Key Reminders for the Term Ahead

As detailed in our whole school Autumn Term Welcome Letter sent out prior to the start of term, here is a helpful recap of the key routines, procedures, and expectations to ensure everything runs smoothly over the coming weeks:

Start & End of the School Day

• Drop-off: Gates open at 8:45 AM, and the bell rings at 8:50 AM. Children should line up in their designated line-up positions. Please wish your child a great day and step back to allow teachers to lead their classes inside calmly. Quick updates for teachers can be shared at 8:45 AM, via email, or with an SLT member at the gate.

• Pick-up: Reception and KS1 (Years 1–2) collect from classroom doors at 3:20 PM. KS2 (Years 3–6) collect from the pitch at 3:30 PM. Please ensure staff acknowledge collection before leaving.

School Meals & Milk

• The lunch menu is available on the school website. Free school meal grants continue for all pupils.

• If you would like your child to receive school milk, please register and pay via the Cool Milk website (processing takes up to two weeks).

PE & Games Days 

Children should wear their full PE kit to school on their assigned days:

• Reception: Thursdays (from 17th Sept)

• Year 1: Tuesdays & Wednesdays

• Year 2: Mondays & Wednesdays (Earhart) | Wednesdays & Fridays (Yousafzai)

• Year 3: Thursdays & Fridays

• Year 4: Wednesdays & Fridays (Rashford) | Thursdays & Fridays (Turing)

• Year 5: Mondays & Wednesdays (Attenborough) | Mondays & Thursdays (Lau)

• Year 6: Mondays (Swimming from 21st Sept) & Tuesdays

Clubs & Extracurriculars

• School-run clubs begin on Monday 8th September.

• External club start dates vary; please consult the timetable on the school website.

Daily Essentials & Stationery

• Please ensure your child comes equipped each day with a named water bottle, appropriate coat, and necessary books. KS2 children may bring a healthy snack, inline with our Food in School Policy, which is available to view on our website.

• Stationery (Years 2–6): Please ensure all stationery (plain, small pencil case, HB pencils, ruler, rubber, sharpener, glue stick, blue handwriting pens, black whiteboard pens, and coloured pencils) is in school by Monday 7th September. All items must be clearly named.

• Stationery Donations: A big thank you to those who have already contributed! Further donations can be made via Arbor (School Shop), our Amazon wishlist, or directly to the office.

Arbor Updates & Authorisations (Action Required) 

Please review your child’s Arbor profile to ensure all details are correct:

• Contact Information: A minimum of 3 emergency contacts is required. Please also verify medical details, GP, address, and consents.

• Collection Authorisation: Add any adults permitted to pick up your child under the 'guardian/contact' section with the 'can collect' box ticked.

• Walk Home Permission (Years 5 & 6): Consent for independent walking must be logged directly on Arbor under 'notices' or at the bottom of the profile page.

• Note: Google forms are no longer used for collection authorisations. Please email info@stephens.richmond.sch.uk and your year group email by 2:00 PM for any last-minute pick-up changes.

Reporting School Absences (New Procedure) 

Absences must be reported daily by either:

1. Calling 0208 892 3462 and leaving a voicemail.

2. Logging the absence directly on Arbor under Attendance > Log Absence. Please provide specific details regarding illness (terms like "unwell" or "poorly" are not sufficient). Note that the old absence email address is no longer in use.

Lost Property & Art Shirts

• Art Shirts: Donations of old adult t-shirts or shirts to use as aprons for art lessons are greatly appreciated!

• Lost Property: Please label all belongings. Named items are returned to classrooms, while unnamed items can be found in the trunk by the Reception outdoor classroom.