General Information

We are delighted to welcome our pupils, parents and visitors to Brandhall Primary and hope the information below aids in finding out about school life.

Admission Arrangements

Please visit our 'Admissions' page for more information.

Absence Procedures

If your child is due to be absent from school or has a medical appointment during the school day, please contact the school office before 9am on 0121 422 5336. Please ensure any appointment letters/texts are brought into the school office.

We have high expectations of attendance and give termly prizes to children who gain 100% attendance. In addition, at the end of each term, classes who have had the best attendance in each key stage are rewarded with a very special treat.

For further details, please view our Absence and Late Procedures Page or our Attendance Policy on our Policies Page.

Behaviour

Our children thrive on the positive expectations held by staff and at Brandhall it is 'Good to be Green'; this behaviour is recognised and rewarded throughout the week, term and year.

Our Brandhall values are modelled throughout school by our children and we believe this is essential in creating a happy community.

Our behaviour expectations are set out in our Behaviour Policy which can be accessed on our Policies Page.

The behaviour of pupils is good. Pupils in lessons behave well. As they move around the school they are polite and respectful to staff and visitors. -Ofsted 2019

 Brandhall Nursery

Brandhall Primary provides a caring and stimulating nursery for 3-4 year olds. Placement starts from the term following a child's 3rd birthday.

We offer fee-paying and funded placements, including 30 hours childcare and tax-free childcare, on a term-time basis. We can also accommodate breakfast and after school club, starting from 7:30am and finishing at 6pm along with holiday playschemes.

Please note, we are unable to facilitate nappy changing so it is an expectation for all children to be toilet trained when starting nursery.

If you would like to apply for a space, please complete our application form or collect one from the school office. We are also happy to organise visits to our setting.

Extended Services

We offer breakfast, after school and holiday provision for children aged 3 to 11 years on a first-come, first-served basis. Places are currently in high demand and a charge applies for this service.  If you would like to complete an enquiry form, please collect one from the school office.

Our Extended Services Manager is Michelle Roberts.

Please visit our Extended Services and Holiday Playscheme pages for more details.

Children's Safety

Children’s safety is of paramount importance to us at Brandhall and we have taken every step to ensure this including ensuring safety within the school building and grounds.

Visitors are most welcome and must sign in at the school reception office and collect a school visitor’s badge.

We are committed to safeguarding every child who attends Brandhall Primary School and hold monthly safeguarding meetings with our school nurses and local health visitors.

Our Safeguarding Lead and Family Support Worker is Mr Moore. If you would like to organise a meeting with Mr Moore, please contact the school office on 0121 422 5336.

Pupils feel safe in school and understand how to keep themselves safe beyond school. -Ofsted 2019

Collective Worship

Children participate in collective worship each day. This is a time for reflection about issues which may directly affect them or for thought on a range of faiths and beliefs. We encourage all our children to respect the religious beliefs of others and to explore their own ideas of religion and faith.

In R.E lessons we teach the children about all major faiths and religions.

As a parent you have the right to withdraw your child from R.E sessions. It is rare for parents to make this request, however, if you would like to discuss this option please feel free to make an appointment to see the Head Teacher.

 Through the teaching of the school's values in lessons and assemblies and of religious education, pupils show a thoughtful and informed respect for those with different beliefs. -Ofsted 2019

 Communication

Our office staff are welcoming, helpful and are happy to answer any queries you may have.  You can get in touch by visiting our school office or calling us on 0121 422 5336.

Office hours are as follows:

 

All correspondence is now sent via Parentmail (either text or email). Please ensure you sign up to this method of communication to receive frequent updates on school life such as assemblies, events etc. Please also remember to inform us of any changes made to contact details.

When the office is closed there will be an answer machine service in operation.

Copies of any documents found on the school website can be requested at the office.

First Aid

A variety of staff are first aid trained here at Brandhall and should any children need first aid administering then you will be informed as soon as possible; all children will receive an accident slip which will be handed to parents on collection and depending on the severity/type of accident/injury, a phone call home will be made.

Holidays During Term Time

We expect all children to attend school regularly; a leave of absence form must be completed for any holidays taken during term time. Please note, these are not routinely authorised though leave of absence for exceptional circumstances will be considered on individual merit.

If necessary, please complete and collect a 'Leave of Absence' form or collect one from the office.

Medicines

At Brandhall Primary, we are able to administer life-saving medications such as EpiPens, inhalers and anti-histamines, along with medication listed in care plans for children with diagnosed medical needs.

As you no doubt understand, staff are not able to administer any general medication such as antibiotics or pain relief to children and children are not yet of an age to take responsibility for medicines within school themselves. Parents/family members are able to come into school to administer medication to their child if necessary.

Ofsted Report

Please click on the link to view our most recent Ofsted report.

Link to Ofsted website (Brandhall Primary Report)

Parents and Friends Association (PFoB)

Our PFoB are always looking for new members to help support fundraising and community events. If you feel you could offer any skills or just fancy making new friends over a cup of coffee, please contact Mr Moore on 0121 422 5336 or message the PFoB Facebook group.

Parking

Blue badge parking is available on school premises via a badge scheme collectable from the school office.

There is no parking allowed on school grounds and we request that parking outside of the school gates adheres to the law and is considerate to the safety of our pupils, parents and visitors.

Performance Tables

Please click on the link to view our school performance data. Alternatively you can click on the following link to find and check the performance of schools in England.

Privacy Notice

Please visit our Privacy Notice page for more information.

Punctuality

Punctuality for all children is an expectation here at Brandhall. Lateness, especially repeated lateness, has a big impact on your children’s learning and social development. It also disturbs classes when late children arrive and the lesson has already begun.

Children need to be at school by 8:45 am ready to be in class for the start of their lesson by 8:55am.

It is also an expectation that parents are punctual and collect children at the correct time. We have a late collection policy, available on request, and charges will apply for persistent late collection.

School Nurse

The school nurse is a regular and supportive visitor in school and liaises with staff and families regarding their well being.

School Opening Hours

School opening hours are 8.45am – 3.15pm.  The total hours in a typical school week are 32.5 hours.

Please note, opening hours for Nursery differ depending on the provision option you choose for your child.

School Uniform

Our school uniform aids in our value of belonging to our school family; children take pride in wearing their uniform and always look extremely smart. Black shoes or black trainers are acceptable forms of foot wear.  Please see the separate uniform tab for information on purchasing school uniform.

Special Educational Needs

Brandhall is an inclusive school and the needs of all children are well catered for. We are fully committed to supporting individual children who may be experiencing difficulties in a variety of areas and to supporting children with particular gifts or talents.  Please see our SEND page for more details.

Valuables and Jewellery

Children should not bring items of value such as mobile phones, computer games and iPods into school. For Y5 and Y6 children that walk home, a mobile phone can be handed in to their teacher to be kept safe throughout the school day.

Due to health and safety reasons children are not able to wear jewellery to school. However a sensible inexpensive watch is acceptable for older children. Plain stud earrings may be worn but must be removed on P.E days as the school cannot provide plasters to cover earrings.