General Information

PART 1 – General Information

A to Z Se ction Absence and Attendance (see also: your child’s planner) In common with every school, we are keen to ensure that children attend school regularly and safely. On the first day of an absence, therefore, we ask parents to telephone the school to let us know that a child will be absent unexpectedly. Messages about absence can be left on the answer-phone. It is essential that parents’ contact telephone numbers are up-to-date. Please make sure that when your child returns to school they bring a letter of explanation for our records.

Absence through term-time holidays The Department for Children, Schools and Families is very keen that absence rates for schools should be as low as possible. Our target for attendance, therefore, has been set at 95%. This means that out of 190 days in the school year, children can only take an average of TEN days out in a year. This total includes both sickness and any holidays taken in term-time. Although we are aware of the fact that some families are simply unable to take their annual holiday during school breaks because of work constraints, we do urge families not to take pupils out of school for holidays, especially when there has been a pattern of illness during the year. To benefit fully from their education, both academically and socially, children need their schooling to be as continuous as possible. Permission for holidays must be applied for from the headteacher. Forms can be collected from the office. Permission cannot be granted for more than one term in advance. Permission will not be granted when absence is already a cause for concern.

Arriving at and Leaving school School begins at 8.40 a.m. and children are asked to arrive between 8.30 a.m. and 8.40 a.m. and wait in the playground. There is no supervision before 8.30 a.m. and children should not arrive before this time. At the end of the school day children who go home on buses go to the school hall to wait. All other children should leave school by walking alongside the playground and behind the bungalow so that they never cross the path the buses take. They should stay off the grass. Parents are asked to wait for their children at the far end of the car park for the same reason.

Behaviour and how we deal with bullying Rationale: We believe that for education to be effective there must be good order and discipline in all aspects of school life. A policy on behaviour is important because it provides a framework and point of reference for all pupils, teachers, parents and governors. We set high standards in terms of behaviour and we aim to encourage mutual respect for pupils and teachers. As a school ‘society’ we believe in tolerance towards others and a positive outlook based upon a consistent code of practice which protects the rights of all individuals. The Aims of Our Policy:

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* To ensure that each pupil feels his/her efforts are valued: through appropriate marking; written commentary; continuous assessment; the award of pupils’ credits; the display of work or verbal reinforcement. We aim to provide pupils with a positive self image, self-esteem and ultimately, self-discipline; * Through positive teacher-pupil relationships, based upon mutual respect, we aim to provide consistency of approach and regular opportunities for dialogue and evaluation. Within this context we see much discipline as a positive reinforcement of good behaviour; * To set and agree standards which are firm but sensible at all times throughout the school day; * To ensure that pupils find success and not failure - so setting realistic and achievable goals which motivate pupils; * To encourage positive social interaction - giving opportunities for co-operative work in groups, and in so doing, encouraging mutual respect; * To foster a spirit of enjoyment and achievement in the experience and activities the school provides. We believe that all these factors help to create the kind of atmosphere where high interpersonal standards are the norm. However, children will need guidance and correction. Strategies to deal with “day-to-day” behaviours The school believes in a range of strategies by which we encourage and reward positive behaviour. These include: ♦ The Credit System and Praise Postcards ♦ Attendance certificates ♦ The child’s relationships with the staff and each other ♦ The School Council ♦ The House System ♦ Lunchtime and after-school clubs and activities ♦ The annual Year 8 Awards Evening We expect all pupils to work hard and behave well. We do, however, like to reward pupils for effort and achievement over and above expectations. So, credits, in the form of stickers, are awarded in every subject in the curriculum and citizenship credits are awarded for consideration and thoughtfulness to others. Both are awarded for the “wow” factor i.e. over and above their usual effort. Pupils stick these into their planners as a permanent record of achievement. For 10 credits and multiples thereafter, a Certificate of Achievement is awarded and presented. All staff are asked to be pro-active in looking for examples of good work and behaviour which can be rewarded by credits. Tracking slips are completed by staff when a pupil’s behaviour is unacceptable, either in lessons or around the school. These are recorded and kept in the class teacher’s file. For pupils whose behaviour becomes a serious concern we have a “stages” behaviour system. Parents who would like full details of the policy can contact the school for a copy. After-school Detention - Behaviour

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Detentions are supervised by the senior staff and are intended for the punishment of children who receive tracking slips repeatedly. Typically a Key Stage Leader on the recommendation of the Class Teacher, will place a child into detention following three serious incidents within a short period of time, but Key Stage Leaders use their professional judgement on what is appropriate. A letter home is produced which the Deputy Head will sign. In this way parents are informed during the week prior to the detention in order that transport arrangements can be made. The detention will run from 3.30p.m to 4.30pm, typically on Tuesdays and Thursdays. After-school Detention – Failure to Produce Homework There is no long-term excuse for failure to produce homework. A child who does not produce homework on time is given a reasonable second deadline for its production. If at the time of the second deadline, they have not completed the work, the teacher (having satisfied themselves that the child is capable of doing the work) sets a third deadline. Failure to produce work at the third deadline will trigger a detention. Problems which arise whilst using school transport When incidents are reported by the bus company the school will follow them up and will aim to be supportive. If upper school pupils are implicated then Stratton Upper School will be informed. At regular intervals pupils will be reminded of the need for sensible behaviour, but if a problem persists then the bus company concerned will be asked to write to parents explaining the problem. We will in turn then pass this information on to the family with a covering letter emphasising the seriousness of the situation and asking for their support. This may preclude the need for the bus company refusing to transport a child for a given period of time. Repeated incidents will cause the school to consider whether and for how long a child should be banned from riding on the bus. Where parents have concerns about any aspects of the transport services, they should inform the headteacher, but are also encouraged to express concerns to the Local Authority, education transport section, (01234 363222) as they are the commissioners of the bus companies. Bullying Bullying is always a sensitive area to deal with. It can sometimes be difficult to define, but we work on the principle that any action which comes from a wilful, conscious desire to hurt, threaten, frighten or humiliate an individual is a form of bullying. When bullying occurs, it is an opportunity to help both the child who is bullied (we avoid using the word victim) and the one who is bullying. Therefore while punishment has to follow bullying, we also see it as a chance to restore relationships and build self-confidence. The school will never turn a ‘blind-eye’, and parents must trust that we are working hard for the good of all our children.

Child Protection The Authority requires Headteachers to report any suspected case of child abuse, from whatever source. This is intended to protect children and we are encouraged to take the attitude that, where there are grounds for suspicion, the welfare of the child must have first

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priority. Should you wish to discuss any issues relating to child protection please contact Mrs Whiffin, the school’s Child Protection Officer.

Diaries/ Pupil Planners Planners are much more than just places where children record their homework. They are our ‘lifeline’ with you. Each week the class teacher checks and signs them and we ask that you and your child do the same. In this way we know that we share the same knowledge of credits, arrangements and homework. It is also a useful place for a parent to draw something to a teacher’s attention, and vice versa.

Dinners in school / Lunchtime arrangements The service is delivered by Eden Foods under our contract with the County Council. Our cafeteria dinners cost £1.70. Most families find it convenient for children to bring money each day, but parents can pay by cheque for a number of meals if they wish. Cheques for school meals should be sent in a sealed envelope addressed to the Kitchen Manager. Eden Foods have asked me to point out that cheques should be made payable to EDEN FOODSERVICE and will only be accepted if the following information is written on the back of the cheque: • Child’s Name • Parents’ Address • Cheque Guarantee Number • Valid from date • Expiry date If your child has special dietary needs the kitchen manager must be informed using an Eden Foods referral form. (Available from the office.) Extra drinks are also available for between 25p and 50p and can be purchased in the dining room. Pupils should bring their lunch money to school in a named purse or wallet. Forms to apply to the Local Authority for free school meals are available from the School Office. Packed lunches should be brought in a sealed, labelled container inside a labelled plastic bag. They should include healthy food options with water or a still drink. Water is always available for all pupils to drink at the table. N.B. We do not allow sweets or chewing gum in school at any time, this includes in packed lunches. If you wish your child to go home for lunch they will need to bring a note addressed to their Class Teacher. Pupils are not allowed off the school premises unless they have brought in a note.

Dropping and Collecting Children and Visiting School Our car park has very limited space and has to accommodate manoeuvring buses as well as cars for nearly fifty staff. For that reason we have always insisted on children walking around the rear of the site agent’s bungalow when arriving or leaving, as to walk anywhere else is to cross the bus lanes.

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It is helpful, therefore, if parents park towards the entrance of the drive rather than coming into the main car park, which only encourages children to walk between parked cars and to cross in front of buses. Please help us by reminding your child to use the route behind the bungalow. Parking on the grass is preferable to causing injury to children.

Equipment for School Children should come to school fully equipped to learn. A small rucksack is best for bringing items to school. Large bags are unsuitable because they are difficult for the children to both carry and store. We expect each child to possess his or her own ‘Berol’ handwriting pen or similar, a pencil, a 30 cm ruler, colouring pencils, an eraser, a pencil sharpener, glue stick, a calculator and a protractor. We do not allow biros, fountain or cartridge pens. It is always best to carry one or two spare pens or pencils just in case! A dictionary, the Collins School Dictionary for example, is also strongly recommended. Children should have their PE uniforms with them on PE days and in Art lessons we also recommend an art shirt or apron. There is considerable evidence to suggest that children learn best when their brains are hydrated. We therefore strongly advise that all children bring a water bottle with a ‘sports’ lid to school. These should be taken home daily and thoroughly cleaned as even water goes off! For health and safety reasons, bottles which are left at school will be disposed of. All expensive items should be named and regularly replaced when they wear out or are lost. Mobile Phones (see also – ‘Making Contact’) are only brought to school by agreement and must be handed in at the office for safe-keeping. They must be inside a labelled envelope. No other expensive electrical items should be brought into school.

Our School Shop The shop opens on Mondays in the entrance hall. These items are always on sale:

Berol handwriting pen (blue or black) 45p Berol triangular grip handwriting pens (blue or black) 70p Erasers 20p

Glue sticks (large) 80p (small) 50p Pencils 15p

Rulers (large) 40p (small) 20p

Sharpeners 20p

Clear book covers (small - G.N.B.) 50p (large) 75p key rings 30p

Label

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Set of pencil crayons £1.00 Pencil cases (clear) £1.00 (coloured) (£1.50) Highlighter pens 60p

Extra-Curricular Activities When children stay to extra-curricular activities after school: We adhere to a few simple rules: • Children must obtain signed permission from parents to stay to after-school clubs. • We expect children to be collected, unless parents have given permission in writing for them to walk home. • We will make every effort not to cancel clubs. But if a club must be cancelled, this procedure operates: * children are told to ring home from the school office to inform parents that they will be going home at the usual time. * if a child’s parent cannot be contacted by the end of lunchtime, office staff will try to make contact during the afternoon if this is possible. * at the end of the day these children report to the office to check if contact has been made, and if they have not then they must remain in school under supervision, until the expected collection time. • Clubs happening in school usually finish at 4.30 or 4.45 p.m. • Times of sports fixtures will be given by the P.E. department. We expect children to: • Attend the club regularly. Parents should inform the teacher in charge if a child will be unable to attend. • Remind parents that are staying to a club!

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Clubs Timetable In the Autumn term clubs will run until Friday 30th November to allow children and staff time to focus on the Christmas events in school during the last few weeks of term. Please remember that the pattern of clubs will change throughout the year.

Day Monday Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Staff DD JW TP LDP

Lunch time (12.40) Year 6 – Year 8 Choir All years Speedstacks Y6, 7 & 8 Girls Football All years Dance

DD LDP TP DB JL LDP

Year 5 Choir Rugby: Years 7 & 8 Y6, 7 & 8 Girls Basketball Maths Puzzle Club KS2 Reading Club Y 7 & 8 Basketball

LDP TP JL JL

Football: Y8 boys INTERFORM KS3 Reading Club Boys Reading Club (Break)

Staff AB

After School String Group (3.45 – 4.15)

SB LDP TP DD LDP

Guitar Group (3.45 – 4.15) Football: Years 5 & 6 Netball: Year 7 & 8 Classroom Support (Music) (3.45 – 4.15) Football: Year 7 boys

TP JD/LK LDP LW DD TP

Badminton: Years 6, 7 & 8 XTREME Golf: Years 7 & 8 Rowing: All years KS3 Homework Club Woodwind Group (3.45 – 4.15) G & T Athletics (invitation only)

First Aid There are several qualified “First Aiders” in school (both teaching and non-teaching staff) who are regularly trained through St Johns Ambulance First Aid courses. Should a pupil require first aid, the incident will be recorded and a copy of the incident form sent home. Please send the reply tear-off slip back to school. If an injury or illness needs further treatment a phone call will be made home. If a child requires emergency treatment an ambulance will be called straight away followed by a phone call home.

Fruit sold at morning break Our kitchen sells various kinds of fresh and dried fruit and fruit drinks at morning break. These generally cost 30p to 50p and give children a chance to snack during the morning. Children are also allowed to bring fruit from home to eat at morning break, but not sweets or biscuits.

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How to keep informed about your child’s progress On Tuesday 21st October there will be a ‘Meet the Teacher’ evening when you will have the opportunity of meeting your child’s class teacher. This is an opportunity to discuss general issues and progress. Subject teacher consultation evenings when your child’s current assessments will be available to you, will take place on Thursday 29th January, Tuesday 3rd February and Wednesday 11th February. We strongly encourage all parents to book time on one of those evenings. Full written reports will be issued at the end of the school year. If you are concerned that there may be problems with your child’s progress, please contact the school. There is no requirement to wait for these consultations.

You with us………………………………..

Making Contact

For most matters, we ask that the first point of contact with school should be through your child’s class teacher. The Planner has space each week for this purpose, so that matters which are not confidential or urgent can be written directly into the planner for the class teacher to see. Otherwise, I would urge parents to ring the school and arrange with the office for the class teacher to contact them, which teachers will try to do on the same day. When it is difficult to deal with a matter over the phone, it will then be possible to arrange a mutually convenient time to meet. Delicate or personal matters may be discussed with your child’s Key Stage Leader (Mrs Mortimer, or her Assistant Leader Miss Hull, for Years 5 and 6, or Miss Pocock, or her Assistant Leader Mrs Whiffin, for Years 7 and 8). Again, please telephone to arrange a time to meet. Because so much of our time is timetabled to classes or other meetings, we are seldom able to give quality time to a problem when parents just ‘drop in’ and ask to see us. Us with you…………………………… It is absolutely essential that our database of telephone numbers is kept up to date so we can contact you in the event of an emergency. Please keep us informed when you change mobile numbers and do try to let us know at least two other people (family or friends) through whom we can reach you. Your children with you………………………….. Children are not allowed to carry mobile phones with them while in school. They are not simply a distraction, but a huge potential source of problems. If children really do need to contact home during the day, for example, to change after-school arrangements, they seek permission and call from the school office. If parents wish for children who have complicated journeys home to have a mobile phone in case they are stranded for any reason, they may bring it to school but children must leave their

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mobile at the school office for safe-keeping during the day - although we cannot accept responsibility for reminding children to collect them! (see also – Equipment for School section)

Medicines in school Procedures for children who are unwell before coming to school In general, children who are unwell should not come to school. They are unlikely to be able to concentrate on their work and may make their illness worse through over-exertion. Similarly, children who have been sick overnight should not return to school for 24 hours in order to reduce the chance of transmitting infections. Children with injuries or non-infectious conditions may return to school as soon as they are fit enough to cope. However, the school cannot administer medicines in such situations (see below). The Administration of Medication Staff can only administer tablets prescribed for children with behavioural difficulties. A register of administration will be kept and signed by the administering staff. The ‘ritalin’ type of tablet are controlled drugs, therefore the school must be supplied with one week’s dosage at a time. It is recommended that parents deliver the tablets on a Friday for use during the following week. Due to the nature of the condition for which Ritalin is prescribed, under no circumstances should children bring their own tablets into school. Staff can also oversee children taking or using: * prescribed creams * prescribed eye-drops All other medicines must be administered in person by the parent/carer. i) General principles The School accepts no legal responsibility for the administering of these medications or the oversight of children taking prescribed medications during the school day. They will only be administered or supervised when a parent or carer has signed a School Medicine Record (see below) indemnifying the school from responsibility. Antibiotics cannot be accepted for taking during school hours. Children taking antibiotics three times a day should take them before school, after school and last thing at night. Children taking four doses a day should not be sent to school. Children should keep inhalers and epipens with them. [n.b. Epipens should only brought to school in hard plastic containers to ensure safe handling after use. Parents may wish to leave a spare epipen with the school office for emergencies.]

MONEY – Sending money into school

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When money is sent into school for any purchase except dinners, children must bring it in a sealed envelope with their name, the amount of money enclosed and the purpose for which it is intended written clearly on the envelope. These envelopes are kept as an audit check. Children hand envelopes in personally at reception as soon as the morning register is completed. Parents bringing money into school can call at reception and ask for the Finance Manager.

Parent/Teacher Association All parents are automatically members of the Edward Peake Parent Teacher Association and are very welcome to join in any or all events. The first meeting of the PTA this year is our Annual General Meeting and Committee GetTogether on Monday 13th October at 7.30 p.m. Our Chair is currently Mrs Rosie Devine, who can be contacted through the school. Before this our PTA organised Family Fun Day takes place on Saturday 4th October between 12.00 noon and 3.00 p.m.

School Nurse Mrs Heather Merritt, our school nurse, has also asked me to tell parents that she is available to help with any health problems your children have. She can be contacted on Biggleswade 224902.

Special Educational Needs ‘Drop-In’ Sessions Mrs Chrusciak, who, as well as Deputy Head, is our Special Educational Needs Coordinator, will be holding her ‘drop-in’ sessions on Tuesdays (3.00 – 4.30) this year. Any parent with a special needs concern about their child is welcome to call in to talk things through with her.

Sports and Physical Education at Edward Peake Kit: Pupils have two hours of PE a week, usually one hour indoor and one outdoor. There are separate kits for both, and children will always be informed whether lessons are indoors or out, and which kit will be needed. Please help them by ensuring they have the correct kit. Lost Kit: To minimize the risk of your child’s kit or uniform being lost, please ensure that all individual items are clearly and permanently labelled with their name. Lost kit cannot be returned unless we know to whom it belongs. Forgotten Kit: When children do not bring kit it causes disruption. The department will keep a small quantity of spare kit for children to wear when they have forgotten their own. This will mean that parents will not be contacted to bring kit into school. Helping your child develop the routine of preparing kit the night before could help to solve this problem.

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Participation: We aim to provide high quality PE lessons to all and strive for 100% participation. Although we fully appreciate that from time to time children are unable to participate in PE lessons, if your child has a genuine reason, we would still like him/her to bring kit and change. There are many areas of modern PE lessons where children can participate in light activities, discussion and analysis. Clubs: There will be clubs provided during lunchtime and after school. For these, kit is also required. For lunchtime clubs an early lunch pass can be obtained from the member of staff leading the club. After-school clubs will all finish by 4.45pm. Please ensure that either your child is able to walk home or arrangements are made for him/her to be collected at this time. (See also: the section on Extra-curricular activities.) Fixtures: If your child is privileged enough to be selected to represent the school in a match then they will receive a letter including a reply slip clearly stating where the match is being played and what time we are expected to finish. We expect children who are selected to play to do so unless there is good reason, in which case they should bring a note into school.

The School Council The school council is made up of one representative from every class and four “honorary” members. These are the Year 8 pupils who received training in the previous 12 months. The council meets at least once every half term under the direction of Mrs Whiffin and Miss Hull. The pupils are responsible for feeding back issues under discussion to their classes during form time, in order to gain the views of all pupils.

Uniform Visitors to Edward Peake often comment on how smart our children are, as well as how wellbehaved they are. We believe our uniform plays a vital part in producing both of these impressions of our school. We are grateful that parents are so supportive of our efforts to maintain high standards. In common with most other Middle Schools we believe that having a uniform for our students has many advantages: • • • • • •

It gives our students a sense of identity and belonging. It helps them to be smart and purposeful in school. It identifies them in the local community, giving them a feeling of citizenship. It enables parents to provide good quality, practical clothing at reasonable prices. It removes the pressure on children to follow the latest "fashion" trends, to be seen in the "right" designer labels, the trendy styles and the newest fads. It allows children to look beneath the surface differences which are highlighted by expensive clothes and see their fellow students as being on an equal (uniform) footing. It helps us to deliver our Social Education programme.

We try to keep our requests for uniform to a minimum. We do not insist that everything be purchased from a designated supplier, nor demand expensive blazers, as some schools do, nor do we ask for lots of specialist P.E. kit to be purchased, but we do feel it reasonable to make certain demands about the styles and colouring of the clothes we allow.

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To assist parents, we have looked into the matter of where suitable clothing can be purchased and can recommend the school uniform section of the following shops: Woolworths, BHS, M&S, Tesco (Baldock), Kick Off (Flitwick), School Uniform Shop (Letchworth), Matalan and John Lewis. We ask parents to ensure when purchasing items of uniform that they stay within these guidelines and are not pressured by their children into buying “non-uniform” styles, even when these are offered in the school uniform section of a store, as this will only cause further expense when children are not allowed to wear them.

School Uniform Trousers:

These can be either grey, navy blue or black and must be full length. We do not allow denim, cords or "fashion" styles. Trousers should be neither tight nor baggy, nor of "jeans-style", hipster or flared. Skirts: These should be loose-fitting and of medium length. They should not be shorter or longer than 5cm (2”) above or below the knee and not have excessively lengthy slits. Plain White Shirt: Shirts should be capable of being kept tucked into waistbands, buttoned to the collar and ties worn in the traditional manner. Girls should not wear “fashion blouses”. In the summer children may wear our polo shirt with the school crest. (*) Edward Peake Tie: This is not optional. It can be purchased from school. (*) Summer Casual In the summer term children may wear the white open-necked shirt Shirt: with the school crest as an alternative to shirt and tie. (*) Blue V-Necked V-necked Sweatshirt with the school crest. This is also not an Sweatshirt: "optional" item, and cannot be substituted for another brand of top. Socks/Tights: Plain white, black, grey or navy only. Not ‘trainer’ socks. Shoes: Shoes should be plain black, medium cut and robust enough to protect growing feet in an active environment. We do not allow trainers, boots, slip-ons or shoes with high or pointed heels. When children come to school in trainers they are given black plimsolls to wear while in the building. Jewellery: We do not allow the wearing of jewellery, although children with pierced ears may wear one flat stud in each ear. Other "Body" These, too, come under the heading of things which draw unfortunate adornments: attention to a child. Often they are used by older children to "show off" or to establish their social dominance over others who dare not follow suit. We therefore allow no make-up, no nail varnish and no unusual piercings. Hairstyles Hair colour and style must be appropriate for school. No bright colours and no shaved patterns, please. Items marked with an *asterisk can only be purchased from school. All students should be in correct school uniform at all times, including when journeying to and from school. Pupils arriving in boots must leave them in the cloakroom and wear suitable black shoes in school at all times. Please remember also that uniform should always be named. The school cannot accept responsibility for finding lost garments if the owner’s name is not clearly marked.

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PE Uniform Girls Indoor and summer athletics:

Black shorts (*) (We are phasing out the navy-blue shorts) Sky blue T-shirt (*) or sky blue polo shirt (*)

Girls Outdoor:

Navy blue pleated wrap-around skirt (*) (optional) Black shorts (*) (not cycle shorts) Socks: Summer - white ankle. Winter - sky blue sports (*) Navy-blue Tracksuit (*) (optional) or a school sweatshirt (*) Trainers (Not to be worn except during PE lessons) Football boots (not metal studs) (Essential for hockey, outdoor PE on the field)

Boys Indoor:

Black shorts (*) Sky blue T-shirt (*) or sky blue polo shirt (*)

Boys Outdoor:

Sky blue football socks (*) Sky blue football shirt (*) and sky blue rugby top (optional) (*) Black football shorts (*) (not cycle shorts) Football boots without metal studs (essential) Navy-blue tracksuit (*) (optional) or a school sweatshirt (*) Trainers (Not to be worn except during PE lessons)

(*) These items are sold in school.

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