handbook for 2022.

What time does the school day begin? 

The school gates open at 8.35am and close at 8.45am. The register closes at 9am and any children arriving after this time are recorded as an unauthorised late absence. 

Are we able to take holidays during term time? 

From September 2013 new government regulation no longer allows schools to authorise leave of absence except in "exceptional circumstances".  We will therefore no longer be able to authorise holidays during term time. 

If there are exceptional circumstances which mean that you need to take your son or daughter out of school, please make a request in writing explaining the reason (or complete the leave of absence form). The leave of absence form can be found here: Keeble Gateway Academy - Absences

Can my child take medicine at school? 

Children can only take prescribed medication, which has been prescribed to be given a minimum of 4 times per day. It is expected that where medicines are able to be administered 3 times a day, this would be done before a child comes to school, when they get home and before bedtime. If your child requires medication at school, please speak to the school office to fill out the necessary paperwork and hand the medication over to be stored securely. Prescribed medication must come inside the box with the prescription label attached. 

Please see our Administering Medication policy on the policies page for more information or speak to the office. 

How do I book meals and The Nest? 

All bookings should be made via ParentPay. This is not a rolling booking, so the bookings need to be made each week to meet your requirements. 

Will my child have a snack in school? 

All children in EYFS and KS1 are entitled to school fruit, which is provided daily. If you would like your child to bring their own snack, this must be a healthy option (no sweets, chocolates, crisps or biscuits). 

What should my child wear to school? 

All children are expected to wear school uniform, as we believe a uniform allows all children, regardless of background, to feel equal to their peers and confident in their appearance. 

School uniform can be purchased from a number of supermarkets and high street clothing stores. If you wish to purchase the branded school uniform this can be purchased from SchoolShop.co.uk https://school-shop.co.uk/school/keeble-gateway-academy/

Our full uniform list is here: Keeble Gateway Academy - School Uniform

We also have a large amount of school uniform donated to school. This is available for parents to look through and take whatever you think you may require! We are passionate about reducing our carbon footprint and this is a great way to reuse high quality (and some barely used!) clothing items. 

What do I do if my child has appointment during school time? 

Please inform the office as soon as possible and provide a copy of the appointment letter. This will then be logged onto our register. We ask that children are collected from school and then returned immediately before and after their appointment to minimise any lost learning time. 

What do I do if my child is unwell and cannot attend school? 

Please call the school office as soon as possible and by 9am at the latest. It is fine to leave a message, which will be picked up once administrators come into school. Please see the bottom of the page for a list of infectious illnesses and the required period of absence. 

How do I get involved in school life? 

There are lots of ways to get involved! 

Our fantastic PTA, the Friends of Keeble Gateway Academy are an active group who raise a significant amount of money for our school. Further information is here: Keeble Gateway Academy - The Friends

If and when governor vacancies become available, these are communicated via our Chair of Governors.

When do I need to pay for school meals? 

Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to Universal Infant Free School Meals. If your child is in Nursery or in KS2 (Y3 and above), the meals are chargeable and this is payable via Parent Pay. 

Further information can be found on our School Meals page: Keeble Gateway Academy - School Meals

Can my child bring sun cream to school? 

We encourage parents to use a long lasting sun cream that can be applied before school and will last throughout the day. We understand that some may require top ups and therefore, children may bring sun cream to school. This should be clearly labelled and children should be able to apply this themselves. Staff can oversee this but are unable to apply sun cream, as per our safeguarding procedures. 

Below is a list of infectious illnesses and the recommended period of time that children should stay off school: