Contact and Communication

How do I contact school?

The school’s telephone number is 01480 375700

The school’s postal address is Hinchingbrooke School, Brampton Road, Huntingdon. PE29 6BN

Individuals can be reached by e-mail by placing their staff code in front of the school’s e-mail address

e.g. “xyz”@hinchbk.cambs.sch.uk

Whom should I contact at school?

Can I just drop in to talk to teachers?

No, all visitors must report to main reception.  This supports our safeguarding responsibilities for our students and staff.  Appointments with staff can be made in person at main reception, by calling the school on 01480 375700, or by emailing the teacher concerned.

Who are the 'Student Support Team' ?

The Student Support Team comprises three members of non-teaching staff who support various pastoral aspects of school life. The Student Support Team also includes members of the administration team who work alongside the Key Stage Managers.

Where should I go if I have to collect my child or I need to deliver something?

We require all visitors to Hinchingbrooke School to sign in at Main Reception, and they will direct you from there.  This can be found in Middle School opposite the uniform shop.                                                 

What is the planner?

The planner is a student diary that includes information about the school and a copy of the child’s time-table. It is used to record homework, absence notes and merits. There are spaces each week in which parents and tutors can write notes. Parents are asked to sign the planner weekly. Planners are given free at the start of the year. The charge for a replacement is £3, via the GSA.

Can mobile phones be taken to school?

Phones should never be switched on or used during the school day. Staff will confiscate phones that are used during the school day. Parents will be contacted re collecting confiscated items from Reception, as per school policy confiscated items cannot be returned to the pupil they have to be collected by a designated adult.  Exactly the same conditions apply to personal music players.

ParentMail?

This is a free service to parent/carers emailing pupil information and letters direct to you.  To register with ParentMailTM to receive messages and newsletters email Sheila Wotherspoon(see contact table).

Welfare

How will my child be looked after in such a large school?

Before s/he arrives in school your child will be placed in a mixed ability tutor group of about 30 students in one of four “houses”, Cromwell (green), Montagu (yellow), Pepys (blue) and Vesey (red). The tutor responsible for the tutor group plays an important part in settling students into the routines of school and in monitoring their well-being and progress. S/he will be the person your child meets every day and is the person with whom you will have direct contact. 

The safety of our students is of paramount importance and it is an area in which home and school must be seen to work closely together.  Child Protection procedures are rigorous at school, we are committed to ensuring that your child feels safe at all times.

What are the houses for?

Students stay in the same house throughout their time in school and they come to identify with it. This allegiance to a larger group generates loyalty and encourages participation. Inter-house rivalry fuels competition in sport and other areas of the curriculum and events like fund-raising for charities.

What if my child has special needs?

Before students transfer to Hinchingbrooke, the Learning Support Department liaises with primary schools to identify those who may find the transfer to secondary school demanding or who have particular needs. Some students may need intensive individual support while others may need special equipment provided. The information gathered is circulated to the members of teaching staff so that they can meet students’ needs in their lessons.  If you have any concerns about your child’s needs contact the Head of Learning Support.

What if my child has a medical condition?

If your child has a condition that requires medication or special arrangements that may affect her/his performance in school let the tutor and the Medical Room know.

What are the catering arrangements?

A range of food and drinks are available during break, lunch-time and before school. Students can buy food using cash or a pre-payment card that can be purchased in advance from the till operators in the PAC for £20.00 for 10 meals, (cheques made payable to Hinchingbrooke School LMS account).

They can also bring their own packed lunch to eat in the facilities available.  

We always welcome feedback from parents and students regarding the catering service and can be contacted on 01480 375677 or email ssm@hinchbk.cambs.sch.uk

If a student forgets their lunch a loan can be obtained from the relevant member of the student services team.

If your child has been eligible for free school meals, the arrangements are likely to continue unless there have been changes to your family circumstances.

To apply contact Education Welfare Benefits Service Tel: 01480 375579/375585 or email fsm@cambridgeshire.gov.uk (www.cambridgeshire.gov/uk)

How can I help the school keep my child safe?

Students who absent themselves from school put themselves at risk. Make sure your child knows how important it is to be in the right place at the right time.

• Make sure we have up-to-date telephone numbers for home and work should we need to contact you, also that we have the name and number of someone other than yourself if contacting you during the day is difficult
• Make sure your child knows what to do in an emergency. Talk through where s/he could go and what s/he should do if you were not available – for example if the school transport fails to turn up in the morning or there is an emergency school closure
• Let us know of changes to your family circumstances

What does my child do if s/he is late?

Students arriving after registration period should sign in at the Student Reception in middle school. (with the exception of year 7 who need to come to the Transition office)

What do I do if my child is ill?

If your child is staying at home unwell please ring the relevant Student Support Assistant at school on the first day that s/he is away.  When s/he returns please complete the section about absences in the planner.  Your child should be encouraged to catch up missed work. 

If your child is taken ill during the day s/he will be looked after in the Medical Room in Middle School by a First Aider. If you are contacted to collect her/him please report to Main Reception in Middle School.

What if we have medical/dental appointments during the school day?

Your child should show the appointment card/letter to the tutor in advance of the absence. Your child should carry the card when s/he leaves school after signing out at the Student Support Assistant ’s office so that it can be shown to anyone who may challenge her/his absence from school. Education Welfare Officers periodically challenge school-age young people who are out of school during the day. Once returned to school your child should sign back in at the GSA’s Office.

What do I do if I want to take my child out of school in term time?

In the first instance please apply for a holiday form via the Form Tutor/Student Support Assistant, please put as much information as possible on the request.  Requests for term-time leave are only authorised in exceptional circumstances e.g. a parent/grandparent or other close family relative is seriously ill and the holiday proposed is likely to be the last such holiday, or there may have been a significant trauma in the family recently whereby a holiday might enable the child concerned to deal better with the situation, or the holiday might be a unique one off, never to be repeated which would enhance their education. 

What if my child has to have a long period out of school?

The most usual reason for this is ill health or medical treatment. Keep in close touch with the form tutor so they are aware of the situation and possible return dates. Where it is appropriate work can be sent home to help your child keep up to date.  For long periods of absence a medical certificate may be required.

May my child cycle to school?

Yes. When students bring cycles into school, they should observe road safety rules and maintain their brakes and lights frequently. Helmets and high visability clothing are strongly recommended.

Bicycles should be kept locked in the compounds around the site.  The compounds themselves are locked during the school day only.  

THERE SHOULD BE NO CYCLING ON THE SCHOOL GROUNDS.

Is the school responsible for the buses?

No, the Local Authority (LA) is responsible for the buses. Questions about buses should be addressed to Sue Eagle at School Transport on 01223 717104.

What do I do if I am concerned about the behaviour of students on the bus?

Let the school know and/or the LA, we expect our students to behave well, with due consideration to other passengers and road-users while travelling to and from school. If a student’s behaviour falls short of expectations s/he can be banned from travelling by bus.

What if my child loses her/his fare money or bus pass?

Temporary bus passes and emergency loans can be arranged via the Student Support Assistant, replacement bus passes need to be arranged via School Transport on 01223 717104.

Where can I pick up my child in my car?

We need to keep areas of the school clear at the start and end of the day so that buses can move on and off our premises safely. If you bring your child to school by car please take heed of the notices at the entrances to the site and do as we ask. There is a lay-by on Brampton Road where you can park to wait for your child.

Can students leave the school site during break or lunch times?

Students may go home for their lunch if it has been pre-arranged with the school.  They may not leave site at break or lunch time for any other reason, eg to visit the Country Park, the Hospital site or surrounding area.

Schools work most effectively when home and school are seen to be working together. This is particularly true with regard to behaviour. Students need to know that the standards we require are recognised as important by those at home as well. The sanctions used by school do at times create inconvenience, we would like to think despite that parents/carers will support the school in ensuring punishments are carried out.

How does the school reward achievement?
Celebrating success is important. Staff award merits for good work, making progress and sustained effort. These are recorded in the students’ planners. Certificates are awarded for collecting 10, 25, 50, 100, 150 and 200 merits. Certificates are given out during assemblies emphasising the value the school places on individual achievement.
Rewards are now being overseen by our four House Leaders. End of term house assemblies celebrate achievement in inter-house events, sport and other areas.
Sport @ HBK pins
These pins are achieved as follows:
White Outside curriculum time/excellent attendance/significant contribution to school life.
House Colour Outstanding effort in House, e.g. organising competitions/organising charity work
Bronze Exceptional performance/commitment/effort in sport inside & outside school (Yr 7 & 8)
Silver (Yr 9 & 10)
Gold (Yr 11-13)

Will homework be set every night?
Throughout Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9), homework will be set regularly. The amount and type of work set will depend on the subject and the student’s ability. We try to make sure that subjects are spread through the week and that students are given more than one day to complete it.

In Years 7 and 8 students will be set regular weekly homework tasks in English, Maths and Science. In addition to this they will complete one 2-3 hour project a fortnight. This system will enable pupils to get into a regular routine regarding the completion of homework. It will also help them to learn about managing their time effectively and meeting deadlines; skills which will become more essential as they approach GCSEs and A-levels.

It is important that students learn to work independently and to manage their time effectively. As they get older, the amount of work that is needed outside the classroom to complete courses increases. We hope to develop the skills they will need at Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) by starting in Year 7.

How long should be spent on homework?
Most subjects will set regular short pieces of work that will take about 30 minutes to complete. Students in Year 7 will not be expected to spend more than one hour on homework a night. Those in Years 8 and 9 could expect up to one and a half hours a night. Some subjects may set a project to be completed over a longer period.

How will parents/carers know what has been set?
All homework should be recorded in the students’ planners. Entries should say what has to be done and when it is due in. Parents are asked to sign the planner weekly to show that they have seen it. Details of homework tasks in years 7 and 8 can also be found on the school website.

How can parents/carers help?
You can be supportive by encouraging students to complete tasks on time and by providing an appropriate space within which to do them. Taking an interest shows that homework is important.
Some students may need help with work particularly if the deadline is several days away.

What do I do if my child cannot complete the homework?
If family circumstances mean that homework cannot be completed at any time please write a note to that effect in the planner and encourage your child to catch up whenever possible. If s/he cannot do it because s/he cannot understand it and you cannot help either let the teacher know by writing in the planner. If you think the homework set is too easy or hard please get in touch with the relevant teacher. It is essential that there is communication from home if homework is not going to be completed, otherwise failure to hand work in will result in an immediate detention.

What should my child wear?
Uniform should be worn at all times on the school premises and on the way to and from school. It should be worn on school trips unless students are told otherwise.

The first three items can only be bought from the school uniform shop:
• School sweatshirt dark green, with embroidered badge in house colours
• School polo shirt white, with embroidered badge in house colours
• School badges in house colours sold separately to sew onto plain white polo shirts
These items can be bought anywhere:
• Trousers should be plain, black and formal. Jeans, jogging bottoms and cut offs are not suitable
• Skirts should be plain, black and formal in a simple style worn just above or below the knee
When buying trousers and skirts, please avoid denim, cord, or faded fabrics and passing fashion with regard to tightness, width, decoration, slits etc.
• Socks should be plain white or black
• Tights should be plain black or natural
• Shoes should be plain black or brown in a sensible style with low, flat heels
Please note, shoes (not sandals, boots or trainers) must be strong enough to protect feet in science labs and workshops. Students will be excluded from practical lessons if their footwear is inappropriate.
Trainers should only be worn during PE, Drama and some PD lessons.
Out-door wear
In cold and wet weather students will need some sort of coat or jacket.
• Top coats should be worn over the school uniform and not instead of a sweatshirt
• Hats, caps and scarves should NOT be worn in the school buildings
• Scarves may be worn for warmth, with a jacket, never on their own
• Advertising logos, badges and football club insignia should be avoided where ever possible

What PE kit does my child need?
Sports wear, can be bought from Sports and Fashions in the High Street, Huntingdon
Boys and girls
• games shirt green reversible with band in house colour
• polo top white with collar and cuffs in house colour
• shorts black
• sports socks long, green
• socks ankle length, white
• trainers
Swimwear
• boys trunks- for swimming and for wearing under shorts in black
• girls costume - a discreet one-piece in black
Football/rugby boots Kite marked safety studs strongly recommended
Optional: Jogging bottoms black
Base Layer White/black (thermal/Cool shirt to be worn under PE kit)

Where can I buy school clothing?
The Uniform Shop sells sweatshirts, polo shirts and badges. It is at the entrance to Middle School opposite Reception. Cheques should be made payable to “HSA School Uniform Account”. Cash and clothing vouchers are also accepted. Please place order with payment in a sealed envelope marked for Mrs J Goddard (see contact table). Order forms can be obtained from the GSAs or downloaded from the school website or the uniform shop during opening hours. Its opening times are:
Each week Every TUESDAY 10:00 – 3:30 term time only
Each term First SATURDAY 2:30 – 4:00 except Bank Holiday weekends
ADDITIONAL DAYS: Wednesday 15 July (taster evening) 6.30 – 9.30
Saturday 18 July 9.30 – 11.00 Tuesday 21 July 10.00 – 3.30
Thursday 20 August 6.00 – 8.00 Saturday 22 August 9.30 – 11.00 Saturday 29 August 9.30 – 12.00 Tuesday 1 September 10.00 – 2.00

What should I do if my child cannot wear the right uniform?
If a student is not able to wear complete uniform please write a note in the planner or a letter to her/his tutor saying why. Non compliance of uniform without a valid note could result in the student being sent home. If for medical reasons a student needs to wear footwear other than shoes this must be supported by a note from your doctor or specialist.

Are there rules about hairstyles, make-up and jewellery in Years 7, 8 and 9?
We expect standards of personal presentation to be high.
The following points should be noted:
• Students are expected to keep themselves neat and clean
• Extremes of hair length, colour and style should be avoided
• One ring and one watch may be worn, one plain stud may be worn in each ear, hooped/ dangling styles of ear-ring are not allowed. Bracelets may only be worn for medical reasons
• Necklaces should not be worn except for religious reasons. (Even these items should be concealed please)
• Rings, bolts and studs in body piercings are not allowed
• Coloured nail varnish and make up are not permitted

What happens if an item of clothing is lost?
Property found around school is sent to the Lost Property Room in Lower School. Labelled items are returned as soon as possible to their owners. Lost property is open morning break time and is located opposite Room 4 in Lower School. All lost property is disposed of at the end of the school year.
Please ensure all items of clothing, sportswear and kit are clearly named.

What equipment should my child take to school?
Students should come well prepared for school work they will need their exercise books, basic writing equipment and their planners everyday. They may also need PE kit, ingredients or an apron for Food and Nutrition. Maths equipment including a simple calculator will also be needed.

Does my child have to carry everything round all day?
Lockers are available at a charge of £15 at the start of Year 7. They will keep the same locker until they leave in Yr 11. If the keys are lost a replacement key/lock costs £3.
Arrangements for renting a locker can be obtained by contacting Mrs N Darbyshire – GSA Year 7.
There are locker stores in the Music Department for musical instruments.

Who is responsible for student’s property?
Whilst every effort will be made to keep property safe the safety of all property and valuables remains the student’s responsibility. The school does not accept responsibility for the loss of any personal property. Parents should make their own insurance arrangements for items such as bicycles/mobile phones. Students should not bring expensive personal items or large sums of money to school.

Is there anything students must not take to school?
• Students should not bring aerosol sprays into school. Using sprays in confined spaces can aggravate asthma. Students wanting to use deodorants should bring roll-on or stick type products
• Glass bottles should be avoided as they create a safety hazard
• Students should not bring correction fluid as it damages clothing and furniture.
• Chewing Gum