Frequently asked questions

What are Fairifeld’s strengths?

We have always focused on the child as an individual and strive to ensure that they all fulfil their individual potential across the curriculum. We aim to educate children in so much more than just academic subjects; we develop children’s ability to think, reason and formulate their own opinions and we promote values of tolerance, compassion and responsibility to oneself and others. We encourage competition and teach children how to win or lose graciously. We reinforce traditional family values and place great emphasis on good manners and good behaviour. Our children achieve very high academic standards and we have an enviable reputation for preparing our Year 6 children thoroughly for entry to senior school in Year 7.

Where do children move on to after Fairfield?

The majority of our children carry on in the independent sector and move on to one of the Bristol independent senior schools at age 11. A few children transfer to the maintained sector and attend their local senior school. We have an outstanding record for preparing our Year 6 children for the next stage of their education and have developed excellent relationships with the local and Bristol independent senior schools. We do not recommend that parents try to circumvent the entrance test procedures by moving their child before Year 6; this is most definitely not in the best interests of the child and is unnecessary given our rigorous preparation and consistently successful results. Year 6 is a special year for our children, during which they assume their place as leaders of the school, House Captains, House Council Leaders, Librarians and Monitors. They develop and mature in so many ways over the year, a year which culminates in their residential trip and Leavers’ Assembly.

What is Family Assembly?

Family Assembly takes place on Fridays and any parent, grandparent, relative, carer etc is welcome to attend. The assembly is usually taken by a class and consistes of a mixture of prayer, hymn, public speaking, drama, music and artwork; the theme is often related to the curriculum topics followed by the class. Following the class presentation, two children from every other year group throughout the school, including Nursery, are applauded for their achievement that week. Finally, birthdays taking place that week are celebrated. Each class usually takes at least two assemblies per year.

Will my child have a lot of homework?

Homework is seen by us as a valuable way of developing self-discipline and good study habits. Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 children bring home their reading book and reading record book; in addition, sight words will be sent home when appropriate. In Years 1 and 2, differentiated weekly spelling lists are sent home too. In Key Stage 2, the amount of homework gradually increases from 20-30 minutes in Year 3 to one hour in Year 6 and includes daily reading and spelling in addition to written tasks or research.

What are Reading Buddies?

Nursery children have a Reading Buddy from Year 3 (age 7-8) with whom they share books once a fortnight. The Nursery children thoroughly enjoy talking to Year 3 about the story their Year 3 Buddy has just read to them and good friendships are forged. Occasionally, Year 3 children will accompany their Nursery Buddies on the Nursery Welly Walk as a treat. Reception and Year 4 children continue the Reading Buddy system. This system facilitates transfer from Foundation Stage into Key Stage 1 because the Reception children already know the older children and feel secure.

Where do I buy uniform?

Some uniform is available through the school shop; the remainder can be bought at School Togs in Nailsea. There is also a second hand uniform shop, staffed by parent volunteers. The uniform is predominantly grey with pale blue shirts. Sports uniform is navy blue and pale blue. School bags are part of our uniform; our cloakroom storage is designed to accommodate our own school bags and rucksacks are not permitted.

Who do I talk to if I have a concern?

The first point of contact is usually the class teacher or the office staff. The Headmistress is also happy to meet parents to discuss any issues or concerns; appointments can be made through the office.

What happens at lunchtime?

Foundation Stage children eat separately and the rest of the school eat together on mixed age group tables headed by Year 6 Monitors who serve and clear away. Lunchtimes are a social occasion and strengthen the community feeling within the school. All of the children enjoy a cooked lunch each day; food is purchased from local suppliers and freshly prepared on the premises. Fresh fruit and yoghurt are served daily as alternatives to the main dessert, vegetarian options are available daily and fresh water is freely available at all times of the day.

Can my child bring a breaktime snack?

Children are encouraged to bring a prepared piece of fruit for breaktime. No biscuits or snacks are allowed.

Is there an after-school care facility?

Pre- and after-school care arrangements are explained on the website.

Can my child take part in extra-curricular activities?

There is a wide range of activities (see relevant section of the website) but some are not open to Year 1 and 2 children, as their days are action packed and they have some form of sporting curriculum activity on four days each week. Activities available to Key Stage 1 children include: ballet, club francais, mini tennis, choir, recorders, percussion.

What happens if my child is ill?

If they are feeling unwell, children are able to wait in the first aid room at school until parents arrive to collect them. Parents will always be contacted if a child is feeling unwell. The school follows government guidelines regarding infectious illnesses, sickness and cryptosporidium.

Are there many school trips?

All classes have the opportunity to go on day trips to destinations which enhance their curriculum topics or provide breadth to the curriculum. These trips range from visits to the zoo to theatre trips. We also bring in visiting speakers and productions to present to us at school. Year 6 children have the opportunity to spend a week at a PGL residential centre on an outdoor activity trip. This usually takes place in the summer term and provides an excellent opportunity to develop teamwork skills, self-confidence and an element of independence which is essential in preparing our Year 6 children for the next stage of their education.

How can I support my child’s learning and education?

We hold information evenings for all parents when the curriculum is explained and there are opportunities for questions and discussion. We also operate an ‘open door’ policy whereby parents have the opportunity to speak informally on a daily basis to the class teachers or to the Headmistress if necessary. Parents’ Evenings are held each term and parents are offered 15 minute appointments with the class teacher. They spend 15 minutes prior to this looking through their child’s work. Written reports are sent out at the end of the Autumn and Summer Terms.