Frequently Asked Questions
Many questions are answered by referring to the Site Index , Basic Facts about the School
or the School Handbook
What age range of children are at the school ? Children in the nursery are all 4 by the end of the academic year. In year 6, the final year, all the children are 11. From Easter 2008 we are planning to include children from the age of 18 months.
What is the normal school day ? The school opens at 8.45 a.m. , lessons begin at 9.00 p.m., lunch begins at noon and school starts to dismiss at 3.15 p.m.
Does the school have an After School facility ? Yes. There is a separate After School organisation that can care for children up to 5.45 p.m. Details are available from the Main Office.
Do we follow the National
Curriculum ?		 In the case of English and Mathematics our syllabus is determined both by the National Curriculum and the requirements of the entrance examinations to the independent secondary schools. See the Aims of the School and the Curriculum home page. Other subjects are more in line with the National Curriculum.
Do we do SATS ? At the moment the school does not officially do the "Standard Attainment Tests"
Does the school set homework ? Yes, homework is sent home from the nursery up. The nursery will be set 10 minutes of work and this will increase to approximately an hour in the senior part of the school. Each normal day we will set English or Mathematics, reading, and another subject.
Does the school have a reading scheme ? Children are placed on a graded scheme and are progressed through this at their best individual pace. We listen to all children read daily on a 1 to 1 basis and this is followed through each day with reading homework.
How do parents know how to help with homework ? Each September the school provides seminars for parents of individual year groups. The core subjects are of most interest and we explain the work that is to be covered and how we will be teaching it. Parents are encouraged to meet with staff to resolve any difficulties at any time.
What schools do the children from year 6 go on to ? There are no particular schools in the area that parents choose. We have placed children in all the major independent schools in South London and a few in North London.
Does the school help us to select a secondary school ? We hold a number of seminars for parent of children in year 5 to explain the general entrance procedures into the secondary schools. Although we will not recommend any particular school, general advice about possible schools is available for individual children.
Are we inspected by OFSTED? Independent schools are now subject to the same OFSTED inspections as maintained schools. The school was inspected formally in September 2007. The latest OFSTED report is here.
Does the school receive funding for Early Years places for 3 and 4 year olds ? Yes. Funding of approximately £453 per child per term for a total of 6 terms is arranged through the school. This is given to parents as a credit to their account. More details are available here.
What happens to children that are well above the average ability for their year ? Children that are doing exceptionally well in all subjects are often promoted a year if it is judged that they are mature enough to make this move and if it is felt that they have a good chance of entering a secondary school at the age of 10. Alternatively, they may join a higher year group for the core subjects (English and Mathematics) during those particular lessons.
What happens to children that join the school but may have a lot of the syllabus to catch up ? New children are assessed during the first few weeks after joining the school. A program of extra work is provided which will involve parents.
Is there any setting or streaming at Beechwood ? There is no setting or streaming at Beechwood. We will however group children in classes with similar needs but at the end of the year the same syllabus has to be covered. Children will move freely from class to class where appropriate.
Does the school have any facilities for children with special needs (SEN) ? There is an SEN policy which is available to parents on request. There are a small number of children at the school with Statements of Special Needs. Children identified within the school as having mild dyslexia or related problems are referred to specialists for assessment and treatment.
Does the school have support for children with English as an Additional Language (EAL)? There is a school policy available regarding this topic which is available to parents on request.
How many classroom staff are there at the school ? As from September 2007 there are 5 qualified full time class teachers, 5 unqualified class teachers and 3 nursery staff with NVQ training to level 3.
What is our school policy on
discipline ?		 We have high expectations in all areas including discipline. There is a charter outlining the rights of parents and pupils and their responsibilities towards the school. All these details are in the School Handbook.
Is there a school uniform ? Yes. There is a strict code for the wearing of uniform and this is regarded as part of our expectations for our discipline requirements. Uniform is available from the school uniform shop. The nursery and reception uniform is available from the school.
How do we dismiss children ? Children are dismissed individually from school to a known parent or carer. Any deviation from the normal procedure must be indicated to the school in advance of dismissal.
What about security at the school ? The school has strict procedures concerning entry to the building. External entrances to the school are alarmed and are locked or manned by a member of staff at all times. Full details of our policy are contained in the School Handbook and all parents are expected to be familiar with its content.
What are our current school fees ? These can be found on our Fees List page.
How are fees normally paid ? We prefer fees to be paid in full in the first week of each term. 2 instalment payments are also accepted for each term's fees one in the first week of term and the following in the first week of the following half term
Where are our terms and conditions published ? These are shown on our Acceptance Form which is signed when a place at the school is accepted.
How often are fees increased and by how much ? Fees are normally increased at the start of each academic year. Notice of any increase is given in the preceding term and we try to keep any increases approximately to the same level as the rate of increase of staff salaries as determined by national teacher pay agreements. However the school reserves the right to make any changes without notice.
What other parental involvement is there with the school ? The school has a Parent Teachers Association (PTA). Its sole function is to organize social events and to raise special funds for the school.
Where can I find details of the school's formal complaints procedure ? The school handbook Section 7part 3 has these details. There have been no formal complaints during the last full academic year (2005 - 2006) or in previous years.
Do we hold assemblies at the
school ?		 All the school holdsassemblies on a weekly basis. Separate assemblies are held for the more senior children
What form do our religious assemblies take ? As with all our religious instruction, this is done on a non-denominational basis.

Last updated 28/2/2008