Parents' Handbook 2021/22

The Abingdon School Parents’ Association (ASPA) and other Parent Groups All parents are automatically members of ASPA, the principal parent group in the School. The main focus of ASPA’s activity is to provide networking and social opportunities for parents. There are also a number of special interest parent support groups, principally the Abingdon School Music Society, the Friends of Abingdon School Boat Club (FASBC) and the Friends of Abingdon School Rugby Club (Touchliners) and the Hockey Griffens. Health Centre The Health Centre is manned by a Senior Nurse and a team of Health Care Assistants. They can be telephoned on +44 (0)1235 849059 during the school day. Dayboys who are taken ill during school hours rest in the Health Centre until they can be collected. Lost Property Property found around the School campus is returned by the cleaners to Lost Property in Boarders’ Hall. Your child will be sent an email (with a bcc copy to you) to let him know if Lost Property has a named item. Please ensure that ALL items are named, even non-standard items such as coats, and this is on the fabric itself. Unnamed items are, eventually, given to SUS for sale. Learning Support The School’s website contains a number of key policies, as well as an overview document, which detail our approach to SEND and our Learning Support provision. Learning Support is provided by a full-time Head of Learning Support and two full-time teachers, within a dedicated Learning Support Department. We take a graduated response to match each pupil’s level of need and are able to offer individual or small group support, as well as advice to teachers for classroom adjustments. There is no charge for Learning Support lessons, which mostly take the form of targeted, short-term interventions. If your child has been assessed and has a formally identified SEND, we strongly advise you to send a copy of any assessment reports to the School. This ensures we are able to anticipate his needs, advise teachers and if need be, arrange support. Medical Requirements The parents of each pupil entering the School are asked to complete a form detailing their child’s medical history. Please bring any special requirements to the attention of the School Nurse before your child joins the School. Second-hand Uniform Scheme (SUS) The Second-hand Uniform Scheme is run by members of ASPA, and is used by some parents. A list of dates is available from the website abingdon.org.uk/sus/ Tuck Shop and Café The Tuck Shop is open during morning break. The servery is usually open in the Dining Hall at morning break and the café is usually open throughout the day during term-time selling a range of hot snacks, homemade cakes, soft drinks and fruit. Miscellaneous 18