Site Access

Parent FAQ

Q1 What if my child is sick at school during the day?

If the SHWO contacts you to arrange collection of a poorly child, you will be able to park in Reception.  When approaching the new barrier, you will be able to press the buzzer to request access.

Q2 What if my child has an appointment during the school day (e.g dentist)?

For planned appointments, please arrange to collect your child outside of the school premises, either on Hitches Lane or in the Leisure Centre Car Park.

Q3 What if my child has a medical condition which requires a drop off/collection on the school premises?

Where Medical, AEN or Safeguarding has identified a student with accessibility needs, we will arrange for the family vehicle to be added to the registration plate recognition system for as long as is necessary.

Q4 What if my child is staying late to help at an event or to perform in a show?

Where a student needs to be collected late in the evening after a) performing in a show b) participating in a performance c) assisting at an evening event or d) returning late from a school trip, the barrier will be opened for the purposes of collection only. 

Where a parent is also visiting the school to attend the same show / event as their child, they should arrange to park off-site and will not be able to park on the school premises unless there are exceptional circumstances or a medical need.

Q5 Can I park onsite if I’m attending an event, performance or show?

No.  When attending a school event, parents and visitors should use the Leisure Centre car park, the nature reserve car park or local street parking, whilst always remaining considerate of local residents.  There may be exceptions to this, in which case the school will communicate as part of the event communication.

Q6 There is currently an arrangement in place for me to escort my child onto the school premises.  Will this change?

Where Medical, AEN or Safeguarding has identified a student with accessibility needs, we will arrange for the family vehicle to be added to the registration plate recognition system for as long as is necessary.

Q7 My child is arriving late for school, can I drop off/pick up on-site?

If your child is going to be arriving late (or departing early owing to a planned appointment), please ensure that this has been reported on Edulink and arrange to collect or drop your child off outside of the school premises, either on Hitches Lane or in the Leisure Centre Car Park.

Q8 Will the Stagecoach bus still be able to drop off/pickup on school site?

            Stagecoach buses will be able to access the school site as normal.

Q9 Will Hampshire County Council school transport (Taxis) be able to drop off/pick up on school site?

Students who travel to school by taxi will continue to be brought onto the school site as normal. 

Q10 I need to drop something off for my child (PE kit, Cooking ingredients, homework etc) - can I drive onto site to drop this off?

We ask that every effort is made to encourage your child to be organised and prepared for the school day.  In the event that you need to bring something in to school urgently for you child, please park outside the school premises and walk in to Reception.

Q11 My child attends an after-school club, can I drive on site to pick them up?

If your child is participating in an after school club or activity, please arrange to collect your child outside of the school premises, either on Hitches Lane or in the Leisure Centre Car Park. 

Q12 My child needs to be dropped off in the school grounds for reasons that we haven’t needed to communicate with the school.  Can I continue to do so?

If there is a reason your child needs to be dropped off within the school grounds this should be communicated to the appropriate department. 

Medical / Injury / Illness – [email protected]

Safeguarding – [email protected]

Additional Educational Needs: [email protected]

Pastoral & Well Being: Contact the Form Tutor in the first instance

Q13 Are there any circumstances under which the decision to withdraw drop off and pick up access will be reconsidered?
 
A lot of thought sits behind the decision to introduce this new system.  Aside from the reality that this is a common approach for many schools in the area, the decision to make the change at Calthorpe Park school has very much been driven by safety and has been encouraged and supported by Hampshire County Council since the previous school expansion took place.  What is asked of the local parent community, is that vehicle owners make safe and sensible decisions during school drop off and pick up times, for example by using locations further afield that the immediate area.  This would undoubtedly help rather than add to or exacerbate what is already a busy and rushed time of day.
 
Q14 How will I know if my vehicle registration is one of the recognised, registered vehicles?
 
Students with special access arrangements will be contacted by the school to request car registration details.  If you have not been contacted by school then your vehicle will not be recognised by the system and you will be unable to access the site.
 
Q15 My child has to carry a large instrument to participate in a school music group.  Can I drop them on the school site on the days when the instrument needs to be brought into school?
 
Most instrument cases are considered portable, particularly over short distances.  We suggest that students with instruments are dropped off in the Leisure Centre carpark close to the Zebra crossing.  In the event that a student needs to carry multiple instruments such as drum kits, or if there are other circumstances which make carrying an instrument difficult for a student, they should approach their form tutor, music teacher or the Health & Welfare Team to request a special access arrangement for particular days.
 
Q16 Is it possible to have access to the school as we are out of the catchment area so it is too far for my child to walk to school? 
 
The school is not asking that students walk long distances to reach school. However, as the school will no longer be open for drop offs and picks ups on site, we suggest families who live further afield establish a new drop off routine, within a reasonable walking distance of the school. Choosing a location slightly further away than the immediate Hitches Lane area will promote an active start to the day for your child and will also help to alleviate some of the congestion experienced closer to school at the start and end of the school day. Alternatively, parents may consider making use of Edenbrook Country Park, the Leisure Centre or the car park on Hitches Lane.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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