The Wickham Court Early Years Department operates in term time only and keeps the same term times and holidays as the main school. In addition we offer the opportunity for children to be with us for an extended day from 8.00 to 18.00 and during the school holidays.

The breakfast club opens at 8.00 and the children are cared for by experienced staff until the school day commences at 9.15. It is customary for children in Nursery to be brought into the classroom by their parents slightly earlier, from 9.10, to avoid the main school rush.

Our Nursery and Upper Nursery classes work on a very flexible basis and sessions can be booked according to parents’ requirements. Children can attend morning or afternoon, rising to a maximum of five full days at parental discretion. Children attending the morning session only can either be collected before lunch at 12.15 when they will be escorted to their parents in the playground or can stay for lunch and be collected at 12.45. Afternoon sessions commence at 13.45 although children may come in time to join their friends for lunch at 12.15 if preferred.

School finishes at 3.45pm Monday to Thursday and at 2.45pm on Friday when children are escorted to the playground for collection by their parents. If you prefer, your child can be accompanied to our after school club, “Austens” and can be collected any time up to 18.00.

If your child is not to be collected by their usual parent or carer, please ensure that you notify your child’s teacher in person in advance.
In an emergency, please contact the School Office.

Morning break

All children are encouraged to drink milk at morning break, but an alternative drink may be brought to school if required. All children should bring an item of fruit (cut up please) in a named container as their break snack.

School lunches

We believe that it is important that every child has a nourishing meal at lunchtime. At Wickham Court we take great care to ensure that school meals are both enjoyable and nutritious. There are no limits on portions (many have been known to enjoy thirds!) salad, sliced meats and cheese, French bread and fresh fruit are always available. Eating together also provides an opportunity to reinforce the importance of good table manners. Lunch is served in Austen Hall.

School Uniform

For nursery children, school uniform is optional. Instead they can wear the school tracksuit in winter and shorts and polo shirt in the summer. From the start of Reception, uniform is mandatory. It comprises school jumper, white shirt, grey tunic for girls or shorts for boys (long trousers may be worn in the Winter term if preferred), and an elasticated tie. Girls wear dresses in the summer term. Velcro fastenings on shoes are strongly recommended. The Early Years Department has sports lessons on Fridays when regulation sports uniform must be worn.
A full uniform list is available from the school office or from the school outfitters RJ Bryant in West Wickham High Street. The School Parent Teacher Association operates a second-hand uniform service within the school. The shop is usually open between 2.45 and 3.15 on Friday afternoons, but if you require a particular item please ask the school office for details of the PTA representative responsible.
All items including art overalls and book bags must be clearly named. Whilst we take no responsibility for mislaid clothing, there is a ‘lost and found’ box located in the school library on the ground floor.
No jewellery (other than a plain watch and plain stud earrings) is to be worn.