Frequently Asked Questions
We appreciate that parents/carers who are new to our school will have many questions and concerns. Staff at the school are often asked questions in relation to your child’s education, school timings, procedures and a myriad of other topics. We wont have answered them all here of course but we have provided answers below to our most commonly asked questions in the hope that parents are able to find information they are looking for quickly without having to take time out to contact the school. If your particular question is not answered here then please do contact the school via our Contact Us page.
What are school opening and closing times?
During the day in order to ease congestion in the canteen for example there are slightly different timings for Reception/EYFS, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. You can view detailed timings for each group on The School Day information page.
There are a few occasions such as end of term days where the pick up time maybe be earlier. All of these occasions are listed on our comprehensive events listings to be found on the Home page & also on the News & Events page.
What is a House System?
The house system is an integral part of Briar Hill and is predominately utilised during inter-school competitions, which occur every half term, each with a different focus.
Our children are proud to be part of their house teams. Every child and member of staff is allocated to one of four houses, which they then support. Our houses teams are grouped vertically which enables children to socialise and engage with peers and staff beyond their everyday environment. It is an essential part of school life as it facilitates a growing community spirit and enables children to participate collectively, involving children from all year groups who are contributing to something bigger than themselves.
It was important for the house teams to be named after relevant, diverse and inspiring individuals, from different backgrounds within Great Britain. Therefore, the houses are all named after four successful British Artists. These artists each have a different discipline within art, they are: Gormley, Hockney, Banksy, Wiltshire.
What are House Points and Class Dojo?
House Points are awarded through Bromcom. These points are awarded for positive behaviour and efforts. Pupils also participate and compete in competitions and events for House Points. They are then recorded and over the course of a competition, the winning team announced. The children in the winning house are rewarded. At the end of the year, once all points are collected, the House Champions are announced.
Parents are encouraged to connect with the school through the Class Dojo system and they can check on points given, message teachers directly and also enjoy photos and videos from the class direct to any devices.
What is the Typical school day at Briar Hill Primary School?
Please refer to up to date Newsletters and MCAS messages regarding the school day, timings and assemblies for the week. Our day starts for nearly all the children at year groups at 8:45am and finishes at 3:15pm. During the day, children will take in a broad and balanced curriculum (updates of our curriculum and how we have adapted this are sent through MCAS, Newsletters and Class Dojo) which challenges and provides the building blocks for life. To find out more about the Curriculum at our academy please click here.
What do I do if my child is late to school?
What do I do if I am going to be late in collecting my child?
If a child is not collected and no reason is given they will go to Premier Education (an after school club provider based at Briar Hill Primary School) and Premier Education will charge you in accordance with their charging policy.
If a child is still not collected, Children’s Social Care will be contacted.
Can I send someone else to pick up my child?
