Welcome To Mossgate

Introductions! Ms Chris Lawler- Head teacher Miss Jessica Warne KS1 Assistant Head teacher/EYFS Teac h er Mrs Wendy Baldwin EYFS Teaching Assistant

Information we will be giving you tonight Introduction to who we all are! The ethos and aims of Mossgate Primary School Induction procedures and dates for children to visit school Tips which will help your child settle into school quickly and happily All about the Reception class and how and what young children learn We will talk you through the information pack you have been given Time to answer any other questions you might have and spend some time in the Reception classroom

Ethos At Mossgate we are working as a community to provide a secure environment where quality education allows everyone to succeed. ‘Working together to achieve success’ We believe strongly in working in partnership with parents and everyone else who can make a difference to your child’s education. We always listen to any worries or concerns you may have and we always let you know if we have any concerns or worries. We recognise achievements of all kinds and celebrate success at every opportunity.

School Aims Develop an atmosphere and environment where everyone feels valued, and which offers the opportunity for all to achieve their potential Help children develop self confidence, self esteem and respect for themselves and others To promote high standards in everything we do Provide equal access for all to a broad, balanced and relevant education. This will enable children to develop the skills and concepts necessary to become independent learners who are responsible and valued members of society.

The Reception Class The Children in the Reception Class are part of ‘The Early Years Foundation Stage.’ This describes the education your children receives from birth until the end of the Reception year.

The Curriculum The Curriculum is organised into seven areas of learning: Communication and language Physical Development Personal, Social and Emotional Development Literacy Mathematics Understanding the World Expressive Arts and Design

More About Learning! There are ELG’s for each area of the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. These set the expectations for children to achieve by the end of the Reception Year. Every child learns in different ways and at different rates. During the year we continually monitor your child’s progress towards these goals so that any difficulties are quickly identified and addressed. Equally we’ll let you know about your children’s achievements and successes.

Baseline Assessment During the induction visits the staff will observe your child to find out what they can do. We will then continue to build on this knowledge, experience and skills. If your child has attended Nursery we will use the assessments and reports that will have been passed on to us.

Learning Journeys Each child has their own learning journey. Learning journeys contain photos, transcripts, post it notes and record observations of your child demonstrating what they can do. These observations inform future planning to meet the needs of each pupil. Observations are made from the child's independent learning. Learning journeys reflect what your child can do – we encourage you to add things too!

How can you support the Learning Journey evidence? In September, we will hold a meeting to discuss how to best support your child in reading and evidencing their learning at home. The documents you send in will allow us to best support your child at school and ensure we celebrate you child’s successes at school to create a secure partnership between home and school.

How do we learn? Teaching and learning in Reception is approached through well planned play experiences. Often the children don’t even know they’re working! Learning through practical hands on activities that are lots of fun and enjoyable but which have clear learning objectives. Children will talk of both the ‘indoor’ and ‘outdoor’ classroom.

ICT at Mossgate You can keep up to date with the latest news and photographs on our website: Here at Mossgate you and your child also have the chance to access our school Moodle. This will give you the chance to view presentations and play games that will enhance your child’s learning relating to what they have been covering in class.

Outdoor Learning Area At Mossgate we are very lucky to have a purpose built outdoor learning area! Your child will have access to the outdoor area throughout the year. Clothing for the outdoor area. A lot of children are outdoor learners!

Within the indoor and outdoor environment: There will be times when all the class work together. Children will often work individually or in a small group with an adult. Children will work independently by themselves or with others. There is a balance between adult led and child initiated activities.

Home Learning Very shortly after they start at school the children will be bringing home activities to share with you at home. These will support early numeracy and literacy skills that the children will be developing in school. Activities are likely to include; Letter sounds and actions to learn and practice Words to learn to read Numbers to recognise and order Reading books You will receive a weekly text message to explain what the home learning is for each week.

Communication and Partnership Daily before and after school Blue book in book bag- check bag and book daily. Ring school. Parents evenings twice a year. Written report at the end of every term which will give clear next steps. Please let us know of any changes at home which may affect your child at school.

Parental Involvement Throughout the year there are various opportunities for you to come into school. Parents information sessions for phonics, how your child learns, learning journeys and early numeracy skills. Coming in to work alongside your child. The children LOVE having you in school!

Induction Children will visit school for some afternoons. They will meet the teachers, have a play and begin to get to know their new classroom and their new friends. During June and July School staff aim to visit as many children as possible at their nursery or playgroup.

Home Visits A meeting at home makes it far less scary when starting at school. Children will remember the members of staff visiting and then have a familiar face when coming into school. Children are much more relaxed in their own home.

Induction Club A chance to:- Meet the teachers. Meet other children in their class. Get used to the indoor and outdoor classroom.

September Children attend for a mixture of morning and afternoon sessions. After a short amount of time children then attend school full time!

How to help your child settle at school Over the next few weeks talk to your child about starting school- walk past and point out the classroom, playground etc. Share books such as ‘Starting School’ by Janet and Allen Ahlberg. Once your child starts school please be prompt bringing them in the morning and collecting at home time- even a few minutes can seem like an eternity to a waiting child. Toilet skills! Label all uniform!

Play turn taking and sharing games Encourage tidy up skills. Dressing and undressing skills- zipping own coat, velcro pumps and shoes rather than laces, Teach your child how to hold a knife and fork, recognise their own name and belongings. Saying goodbye may be very emotional for you but try to send your child off with a smile and a wave along with reassurance that you’ll be back later on. Remember once you’ve gone they will settle and have a great time!

The Induction Pack Starting school dates for September and visits for June / July ‘All About Me’ booklet. To share with your child and bring to school on their first visit. Nursery form. We can then arrange to visit your child before they begin school. Confidential pupil information form Home/ school agreement Uniform order form Parental Consent forms Data Protection Act Internet Usage form and policy Ethnicity form School Prospectus PLEASE RETURN ALL FORMS BY WEDNESDAY 4 TH JUNE

Thank you for coming!