Term Dates
Autumn Term 2025
INSET: Wednesday 3 September 2025
Children return to school: Thursday 4 September
INSET: Friday 10 October
October half-term: Friday 24 October:
Half-term: Monday 27 – Friday 31 October
Children back to school: Monday 3 November
Christmas holiday: Friday 19 December
Christmas holiday: Monday 22 December—Friday 2 January 2026
Spring Term 2026
Children back to school: Monday 5 January 2026
February half-term: Thursday 12 February
INSET: Friday 13 February
Half-term: Monday 16 – Friday 20 February
INSET: Monday 23 February
Children back to school: Tuesday 24 February
Break up for Easter: Friday 27 March
Easter holidays: Monday 30 – Friday 10 April
Summer Term 2026
Children back to school: Monday 13 April
May half-term: Friday 22 May
May half-term: Monday 25 May – Friday 29 May
Children back to school: Monday 1 June
INSET: Friday 12 June
Children break up for summer: Tuesday 21 July
Summer holiday: Wednesday 22 July
Start time
Gates open at 8.30am and all children should be in class by 8.45am. Children should enter their classrooms on arrival.
The register will close at 8.55am. Pupils who arrive later than this will be marked as late in the register.
In total, the children are in school for 6 hours 40 minutes per day, for a total of 33 hours and 20 minutes per week. This does not include extra-curricular activities at the end of the school day.
Lunch
Reception, Year 1, Year 2 lunchtime is 12 until 1pm.
Year’s 3,4,5,6 lunchtime is 12.15 until 1pm
Hot school lunches are provided by Chartwells, under an external contract by West Sussex County Council. Menus are regularly reviewed and updated to provide balanced, nutritious meals that comply with healthy eating standards.
Parents or carers must order their children’s hot dinners via the ParentPay website at least 10 days in advance (i.e., Thursday for the Monday 10 days later) and are currently charged at £2.97 per meal. A packed lunches will need to be provided if you are unable to order in time; the contract does not allow for or provide spare meals that have not been ordered.
You can select meals up to 10 weeks in advance, so we recommend reviewing your selections for the following term t the end of each half term. Please note children in Key Stage 2 (Y3-6) that are not pupil premium will need to pay for their meals; this must be done at time of selection.
Please be aware, you should NOT select packed lunches, unless your child(ren) are on a school trip for that specific day.
Free School Meals
If your child(ren) is/are entitled to free school meals, please fill in the form online (Free school meals – West Sussex County Council).
When the school receives confirmation from County Hall, your ParentPay account will be updated to reflect this.
Allergies
Please inform Chartwells directly as soon as possible. Chartwells can be contacted on 01243 736130 or 73041@compass-group.co.uk
Please also ensure the school is aware of any allergies and treatment arrangements.
Allergies
Please inform Chartwells directly as soon as possible. Chartwells can be contacted on 01243 736130 or 73041@compass-group.co.uk
Please also ensure the school is aware of any allergies and treatment arrangements.
Nut-free environment
The school is a nut-free environment due to allergies. This includes nut-containing and nut-derived products (e.g. Nutella chocolate spread, sun creams containing almond oil). Any nut products will be removed from children and safely disposed of.
Packed Lunches
Any child is allowed to bring in packed lunches, although we encourage Early Years and Key Stage 1 (R-Y2) to take advantage of the universal free school meals as this offers a variety of healthy, balanced, nutritious meals. If children do bring in packed lunches, they must be healthy, nut-free, and balanced. We discourage junk foods, highly processed foods, and chocolate products, as these are generally of low nutritional value and are often detrimental to children’s health and wellbeing.
We recommend the NHS’s Healthier lunchbox recipes page if you are after some inspiration.
Milk
Children under 5 years old are entitle to free milk. This is supplied by Cool Milk and will be ordered by the school.
Once your child has reached 5, if you still wish them to receive milk then you can order and pay via Cool Milk directly: 0333 400 11 99 or https://www.coolmilk.com/
Fruit
Fruit is provided for all children in Early Years and Key Stage 1 (R-Y2). Please let the school know of any allergies that your children suffer from. Children may bring in their own piece of fruit for their snack if you wish – applicable also to Key Stage 2 (Y3-Y6).
Home time
Gates open at 3.10pm. Children will come out at 3.15pm. Please collect your child promptly from their outside classroom door.
Extra-curricular activities
Times for these will vary and should be reviewed by attendees termly.
Attendance
Children are expected to attend school daily, as per the times above. If children are absent, the school must be notified before 9am. The school does not authorise holidays in term time; any exceptional circumstances should be discussed with the Headteacher.
Your Class Portal
Click on your child’s class – Enter the password to view homework and teacher information.
Uniform
All St. John’s children are encouraged to take pride in their own appearance whilst valuing their own property and that of others. We want our children to have a sense of community and security and for these reasons, we have a school uniform, including a PE. kit.
We have three suppliers of uniform:
- Taylor Made Uniforms – https://www.taylormadeuniforms.co.uk/
- St John’s Catholic Primary School – Please collect an order form from the school office
- Friends of St John’s (Second hand uniform) – friends@stjohnshorsham.school
Autumn and Spring Term
During the autumn and spring terms, your child will be expected to wear a maroon jumper or cardigan embroidered with the school logo and a white polo shirt.
Girls may wear either: a grey skirt, skort or trousers with white, grey or black socks or tights. Boys can wear grey trousers with grey or black socks. All children are expected to wear sensible black shoes.
Summer Term
As the weather warms up, girls are able to wear a pink and white gingham dress, tailored shorts or culottes with white socks and boys are able to wear grey shorts. We like the children to remain in sensible black shoes in the summer months too (no sandals please).
PE.Kit
On your child’s PE day(s) please send them into school wearing their PE kit:
- Plain (or school logo) white t-shirt
- Maroon shorts
- Maroon jogging bottoms and P.E. hoodie.
- Trainers
- Baseball cap when it is sunny (optional)
Jewellery
Your child is able to wear a watch and a pair of small stud earrings, if their ears are pierced.
Hair
Hair that is shoulder length or longer must be tied back and remain tied back for the whole school day. Please check your child’s hair regularly for head lice so that we are able to avoid class infestations. Thank you for your support in this matter.
Hair accessories should be kept plain and simple, and in school colours.
If your child wears a hijab please ensure this is maroon in line with the school uniform colours.
Make-up and nail varnish
Children are not allowed to wear either make-up or nail varnish to school.
Labelling ALL uniform – including shoes and hats
It is vital that everything your child brings into school is named with a permanent marker or name label. If you have labelled ALL their items, then we can ensure that they are reunited with their owners quickly.
Book bags, Rucksacks & Pencil Cases
Every child needs a book bag (Reception – year 1) or rucksack (Year 2-6). In this, they will carry their letters, reading record, reading books and homework.
Children in years 3-6 are asked to bring in their own plain see-through pencil case, containing the following items.
- HB writing pencils
- Colouring pencils
- Small ruler
- Rubber
- Sharpener
- Highlighters
- Glue stick
- Black writing pen
Food & Nutrition
We are proud to work with Chartwells for your children’s school lunches. Chartwells believe that the key to fuelling young minds comes from understanding both what they need and what they enjoy, which is why they develop nutritious and delicious food that pupils love, alongside helping to ensure a healthy body and mind. Their passionate culinary experts work closely with us to ensure every child receives healthy food, perfectly suited to meet their needs and dietary requirements.
The current meal price is £3.20
How to order: Log on at www.parentpay.com to choose and book your meals. Orders need to be placed by midnight Thursday, ten days ahead of the week required. For example, meals for the week starting Monday 12th would have an order deadline of Thursday 1st.
You will have received an activation letter and temporary password to set up your ParentPay account. If you need this resent, please contact the school office.
How to order: Log on at www.parentpay.com to choose and book your meals. Orders need to be placed by midnight Thursday, ten days ahead of the week required. For example, meals for the week starting Monday 12th would have an order deadline of Thursday 1st.
You will have received an activation letter and temporary password to set up your ParentPay account. If you need this resent, please contact the school office.
Apps & Communication
At St John’s Catholic Primary School we communicate with families using an app called My Child at School and our Class Portal pages.
My Child at School will allow you to view your child’s attendance, messages from school, report absences and update your contact details all in one place.
Our class portal on the website gives you a secure site to view any homework set and information specific to your child’s class.
We are a cashless school and currently use School Gateway for our parents to pay for clubs and trips as well as any uniform purchases with the school.
Medical
Consent to Administer Medication Form.
If your child needs medication (such as antibiotics) during school time, please download, complete and return/email the form below.
Please complete the form, attach it to an email and send it to office@stjohnshorsham.school
PLEASE NOTE:
Medication MUST be sent into school in its original packaging, labelled by the pharmacist. We are unable to accept and administer decanted medication or medication without the above form being completed.
ZigZag Wrap Around Childcare
At St John’s Catholic Primary School, we partner with ZigZag Childcare for the provision of on-site before and after school wrap around childcare. ZigZag are registered with all childcare vouchers including Tax-Free Childcare.
To contact ZigZag School Clubs for inquiries, bookings, terms and conditions (T&Cs), or to arrange a visit, you can:
Call 07850 509701 or
Email zigzagchildcare@gmail.com
ZigZag Breakfast Club at St John’s is a relaxed and welcoming environment based in the hut at St John’s Primary School or in the lovely school hall (depending on numbers). Our opening time is from 7.30am, Monday to Friday during term time and available for children aged 4 to 11 years. Parents/carers drop off children any time from 7.30am and by 8.15am to eat breakfast.
Our lovely staff provide children with nutritious breakfast choices and drinks every day, catering for dietary requirements and preferences where required. We also offer a variety of activities for children to choose from, such as arts & crafts, imaginative play, construction, reading, drawing, skipping, writing, den-building, sports and games. At the end of the session, we take your child(ren) to their school classroom in time for the start of their school day.
ZigZag After School Club has a ‘positive play’ ethos and sessions are a mix of free play, planned activities and special projects. After the school day, children welcome their own quality time to relax, unwind and play freely and imaginatively at their own pace.
After School Club is available during school term-time, from Monday to Friday, based at the Scout Hut (just up the road on Hills Farm Lane) up to 6.00pm. Our friendly and highly experienced staff promote individuality and collaboration.
We collect children from their classrooms after school and have sole use of our large, colourful playrooms at the hut, enjoying the outdoor playground and garden as well. We are also joined by children from Arunside in the afternoons.
A selection of healthy snacks and drinks is provided daily, catering for various dietary requirements and preferences.
ZigZag offers a variety of free-play opportunities and an assortment of activities, including creative arts & crafts, baking, gardening, den-building, dressing up & imaginative play, construction, Lego & K’nex, homework club, cosy chill-out area, themed projects, reading, drawing, writing, painting, dancing, trampolining, ball sports, and a variety of calm or energetic games (including sand, mud and water… sometimes a bit messy!).
Telephone: 07850 509701
Email: zigzagchildcare@gmail.com
For enquiries, bookings, T&Cs, or to arrange a visit with us.
Ofsted-registered, wraparound childcare – before and after school care during term-time. We reflect, value and serve the families and community at St John’s Primary School, providing a nurturing and fun place for your child(ren) before and after school.
Our wonderful staff are experienced in childcare, playwork and safeguarding, working closely with families and providing regular feedback about your child’s time with us. Kindness, inclusion and enjoyment are at the heart of all we do, promoting self-confidence and social skills while children participate in creative and fun activities, independently or with friends, inside and outdoors. We aim to ensure each child’s care and learning needs are supported and that the children we care for really enjoy their time with us before and after school. Our Ofsted Inspection Reports are available to read…
School News
St. John’s Catholic Primary School Newsletter 4 — 3rd October 2025
Adopted from Luke 17:5-10 The 27th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C The apostles said to the Lord,“Increase our faith.” The Lord replied, “Were your...
St. John’s Catholic Primary School Newsletter 3 – 26th September 2025
Adopted from Luke 16:19-31 The 26th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C Jesus said to the Pharisees: “There was a rich man who used to dress in purple...
St. John’s Catholic Primary School Newsletter 2 — 19th Sept 2025
Adopted from Luke 16:1-13 The 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C Jesus said, “The one who can be trusted in little things can be trusted in...
The Friends of St John’s
The Friends of St. John’s, is a dedicated group of volunteer parents who fundraise to support learning and create joyful experiences for our children. From laptops to discos and summer fetes, their efforts make a lasting impact on our school community.
Want to get involved? We’re always looking for new volunteers to join the fun and make a difference. Whether you can give a little time or a lot, your support is always welcome!
For further information please visit our dedicated secure PTA events website
www.pta-events.co.uk/friendsofstjohns
or our Facebook page www.facebook.com/friendsofstjohns
To contact the PTA please email friends@stjohnshorsham.school
