Frequently Asked Questions

Swine Flu Information

The latest expert scientific advice is that individual school closures to stop the spread of disease are of limited value as swine flu is now circulating more freely in the community.

For the latest advice to the public from Kent County Council please follow the link.

The most important advice is that children who have flu-like symptoms should stay away from school. These symptoms can include:

• Fever (over 38 degrees C / 100.4 degrees F)
• Fatigue
• Lack of appetite
• Coughing
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Pain in muscles and joints
• Headache and chills
• Vomiting and diarrhoea (in some cases)

Sources of advice:
If you are in any doubt, visit your doctor, or alternatively go to:
www.pandemicflu.direct.gov.uk
National Pandemic Flu advice: 0800 1513 100
www.nhs.uk
(NHS Direct - 0845 4647)

What to do if...

• You know your child will be absent

For a family holiday:
The school does not grant leave of absence for holidays.

During term time except in exceptional circumstances.
In such cases you should write to the Access Officer, Mrs Thomas giving details of the child's name, tutor group and dates of the holiday, and the case will be considered by a senior member of staff. Where unauthorised holidays are taken you may incur a Penalty Notice and subsequent fine by the Education Authority. For an appointment: send a note in advance to the Access Officer

In hospital: either telephone or send a letter to the Access Officer.

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• Your child is or has been absent

Telephone the school and either leave a voicemail message or speak to the Access Officer, Mrs Thomas. Please also send a note on his/her return.

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• Your child is late

If your child arrives between 8:45 am. and 8:50am: your child should report to their lesson.

If your child arrives after 8:50 am: they should report to the School Reception and see either Miss Wilson or Mrs Green to be signed in. Late slips are then issued with the reason why your child is late and this is then taken to the lesson where the teacher will sign it. A 'late gate' is currently in operation twice a week where students and parents are met by the Access Officer and she will ask why a student is late for school. Letters are then sent to parents informing them that their child had been late to school. If students are late they may be required to make up the time after school one evening.

School begins promptly at 8:45am. Please help us to develop good habits of punctuality.

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• Your child has to bring medicines to school

All medication MUST be left in the care of the School Office and not carried around within school. All medicines must be labelled with your child's name by the issuing pharmacy.

Under the 'Health and Safety at Work Act' we are not allowed to provide medicines for headaches or other minor ailments. Should your child need this type of medication through the school day, it can be brought into the school, labelled clearly with the child's name on and left in the school office. If you have any questions please contact Miss Bennett in the School Office

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• You are moving house

If you are moving within the area, please let Miss Wilson, School Receptionist know your new address and telephone number.

If you are moving away from the area, please let your child's Head of Learning know when, and where you are moving as soon as possible, and the new school your child will be attending.

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• You are changing your mobile telephone number

Please let Miss Wilson, School Receptionist know of your new number. It is vital this information is accurate in case of an emergency.

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• Your child has money to pay in

Mrs Taylor and Miss Newstead are in the Finance Office and are the people with whom you or your child can liaise if you need to pay money to the School. Cheques should be made payable to 'Longfield Academy'. Please make sure the money/cheque is in an envelope clearly marked with your child's name, tutor group and what the payment is for.

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• You need to contact your child in school hours

Please ring the school and a message will be passed on. We only take students out of lessons in an emergency. Students must not have their mobile phone switched on during the school day. Please do not contact your son/daughter directly, ensuring all communication is through the main office.

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• Your child is taken ill during school hours

Miss Sandford is the person your child needs to see if they become unwell at school if they are in Years 7, 8 or 9. She will use her professional judgement as to whether to call home for your child to be collected. Miss Sandford's office is located opposite Room 1 and she is also there if students need any help around the school.

Mrs E Costin is the person your child needs to see if they become unwell at school if they are in Year 10, 11, 12 or 13. She will use her professional judgement as to whether to call home for your child to be collected. Mrs Costin's office is located in the KS4 Common Room and she is also there if students need any help around the school.

If it is judged better for your child to return home, you will be contacted by Miss Sandford, Mrs Costin or the school office. Students SHOULD NOT call home themselves or leave school without reporting to the School Reception first.

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• Your child takes part in extra curricular activities

Make sure you know the name of the staff organiser and the expected finish time.

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• Your child has lost something

Mrs Marlow is the Office Manager, she and the office staff are there if you or your child needs any help. Although staff will do their best to locate lost property, the school cannot accept responsibility. One safeguard against lost property is to ensure that all items are clearly labelled and valuable items should not be brought to school.

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• Your child needs transport

Advice is provided by the Area Education Office (address on page 6) and the school provides transport facilities from areas such as Greenhithe, Swanscombe, Gravesend and Dartford. If in need of advice please ring Mrs Pickard at the school on 01474 705951.

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• Your child wishes to cycle to school

Arrangements should be made with their Head of Learning for cycle storage during the school day. The school cannot guarantee its security, and would ask you to make sure it is insured, and identity marked.

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• You wish to collect your child by car

We have coaches arriving to collect students after school, so to avoid congestion and improve safety, parents are asked not to park near main entrances or in the coach parking area, or in areas clearly marked as 'No Parking'.

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• You wish your child to have lunch in school

Your child should go to the dining hall where a cafeteria system operates. Packed lunches may be eaten and there are also vending machines in the main concourse area that sell sandwiches and drinks. Students in KS4 can eat in the Upper School Common Room. Dinner time supervision is carried out by ancillary staff and teachers. Students in KS3 and KS4 are not permitted to leave the school premises at lunchtime.

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• Your child is entitled to free school meals

Entitlement to free school meals is determined by a net income scale operated nationally. An application form can be obtained from the Area Office and must be completed by you.

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• You have any other problem

Please contact the school and arrange to speak to your child's Tutor, Head of Learning or any of the Senior Leadership Team. We will always try to help you, and we welcome the opportunity to talk with you. School Day Before 08.35 am students can access the playgrounds and the main building. There is no supervision by staff until 08.35 am.

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