FAQ

What is a typical day like?

The school day begins at 8:30 in the morning and is divided into five lessons.

8:30am - 09:00am	Tutor Time and Registration
9:00am - 10:00am	Period 1
10:00 - 11:00am	Period 2
11:00 - 11:20am	Break
11:20am - 12:20pm	Period 3
12:20 - 1:20pm	Period 4
1:20 - 2:00pm	Lunch
2:00 - 3:00pm	Period 5

What should I do if my child is absent from school?

Parents/ carers can report a student's absence by:

Calling our absence line 01293 866 817 and leaving a message
Sending an email to: studentabsence@thomasbennett-tkat.org
Filling in the online form below

If you know in advance that your child is going to be absent e.g. for a pre-arranged hospital appointment please use the email address above.

For all unplanned absences please confirm the length and reason for absence when you child returns to school.

All parents/carers of absent students are automatically called on the first day of absence if we have not received prior notification

If you have any questions or issues, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Admin Team.

How is homework set?

The purpose of homework:

To provide meaningful tasks to extend and challenge learning
To develop skills and confidence to support independent learning

Free meal provision at school

Provision of food in the middle of the day will be given free of charge to a student whose parents are in receipt of

Universal Credit with an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400
Income support
Income based Jobseeker's Allowance (IBJSA)
Income related Employment and Support Allowance (IRESA)
Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
The guarantee element of Pension Credit
Child Tax Credit (with no Working Tax Credit) with an annual gross income of no more than £16,190, as assessed by HMRC

N.B. If you receive WORKING TAX CREDIT you do NOT qualify even if you receive child tax credit and your income is below £16,190

Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for the four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)

If your child is currently in receipt of free school meals, or you think that your child is entitled to them, you must fill out an application form. The relevant form is available from the school office or the school’s website.

Due to recent changes to the Free School Meal Eligibility Criteria and the rollout of Universal Credit (1st April 2018) your child may be protected to receive FSMs. Eligibility will be verified and confirmation advised by the school office on submission of an application form.

Students may also bring a packed lunch from home which must be eaten in the dining hall or in good weather at the picnic tables. Parents are encouraged to adopt the healthy eating guidelines for packed lunches and fizzy drinks should not be included in lunches. Glass bottles are not to be brought into school and all litter must be placed in the bins provided or taken home.

How does the cashless catering system work?

Why you should use ParentPay

It’s simple, safe, convenient and your child no longer needs to carry cash into school.

ParentPay is an online payment system for schools. It allows parents to pay quickly and securely for school meals, trips and activities, uniforms, music lessons and fees.

You simply top-up your ParentPay account online by debit or credit card, or in cash through PayPoint stores. Payment by standing order and faster payments will be available soon. Your ParentPay balance can be used immediately to pay for any of your children’s items at any school using ParentPay.

School Meals
Find out why over two million parents use ParentPay for school meals.

Trips,Clubs and other items
You can use ParentPay to pay for a whole range of school items and services.

Staying updated
Get important communications by SMS or email including payment alerts and general school updates.

Ways you can pay
You can pay securely online or if needed with cash in one of 30,000 PayPoint stores.

If you have any queries please contact Mrs S Khan on 01293 526255, email finance@thomasbennett-tkat.org,

Please click here to access ParentPay

What if my child is late to school?

At School

You are expected to be punctual to registration and lessons. Anyone arriving late to school should sign in at the the students desk at Main Reception desk, failure to do so will result in an unauthorised absence.

If you are ill or injured you should report to the nearest member of the teaching staff, who may then refer you to the Welfare Assistant. If necessary, your parent/carer will be contacted and asked to collect you. You must NOT make your own arrangement; the school will do it for you. If you need to take medication during the school day you should leave it with the Welfare Assistant. Do not carry medication on you during the school day.

Can I take my child out of school for a holiday during term time?

Holidays will not be authorised by the school. Holidays during term time will be classified as an unauthorised absence and could incur a fine issued by West Sussex County Council.