Frequently asked Questions for Parents & Carers 

How can I apply for a place at The Southfield Trust? 

All pupils require an EHCP (Educational Health Care Plan)  Admissions are managed through the Local Authority consultation process.   Admissions Page

How do I book a parent tour? 

Please contact the school office to reserve a place on a parent tour. School Contacts

Where can I find school term dates? 

Term dates are published annually on each school website. Term Dates & Contacts 

Where can I find school INSET days? 

INSET days are published on school calendars and websites. Term Dates & Contacts 

How do I report my child’s absence? 

Please contact the school office as early as possible on the first day of absence. All schools have a 24-hour answerphone with a dedicated line for absence reporting  School Contacts

My child is unwell – should I send them to school? 

Children with a fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or contagious illness should remain at home. Contact the school office if unsure Shoud I keep my child off school poster . 

How are medicines administered in school? 

Medication can be administered in accordance with school procedures and supporting documentation. Please contact the school office for guidance School Contacts

How do I report a concern about my child’s welfare? 

Contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Head Teacher or school office immediately. Safeguarding & Governance 

Who do I contact if I have concerns about bullying? 

Contact your child’s class Tutor, The Headteacher, Designated Safeguarding Lead or the school office. Safeguarding & Governance 

How do I apply for school transport? 

Transport eligibility is assessed by East Sussex County Council and linked to EHCP arrangements where applicable. Travel assistance for children and young people with SEND and an EHC plan | East Sussex County Council 

How do I update my contact details? 

Please notify the school immediately of any changes to addresses, phone numbers, email addresses or emergency contacts. School Contacts

How is my child’s information protected?

The Trust processes personal information in accordance with data protection legislation and Trust policies. Trust Policies

How do I update my consent information? 

Contact the school office or use MCAS (where available) to review and update consent preferences.  School Contacts

Who should I contact about my child’s education? 

Your child’s class teacher, tutor or Headteacher is usually the first point of contact. School Contacts

How do Annual Reviews work? 

The school will invite families to review EHCP progress and future outcomes on a yearly basis – you will be given the choice to attend in person, via the telephone or TEAMS.  

How do I receive school communications? 

Most communications are sent via MCAS, email, text messages, Class Dojo and school newsletters.  

How will I be kept upto date with information about School events, Class Trips,  MUFTI Days, etc?                                                                    Communications are sent via MCAS, email, text messages, Class Dojo and school newsletters.  

How can I get involved in school events? Parents are encouraged to attend coffee mornings, events, consultations and celebrations. These are advertised through the school communication systems. 

How do I request leave during term time? 

Submit a "Pupil request for absence in term time" form, which is available on request from the school office. Leave can only be authorised in exceptional circumstances.  . School Contacts

What happens if the school closes due to bad weather or an emergency?                                                                                                                          Parents will be notified through the school communication systems and website updates. 

Where can I purchase school uniform? 

Uniform information and supplier details are available on each school website Our Schools 

What school meals do you provide, or should I send a packed lunch?
All schools provide a school meal option for pupils. Families may also choose to send a healthy packed lunch if they prefer. Details of the meals available, including menus, costs, and how to order, will be shared directly with families.  

Will my child receive Free School Meals? 

Families receiving qualifying benefits may be eligible. Contact the school office for support with applications. Pupil Premium 

How do I pay for school meals? 

Payments must be made in advance through ParentPay . Contact the school office if you need support accessing your account. ParentPay Parent - Customer Service 

Will my child be able to attend breakfast, after school or holiday clubs?

Information about any breakfast, after-school, and holiday clubs available at each school will be shared directly with families. Availability may vary between schools. 

How do I pay for school clubs?  

Most clubs are paid for through My Child at School (MCAS) App.  Details regarding payments are provided by each school when clubs are advertised. MCAS-Parent-Guide-July-24-New-UI-version-1.pdf   

How do I pay for school trips? 

Trip payments are usually available through the "Products" section of MCAS. (as above) 

How do I access school photographs? 

Details will be shared with families when yearly photography sessions take place, along with information on how to purchase items from the service provider.   

How do I contact other departments within the Southfield Trust?                                                                                                                                                      Please see our Trust Contacts page Trust Contacts 

How do I make a complaint? 

Please follow the Trust Complaints Policy available on the website. Trust Policies