Your child's education

Bilingual pupils starting school in Hampshire

Admissions advice:

- newly arrived children in the United Kingdom (UK)

If you are newly arrived in this country you will need to contact a school for your child to attend. Children must attend school from the age of 5 years until the age of 16 years.

Parents can choose where and which schools they would like their child to attend. You can see a list of schools on Hantsweb or at your local library. It is a good idea to arrange a visit to the school so that you and your child can look around and fill in an admission form. You must fill in an admission form but if English is not your first language the school might be able to obtain a translated version in your language. On the admission form you will need to fill in your name and address, child's name, your child's language and ethnic origin.

- young children - early years

If you have a child who is younger than 5 years old he or she may be able to go to a playgroup or pre-school. You can contact the Early Education and Childcare Unit (EECU) telephone 01962 813887 who have information about day nurseries, pre-schools, playgroups and holiday schemes. Some infant schools have pre-schools attached to them so you could ask if they have a space for your child.

- children who live in this country and are 4 to 5 years old start at the beginning of the year in which they are 5 years old

Children must start school when they are 5 years old but most children start in the term before they are 5 years old. Hampshire County Council produces an excellent Parents Guide on How to Apply for a School Place which will give you all the correct information and a list of schools. The guide is available from schools or Hampshire Information Centres or on the Hampshire website: Parents Guide on How to Apply for a School Place.

- when schools are full

Schools have their own admissions policies which must conform to Hampshire County Council guidelines. Schools usually accept pupils within their catchment area but you are free to apply to schools out of your area.

If you find that your preferred school is full, you can either apply to another school or appeal against the decision by contacting your Local Education Authority. You can also contact your local education authority office who will be pleased to advise you of local schools which do have space.

Information about the English education system

You can find out more about your children's learning on the DirectGov website.

What subjects are children taught?

All schools are required to follow the National Curriculum from Year 1 to Year 11. The curriculum is carefully planned to ensure that every child receives a broad and balanced curriculum.

You can find out more information about the National Curriculum on the DirectGov website

The core subjects which take up the highest proportion of teaching time are English, Maths, Science and Information Communication Technology (ICT).

The foundation subjects are History, Geography, Art, Design and Technology, Music, Physical Education (PE) and Religious Education (RE). All children take part in these subjects.

In Year 9, your child will be asked to choose the courses he/she is going to do for the next two years (in Years 10 and 11). To make this important choice you will get support from school.

In Years 10 and 11 your child may be able to take a GCSE examination in his or her home language, for example, Bengali, Chinese, Spanish, Turkish. Ask the teachers to find out if an examination is available.

How well is your child doing?

There are two ways parents can find out how their child is doing at school.

Teacher assessment - the class teacher gives each child an assessment and you will get a report at least once per year. You can see your child's teachers at parents evenings to discuss the report.
National tests - at the end of the National Key Stages 1 and 2 most children sit national tests and tasks (SATs). At the end of Key Stage 4 pupils take GCSE examinations in the various separate subjects which they have been studying. Pupils whose first language is not English may be able to take a GCSE in their home language.

Information you might need to know

Uniform

Most schools which have a school uniform expect pupils to wear it. If for cultural or religious reasons you would like your child to follow a specific dress code, you need to speak to the Headteacher. Jewellery is not usually worn in school. For physical education (PE) and games earrings must be removed for safety reasons.

Attendance

Make sure that your child attends school regularly, arrives on time and keeps to the school's rules. If your child is going to be away or has been away from school (doctor, dentist, religious festival, family holiday or illness) please inform the school by telephone, or use a simplified Absence Form (RTF format, this form is also available in PDF format - see forms section.)

If you intend to take your child on an extended stay to your country of origin, you need to inform the school, giving at least 2 weeks notice, and fill in a 'Holiday' form, which you can get from your child's school. Please try to avoid holidays or extended stay during school time as this might affect your child's education. Extended stays are limited to 6 weeks. The school can provide classwork to take with you so that your child can keep on learning.

School meals

School lunches are not prepared by the school. They are prepared by outside caterers but normally prepared at the school. There is a small cost per day. There is a wide range of food on the menu which includes vegetarian meals. If your child has a specific dietary requirement you should let the school know about it.If you do not want to buy school meals your child can bring a 'packed lunch' from home.

Home-school-agreement

When your child enters school you may be asked to sign a Home-School-Agreement. The agreement sets out what you can expect from the school and what the school expects you to do.

Role of the Hampshire EMTAS

The service provides bilingual support for most newly-arrived pupils who join Hampshire County Council schools. Hampshire EMTAS staff may become involved in your child's education if the school contacts the service.

Children for whom English is an additional language may be supported (if possible) by a bilingual assistant who can speak their home language. The bilingual assistant will visit your child in his or her class, usually on a weekly basis. They will be able to answer you child's questions, explain anything they do not understand and help with new vocabulary.

Hampshire Ethnic Minority and Traveller Achievement Service (EMTAS)