A clear, calm and purposeful day

At North Mead, we want every part of the school day to support children to feel safe, settled and ready to learn.

Our routines are designed to make the day predictable, purposeful and positive, while giving children time to learn, play, eat, be active and take part in wider opportunities.

Start and finish times

The main school day runs from: 8:45am to 3:15pm

The school gates open at 08:30am.

Children should arrive on time and be ready to begin learning promptly.

Regular punctuality matters because learning begins from the start of the day.

Breakfast Club

North Mead offers a free Breakfast Club from 7:45am to 8:30am.

This gives children the opportunity to:

  • start the day with breakfast
  • settle into school calmly
  • socialise with other children
  • be ready for learning

Families should contact the school office for current arrangements and availability.

The school day

A typical day includes:

  • morning registration
  • English and mathematics
  • phonics or reading
  • wider curriculum learning
  • assemblies
  • morning break
  • lunchtime
  • afternoon curriculum lessons
  • physical activity
  • reflection and preparation for home

Exact lesson timings vary by year group.

Assemblies

Assemblies are an important part of school life.

They are used to develop:

  • our values
  • British Values
  • DR TIMP
  • Team Tactics
  • personal development
  • safeguarding
  • celebration
  • community
  • reflection

Children take part in age-appropriate assemblies across the week.

Breaktimes

EYFS and KS1 children have a morning break during the school day.

Breaktimes give pupils opportunities to:

  • be active
  • socialise
  • develop friendships
  • practise positive behaviour
  • reset before returning to learning

Staff supervise children and support positive play.

Lunchtime

Children have an hour for lunch.

During this time, pupils:

  • eat their lunch
  • have time to play
  • take part in social interaction
  • are encouraged to make positive choices
  • are supported by staff where needed

Families can find more information on our School Meals page.

 

Physical activity

We want children to be active throughout the day.

In addition to PE lessons, children may also take part in:

  • Daily Boost activities
  • outdoor play
  • movement breaks
  • Daily Mile opportunities
  • swimming, where applicable
  • sport and enrichment activities

Physical activity supports health, wellbeing, concentration and readiness to learn.

Swimming

In the first half term, swimming is part of the school week for different year groups and provisions.

Current arrangements include:

  • Monday — Year 4
  • Tuesday — Year 3
  • Wednesday — Year 6
  • Thursday — Year 5
  • Friday — Pheasants

Families receive the practical information they need directly from school.

End of the school day

The school day finishes at 3:15pm.

Children should be collected promptly unless they are attending an approved after-school activity or wraparound provision.

Please make sure the school office has up-to-date information about:

  • collection arrangements
  • authorised adults
  • emergency contacts
  • any changes to normal arrangements

After-school opportunities

North Mead provides a range of after-school opportunities as part of our wider offer.

These may include:

  • clubs
  • sport
  • music
  • creative activities
  • wraparound provision

Our aim is to make these opportunities as accessible as possible to children.

Current clubs and arrangements are communicated to families through ClassDojo and school communications.

Wraparound provision

North Mead’s wider offer includes provision from 7:45am to 4:30pm.

This helps support families with childcare arrangements while also providing children with positive opportunities before and after the formal school day.

Please contact the school office for current details.

Nursery day

Our Nursery offers a free all-day place from 8:45 am to 3:15pm.

The Nursery day is designed around the needs of younger children and includes:

  • play
  • communication and language
  • early reading
  • early mathematics
  • creative learning
  • outdoor provision
  • physical development
  • personal, social and emotional development

You can find more information on our EYFS page.

Attendance and punctuality

Every school day matters.

Children who attend regularly and arrive on time benefit from:

  • more learning
  • stronger routines
  • better relationships
  • greater confidence
  • fuller access to the curriculum and wider opportunities

If your child is going to be absent, please follow the school’s normal absence-reporting procedures.

You can read more on our Attendance page.

Contact us

If you have a question about the school day, wraparound provision, collection arrangements or clubs, please contact the school office.

Telephone: 0116 276 7761
Email: [email protected]

Related North Mead Pages

  • Attendance
  • School Meals
  • Clubs and Extra-Curricular Activities
  • ClassDojo
  • EYFS
  • Contact Us