Newsletter
GUIDANCE AND WELFARE "EVERY CHILD MATTERS"
The organisation of guidance and welfare within the school embraces everything that touches upon the welfare of the individual pupil.
At Astley Community High School we believe that pupil performance and well-being go hand in hand. Pupils can’t learn if they don’t feel safe or if health problems are allowed to create barriers. We also believe that doing well in education is the most effective route to economic well being for young people.
Because of the relatively small size of the school, we take the care to organise a system in which everyone can have that personal contact which help towards success. In the first instance that contact will be the Form Tutor.
The Form Tutor is the member of the staff with whom pupils will be in contact most regularly, and who will guide, advise and follow their progress, year by year, throughout their first three years at Astley.
Pupils are encouraged to share any concerns that they might have with their Form Tutor. Where appropriate, the Form Tutor will pass this information to the Assistant Headteacher, who will enlist the help of the relevant external agency to ensure that any issues are rapidly supported and resolved.
Tutorial groups meet at the beginning of every morning and at the end of teaching on a Wednesday.
Alternatively, pupils can use the Connexions Personal Advisor or the School Nurse to discuss and get support with matters of a more confidential nature. Both of these services provide us with a critical link in bringing together effective support for young people.
Parents wishing to contact the school regarding their son/daughter should, in the first instance, ask for the appropriate Head of Year. Click here for details.
UNIFORM
School uniform is compulsory for pupils in Years 9-11. We feel that our regulations indicate an outfit which is smart and appropriate for everyday wear, and encourages pupils to identify with Astley Community High School by wearing its colours. Click here for details.
Full uniform details are issued to parents towards the end of the summer term.
SCHOOL LUNCH ARRANGEMENTS
During periods 5, 6 and 7 a staggered lunch operates with classes having one period for lunch (at 12.02, 12.40 or 1.18) and two timetabled lessons.
Pupils are allowed to go home for lunch only if their parents request a lunch pass, otherwise they must stay on the school site. Lunch passes are only issued to pupils who live within easy walking distance of the school.
School meals are served in the School Hall using a cashless cafeteria system which offers parents a facility whereby they can determine how much their son/daughter spends each day. The school is healthy school and this is reflected in the menus offered to pupils.
It is acceptable for pupils to bring a packed lunch to eat in school.
School Catering Services
Northumberland County Council Facilities Division are the catering provider at this school.
Every day we offer a multi choice cashless cafeteria service, the pupils need to make guided choices from a selection of foods, starters, main courses, sandwiches, salads, potatoes, vegetables and sweets. Pupils can choose individually priced items or a 2 course meal at a set price.
- Healthy eating is at the very heart of school catering.
- Menus may be views in the school.
- Medical dietary requirements can be catered for. Please speak to the Unit Manager on site if you need to discuss individual requirements.
- We work in partnership with reputable suppliers to ensure all the ingredients used are of high quality. e.g. Heinz, McCain and Northumbrian Beef and with prohibited additives of GM foods.
- Our customer promise is displayed in the school. Customer first, is of the highest importance whether it be children, parents, teaching staff of school governors and therefore your views will always be welcome.
- We are committed to training all of our staff to ensure that a first class service is delivered.
Or alternatively you can contact the Unit Catering Manager by telephone or in person.