Year 1 Information Session September 2017 Welcome to a new school year at Westfields Infant School

Year R to 1 Similarities We had transition activities in the Summer to prepare the children Opportunities to play for first few weeks – gradually the day becomes more formal Children will continue to take part in familiar activities such as: Guided Reading, Phonics, English, Handwriting and Maths

Year R to 1 Differences Curriculum Increased independence – children expected to take more responsibility for handing in forms, getting out reading books etc. It is helpful if you remind them to do this New routines: PE twice a week (including with a specialist sports coach), whole class fruit/playtimes in mornings, visits to the Computing suite Different curriculum Curriculum This half term our topic is called ‘Gruffalo and Friends’. Topic information is posted on the school website

Phonics Children have daily phonics sessions During these sessions ‘tricky’ words (key words) and phonemes (sounds) are taught Phonics screening test is held in June There are a range of phonics games that you can access at home online.

Guided Reading Guided Reading sessions take place daily in school in order to teach the skills necessary for reading. Unlike Year R, Guided Reading books do not come home. During Guided Reading we will usually read the book band above the one being sent home. This is so the children can become confident and independent readers.

Reading at Home Your child will now have a new white reading diary. Please fill in the diary so we know you have read at home. We have a reading award system where children are given stickers and certificates for the amount of times they are reading at home. (You will find the details at the back of their reading diary). Children have the opportunity to change their book daily Key words will continue to be sent home as appropriate.

Learning at Home Home learning projects are sent home half-termly. Every fortnight your child will be sent home with some spellings to learn. Reading at home – little and often

Clubs There are various clubs your child can join Some are run by outside companies. Some are run by staff. Staff clubs vary from term to term Clubs may be run before or after school or at lunchtime Most clubs run for a term and we ask that children commit to a term Look out for a letter at the beginning of each term detailing which clubs are running

PE PE is held twice a week Children need an indoor kit which is a white T shirt and red shorts They also need an outdoor kit consisting of tracksuit bottoms, a T shirt, sweatshirt and trainers Both kits are needed in school at all times Some Wednesdays your child will have PE with a specialist sports coach

PPA On Wednesdays, the Year 1 teachers have PPA time to plan and prepare for the week ahead Your child’s class will participate in a rolling programme that includes RE, PE, library skills and handwriting Please remember therefore that on a Wednesday afternoon it may be a different member of the teaching team seeing your child out at the end of the day

Pupil Premium Funding This is allocated by the Government Please see attached registration form and apply if you think your child is eligible This year we received in excess of £21,000 The money is used to directly support children who qualify for the funding e.g. additional classroom support to ensure your child reaches their potential The money can also be used to pay for your child’s school trips, clubs and others things that will support them educationally.

Getting Involved If you would like to help in your child’s class please talk to your child’s teacher Look out for various curriculum events: Spelling workshop Open sessions WISPA

Remember Attendance / punctuality Let us know if it’s someone else collecting your child Water bottles – please bring everyday PE kits – always in school in two separate bags Coats – everyday, we still go out if it’s raining Book bags (with reading book and message book in it!), no rucksacks please and no large key rings attached as they go in the drawers Independence Social networking – please be careful what you post Please make sure EVERYTHING is named!!

Thank you for coming If you have any worries or concerns please do not hesitate to talk to your child’s teacher – we pride ourselves on our open door policy