Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my child is unwell?
Phone school to let them know before 9:30 on the first day of sickness. Depending on illness (e.g. Chickenpox when we know the approximate length of illness) you should let the school know each day when your child is off. If your child is suffering from sickness and or diarrhoea they should be kept off school for 24 hours after the last episode.

When can I change my child’ from a packed lunch to a dinner or a dinner to a packed lunch?
You can only change meal arrangements at the beginning of a term. (A term is approximately 6 weeks)

What if I need to collect my child before the end of the day for a medical appointment?
If possible, please let the school know by telephone or in writing the day before, as this means that we can have your child ready at the correct time. Parents must go to the school office when they arrive to collect their child; do not go directly to the classroom door, as children have to be signed out because of Fire Regulations. Parents will be given a Medway Pupil Pass if they have no appointment card or letter, which must be carried by any child of school age if they are absent from school, even if accompanied by their parents.

What if my child needs medicine during the day?
If your child is ill and needs medication they should be kept at home. However we understand that is some circumstances the are times when medicine needs to be administered. However members of staff are not permitted to administer the medicine therefore a responsible adults needs to come into school at the appropriate time. Members of staff should be informed in the morning that this will be happening.

What if I need to speak to my child’s teacher?
Contact books are checked daily and any messages for the class teachers can be written down. A member of the class is available for short messages at the beginning and end of each day. If you require a longer discussion, meeting can be arranged through the above methods.

When do I put my child’s name down for school?
Parents who are considering sending their child to Gordon Infant School may visit the school by arrangement through the school office. Your child’s name can be entered into a school data base from birth however, it is helpful to arrange a visit when a child is 3 ½ years old. A Medway admissions form must be completed and returned to the school of first choice accompanied by a copy of their birth certificate. Completion of an admission form is not in itself a guarantee of a place. Places are allocated by Medway Council and not the school, if the school is oversubscribed, places will be given in accordance with the school's Admission Policy and the Medway Admissions criteria.

What if my child has Head Lice?
You may keep your child off to school to treat them only, (usually a morning) Once they have been treated they must return to school. I.e. if they are treated in the morning they must be in school for afternoon registration. If they do not return to school it will be registered as an unauthorised absence.