FAQs
Our School Office is open from 8.30 a.m – 4.00 p.m Monday – Friday
Our Office Staff can help with all queries. Please contact us on 01707 339079 or admin@swallowdell.herts.sch.uk
The official start time of the compulsory school day: 8.40am
The official end time of the compulsory school day:3.15pm
This amounts to over 32.5 hours a week including breaks
School registration opens once the school gates are open at 8:40am
KS1 (Rec -Y2) to be collected at 3.10pm KS2 (Y3-6) to be collected at 3.15pm
For breakfast and after school clubs visit our wrap around care page
What do I do if my child is late to school?
Lateness is not acceptable and pupils should be at school for an 8.50 a.m start. After 9.00 a.m it will be unauthorised and counts towards the 15 sessions fixed penalty notice. It is vital that you go to the School Office and sign your child in. This is not just so that we can monitor punctuality, but is essential for fire safety and security.
How do I report my child’s absence from school?
Please telephone the school on 01707 339079 as soon as possible and on each day of your child’s absence from school; we have a dedicated answering service where you can leave a message. It is very important that you let us know your child’s symptoms so that we can monitor any possible epidemics. Please send a letter of explanation to school on your child’s return.
How to update my child’s details
We have a new convenient way for you to access, review and request changes to the data held on you and your children direct from your phone.
You are able to access the parent app and website at your own convenience via smartphone, tablet or PC – anytime, anywhere.
What will you find on SIMS Parent
- Access to update your correct details, so we always have the most up-to-date information in case of emergency
- If you have more than one child at school, you’ll have access to this information for all your children from the same app.
Getting started with the SIMS Parent
- We will be sending you an activation email, simply click on the link from your tablet, PC or smartphone to activate your account.
- You can then login using your normal Facebook, Twitter, Google or Microsoft username and password.
- From your smartphone or tablet, download the app from the Google Play or Apple App store- search for SIMS Parent.
- From a PC or Windows phone, login online at sims-parent.co.uk
Please note that your activation email is unique to you and should not be used by anyone else. If you require an additional login then please contact the school. Your activation email will expire after 14 days if it is not used. Please contact the school if you require a replacement after this date.
How much does school dinner cost?
From 1 April 2023 the cost is £3.50 per day – £17.50 per week. Payments to be made via our School Gateway which can be accessed from our school website.
How can I pay money to School?
As of April 2020 we have become a cashless office and therefore all payments above £5 can and should be made via School Gateway https://login.schoolgateway.com
Is my child eligible for Free School Meals?
Children in Reception, Y1 and Y2 are automatically entitled to Universal Free School Meals. However, you may also be eligible to Free School Meals even if your child is receiving Universal Free School Meals and this will continue through to Y3-Y6.
Your child could be eligible for a FSM if you satisfy the qualifying benefit criteria even if your child is Universal Free School Meals . If you do qualify you will also be entitled to free Milk in Reception, Y1 and Y2. Apply by visiting
How can I buy school uniform?
Uniform is purchased through our online supplier www.tylers-sportswear.co.uk. Tylers Sportswear, 6 Woodfield Road, WGC, Herts AL7 1JQ.
Pre-owned school uniform is available to be purchased for £1 per item. Please email: preowneduniform@swallowdell.herts.sch.uk
Can I take my child out of school for a holiday during term time?
Swallow Dell will not authorise any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances and the application must be made in writing. Any absences (other than through illness) will be recorded as unauthorised and you may incur a fixed penalty fine and risk your child losing their place at our school.
How do I apply for a place in your school for my child?
For in year admissions you will need to contact the Admissions Team Hertfordshire County Council on 0300 123 4043 or email admissions@hertscc.gov.uk.
Nursery applications only can be handed in at the school office.
How will I be informed if there is an enforced school closure?
We use School Gateway to contact all parents; please ensure you keep your account updated with current email addresses and contact numbers. You can also check our website for updates: www.swallowdell.herts.sch.uk and the Hertfordshire County Council website.
What would happen if the need arose for whole class/school remote education?
A pupil’s first day or two of being educated remotely might look different from our standard approach, while we take all necessary actions to prepare for a longer period of remote teaching. We would teach the same curriculum remotely as we do in school wherever possible. Work will be set on google classroom and teachers will hold ‘live’ sessions each day. We will signpost to educational website appropriate for your child’s age. We recognise that some pupils may not have suitable online access at home. If a parent/carer requires support in accessing work remotely please contact the school.
What do I do if my child is prescribed medication?
Parents can arrange to come into school to administer medication to their own children if necessary. Only medicines prescribed by a doctor can be administered by the school. Antibiotic doses that are administered 3 times a day should be given before and after school and at bedtime. If the medicine is required 4 times a day please notify the office (Medical Form must be completed). For long term or ongoing medication, parents are asked to complete and sign a medication request form. Children with asthma, severe allergies, etc., keep their medication in the Class room; these are given by a First Aid trained member of staff. We require TWO epi-pens in school and it is the parents responsibility to make sure inhalers and epi-pens are replaced when expired.
How long before my child can return to school after an illness?
In the case of vomiting and diarrhoea your child should be well for 48 hours before they return to school. If you are unsure please call us.
What do I do if I need to see a teacher?
Teachers are normally available for brief enquiries after school. If you need a longer appointment, please contact your child’s teacher or the office staff who will be happy to arrange this for you.
Can my child bring a mobile telephone to school?
Our preference is that children do not bring in Mobile Phones. However, if you wish your child who is in Y5 and Y6 only and is allowed to walk to and from school, to bring in their phone then we need permission in writing. A permission letter needs to be signed by the parent allowing their child to bring in a named mobile which has been turned off and handed to their class teacher at the start of each day and collected from their teacher at the end of the school day.
Parents and children must understand that if they bring a mobile phone to school, this is entirely at their own risk and Swallow Dell cannot accept any responsibility for loss, theft or damage.
If any child is found using a mobile phone during the school day it will be confiscated and returned at the end of the day. Depending on the nature of the incident, they may be banned from bringing their mobile phone into school thereafter.
What should I do if I think my child is bullied?
Advise your child to speak to an adult in the school. This can be any member of staff that they feel comfortable with. You may also wish to support your child by talking to the teacher with your child. We would encourage that they report any incident to the class teacher as they can observe behavior during lessons and advise lunchtime staff as necessary. We take accusations of bullying very seriously and any incidents are dealt with appropriately and with speed. If you are concerned about your child, please make an appointment to speak to the headteacher and never approach a child or the parent.
Can I park at the school?
The school has a car park which is only for staff or parents who are entitled to park in a disabled parking space (blue badge must be displayed). The school is situated on residential roads and we ask parents to park legally and with due consideration for our neighbours.
Can my child cycle to school?
Yes, your child can cycle if they are accompanied by an adult. If you wish your child to cycle on their own we would need a permission letter from the parent with parental responsibility and a permit will be issued. Cycle shelters are provided close to the entrance of both Lowerfield and the Sweet Briar buildings. Please lock cycles and scooters up.
Can my child walk to school alone?
Children must be accompanied by an adult. If you wish an older child to walk to school alone we must receive a permission letter from the parent with parental responsibility.
What should I put in my child’s packed lunch?
We encourage healthy eating and expect parents to choose healthily when creating a packed lunch.
An example of a healthy packed lunch:
- No peanuts / peanut butter etc.
- No sweets, fizzy drinks, nuts or chocolate (unless covering a wafer/biscuit)
What do I do if my child has lost a piece of clothing?
Parents must either sew a name label into all clothing or write the child’s name in indelible ink. If an item goes missing your child must inform the class teacher and class teaching assistant and look in the lost property cupboard. We will do our utmost to find lost items but we are unable to provide a replacement.
When will my child start in Reception?
This will depend on their age and parental preference; usually children join Reception class in the September before their 5 birthday. Please see the school prospectus under the Admission section and for further advice you can speak to the school office staff.
Can my child bring toys in to school?
No, we normally discourage toys or collectables (e.g. football cards) being brought to school, unless the class teacher has specifically requested that they do. Please always check with the class teacher.
Can I receive the newsletter by email?
Yes, please register with School Gateway and maintain any changes to your contact details.
Is there before and after school provision?
We run a Breakfast Club “The Swallows” from 7:30 a.m. (including breakfast) and an After School Club (including a snack) from 3.15 -6.00 p.m.
Other clubs change every term and you will always be notified in the first week of the new term so you can apply.
How can parents get involved?
We encourage parents to get involved in various ways from attending trips to individual reading. We have a PTA and would welcome new members with new ideas and contacts. If you work for a company that is able to sponsor or donate to fundraising in the school please email admin@swallowdell.herts.sch.uk subject: fundraising. We will require you to have an enhanced DBS check before working in the school.
