Working in Partnership
We encourage parents and carers to be actively involved in school life. Opportunities include:
- Supporting the Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
- Helping with trips and classroom activities
- Attending curriculum workshops and events
- Supporting fundraising initiatives
All adults working or volunteering in school must complete appropriate safeguarding checks.
School inspections – a guide for parents
Paper copies of the website content is available upon request.
My child will be absent – How do I tell school?
If your child is unwell, please inform the school by 9:00am each day of absence:
- 📞 020 7254 1148 (leave a message if needed)
- 📧 admin@st-matthias.hackney.sch.uk
If absence exceeds three days, a doctor’s note may be required. For guidance on illness and attendance, please refer to the NHS website.
The School Day – What are the timings?
- Breakfast Club: 8:00am–8:10am
- Gates open: 8:30am–8:45am
- School day begins: 8:45am
- Break time: 10:20am–10:35am
- Lunch: Between 11:45am–1:30pm (depending on year group)
- End of day: 3:30pm
After-school clubs run until 4:30pm
Play Centre available until 5:00pm (4:30pm on Fridays).
Prompt arrival supports learning and helps children settle quickly.
Drop-off and collection – Where do I go?
Children can enter via:
- Wordsworth Road (main gate)
- Cowper Road (back gate)
Collection is from classroom doors, entering and exiting the school grounds through the Wordsworth Road (main gate).
Staff are present at all gates during drop-off and collection times.
Communication – How will I know what is going on in school?
We communicate regularly with families through:
- Weekly newsletters
- Text messaging service
- The school website
Please ensure your contact details are up to date so you receive important information promptly.
Parent WhatsApp Groups – Should I join one?
We recognise that parent WhatsApp groups can support communication and community. We ask that all communication reflects our values of respect, kindness and collaboration.
Appropriate Use
- Sharing school reminders and information
- Organising events or activities
- Supporting the school community
Expectations
- Communicate respectfully and considerately
- Keep messages relevant to school matters
- Respect privacy and confidentiality
- Promote a positive and inclusive environment
Raising Concerns
Concerns about pupils, staff or the school should be raised directly with the school:
- Class Teacher – for day-to-day concerns
- Senior Leadership Team – for more serious matters
- School Office – for general enquiries
Lost Property – How do I find it?
Please ensure all items are clearly labelled.
Speak to your child’s teacher if something is lost.
We have lost property boxes which you can check for your child’s missing items.
Packed Lunches – What can I include?
We encourage healthy packed lunches.
The packed lunch must not include:
- Nut products
- Sweets
- Chocolate
- Fizzy drinks
Hot Chocolate Friday – What is it?
Each week, one pupil from each class (Years 1–6) is selected to celebrate positive behaviour with a member of the leadership team.
Birthdays – What can I bring to school?
Children may bring a shop-bought cake (with ingredients clearly labelled).
Sweets and party bags are not permitted.
Jewellery – What can my child wear?
Your child may wear:
- Watches
- Small stud earrings
- A crucifix
No other jewellery is permitted.
Mobile phones – can my child bring one to school?
Year 6 pupils may bring a phone with written parental consent.
Phones must be switched off and stored according to school procedures in a locked box.
Holidays – Can I book one in the school term?
No, term-time holidays are not authorised.
Queries – Who should I ask?
For any queries or questions, you can visit or contact the school office and we will be happy to help.
- Telephone: 020 7254 1148
- Email: admin@st-matthias.hackney.sch.uk
Complaints – Who should I speak to?
If you have a concern regarding your child(ren) you should speak first to the teacher or a member of the senior leadership team/ Headteacher.
If you are unhappy with the response please contact admin@primaryadvantage.hackney.sch.uk who will forward your response to the Executive Principal.
If these discussions do not resolve the concern, please visit the making the complaint section of the Hackney Learning Trust website.
View our complaints procedure which can be found on our Federation policies page.
Emergencies – What happens?
We have trained first aiders on site, including paediatric first aiders. Minor injuries are treated appropriately.
In the event of a serious incident:
- Parents/carers will be contacted immediately
- Emergency services will be called if necessary
Please ensure all emergency contact details are kept up to date.
Severe weather – How do I know if school is open?
In cases of severe weather or unforeseen events:
- A decision will usually be made by 7:30am
- Updates will be shared via the school website, text messages and The Hackney Education website
In the event of bad weather the telephones will be very busy please access the school website for updates.
If closure occurs during the day, parents will be contacted directly. Pupils will remain supervised until safely collected.
Lockdown – What happens?
As part of our safeguarding procedures, the school may implement a lockdown in rare circumstances where there is a risk to safety.
During a lockdown:
- The school site is secured and all external doors are locked
- Pupils remain safely inside under staff supervision
- No entry or exit is permitted until it is safe
Communication During Lockdown
- Parents will be informed via text as soon as it is safe
- Parents may be asked not to come to the school site
- Pupils will not be released during this time
- Please avoid calling the school to keep lines free
Further information will be shared once the situation is resolved.
School Places Applications – Can you help?
Support is available for Nursery, Reception and Secondary applications. Please contact the school office to arrange an appointment.