Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The school day
What time does the school day start and finish?
The gates open at 8:30am and the school day runs from 8:45am to 3:45pm, Monday to Friday — a total of 35 hours a week. Please aim to arrive a few minutes before the doors open so your child can start the day calmly.
What happens if my child arrives late?
Registers open at 8:45am and close at 9:00am. A child arriving after the register closes is recorded as absent for that session, so please let the office know if you have been delayed.
Do you offer breakfast club or after-school care?
Yes we offer breakfast club (Early Birds) from 7:45am- 8:45am and after school care (Night Owls) from 3:45pm- 5:45pm.
Click here for more information on our wraparound care
Attendance and absence
How do I report my child's absence?
Please call 020 8873 3337 before 9:00am on each day of absence and tell us the reason. If we haven't heard from you, we will contact you — this is part of keeping every child safe.
My child is unwell. Should I keep them at home?
Children who are genuinely unwell need to be at home and will not learn well in school. For minor coughs and colds, most children are better off in. If you are unsure, please ring us — we would much rather talk it through than have your child miss a day unnecessarily.
Can I take my child on holiday during term time?
Leave in term time can only be granted in exceptional circumstances, and family holidays are not considered exceptional. Requests must be made in advance in writing using our leave of absence form. Unauthorised absence may result in a penalty notice from the London Borough of Hounslow.
What attendance are you aiming for?
We ask families to aim for at least 97%. If something is making it hard for your child to attend, please talk to us early — we can usually help.
Starting school and moving here
How do I apply for a Reception place?
Applications are made through the London Borough of Hounslow, not directly to us. The national closing date is 15 January in the year your child starts school, and offers are made on 16 April.
Click here to apply for a Reception place at Edison Primary School
We're moving into the area mid-year. How do I apply?
Please contact the school office about an in-year application. We are always happy to show you around first.
Click here to apply for in year admission place at Edison Primary School
Can I visit before applying?
Yes, and we would encourage it. We run parent tours every Friday morning at 9:30am and can also arrange individual tours — just call the office.
Uniform and equipment
Where do I buy the uniform?
Most items can be bought from high street shops or supermarkets. Only three items carry the school logo, and these are available from Sanco.
Can I get second-hand uniform?
Yes. We run an Edison PreLoved second-hand uniform scheme with good-quality items available at low or no cost. Please ask at the office — and if cost is ever a difficulty, speak to us in confidence.
Does everything really need a name label?
Yes, please — including coats, jumpers, PE kit, water bottles and lunch boxes. A named label is by far the best chance we have of getting a lost item back to you.
Click here for full details are on our uniform page.
Learning and curriculum
How is reading taught?
Children learn to read through daily Read Write Inc phonics lessons from Reception onwards, alongside plenty of stories, rhymes and shared reading. Once children complete the programme they move on to whole-class reading and comprehension work.
How can I help my child at home?
Reading with your child every day is the single most valuable thing you can do, at any age — including listening to them read and reading aloud to them. Talking about words and their meanings matters just as much as getting through the book.
What will my child be learning this year?
Our curriculum pages set out what is taught in each subject and year group, including the schemes we use — White Rose for maths, Kapow for art and design technology, Jigsaw for PSHE, Get Set 4 PE, Purple Mash for computing, and specialist music teaching from Sing Education.
Does my child have to take part in RE?
RE at Edison is about learning about religions and worldviews, not learning to follow one. Parents do have a legal right to withdraw their child from all or part of RE, and you don't need to give a reason. Please speak to the Headteacher if you are considering it.
When is relationships and sex education taught?
RSE is taught through the Changing Me unit of our Jigsaw scheme in the Summer 2 half term. We write to parents beforehand and you are welcome to see the materials.
How do you support children with additional needs?
We are an inclusive school with tailored support and targeted intervention. If you have a concern about your child's progress or needs, speak to their class teacher first, or contact our SENDCo, Ms Dar.
Money and meals
Is my child entitled to free school meals?
From September 2026, free school meals are available to every child whose family receives Universal Credit. Please complete an eligibility check even if your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 and already gets a free lunch — it may bring extra funding to the school that we use to support your child's learning.
What is Pupil Premium and how do you spend it?
It is additional government funding to help disadvantaged pupils. Our published strategy sets out exactly how it is spent and the difference it is making.
What snacks can my child bring to school?
We our a healthy school and we encourage all pupils to bring in a piece of fruit as a snack. All pupils should come to school with a water bottle- no fruit juice or squash please!
Keeping in touch
Who do I speak to if I have a concern?
Start with your child's class teacher — most things are resolved quickly that way. If you need to take it further, please speak to your child's phase leader or member of the Senior Leadership Team, and our complaints policy sets out the formal steps if needed.
What do I do if I'm worried about a child's safety?
Speak to a member of staff straight away — you will never be wasting our time. Our Designated Safeguarding Lead is Mrs Rupra. If you believe a child is at immediate risk, contact Hounslow Children's Services on 020 8583 6600 or the police on 999.
How will you contact me?
We use Arbor and Seesaw for messages, newsletters and consent forms. Please keep your contact details up to date with the office, particularly your mobile number and emergency contacts.
How do I find out how the school is performing?
Our latest Ofsted report and our published performance data are both linked from our website, and you can share your own views at any time through Ofsted Parent View.