Frequently Asked Questions
Our opening hours are Monday - Friday 08:15 - 16:00.
Please telephone or email the school as soon as you know your child will be absent or by 8:15 on the day of absence. If you child is off school for a prolonged period, we may require a letter or email on their return.
Your child can only return to school 48 hours after he/she was last sick. Please phone the school office for advice.
Please let the office know as soon as possible, particularly if your child will require a lunch before or after their appointment.
If your child has been prescribed antibiotics three times a day then we will not administer any at school as you can give them before school, after school and bedtime. If your child has been prescribed antibiotics four times a day then we can administer one dosage of the medication but you will need to fill in the necessary medical form available from the office.
Your child will need to have been taking anti-biotics for 48 hours and the lesions must be crusted or healed.
Your child can return to school if there are no cold-like symptoms or high temperature. The HPA advises that children should stay at home for 5 days following the appearance of spots.
Yes, but if the problem persists you may wish to take your child to your GP in case medication is needed to clear it up.
If we notice live headlice on a child in school we will inform the parent/carer in order to treat the problem at home. You will need to treat your child’s hair and ensure that there are no live headlice in his/her hair. There may be some eggs remaining but this does not prevent your child from being in school.
The school health office can be contacted on 0300 123 7572.
The newsletter is sent home by Parentmail. If you wish to receive the newsletter via a paper copy please contact the school office. Newsletters are also posted on our website go to the 'Newsletter' page.
Please sign the home time collection sheet in your child's class. You can also ring the school office, leaving a message with the pick-up details, by 14:45. If you have a regular arrangement, please fill in a 'home-time collection' form, available from the school office.
You will need to complete an 'Application for Leave of Absence' form which is available from the school office. For children aged 5 years and over absence will only be authorised in exceptional circumstances. We firmly believe that 100% attendance supports 100% education and would urge you to consider the impact of missed curriculum before requesting time out of school.
You can approach your class teacher, the school office or via email. You will be required to complete a DBS check for safeguarding reasons.
You can contact the Chair of the Friends of Swing Gate by emailing the school office or click here to visit the FOSG webpage for more information.
All children from Nursery - Year 2 are required to wear a school uniform. Uniform can be ordered online directly with our uniform provider Essential Schoolwear. All uniform delivered to school will be sent home with your child. We hold a small stock in the school office, please pop in to speak to the office team if you need a branded item in a hurry. Please see the uniform section of this website for information of what uniform you child requires.
All children need a clear plastic water bottle in school every day. Water bottles and lids can be purchased from the school office or online on our uniform page here.
All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to 'Universal Free School Meals'. However the school needs to know whether your child requires a school dinner or will be bringing in a packed lunch from home (or a mix of the two). Half a term's notice is required if your child wishes to change their dinner pattern. Click here to go to the 'school meals' webpage.
There is no automatic transfer from Nursery to Reception class. All parents/carers have to apply separately for Reception places which are allocated by the County Council. Please look out for the admissions booklet which is sent to home addresses by the County Council. For further information regarding admissions please click here or to apply for a place visit the Herts Direct Admissions page.
We have a one intake Nursery, with all children starting in September and completing one year in our Nursery. We follow County guidelines for Nursery admissions (click here for more information).
During the autumn term when your child is in Year 2 you will receive a booklet from the County Council advising you of the admissions process.
All children will join Reception in the September after their forth birthday. We follow County guidelines for admissions.
It is always best to first approach your child's class teacher to discuss any concerns you may have. Your child's teacher may need to find out further information regarding your concerns and would therefore not always be able to meet with you immediately but will arrange a suitable time to see you once all the information is to hand. If you feel that matters remain unresolved you may wish to make an appointment to see the Headteacher.
Suggestions are always welcome, they are channelled through Parent Representatives and discussed at Parent Forum meetings.
If you have a complaint please see our Complaints Policy on our Policies page.
The Chair of Governors can be contacted at chairofgovs@swinggate.herts.sch.uk. For more information click here to go to the Governors webpage.
Parents Evenings are held twice a year in the autumn and spring term when you will have an opportunity to discuss your child's progress. Annual reports are sent out for every child at the end of the summer term. If we have any concerns regarding your child's progress we will contact you.
Messages are generated from your details on Arbor. If you think your details may have changed and wish to check what we have on file or you are not receiving messages please call the school office. You can also login to your Arbor account to check and update the information we have for you and your child.
Religious Education (RE) is provided for all pupils, and is inclusive and broad minded. Parents do have the right to withdraw their child from RE: if you wish to do this, please make an appointment with the head teacher / RE subject leader. Our school does not support selective withdrawal from RE.
Swing Gate Lane, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire HP4 2LJ
01442 863913
admin@swinggate.herts.sch.uk