Page 39 - Parents' Handbook - Sept 2021

ABSENCES
In the case of illness please telephone the school (01299 896 275) and leave a message for the School Secretary.
For planned, authorised absences parents should ask permission from the Headmaster and inform the school of a pupil’s actual or forthcoming absence, preferably
in writing. If a day pupil is necessarily absent for five consecutive days, (or a boarder for seven consecutive days) a claim can be made on the school insurers if parents have joined the scheme. Please contact Claire Gearey in accounts for further details regarding this scheme. Claire.geary@abberleyhall.co.uk
iSAMS
iSAMS is used as an email and texting service for instant communication. New parents will be sent instructions on how to set up your parent portal on iSAMS and this will be one of the key ways we communicate with parents.
COMPLAINTS POLICY
A COPY OF THE SCHOOL’S COMPLAINTS POLICY IS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE OR UPON REQUEST
We hope that parents do not have any need to complain but we take complaints extremely seriously and always aim to resolve them as quickly as possible.
If parents are unhappy or concerned about something, then we urge you to talk to the relevant Tutor as soon as possible. If the matter is more serious then you are welcome to make contact with the Headmaster at any point.
If you feel that your complaint has not been addressed satisfactorily or if, for any other reason, you want to make a formal complaint then you should do this by writing to the Headmaster. The process that will be followed is outlined in our Complaints Policy.
CONTACT WITH THE SCHOOL
We encourage parents to liaise with the school closely.
Parents are urged to telephone or email if they have any concerns, however small these may appear. If there is any doubt about who to speak to, please contact the Headmaster, who will always be happy to make time to discuss any concerns. If it is a domestic or boarding problem (e.g medical care, clothing etc.) the best points of contact are Charlotte Dunham (Girls’ Boarding Housemistress), Toby Dunham
(Boys’ Boarding Housemaster) or the School Nurse.
Often, however, the Form Tutor is a good first contact for both pastoral and academic matters. Or you could contact the relevant Head of Section.
We urge parents to get to know the staff. Drop off and pick up time can be a good opportunity and parents are welcome to visit on any match day (mainly Wednesdays and Saturdays), even if their son or daughter is not in a team. These are good opportunities to get to know the staff better and discuss progress informally.
By phoning the School Office, an appointment can always be made to see the Headmaster or any member of staff.
The school telephone number is: 01299 896 275.
This is normally answered during office hours by Tricia Webb, School Secretary, or Fiona Cook, PA to Headmaster. The answerphone tends to be on from 8pm to 8am (and for longer periods in the school holidays). Timings at weekends will vary, but the office is normally unmanned after 1pm on Saturday. Please leave a message and we will get back to you as quickly as they can. If the matter is urgent then please email the Headmaster or another contact as outlined on page 41.
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