Frequently Asked Questions

When is my child's transition/induction day? 

The Newman Y6/7 Induction day happens in the first week of July. Your son will spend the day at Newman and parents are invited to an information meeting on the same day. He will meet his peers and teachers, meet the Year 7 team, have a school tour and a range of lessons.

Where do I buy the school uniform? 

The Newman uniform consists of black smart trousers, white shirt and black smart shoes: all can be bought from any available shop.

The Newman blazer needs to be bought from the following shop: 

Rumbles Uniform Shop

598 High Road, Wembley. Middlesex, HA02AF

Telephone: 02089021393

www.RumblesUniform.com

If you order on Rumbles website the uniform will be delivered to your home address.

The Newman tie will be bought from school, on your first day in September. Your tie colour depends on what schoolhouse you are put into. 

How is the school day organised? 

Students should be at school for 8:30 latest. 

8:40: Line up and Registration

9:00: Period 1

10:00: Period 2

11:00: Break

11:20: Period 3

12:20: Period 4

13:10: Year 7 Lunchtime (begins before the rest of the school) 

14:00: Line up and Period 5

15:05: School finishes (not Tuesday or Thursday, see below)

Tuesdays 3.30pm finish as students will participate in DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) 

Thursdays 2.35pm Students will participate in PSHE (Personal, Social, Health Education) https://www.ncc.brent.sch.uk/page/?title=PSHE+and+RSE+Relationships+and+Sex+Education&pid=327

Can I use my bike?

We encourage students to walk or ride to school and supply a secured bike shed to ensure your bike or scooter is safe. 

Where should my child go to ask for help?

Your child's first port of call is the class teacher or their form tutor. The Head of Year will be available if the issue or concern is escalated. 

How can I prepare my child for secondary school?

Moving to secondary school can be a daunting time for both children and their parents. One of the key ways to prepare your child for transition is to develop their independence skills. This includes encouraging them to gather and pack their equipment ready for school or other activities, time and money management, looking after their belongings. Also, developing coping strategies to use if something goes wrong.

What happens if my child is late to school?

Newman’s school policies will be in the planner and explained at the induction. However, lateness will result in late detention after school on the same day - parents will receive a text or email to inform you. 

What is your homework policy?

Newman’s school policies will be in the planner and explained at the induction. However, homework will be given weekly or fortnightly, depending on the subject, and your child will be given ample time to complete the work to a high standard. All homework will be explained but students can ask for help at lunchtime or after school if they wish. This should be encouraged if they do not understand the work. 

How do you deal with bullying?

Newman has a zero-tolerance for bullying and behaviour. Your child's safety and wellbeing are at the heart of what we do here. Newman encourages all students to speak up and to make it as comfortable for them, we have an email address to report bullying of any kind. Newman will take written statements and will follow the sanction policy where applicable. Class teachers or the Head of Year will be in touch if there is a concern or incident, but this is extremely rare at Newman. We have a Student Anti Bullying group.

How will my child know where to go on the first day?

Plenty of staff will be on hand to meet your child at the front gate and direct them to the school hall to start the day. The first day is for Y7 only (the rest of school are not in) and they will be supported and shown around to ensure they feel comfortable, supported and happy on their first day.

How will my child find their way around school?

For the first two weeks, Y7 are collected by their teachers for every lesson. They are taken to and from the playground so they can remember their surroundings. We have designated staff present in corridors and playgrounds during lesson changeover so there is plenty of staff on offer to help. 

What if my child forgets something?

Teachers will be understanding in the early weeks of the term. If they need something important, Student Services can contact home for it to be sent in. 

What do they do about getting lunch?

Lunch and snacks will be provided on the first day. In future, students will pay by using their thumbprint, which you will need to top up in advance. Learners will be set up with an account on our cashless system - Parent Pay. This uses your child’s fingerprint to load money onto their account and to pay for anything they purchase. You will also be sent a login for our system, which will allow you to top-up your child’s account online. Learners who receive Free School Meals will continue to do so and their account will be pre-loaded with the allocated amount daily.

What are the rules on mobile phones? 

Students are not encouraged to have mobile phones in school. However, we are aware they are used while travelling etc, so all phones should be switched off during the school day and while on school premises. If it is seen or heard by a member of staff, it will be confiscated. They can go to Student Services (or the Head of Year office) should they need to contact home. 

What is the school planner and how will my child use it?

The planner is a vital communication tool between home and school. Your child is expected to write homework, events and key information in the planner. All Newman school policies are in the planner and require both parents/ carers and students to read and sign in agreement. If you wish to update us about any absence/ appointment or other information, you can use the planner to write in a note. Also, positive teacher comments and class detentions will be noted in the planner. Parents/ carers and the form tutor are expected to check the planner weekly and sign it in recognition. 

What time does my child need to be at school? 

All students should be on site for 8.30am each day. The library is open from 7:30am and the school canteen is open from 8:00am, should students wish to attend or buy breakfast before school starts. 

Where can I find the schools key dates and information?

The website is regularly updated with key information and our school calendar is available all year round. Plus, the student planner will outline all information. Also, Newman will write, text and email before events you will need to attend. 

What do I do if my child is ill and going to be absent from school?

If your child is ill or not attending school, you should contact Newman and Student Services 02089653947 to report it daily. Depending on the circumstances, we will require evidence of appointments etc to approve this. 

Who do I contact if I have any questions or if there are any problems?

You should contact your child’s form tutor in the first instance. The most effective ways of doing this are either by putting a note in your child’s planner or sending an email directly to the relevant teacher who will then respond as soon as they can. For more significant questions or concerns please contact Miss Hardy, Head of Year 7 or Miss Jackson, our SENCO.

Will my child need a computer?

Your student will need access to a computer, laptop or Chromebook to access Google Classroom and their school email. Some homework will be set online throughout the school year. Also, all students have an allocated printer allowance from Newman and can print work in the library. However, we encourage this to be done the day before to avoid rushing and any issues.