Attendance, Rewards and Behaviour

Attendance Expectations

Aylesford School wishes to work closely with parents and stakeholders to maximise attendance to school.

There is a clear link between academic success and attendance and as such students should be aiming for 100% attendance each year.

We have a designated Attendance officer who oversees attendance and monitors all student absence. We also work in close partnership with the local authority and outside agencies to support any students having difficulty attending school.

Absence

We expect all students to attend school every day and arrive on time. We do understand that there may be a time when keeping your son/daughter off school is a necessity due to illness or other unavoidable circumstances. In such an event, please ensure you inform the school at the earliest possible time by calling the school on 01622 717341 and press 1 for attendance.

Holidays during term time will not be authorised unless under exceptional circumstances with permission from the Headteacher.  We strongly recommend that you do not book time away during term time as this will lead to a penalty notice being issued.

The government has very clear expectations of student attendance and any student failing to meet the minimum expectation of 95% will be subject to monitoring and intervention by the school or local authority involvement.

For further information about Attendance please contact:
Attendance Officer Mrs Bartholomew
Attendance and Pastoral Support Admin Assist Mrs Kenny
Assistant Headteacher and Character Education Lead – Mr D Wright

Positive Behaviour

Our aim is to establish the highest possible standards of behaviour at Aylesford School.  This is important so that the school is always a warm, caring, friendly and happy place where learning can flourish.  Students’ behaviour around the school should be excellent; every lesson should be characterised by a relentless focus on learning, free from distractions.  Every student and every member of staff should be able to feel relaxed and happy, confident that their working environment is one where people are kind, courteous and respectful at all times. Learning and rewarded behaviour are recorded, tracked and monitored through Classcharts.

The School’s behaviour policy and expectations clearly focuses around positive behaviours and building the good character that we want our students to display. This is focused around 3 clear school rules that are easy for staff and students to understand.

Be Ready
Be Respectful
Be Safe

By ‘being ready’, we expect all students to wear the correct school uniform; have the correct equipment; complete their homework and be on time to school and lessons.

By ‘being respectful’, we expect all students to be polite to everyone, be that in school, in our local area and whilst travelling to and from school. ‘Being respectful’ encompasses the positive traits we expect from our students, for example respecting the school environment by not littering.

By ‘being safe’, we expect all students to behave in a way that keeps them safe and keeps other safe. We recognise that students have the right to feel safe.

Rewards

Our focus is to reward positive behaviour and to foster an atmosphere of respect at all times.  We will recognise and reward students when they display our Character Strengths and other positive behaviours such as regular attendance, commitment to the school, representing the school, positive attitudes and effort towards learning and progress made.

The Character Strengths have been chosen in consultation with staff, students and parents. They are:

• Respect
• Confidence
• Self-Discipline
• Integrity
• Open-Mindedness
• Courage
• Compassion
• Motivation      
• Resilience
• Curiosity

Students will gather Character Rewards throughout the year and these, combined with attendance and academic progress will allow students to attend a graduation event at the end of the school year.

The expectation is that students have an opportunity to achieve these in every lesson that is taught. Staff will log Character Strengths on Classcharts. Parents will be able to view the specific reward their child has achieved, along with the name of the subject and teacher who has given the reward via Classcharts.

Students will also be recognised in other ways…

• Receiving positive postcards, letters and phone calls home from staff
• Receiving Head Teacher Commendations
• Receiving recognition for your attendance through attendance streaks
• The Unsung Hero awards event

The following will be displayed in classrooms and referred to when speaking with students

At Aylesford School we do not believe that a punitive sanction system of detentions has any positive impact on student behaviour or builds towards a positive culture of behaviour.  Teachers should feel empowered to use the tools they have at their disposal to lead behaviour in their classroom, and when student’s expectations fall below what is expected, deal with this in a way that helps students make better choices in the future.

Possible tools a teacher might use when students fail to meet expectations:

There are times when the behaviour of a student falls below the expectations when this happens the following might happen:

Repair and Rebuild: The teacher will arrange a time for the student to come back and see them. This may be before school, break or lunch or after school. The focus of this meeting is a positive conversation between the student and member of staff and the aim of this is about the student taking responsibility and moving forward positively.

Lesson Catch up: This might happen when student has not produced enough work in the lesson or it is below expected standards. The member of staff will arrange for the student to come back after school to catch up or complete.

Loss of Social time: When poor behaviour is seen at breaks, lunches, or before and after school the member of staff can choose to take away break or lunch time.

Removals: There are times when the behaviour of a student falls significantly below the expectations and it is necessary to remove them from the classroom to allow learning for others to proceed.

A member of SLT will review the removals each day and make an appropriate decisions regarding the consequences.

Code of Conduct Around the School

Staff and students have all have a responsibility to create a school which feels calm and safe between lessons, at break and lunch times, and before and after school. By adhering to the code of conduct students are able to show they value self-discipline and integrity as well as respect for each other.

• I will move around corridors calmly and quietly
• I will walk on the left on corridors and stairs
• I will walk calmly and safely on corridors and stairs
• I will use appropriate language at all times
• I will try to talk quietly and considerately
• I will eat or drink outside the school buildings
• I will use bins provided for litter
• I will wear the school uniform correctly at all times
• I will be on time to lessons
• I will ensure I am not blocking the corridor or stairs for others
• I will act with integrity and do the right thing, even when no-one else is watching

Device Policy

Mobile devices are prohibited from the moment the student enters the gates of the school. Students may have their devices in their bags or inside blazer pocket but it must be switched off. Any devices seen to be used will be confiscated and handed into reception at the earliest convenience, where it will be recorded and kept safe until the end of the day.

Students are not allowed to collect their devices until after Period 5. If a mobile device is confiscated on more than one occasion the device will be kept in reception until arrangements can be made for a parent to come in and collect it on their child’s behalf.

Students bring in mobile devices at their own risk and the school will not accept liability for damage, loss or theft.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Governing Body will establish, in consultation with the Head teacher, staff and parents, the policy for the promotion of good behaviour for learning and keep it under review. It will ensure that it is communicated to students and parents, is non-discriminatory and its expectations are clear. Governors will support the School in maintaining high standards of behaviour for learning.

The Headteacher, Assistant Headteacher responsible for developing Character Strengths (Mr D Wright) and other members of the Senior Leadership and Middle Leadership Teams will be responsible for the implementation, review and day-to-day management of the policy and procedures.  Support and training for staff faced with challenging behaviour is also an important responsibility of those in positions of leadership.

All Staff will be responsible for ensuring that the policy and procedures are followed and consistently and fairly applied. Mutual support amongst all staff in the implementation of the policy is essential.  Staff have a key role in advising the Leadership Team on the effectiveness of the policy and procedures. They also have responsibility, with the support of the Leadership Team, for creating a high-quality learning environment, teaching good behaviour for learning and implementing the agreed policy and procedures consistently.

The Governing Body, Head teacher and staff will ensure that there is no differential application of the policy and procedures under any circumstances, particularly on the grounds of ethnic or national origin, culture, religion, gender, disability or sexuality. They will also ensure that the concerns of students are listened to and appropriately addressed.

Parents and Carers will be expected to take responsibility for the Behaviour for Learning of their child, both inside and outside the School. They are all expected to have signed and agreed to the terms and conditions of the Home School Agreement.  They will be encouraged to work in partnership with the School to assist the School in maintaining high standards of behaviour and uniform and will have the opportunity to raise with the School any issues arising from the operation of the policy.

Students will be expected to take responsibility for their own Behaviour for Learning and will be made fully aware of the School policy, procedure and expectations. Students also have a responsibility to ensure that incidents of disruption, violence, bullying and any form of harassment are reported.

Welfare Inclusion

If a student’s poor behaviour does not improve we will look to find alternative options to avoid a permanent exclusion. These may include our internal pupil referral unit The Bridge.  If this is not successful / appropriate we will look for support from In Year Fair Access and consider the Pupil Referral Unit / ‘Manage Move’ / Monitored Transfer/Alternative Curriculum options.

Permanent Exclusion

The Head teacher may, in certain circumstances, permanently exclude a student.  A meeting of the Governors’ Discipline Committee has to be convened to ratify this decision.  Once permanently excluded, the LA has a responsibility to offer educational support or to assist the parents in finding an alternative school. The parents also have a right of appeal to an independent tribunal.  This tribunal’s decision is binding.

Behavior Improvement Provision

It is the belief of the school that our students at Aylesford School are polite, respectful young people with a desire to do their best and achieve their goals. It is the case, that for some students, they will need support to ensure they can display the best behavior for learning that they can. Therefore, our provision to achieve this is set out below:

Universal

Modelling of positive behaviors from all staff members, mentor group sessions, peer relationships and restorative approaches. At a curriculum level, it is evident through well-planned lessons, differentiation, preferential seating and the classroom environment. All staff are trained in de-escalation techniques and safeguarding.

Targeted

Where the student requires a more targeted approach, the following provisions may be necessary:

Identification on a ‘Vulnerable Student’ Register shared with all staff

Placed on the SEN Register at SEN Support

CAST – Voluntary mentoring organisation to support students

Mentoring – ‘Assertive Mentoring’ programme

Positive Interaction Programme – supporting students in making the right choices

Behaviour Improvement Programme – to support students making the right behaviour for learning choices

Confidence Development Programme – providing strategies for students to be confident

Professional Guidance Meeting for staff – giving staff strategies to support the learning of students with challenging behaviours

Personalised

Where the student requires a more personalised and long term approach, the following provision may be necessary:

School Nursing – school nurse referral to support specific health needs

LIFT – Consultation with specialist teacher service to commission services

NLP – Neuro Linguistic Programme to support students’ social, emotional and mental health needs

Bereavement Counselling – referral to a specialist bereavement counselling service

Slideaway – charity to support students cope with bereavement

Early Help Support – Looking at external agencies to support the student and family

The Bridge Provision – an internal specialist pupil referral unit to support students with challenging behaviours

Cedars Provision – an external specialist pupil referral unit programme to support students with challenging behaviour

Social Service referral – raise concern with social services to see what other support is available for the family

Managed Move – 6 week trial to another school

Monitored Transfer – 6 week trial to another school.  The student will not return to Aylesford School

Alternative Curriculum – a student will complete their education at the school’s alternative curriculum provision, or at an off-site provision

Student Council

Aylesford School launched The A Team and Student Voice initiative to give students the chance to influence how the school is run.

This student voice activity is run in mentor time and is a chance for students to discuss a topic (chosen by staff at first) that they will be able to give feedback on and discuss how they feel about a particular topic.

We have tried to involve as many students as possible in this so that they are actively involved in discussing these topics each fortnight. Each mentor elects 2 “Student Voice Ambassadors” who have responsibility for writing down what is said in their mentor discussion so that the different viewpoints of people in their group are recorded.

Students have also been given the opportunity to give feedback privately and not in a public way if they feel more comfortable doing this. Those students are encouraged to write their thoughts down on paper during that time, or at home if necessary and bring it to me (preferably with their name, year and mentor group on it) and hand in to me in L12 or in my pigeon hole.

Parents/Guardians: Your encouragement of them is really important to us, so please remind them that this is THEIR CHANCE TO CHANGE the school in a way that suits them and they are able to tell us honestly about their experiences so that we can act on it and LET THEIR VOICE BE HEARD!

Recent Achievements up to 2020:

We have successfully surveyed the school to see how safe students feel in school. We have then been able to feed this back to the Senior Leadership Team who have made changes to the school behaviour structure and put the focus on character virtues.

1. We have been involved in shaping the new behaviour structure and feeding back the survey on what character virtues were felt to be most important to students at Aylesford School.
2. We have completed a survey of the canteen and played an active role in changing the menus in the canteen based on that feedback. There is now an ongoing dialogue between the students and the canteen to ensure that they provide students with a balanced, varied and nutritious menu that is cost effective.
3. We have helped with the transition to an IB school, showcasing the work of the A team and helping to demonstrate the character virtues that are so important in the IB learner profile.
4. We have petitioned students to act more safely around school and put up signs on the stairs to remind students to stand on the left.  Due to this there will be the introduction of the Conduct Card which will make students more accountable for their behaviour between lessons and at break and lunch times.
5. We have discussed what makes a good lesson and fed back student’s views in staff training.

Future Aspirations

The A Team have relished the opportunity to survey and then feedback the views of students on important issues that are important to them. By giving students the opportunity to get actively involved in the life of the school, and in decisions made, it has allowed them to have a greater understanding of how the school is run and to believe that they can have an impact.

We hope to continue to be involved in the future changes to the school and have a positive impact on daily life for all students at Aylesford School.

Do you have what it takes to be a part of The A Team?

We are always on the lookout for committed students who have a passion for their school and want to make a positive difference.

Please read the job specification through with your son or daughter so that they know whether or not they would like to apply and please actively encourage them if they are interested so that they understand that this is a positive way that they can make a difference to their lives in school and be actively involved in decisions that are made! It will also be an excellent example of how they have shown leadership, organisation, resilience, initiative, communication.

For an application form and more information please email Mr Neeve

Reading Support

Support with Reading

Books for Dyslexic and Struggling Readers
Supporting Reading Booklet

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Accelerated Reader

A Guide For Parents
What Parents Need to Know
Boys Accelerated Reader Top 10 Books
Girls Accelerated Reader Top 10 Books
We are an Accelerated School Certificate

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Supported Reading

Could you spare 1 hour a week to listen to some students read?

We’d love to hear from you if you can
01622 717341
chayla.duff@aylesford.kent.sck.uk

Learning Resource Centre (LRC)

Our Library is called a Learning Resource Centre (LRC). The LRC Manager is Miss Cadd.

The LRC is open from 8:00am-3:30pm Monday to Thursday and 8:00am-3:00pm on a Friday. Students are welcome to use the LRC before school, after school, and lunch time.  Homework Club is held in the LRC on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3:00pm-3:30pm.

Resources:

The LRC resources are managed with a computerised system called ‘Simple Little Library System’. All resource items are identified by a barcoded label and recorded in the library catalogue. Resources available in the LRC are fiction and non-fiction books, including a selection of books for dyslexic and struggling readers and graphic novels. There are magazines and newspapers, educational games and computers.

The fiction books are continuously being developed.  The books are chosen for the LRC by looking at the current bestsellers and popular choices for children aged 10-18 years. The suggestion box is emptied regularly and the suggested books are ordered.

The non-fiction section is also being developed by asking members of staff which topics they will be covering and which books they would find useful for their students to use whilst researching. Again books are ordered based on suggestions from the box.

Accelerated Reader:

Accelerated Reader is a computer programme that helps manage and monitor independent reading practice. At the beginning of each term students will take a STAR test to find out which level of books are most suited to them. They will then pick a book at this level and read it at their own pace. When finished, they will take a short quiz on the computer - passing the quiz is an indication that they have understood the book.

If students achieve 100% in a quiz their name will be put on the 100% board. At the end of each term all the names on the board will be entered into a prize draw. The more times a name is on the board the more chance there is of winning!

There are many other chances to win prizes through the Accelerated Reader Programme; this can be done by earning points, reading the most words etc.
For more information about Accelerated Reader please click here

myOn

myOn is a personalised literacy platform that offers unlimited access to an enhanced digital library. It is used during LRC lessons but can also be used at home, giving students access to thousands of books. Students can read on their favourite digital device, online or offline, and can use the built-in close reading tools to markup pages, highlight words, listen to audio versions, and interact with the text.

myOn provides students with a variety of formats and genres including, fiction, nonfiction, and graphic novels. Titles are available in English, Welsh and a growing Language Pack of international languages. Students reading is personalised via built-in reading levels and interest assessments.
Students can self-monitor their progress giving them ownership over their own reading as well as accessing their own Profile Reports at school and at home.

Mentor Reading

Once a week in mentor time, all students in years 7-9 partake in a group reading session. The students and their mentor read aloud from their chosen book with the mentor leading a discussion on the content and themes. The books read during mentor reading are chosen based on reading ages of the groups, include engaging and age-appropriate content and link with PSHE themes for discussion

Borrowing a book:

Students may borrow books from the LRC for up to three weeks.. If this is not long enough then the book can be renewed and kept for longer.  Each student is responsible for the resources issued to them. If an item is lost or damaged, the borrower will be asked for a contribution towards the cost of replacement.

Comments/Suggestion Box:

In the LRC there is a ‘Comments/Suggestion Box’. If students would like to make any suggestions then they can be added to the box, this may be to request a book that is not currently stocked or make a suggestion regarding resources that they might like to see in the LRC.

Student Librarians:

Student Librarians play a very important part in the day to day running of the LRC. There are many jobs to do on a daily basis in the LRC including: checking the books are on the shelves in the correct order, putting books away, maintaining the areas, updating the computer system and various other duties.

Students are welcome to volunteer for these jobs and become a ‘Student Librarian’

Uniform Expectations

Uniform/Equipment

The Governors have decided that school uniform should be worn at all times.  A list of required items is given to all new members of the School.  Failure to wear the correct uniform could result in the use of sanctions.

Aylesford Schools uniform expectations are designed with world of work in mind, more specifically in line with smart office wear. This is reflected through the whole school and includes Year 7 – 11, 6th form and staff and all staff and students are expected to conform this.

All Students

Blazer Royal blue blazer with School logo*.

Jumper Plain grey V-necked jumper with long sleeves and School logo* (no other jumpers, sweatshirts are permissible).  School jumpers are not compulsory; to be worn under but not instead of the school blazer.

Coats All students should have a plain navy or black outer coat. Coats should not be worn in buildings at anytime (not a fleece, sweatshirt or denim jacket/coat).

• Cold weather exception – In very cold weather coats may be worn inside buildings but must be removed before entering a classroom. Blankets should not be taken in to school they are not part of our uniform and the school buildings are well heated.
• Hoodies – Hoodies are not permitted in school as either outer coats or as a replacement for the school jumper or blazer.

Shoes Must be smart, sensible, safe and plain, black.  All shoes should be able to be polished. Trainer-style shoes or canvas style footwear are not permitted to be worn in school. Boots and Uggs are not permitted.  Shoes must be sufficiently robust for school. If unsure about the type of footwear that is permitted please contact the school directly for clarification.

Boys' Uniform In addition to the above

Girls' Uniform In addition to the above

Grey or charcoal grey school trousers (not skinny, corduroy, denim jeans, cotton drill or track suit bottoms). Must be sufficiently tailored to keep the shirt tucked in at the waist. White shirt. Collars must be large enough to button around the neck. The top button must be in place and fastened. Shirts must be sufficiently generous to tuck into trousers fully. School tie* Plain dark grey or black socks.

Bedford check skirt* (maximum of 4cm (2") above the knee) White revere collar blouse or button neck collar white blouse with School tie* Plain black or neutral tights or plain black or white ankle socks. Knee high socks are not part of our school uniform and are not permitted to be worn. Instead of a skirt, girls may wear charcoal/mid-grey school tailored trousers. Leggings or jeans of any description are not permitted.

Jewellery/Make-Up

1. Girls are permitted to wear discreet make-up.
2. Facial piercing is strictly prohibited, e.g. nose studs, eye brow bars or rings as are visible tattoos.
3. For health and safety reasons the wearing of jewellery is not allowed within school except for a watch and a single discreet stud in each ear.
4. Nail polish is not allowed and nails should be of a reasonable length. Acrylic nails are not permitted to be worn in school
5. Hair should be tied back if long and must be of a natural colour. Shaved heads or patterns are not permitted.
6. False eyelashes and acrylic nails are not part of our uniform policy and are not permitted.

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All items of Aylesford School uniform is available from the following retail outfitters: Retail Outfitters Items marked * are only available from our outfitters listed below:

Pages Schoolwear Ltd

Granada House, 7-8 Lower Stone St, Maidstone ME15 6JR
01622 753900
www.pages-schoolwear.co.uk

School Time

23 Railway Street Chatham Kent ME4 4HU
01634 831684
www.schooltime.co.uk

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Students in incorrect uniform

The school will always seek to loan uniform, or lend uniform to ensure that high standards of uniform are maintained. When this happens students will be required to hand their phone in, to exchange for uniform or as a consequence for not having correct uniform

Any student who breaches the school’s uniform policy, will be seen as defying the school rules and that student will be subject to school sanctions. Following DfE advice, these sanctions may include exclusion, depending on the circumstances of the case, even if the student does not otherwise display poor behaviour.

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PE Kit

The kit which is required for PE has been selected for smartness, safety and economy.  Although the initial expense is great, experience has shown that most of the kit should last for some years and will all be used in school on a regular basis.  PE kit should be clearly named.

Boys and Girls PE Kit:

All students must have the following PE items. All items with the school logo must be bought from one of our official school uniform suppliers:

· Navy PE Polo with school logo

· Navy PE Shorts with school logo or plain navy skort.

· Navy football socks

· Shin Pads

There are optional extras to the PE kit as follows:

· Navy PE quarter zip sweatshirt with school logo.

· Navy joggers with school logo OR navy leggings with school logo.

· Navy rain jacket with school logo.

It is strongly advised that all uniform be clearly labelled with the student’s name

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Music / IT Equipment

The following item is required for reasons of personal hygiene:
MP3 earphones fitted with a mini jack (standard 3.5mm ) Tesco and Sainsbury’s have several types starting from £5.00.

 

 

Careers Guidance

Empowering students of character for success and fulfilment in the world of work

Aims of our Careers Provision

Aylesford School is committed to providing high quality Career Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) to all students. We believe that CEIAG is important for a number of reasons.

The effects of high quality CEIAG are that it:

• Empowers and prepares young people to gain and sustain enriching employment.
• Raises student aspirations to reach for their full potential which in turn improves school attainment.
• Supports young people in developing the necessary confidence, knowledge and skills to plan for and manage their own future.
• Promotes diversity, social mobility and challenges stereotypes.

Aylesford School is proud to partner with colleges, HE providers, businesses, parents and other external agencies in order to offer broad and effective support to our students.

Our CEIAG provision aims to:

• Give students relevant careers information and guidance through curriculum learning, one-to-one advice and a range of activities, events and trips.
• Display the full range of routes available to young people post-16 and post-18 and to provide personal guidance regarding how to explore them further.
• Impartially support students on an individual basis to choose the pathway that is right for them.
• Expose students to the world of work through work experience placements (available to students in Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12) as well as curriculum related workplace visits.
• Enable students to consider their own strengths, skills and motivations and to evaluate how these impact future career decisions.

CEIAG Staffing

At Aylesford School we are proud to provide an experienced Careers Leader, Mr Doggett, who oversees our Careers Provision. Mr Doggett is a professional Careers Adviser who has a Level 6 qualification in Career Guidance and Development.

At break and lunch times, students are welcome to drop in to Mr Doggett’s office opposite T2. Alternatively, formal appointments can be set up by emailing or phoning Mr Doggett on the contact details below.

Email: ben.doggett@aylesford.kent.sch.uk
Phone: 01622 717341 ext 238

All staff contribute towards the delivery of Careers Education through curriculum learning and designated careers lessons within PSHE. Key resources for this are shared internally and additional resources aiding staff in linking careers to the curriculum can be found on the Careers and Enterprise Company’s website.

The Careers Programme

Aylesford School’s Careers Programme is designed to support students through the different stages of their journey through school. Relevant and targeted guidance is given at each key transition stage to ensure students develop the necessary understanding and skills. This provision is reviewed and developed annually and will next be evaluated in July 2025.

Key focus for each Year Group

The careers activities that each Year Group participates in are tailored to the needs of that stage within the students education. The overall aim for each Year Group is:
• In 7 and 8 the focus is on exploring interests and motivations and developing a broad understanding of the world of work.
• In Year 9 the focus is on building aspirations and exploring career opportunities in more detail, including challenging stereotypes.
• In Year 10 the focus is on developing self-presentation skills and understanding what employers want.
• In Year 11 the focus is on making plans and applications for post-16 learning.
• In Years 12 and 13 the focus is on preparing the students to make good choices, engage in work experience, and understand personal development.

For an overview of what is included in our Careers Programme for 2024/25 please see the link below. For more information, please email Mr Doggett at ben.doggett@aylesford.kent.sch.uk.

Careers Programme Roadmap 2024/25

Careers and Provider Access Policy

We welcome any businesses, education institutes or training providers who would like to present to our students. Please contact Mr Doggett if you wish to discuss this further. For more information please read our Provider Access Policy and our CEIAG Policy:

Provider Access Policy
CEIAG Policy 2024/25

Useful Links for Students

We have brought together a number of helpful links for our students. Click on the link above to find out more about universities, apprenticeships, exploring career opportunities and even some live vacancies!

The set of guides below are also an excellent way to explore helpful and practical information on pursuing careers in all kinds of job sectors!
Check out more with: Choosing Your Path

Useful Links for Parents

For parents, we have collated a selection of links to help you best support your child in exploring their options and making informed decisions. Whatever Year Group they are in, there’s something helpful to be found in the link above.

16-19 Bursary Fund

16-19 Bursary Fund

Students in the sixth form, who are in need of some financial support, can apply to the School’s 16 to 19 Bursary Fund. Students must be aged 16 or over and under 19 on 31st August 2018. Where a young person turns 19 during their programme of study, they can continue to be supported to the end of the academic year in which they turn 19, or to the end of the programme of study, whichever is sooner. Further information is available via this link https://www.gov.uk/1619-bursary-fund

1. The Application Process:

Applications are accepted via here website. On this system all of the sixth form can apply each year. Requests for lost passwords can be made to the Head of Sixth form (Mrs Dighton) or the Finance Director (Mr Newman). All requested supporting evidence must be uploaded to the application. The criteria we use are the same as those used to assess Free School Meal eligibility.

2. Deadline for applications in an Academic Year

The application process is open until the end of term 5. Should you need any assistance in the process, please contact us at 6form@aylesford.kent.sch.uk.

3. Decision Making Process

The applications will be assessed, and bursaries will be awarded on the greatest need. Applicants will be informed via the bursary software of the decision.

4. Payment and Conditions of Bursary

Requests for bursary support is via the website . Purchases are then made on your behalf by the school – materials for school will be delivered directly to the school for collection.

If claiming back for expenses paid directly, this is also completed via this website. The claims will be repaid via BACS to the bank details supplied on your application.

5. Appeals/Complaints Procedure

You have the right to appeal and/or complain to the Head Teacher if you feel that your case has not been given fair consideration. This must be in writing. The final decision rests with the Head Teacher.

E-Safety

Links for parents:

Update December 2023

Please see below some useful parent guides for the most common social media platforms that young people use

Snap Chat - Parent Guide

Tik Tok - Parent Guidef

Whatsapp - Parent Guide

Golden Rules for Online Safety

CEOP: www.ceop.police.uk
The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) specialises in investigating grooming and sexual abuse online. The ‘Click CEOP’ report button provides a means of reporting abuse online and can be downloaded onto the school website for easy access.

CEOP also have an educational website: www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents which has specific advice for parents/carers.

Kent Police: www.kent.police.uk/advice/online-safety/
If you believe a child or adult is in immediate danger, contact 999 for police assistance. To report non-emergency concerns, call 101 and ask to be put through to your local team. Kent Police also have Online Safety advice on their website.

The IWF: www.iwf.org.uk
The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) is the UK hotline for reporting illegal online content, such as child abuse images, or material considered to be criminally obscene.

Parent Port: www.parentport.org.uk
Run by the UK’s media regulators, Parent Port enables parents to report inappropriate online material, such as videos, adverts or news articles. Ashley Assiter, e-Safety Development Officer Rebecca Avery, Education Safeguarding Adviser (Online Protection) Education Safeguarding Team, Kent County Council, December 2017

Home Office: www.gov.uk/report-terrorism and www.educateagainsthate.com
The government have introduced a new red button for reporting online material which promotes terrorism or extremism and an educational website with advice and information for parents.

NSPCC: www.nspcc.org.uk/onlinesafety
The NSPCC have teamed up with 02 to provide excellent information and advice for parents, as well as a free online safety helpline. They have also produced an app/site, on which they have reviewed the most popular apps and websites young people are using; including age ratings and how easy it is to report a problem: www.net-aware.org.uk. Parents can also choose to sign up to the Net-aware newsletter, for up-to-date information via e-mail.

Internet Matters: www.internetmatters.org
Internet Matters is a not-for-profit organisation working with online safety experts to provide advice and information for parents to keep their children safe online.

It has an excellent interactive tool which guides you step by step through setting up parental controls on all the different devices in your home, as well as video tutorials about specific topics of concern.

Parent Zone: www.theparentzone.co.uk
Parent Zone provides up-to-date content on a variety of parenting concerns, including online safety. Schools can sign up to host expert articles from CEOP and Parent Zone on their school website, for free: http://parentinfo.org/ link to the online articles from Digital Parenting magazine: https://parentzone.org.uk/DP5

Get Safe Online: www.getsafeonline.org
Get Safe Online covers a lot of practical, technical information on protecting families and computers against fraud, identity theft, viruses and many other problems encountered online.

Links for pupils:

www.thinkuknow.co.uk
CEOP’s educational website has useful information for children and young people about online safety; it is broken down into different age categories so pupils can access age appropriate advice.

www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/bullying-abuse-safety/online-mobile-safety/
This website from the NSPCC offers general advice to children and young people, with specific sections on online safety and cyber-bullying. There is also an online chat facility where young people can contact a counsellor directly if they want further support.

Please note- Some of the content on this website is aimed at older children and may not be appropriate for all, so use with caution.

www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/curations/stay-safe
CBBC have produced a wealth of online safety related videos, games and quizzes for young people to explore. These resources are updated around Safer Internet Day each year.

www.kidsmart.org.uk
Kidsmart is an interactive child-friendly website produced by Childnet, which enables young people to access online safety information under different topics/ categories.

Free School Meals

If you receive state benefit your child may be eligible for free school meals.

How to apply

Please click on the here to be directed to the free school meals website

The only information you will need to process your application is:

• Your Name
• Date of birth
• Address
• National Insurance Number

If your application is successful then you will receive an immediate confirmation. Aylesford School will also be notified and your child will be eligible to receive the free school meal within one day.

Aylesford School will then require you to provide the written evidence to confirm the entitlement period and to assist with the supply of the uniform entitlement.

 

 

Parent Pay

Aylesford School operates a bio-metric system for cashless catering. The system enables students to pay in advance for their meals by crediting their account on cash machines situated in the dining areas. The system also enables parents and carers to credit their child’s account by using ParentPay, a system which allows accounts to be credited online or by using PayPoint centres located in local retailers displaying the Paypoint sign. Further information regarding ParentPay is available at www.parentpay.com.

The bio-metric system uses the fingerprint of the student and the software calculates a huge digital number from the image, and it is the number itself which is stored as a personal identification number.  The actual fingerprint image is NOT stored.  When a student uses the fingerprint scanner, the scanner recalculates the number and recognises the student.  Such software is now being used worldwide as a means of providing additional personal security.

Students and parents can be reassured that this system has a very high level of security and that it is not possible to reconstruct the original fingerprint. The system does contain an option for the use of a PIN number instead of the bio-metric for those students whose parents specifically advise the school of their objection to the use of the bio-metrics.  The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner has scrutinised the technology and has stated “I would encourage you to employ the system using finger print images.  It seems to me that the use of bio-metric identifiers allows users to verify their identity without the risk of intrusions into privacy…I would certainly like to be able to point to it as an example of good practice”.

Can we use this opportunity to remind and encourage parents and carers to register for their entitlement for Free School Meals to ensure that students are able to access meals and the catering facilities. The new cashless system will automatically add students with the entitlement and not distinguish them from other students.

Aylesford School Prospectus

We believe that if you can develop good character strengths you will be successful at whatever you try

At Aylesford School we have a firm belief that every student regardless of background or ability can achieve whatever they want with hard work and determination.

We will work with you and your child to develop strong character strengths, reach their academic potential and discover where they excel.

Aylesford School is inclusive. We treat all children equally and have the highest expectations of ourselves and of each other. We have a moral purpose and a deep commitment to comprehensive education. We are passionate about ensuring that you reach your potential at our school.

DOWNLOAD OUR PROSPECTUS

Home School Agreement

At Aylesford School, our aim is to prepare our students for life beyond, so that they are well qualified, well rounded citizens with the confidence to face the many challenges that life presents.

We have a strong ethos based on high personal and academic expectations that underpin everything we do. We want our students to be confident and ambitious as well as being compassionate and tolerant.

Exam success will get you the interview but it won’t get you the job. As such we expect our students to do as well as they can at school and to take full advantage of the many academic and extra-curricular activities that are presented to them.

Our vision and values are demonstrated by our students every day, where their tenacity and determination are a constant source of inspiration.

The School

We will:

• contact parents/carers if there is a problem with attendance, punctuality or equipment;
• let parents know about any concerns or problems that affect their child’s work or behaviour;
• send home regular assessments and annual report of achievement;
• set, mark and monitor students’ work;
• arrange parents’ evenings during which progress will be discussed;
• keep parents/carers informed about School activities through regular letters home, and notices about special events.

The Students

I will:

• be determined to achieve the very best I can;
• follow the school rules: ‘Be ready, be respectful and be safe’;
• aim to have attendance of 100%;
• arrive on time every day;
• participate fully in school life.

The Parents/Carers

I/We will:

• see that my child goes to school every day, on time and properly equipped;
• support the school’s behaviour policy of ‘Be ready, be respectful, be safe’;
• let the school know about any concerns or problems that might affect my child’s work or behaviour;
• support my child in homework and other opportunities for home learning;
• attend parents’ evening and discussion about my child’s progress;
• get to know about my child’s life at the school.

 

Headteacher

Tanya Kelvie
Headteacher

Miss Kelvie has been Headteacher at Aylesford School since January 2017. She is a vastly experienced school leader having spent the last 15 years as Assistant and Deputy Headteacher at Wrotham School.

Miss Kelvie is an advocate of all young people. She has a passionate belief in supporting and challenging students to reach their potential. Her ‘can-do’ attitude has seen her help students gain excellent results and make great progress under her leadership.

Miss Kelvie believes that students can only reach their academic potential if they have strong pastoral support and guidance.

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Aylesford School Governors Information

Local Governing Body Membership January 2025

Aylesford School became a member of the Character Education Trust (CET) in September 2022.  There are two elements to the governance of the CET academies – local governance that is delivered via the Local Governing Body (LGB), and Trust governance, delivered via the Trust Board. The Aylesford School LGB consists of a group of people who could be parents, community nominees, or academy staff, with a minimum of five and a maximum of nine people, and who are appointed by the CET Trust Board. The LGB’s vision and aims are:

LGB Vision:
Our vision is to ensure school development through effective and accountable governance, challenge and support.

LGB Aims:
Our aims are:

• To act as a key link between the school, parents, and local community
• To support the work of the school in the community
• To support the Headteacher and School Leadership Team in the development and implementation of the School Development Plan and other relevant plans, ensuring that the CET ethos remains at the heart of the school community
• To monitor the financial position of the school and its budget
• To help on the ground with the implementation of certain CET and School policies
• To offer challenging but positive and proactive support to the Headteacher
• To regularly review the School’s performance in relation to the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

LGB Governors’ Terms of Office, Attendance 2023-24 and Personal and Pecuniary Interests

Details of the current membership and membership over the past 12 months together with attendance over the academic year 2023/24 are set out below:

Governors are also required to register and declare pecuniary and personal interests relating to any other governor/trusteeships, their ownership of/partnership in a company or organisation which may be used by the trust/school to provide goods or services, goods or services which they offer which might be used by the trust/school; any close relationship to someone to satisfies either of those criteria or who is employed by the trust/school.

You can download full trustee information at the bottom of the page.

Name	Appointed/ Elected by	Positions of Responsibility/ Monitoring Role(s)	Pecuniary and Personal Interests
Linda Blumsum Parent Governor	Trust Board Term 1/9/22-31/8/26	Chair (appointed September 2024 for a two-year term, Leadership & Management, Behaviour, Character Development and Attendance, Wellbeing, Member of Pay Committee	Employed by Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council. Character Education Trust Board Trustee
Gillian Needham Co-opted Governor	Trust Board Term 10/7/23-9/7/27	Vice Chair (appointed September 2024 for a two-year term)(. SEND governor, Link governor for Teaching & Learning (with CET Trustee Sheila Smith) and Pupil Premium, Member of Pay Committee	Retired No interests declared
Joanne Coveney Co-opted Governor	Trust Board Term 1/9/22-31/8/26	6th Form link governor	Teacher at Maidstone Grammar School
Tanya Kelvie Aylesford School Headteacher	Trust Board Term 1/9/22-N/A	Ex officio appointment as headteacher of Aylesford School First appointed as Headteacher on 16/1/2017	Member of The Rosewood School and Maidstone Alternative Provision Management Committees
Maria Abbott Aylesford School Office Manager	Trust Board Term 6/10/24-31/10/28	Training & Development of Governors & Careers Link	Aylesford School Office Manager
Jonathan Murphy Co-opted Governor	Trust Board Term 10/7/23-9/7/27	Safeguarding governor, Health & Safety/PFI (with CET Trustee Mark Reeve)	J Murphy Security Employed by Tonbridge & Malling Leisure Trust Associate Member Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group (PWTAG) Cadet Forces Adult Volunteer, Sea Cadets (First Lieutenant)
Kerrie Weeks Parent Governor	Trust Board Term 9/12/24-8/12/28		No interests declared

Clerk to the Governors

Name	Contact
Lesley Hardwick	lesley.hardwick@ayleslford.kent.sch.uk

The Governing Body has responsibilities in finance, employment and health and safety and is committed to school improvement, driving forward student progress and achievement, linking to the whole School Improvement Plan.

Character Education Trust Member and Trustee Information

Name	Appointment History/ Term of Office	Business Interests
Sheila Smith	Chair of Trustees Original signatory Member Trustee Appointed April 2013 by Members Reappointed May 2017 by Members	Penta International
Mark Reeve	Member Trustee Original signatory Chair of Finance & Audit Committee Appointed April 2013 by Members Reappointed April 2017 by Members	Trax Computing The Village Forum Ltd Futronics Wife employed at Wrotham School
Linda Blumsum	Trustee Appointed September 2021 by Members	Local Governing Board member and Chair of LGB, Aylesford School Employed by Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council
Regina Metzier	Trustee Appointed December 2021 by Members	Citigroup Global Ltd
A Malik	Trustee Appointed March 2020 by Members Resigned July 2021 Reappointed January 2022	Chanel Ltd Member of ISACA Information systems Audit and controls Association Wife employed as Maths Teacher at Wrotham School – Feb 2023
Mr D Day	Trustee Appointed December 2023 by Trustees	Thinking Schools Academy, Trust Lead Practitioner Member of ASCL Chair of Goodwin Academy, Deal Member of TSAT Regional Governing Body for Kent
Mrs A Clarke	Trustee Appointed March 2024 by Trustees	Employed by Teach First. Director of Red Lion Square Ltd
Mr M Cater	Interim EHT Appointed Interim Executive Headteacher in Executive Headteacher’s absence
P Brozsek	Member Trustee Original Signatory Appointed April 2013 by Members Reappointed April 2017 by Members	Cory Environmental

Download full trustee information

Click HERE

Character Strengths

We know that developing good character is crucial to being able to make good decisions. Furthermore, developing good character means you have the skills and dispositions that employers and universities value. That is why our students, staff and parents identified ten character strengths which we are building in our students and in ourselves. 

Key to them are…

COURAGE

To have the strength and will to know what you should do even though it may be tough.
To stick at something even if it hurts.

CONFIDENCE

To believe in yourself and be the best person you can be.
To not let doubts and fears hold you back.

CHARACTER

To make good choices and be able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes.
To seek to do the right thing and show self-discipline when needed.

British Values

At Aylesford School, we take every opportunity to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

British values are not taught as a discreet subject but run through the very heart of all we do at Aylesford School. These values are addressed predominantly through our delivery of the Character Education and PSHE activities during morning mentor time, but also across the wider curriculum and in the recognition and reward of our ten Character Strengths

We have a wide range of extra-curricular events running throughout the year which engender the ethos of respect and tolerance.

We regularly hold student voice panels to gain the views of the students, ensuring all pupils within the school have a voice that is listened to. The school’s behaviour policy clearly demonstrates the promotion of British values and is implemented accordingly to ensure that students become fully rounded members of society who treat others with respect and tolerance, regardless of background. This ensures young people understand the importance of respect and leave school fully prepared for life in modern Britain.

Term Dates & School Times

The school day

The Aylesford School academic day starts at 8:30am and ends 3:00pm.

Inset days & school holidays

Aylesford School does not hold INSET days during the school term therefore we provide a 2-week October half term with students still receiving their full 190 days of statutory education.

Staff training is completed throughout the year during evening sessions. School holiday periods are used for an extensive timetable of intervention sessions for GCSE and A level classes. This gives parents additional options and greater scope for planning holidays and avoiding holidays being taken in term time.

Where possible bank holidays are incorporated into School holiday periods and school terms start and end on Mondays and Fridays.

Term dates

Term Dates 2024-25
Term 1
Monday 2nd September 2024	Staff inset day
Tuesday 3rd September 2024	Years 7 and 12 students only
Wednesday 4th September 2024	Whole school returns
Term 1 Ends - Half Term	Friday 18th October 2024
Term 2
Monday 4th November 2024	Friday 20th December 2024	Early Finish - School Closes 12.10pm
Term 3
Monday 6th January 2025	Friday 14th February 2025
Term 4
Monday 24th February 2025	Friday 4th April 2025	Good Friday Friday 18 April 2025 Easter Monday Monday 21 April 2025 Early May Bank Holiday 5 May 2025
Term 5
Tuesday 22nd April 2025	Friday 23rd May 2025	Spring Bank Holiday 26 May 2025
Term 6
Monday 2nd June 2025	Wednesday 23rd July 2025

Term Dates 2025 - 26
Term 1
Monday 1 September 2025 Staff Inset Day	Friday 17 October 2025
Tuesday 2 September Induction Day for Years 7 & 12 Students only
Wednesday 3 September 2025 Whole School Returns
Term 2
Monday 3 November 2025	Friday 19 December 2025
Term 3
Monday 5 January 2026	Friday 13 February 2026
Term 4
Monday 23 February 2026	Thursday 2 April 2026	Good Friday 3 April 2026 Easter Monday 6 April 2026
Term 5
Monday 20 April 2026	Friday 22 May 2026	Early May Bank Holiday 4 May 2026 Spring Bank Holiday 25 May 2026
Term 6
Monday 1 June 2026	Wednesday 22 July 2026	Summer Bank Holiday 31 August 2026

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LATEST NEWS

Year 7 take on the challenge of investigating…

31 March 2025

Year 7 & 8 Girls Football

31 March 2025

MORE NEWS

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PAST TRIPS & VISITS

Italy Trip February 2025

31 March 2025

Sixth Form Trip to Ninja Warrior

24 February 2025

AEN Celebrate & Reward Students

6 February 2025

RE trip to Wat Buddhapadia Temple, Wimbledon

23 January 2025

MORE TRIPS & VISITS

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Aylesford School

Teapot Lane, Aylesford, Kent ME20 7JU
Tel: 01622 717341

Part of the

The Character Education Trust is a multi-academy trust (MAT) that exists to provide outstanding education in both primary and secondary schools.

Building Character, Creating Opportunities.

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