SpringwellParent/Carer Information
Where to go on their first day:
You will receive a letter explaining the location to drop your child off on their first day which is relevant to their year group.
If you have requested transport from the authority then their transport office will be in touch with you towards the end of August.
Make sure all clothing and belongings are clearly labelled with your child’s name
Lunch boxes:
KS1 children will be provided with a free school dinner and those in KS2 that are in receipt of Free School Meals. However, many parents still like to send in a packed lunch with food that they know their child likes to eat. We encourage parents to provide a healthy and balanced packed lunch.
Nappies & personal care products:
A week’s supply of nappies, wet wipes.
Any medication your child may needs along a completed medical form giving us permission to administer. This form can be found at the back of the medical forms you will be asked to complete.
What to bring in:
Spare clothes (not uniform) – 2x trousers, 2x tops 1x jumper, 1x plimsolls, 2 x socks, 2 x pants (if toilet trained)
P.E kit – white t-shirt, loose shorts, plimsolls.
Wellington boots.
Swimming kit: Costume/trunks & towel. (These will be sent home after every use) swimming nappies if not toilet trained.
Uniform:
Order your child’s uniform from our website. Please click HERE to be taken to the uniform order page.
Due to the nature of our children uniform is not compulsory if they not comfortable wearing it.
If you do not have access to the internet, please request a form from reception.
We advise purchasing the new starter pack which consists of 2 sweatshirts & 3 polo shirts. Fleeces and coats are optional extras. White PE shirts with logos can also be purchased through School Trends, although your child can also wear a plain white T shirt if you prefer. You are also able to order plain items such as trousers/skirts although you may wish to buy them cheaper elsewhere. We would recommend black or grey trousers/skirts or children can wear dark jogging bottoms if it is more comfortable for them.
Jogging bottoms and shoes and plimsolls with Velcro will aid your child towards independence.
Book bags and water bottles can be purchased directly through the school office.
If your child is entitled to pupil premium you will receive 1x polo shirt 1x Sweatshirt OR cardigan & 1x white PE shirt for free.
Note - Children's Passports
Please be aware school staff are not able to complete passport applications for children due to the General Data Protection Regulations and the requirement to provide personal contact details.
FAQs
What are the times of the school day?
All classes and sites operate on core school ours of 9.00am to 3.00pm.
Information with regards to breaks and lunchtimes can be found HERE.
How many pupils/staff are in each class?
Classes range in sizes dependant on the location and needs of the children. Our EYFS Classes at Start Point Sholing have 12 pupils and 6 members of staff. Our classes on the main site range between 8 to 10 pupils to 4 members of staff in Year 1 – 6. Our satellite classes have up to 10 pupils and 5 members of staff. As of September 24, Springwell has 33 classes across all sites.
Where are the Early Years Classes located?
We have three early years’ reception classes that are located at Start Point Sholing. The classes at Start Point Sholing are run by Springwell School and pupils are taught and supported by Springwell staff. The school day runs from 9.00am to 3.00pm. The children at Start Point Sholing are very much part of the Springwell Family and are able to use the facilities on the main site, Staff are supported by the Welfare Team based on the main site and all correspondence and enquiries are handled via the main Office at Springwell. Please follow the link for further information regarding our EYFS Classes HERE.
Will my child go to mainstream at some point?
Springwell has three satellite classes within mainstream schools at Bitterne C of E, Mount Pleasant Juniors, and Weston Park Primary. Whilst the classes are not on the main site, they are part of Springwell school, run and supported by Springwell Staff. Pupils who attend at some of our satellite classes have the opportunity to learn alongside their mainstream peers during their school day. Satellite classes are reviewed each year and children who would benefit from moving to a resource provision are considered, this is always discussed with parents prior to a decision being made. Further information regarding satellite classes can be found HERE.
What does the average school day look like?
On our website there is a section under the Parents tab, titled Daily routine where there's information about what your child's daily routine may look like. In between arrival, breaks, lunch, and home time there are lessons such as English, Maths, PE, Science, etc. Click HERE to go to the Daily Routine page.
What additional facilities are there within the school?
Both Puffin and Partridge Building have their own dedicated IT Room, Art Room, Cookery Room, Soft Playrooms. There is also a Magic Room and Sensory Room in Puffin Building for the younger pupils. Partridge Building also has a Splash Room, a room with specialist sensory equipment including and interactive floor scape and further room with additional play and therapy equipment.
Following our recent expansion, we also have a MUGA on which the children can do sports, together with dedicated play areas for both buildings.
School Transport
Am I entitled to dedicated school transport?
If the child’s home address is over two miles, they will be entitled to transport. If you live within two miles but due to exceptional circumstances or health reasons you are not able to drop off and pick up, you can apply for exceptional transport. You can do this by contacting the School Office or contacting the SEND Team at Southampton City Council on 023 8083 3013.
Should your child be successful in securing a place at Springwell. The Transport Team will be informed as to whether or not you qualify for transport. Parents need to be aware that the details of the transport, escort, and times etc are usually communicated a few weeks prior to your child starting at Springwell, as the transport office have lots of logistics to sort out.
Toilet Training / Personal Care
My child is not toilet trained and still in nappies, is this a problem?
Not at all, we will do our best to support you and your child with this. Your child’s teacher will communicate with you, keeping in close contact to decide when it is a suitable time to start this process. They may also seek support from the Continence Service, who can advise how best to support your child with this. Our Welfare Team are on hand to help you with any referrals to the Continence Service.
Food Worries / Lunch Times
My child cannot feed themselves: will they get help?
We encourage parents to work on this as much as possible at home prior to starting school. We will support them as much as possible within school, with a view to them learning to feed themselves independently.
Can you heat up food for them?
We cannot heat food up in school due to Food Hygiene Regulations, however, parents are able to send food in a thermos flask.
My child doesn't always eat very much/ only eats particular food and I'm worried he/ she won't be eating much at school?
You can communicate with your child's Teacher via the home school book and we can arrange to keep a food diary and work as a team to encourage your child to eat, try different foods, work with you on sending different foods into school. Our school dinners have also been carefully selected, so there is a range of items for them to try.
My child will not drink water: can I send in some squash?
We encourage pupils to drink water however, we recognise that for some pupils they will not drink if they do not have their usual squash, so are happy to give them a decreasing dilution.
Speech and Language Provision
Will my child still continue to receive Speech and language therapy?
Speech and Language therapy is embedded within our curriculum. We are supported by Speech and Language therapists who train our staff to be able to implement many of the strategies such as Narrative Therapy. We can also turn to our speech and language therapists for guidance and advice. Pupils who join us who have a speech and language need greater than is deemed usual for a SEND school may continue to receive 1:1 therapy. Their Speech Therapist will be able to advise on this.
Are there children who talk?
Yes, a significant number of our children have good language skills, and we try and ensure classes have a mix of abilities in order that the children can learn from each other. For those children with limited or no language at all we use (PECS Picture Exchange Community Signs) to enable children to make their own choices, communicate with staff and understand what is happening within their daily routine.
School Uniform
Do they have to wear uniform? My child is funny about clothes?
We do encourage children to wear a school polo shirt or sweatshirt if they will tolerate this. If not whatever they find comfortable.
How do I buy uniform? / What do I need to buy? / I am entitled to Pupil Premium. How do I get the allocated uniform for my child?
On our website there is a section under the Parents/Carers tab, titled Uniform that details how and what to buy. Click HERE to find out more. If you are or think you may be eligible for Pupil Premium or Free School Meals, there is further information available via the Southampton City Council Website.
Communication with Teachers / School
How can I communicate with my child’s teacher?
All pupils will be provided with a home communication book which will be sent home on a daily basis for Parents to write messages to the teachers or raise concerns. We also use a Tapestry system, on which parents are able to upload videos and pictures of activities they have been doing at home. Parents evenings are held on a regular basis, although due to the current circumstances, these may be via zoom meetings or telephone calls if required.
Behaviours
My child is presenting a behaviour that I would like to share with the class teacher and discuss.
That's absolutely fine, we work with you to discuss strategies and ways of supporting you and your child with behaviours. Please communicate with your child's teacher via home school books/tapestry.
Additional Activities / Support
Hydrotherapy Pool
- The pool is 5.5m x 4m and 1.2m deep.
- We keep it between 32.5 and 33 degrees, so it is very warm.
- We have colour changing lights in the water and can play music on poolside, we also have various toys and games for the children to play with whilst they are in the pool.
- We tend to use shark fin buoyancy aids to help support the children, woggles and we also have armbands.
- We teach the children not only how to swim but how to be water confident with showering etc
When would my child start swimming?
Your child will have swimming lessons weekly for one term a year.
Can my child bring toys into school?
We understand that some children feel comforted by certain toys, however they can become lost/ damaged at school, so we encourage children to leave their toys at home. If this is upsetting your child, we can always print a photograph of their special toy for them to hold and look at instead.
