Parent/Carers Information

Our school day begins at 8.30am with breakfast. Our registers officially open at 8.30am, closing for most children at 9.05am. We have a morning break around 10.15am, depending on the year group, and simlarly lunch is at or around 12.00pm. The school day finishes at 2.30pm. Our staff then stay on site to prepare and set up our learning activities for the following day.

The school day typically starts with core subject lessons – English and Maths – followed by topic/science/PSHE. In the afternoon we deliver a needs-based curriculum alongside outdoor & PE based activities. This is delivered alongside enrichment and engagement sessions, such as cookery, art, Forest School, and off-site visits and activities where applicable.

The afternoon sessions in particular are pupil-centred, designed around each child’s individual profile. During the day we also pause for reflection and emotional regulation as and when needed, and all transitions between sessions are carefully planned out.

More information coming soon.

What Three Words:

stolen.discount.reckon

Public Transport:
Our closest bus stop is Hailsham Community College, which is served by the 28 Regency, 48 and 54 routes.

Parking:
We have plenty of on-site parking available for visitors.

SEND Transport:
Please visit this link for more information on SEND Transport Assistance provided by the Local Authority: https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/education-learning/schools/transport/travel-assistance-send

At The Ropemakers’ Academy, we see our school uniform as a key part of our identity; however it is also designed to provide our children with comfort and, where necessary, meet any sensory needs they may have. 

Sweatshirts:

The core uniform consists of the school sweatshirt, embroidered with the school logo.  The sweatshirt supplier has been carefully chosen to try and get the softest material possible.

Our sweatshirts are sold via the school office, and are invoiced through our parent portal on Arbor. We have planned our uniform to be as cost-effective as possible, and sell sweatshirts at cost price only (£9.95). All pupils receive one sweatshirt free of charge upon enrolment. Please contact Hattie McIntosh in the office if you would like to arrange the purchase of further sweatshirts.

In addition to the sweatshirt, we ask that your child wears black or dark grey trousers, a white polo or cotton shirt, and black shoes or trainers. We ask that children not wear boots.

Our PE kit consists of black shorts and/or tracksuit trousers, and a plain white t-shirt.

If you feel that your child has particular sensory needs that may need accounting for within our uniform expectations, then please get in touch, and we can be flexible around them as required.

Looking after our pupil’s welfare is at the centre of everything that we do at The Ropemakers' Academy. All of our staff are available to support any of our pupils at any time during the school day, and show absolute care, compassion and understanding. We support our pupils with a whole range of pastoral issues, such as poor mental health matters; school refusal; bullying; teenage angst and relationship matters. Your child’s safety is paramount to us, and our staff are vigilant and well-trained to be able to signpost and guide you and your child to access the right support when needed. We also have excellent working relationships with a wide range of local services and organisations, which means we can offer an expanded pupil welfare service both in and out of school.

Breakfast:

Ropemakers' provides a free breakfast for all of our pupils, as part of our ‘soft start’ nurture breakfast time. This is an important part of our provision, where everyone starts the day together and we are able to check in emotionally with our pupils.

Lunches:

We offer a wide range of hot school meals, or pupils are welcome to bring in their own packed lunch from home. Our school meals cater for specific diets and lifestyle choices, including vegan, gluten free and Halal.  All pupils have their breakfasts and lunches in the classroom with their teaching team, as this supports our ethos of building family-style relationships with them.

Download our Menu for Spring 2025 below.