Getting Organised
What is the uniform and where do I buy it from?
Full details of the uniform policy can be found on our website: Ready to Learn
Branded goods are available from:
- Sabre Sports
- Price and Buckland
What type of outdoor jacket should my child use?
Ashfield is a very large site and students will need an appropriate waterproof coat or jacket at all times when moving between lessons and at social times. We do not allow hoodies or Hooded material jackets in any circumstances as they are not appropriate.
What equipment will my child need?
We highly recommend that students arrive prepared for school with these items:
- an appropriate school bag that is clearly named
- a lightweight PE bag that is clearly named
- an optional refillable water bottle that is clearly named
- a pencil case that is clearly named, containing: black pens, pencils, ruler, rubber, sharpener and a scientific calculator.
What are the school’s opening hours?
The gates open at 8am. Students are welcome to access a breakfast club within school in the JLC where they serve a variety of breakfast items. Year bases can be accessed from 8:15am as a social space to read and relax before the tutor bell at 8:35am.
Lessons finish at 3:05pm and after-school activities usually finish by 4.00pm
Can my child come to school on a bike?
We have two secure bike sheds which are monitored by CCTV at all times. We do however advise your child brings a bike chain and lock to school as a precaution.
Can my child bring their mobile phone to school?
If a student needs to contact home, they should speak to the Year 7 team who will be able to support them with making contact. A student does not, therefore, have any need for a mobile phone in the school. If you feel that your child needs one for the journey to and from school, the phone must be switched off and placed in their bag out of sight throughout the school day. Any mobile phones that are seen, heard or used during the day will be confiscated. It will be returned to the student at the end of a school day.
Tutor Group
When will we be told our child’s tutor group?
Students and parents will be informed of the child’s tutor group and invited to an evening to meet their tutor via letter. This will be sent out towards the end of June.
How will my child be allocated a tutor group?
Students are allocated tutor groups to ensure they are equal in size as well as to ensure a mixture of genders, ethnicities and abilities to represent our intake and values. Students are also mixed up to ensure primary school intake is spread out so that students have the opportunity to meet new friends from different schools. We do speak to primary schools to ensure any unhealthy combinations are avoided
What is the role of a tutor?
Tutor time is an invaluable part of the day for all students. As a result, the role of the form tutor is central to not only caring for the students, but also monitoring their progress both academically and socially.
Tutors are active in looking after the interests of the whole child and support pupils by:
- Being a point of contact for families and trusted adult
- Promoting positive relationships
- Encouraging high standards
- Monitoring progress and wellbeing
- Delivering a high quality tutor programme
Dining
How much money will my child need for lunch?
The standard meal deal price and the free school meal allowance is £2.90. More information about the food options are available here: https://www.ashfield.ttct.co.uk/information/catering/#1701432168815-57f9a385-a5c1
How do I top up the money on my child’s account?
Food and drink at Ashfield is purchased using ParentPay. You will receive a letter in September to link up to ParentPay. Cash payments are no longer accepted by our catering partners.
Support
How do you support worry about starting secondary school?
Being nervous about starting secondary school is normal; after all it’s the first big change many students will have experienced. Please reassure your child that this move is an exciting, positive, new chapter in their lives and that we are all looking forward to welcoming them to Ashfield. However, if you are concerned about your child’s anxiety, please contact your child’s tutor or the Year Team and we will do all we can to help.
Who can my child speak to if they are worried?
If your child has any worries or concerns, they should speak to either the Year 7 Team or their Tutor, who they will have contact with each day.
Who do I contact about my child’s medical information?
We would ask that any relevant medical information about your child is passed to your child’s form tutor and the Year 7 PSO. We do have a dedicated first Aider on site in Student Services who would contact you if required for more complex medical needs.