Our Open Days
Information about the school day
Our school day begins at 8:30am with doors closing at 8:40am. After completing the register, pupils will go into either English or Maths lessons. KS1 have RWINc every morning from 9am – 10am, where they go to smaller groups and learn the specific sounds they need to know in order for them to move on.
There is a mid morning break, staggered from 10:15 – 10:45. Children in KS1 have access to free fruit and KS2 children can purchase a snack from our tuck trolley (parents can pay via for snack cards on Arbor).
After the morning lessons, pupils will have lunch:
- Reception, Yr 3 and Yr 4: 11:40am – 12:30 (12:40 reception)
- Yr 1 and Yr 2: 12:10 – 1:00
- Yr 5 and Yr6: 12:30 – 1:15pm
Afternoon lessons are usually for foundation subjects and are designed to be engaging and varied.
School ends at 3:20 Monday – Thursday and 1:40pm on a Friday. There is a “Friday club” should parents need their child to remain in school until 3pm.
We also include enrichment activities, assemblies, and special events throughout the week to support children’s wider development. A consistent routine helps children feel safe, happy, and ready to learn every day.
Attendance
The Importance of Attendance
At Bardfield Academy, we know that every day in school matters. Regular attendance helps children to learn well, grow in confidence, and enjoy friendships. We also understand that family circumstances can sometimes make this more challenging. We are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to support your child in attending school regularly. If you feel you may need support, please don’t hesitate to speak to Miss Dry or Mrs Findlay—we are here to help.
New government changes came into effect in August 2024. The poster belows makes it clear on these changes linked to both holidays and irregular attendance. Remember 10 sessions is actually 5 days (children have a morning and afternoon mark).
Wraparound Care
At Bardfield Academy, we recognize the importance of providing affordable wraparound care that caters to the needs of families and enhances children’s learning experiences. Our wraparound care offers a safe and nurturing environment for children before and after the school day. This service not only supports working parents but also helps children develop social skills and engage in enriching activities outside traditional classroom time.
Through our wraparound care program, children have the opportunity to participate in a variety of fun and educational activities that complement their school learning. These may include arts and crafts, sports, and outdoor play, designed to foster creativity and promote physical health. We aim to ensure that every child feels secure and valued, allowing them to thrive both academically and personally during their time at Bardfield Academy.
Breakfast club starts from 7:30am until 8:30am and is run by Mrs Brown, based in the music studio.
Wraparound Club runs from 3:20 – 5:45pm, also based in the music studio and is run by Miss Mondon. Places must be booked and paid for on Arbor in advance of attending.
If your child is attending an afterschool club and then attending wraparound club, the fee is subsidised. Please speak to the school office if you require more information.
Extracurricular Clubs
Clubs at Bardfield Academy
At Bardfield Academy, we are proud to offer a wide variety of clubs to suit all interests—both sporting and non-sporting. From football and dodgeball to art and crafts and chess, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Our club offer changes termly, giving children the chance to try new activities and develop different skills across the year. Clubs can be booked and paid for easily via Arbor.
We encourage all children to take part, have fun, and discover new passions beyond the classroom.
School Meals/Snacks
School Dinners at Bardfield Academy
At Bardfield Academy, we endeavor to provide healthy, balanced meals that appeal to the children, fuel learning and keep them energized throughout the day. Our menus offer a variety of tasty options to suit different tastes and dietary needs, helping children enjoy mealtimes and make positive food choices.
All meals are freshly prepared and served in a welcoming environment, encouraging children to try new foods and eat together with friends.
*Please note that our dinner menu now runs on a two week cycle.
Schools will be required to list all ingredients and allergens on the labels of any food made on site – such as snacks, sandwiches, wraps, salad pots, cakes, etc. – that are pre-packaged prior to break or lunchtime. These lists will be available in school.
You can pay money to the school with Arbor, please click the link below for information regarding accessing your account and the Arbor app:
Log into the Arbor Parent Portal and the Parent App
Free School Meals Information
All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to a free school dinner every day through Universal Free School Meals Funding. For Years 1 – 6 the cost of a school meal is £2.40 per day, payable on the day or in advance.
You can get Free School Meals for your child if you or your partner gets either:
- Universal Credit – provided you have an annual income of less than £7,400.
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- The Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit, provided you or your partner are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income of £16,190 or less, as assessed by His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs,
- Working Tax Credit ‘run-on’ – the payment someone may receive for a further four weeks after they stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
Please call in to the school office to fill in the necessary form which will enable us to assess your eligibility to free school meal entitlement. Alternatively, you may print the form off from here to complete and then bring into the school office, where our staff will be happy to answer any further questions you may have.
All children in EYFS and KS1 are entitled to universal school
Arbor
Here at Bardfield Academy, we use Arbor, an online payment service which allows you to pay for school items on your smartphone, tablet or computer, via app. This makes the payment process easier than ever before.
You can use Arbor to pay for:
- School Meals
- Playtime tuck – *NEW – see note below
- Breakfast Club
- After School Clubs
- Holiday Clubs
- School trips
- Some Uniform
- Parents Meal
- Swimming
- Nursery Donation
- Paid Nursery Sessions
Payment of tuck money through Arbor – tuck can be purchased in blocks of 20 (£5) by Thursday of each week. The credit will then be loaded onto a card and given to the children the following Monday to be able to redeem daily against single tuck items, until the credit is gone (around 4 weeks if used daily). Please note: money must be paid in advance the week before being able to use.
We will inform you about items you need to pay through Arbor, and you will then be able to pay electronically, with money transferred directly into the school’s bank account.
It’s all very easy, safe and secure as Arbor doesn’t store credit or debit card details and works in the same way as other large retailers who accept online payments.
Initially, you will need to hand your email address in to the school office, to enable them to add your details to Arbor.
All parents need to do is register with Arbor and then login in through a web browser or download the Arbor App.
More information on how to register and login can be found by clicking the below link:
Log into the Arbor Parent Portal and the Parent App
Uniform and PE Kit
School Uniform at Bardfield Academy
At Bardfield Academy, we believe that wearing a school uniform helps children take pride in being part of our school community. It also helps them recognise the difference between school as a place of learning and their leisure time. We expect all children to wear uniform, especially when representing the school on trips and events.
Uniform Supplier
We have recently changed our uniform supplier. Uniform can now be ordered directly from Red Oak Wear via the link below:
Red Oak Wear
Pitsea School Uniform Bank
Uniform Expectations
Girls
- Winter: Grey/Black skirt or school trousers, white polo shirt, royal blue cardigan, fleece or jumper. Plain tights in black, blue or grey.
- Flat black shoes or plain black trainers (no boots with high heels or sandals – for health and safety reasons).
- Summer: As above, or blue and white checked summer school dress.
Boys
- Grey/Black trousers, white polo shirt and royal blue jumper or fleece.
- Black shoes or plain black trainers (no boots).
P.E. and Games
From September 2025, all children will wear a Bardfield PE top, giving our school a smart, cohesive look for lessons and events.
Children should come into school in the correct kit on the days their class has P.E. or games. (See PE timetable letters that are shared termly)
P.E. Kit
- Plimsolls or trainers
- Bardfield logo T-shirt (available from Red Oak Wear) and black shorts
- For outdoor games in winter: Plain Black/Grey tracksuit and hoodie (non branded)
Swimming (part of the national curriculum)
- Swimming costume or trunks (tight-fitting, above the knee)
- Swimming hat (available from the school office)
- Towel, all in a waterproof bag
Important Reminders
- Please make sure all items are clearly labelled with your child’s name.
- Jewellery and earrings must be removed for all PE lessons, including swimming. Taping is not permitted under Essex Health & Safety policy. If earrings cannot be removed, your child will be unable to take part. For this reason, we recommend ear piercing takes place at the start of the summer holidays, allowing time for healing.
- Watches (without SIM) may be worn, but bracelets and necklaces should be left at home.