Welcome to St Mary’s New Parent’s Meeting May 13th 2015

Who are we? Mr Short – Head Teacher Mrs Callow – Deputy Head Teacher Mrs Campbell – Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 co-ordinator Mrs Erani-Kirkham - Reception Teacher Miss Rhodes – Reception Teacher Teaching Assistants Mrs Horner – Senior Education Support Officer Mrs Dawson - Senior Education Support Officer Mrs Musson - Senior Education Support Officer

St Mary’s Induction Programme Parents Meeting Home visits: 15 th, 16 th, 17 th June Half day school Visits - 8th & 9th July 9 th, 10 th and 11 th September: Half Days 14th September: Full time

School Day 8.45am Reception Children may come into class via the side door (First half term) 8.55am : School Starts am : Morning Break – 1.15pm : Lunch Break 2.30 – 2.45pm : Afternoon Break 3.25pm : School day ends (Reception) 3.30pm : School day ends for the rest of school

What is the Early Years Foundation Stage? The Early Years Foundation Stage (E.Y.F.S.) is the stage of education for children from birth to the end of the Reception year. It is based on the recognition that children learn best through play and active learning.

The Curriculum is based around 7 areas of learning – 3 prime areas and 4 specific areas 1.Personal, social and emotional development 2.Communication and language 3.Physical development 4.Literacy 5.Mathematics 6.Understanding the World 7.Expressive Arts and Design

What does the EYFS look like at St Mary's We deliver a topic based curriculum where by children access all 7 areas of learning through a ‘theme’ or ‘topic’ The curriculum is delivered through a combination of whole class, adult directed ‘small group’ sessions and child initiated activities chosen by the individual children during their ‘choosing/challenge time’. Children also Follow the Liverpool ‘Come and See’ Religious Education Programme

Monitoring Progress Each of the 7 areas of learning has its own set of Early Learning Goals. The seven areas of development and learning are assessed using scale points. Individual children will progress at their own rate and do not have to achieve the scale points in a specific order.

I t is important that parents and the staff work together. We want you to feel comfortable about exchanging information and discussing things that will benefit your child. We have Parent’s Evenings in October and February and you will receive a full written report in July. Please don’t feel that this is the only time you can come in and talk to us. You can make an appointment to come in for a chat or you can catch us before or after school. How you can find out how your child is getting on?

Uniform Please ensure that your child’s name is on all items of clothing, including shoes and underwear! P.E. kit must be kept in school, so that it is available every day. It can be taken home half termly to be washed. Your child will be taking part in lots of interesting and sometimes messy experiences, so may come home dirty! It is all part of the fun! Please can children have a coat everyday and if possible a pair of wellies that can be left in school.

Home school tasks Children will start off sharing a book. Once they are able to blend and segment, they will be given a reading book. The children also have a fun maths activity (Maths Challenge) to complete each week. You will be given a diary to sign and record comments in, when you share/read a book with your child. Please do not put water or drinks bottles in with your child’s reading bag. As the year progresses handwriting practice and letters and words to learn will also be introduced.

Cursive Handwriting

Meals and Snack We encourage healthy eating and provide a snack and drink each day. We ask for a contribution of £30 to be paid in September to cover costs for the whole year. Milk can be ordered at an additional cost termly. The children have a choice of a school dinner or may bring a packed lunch. Dinners and milk must be paid for in advance, and be brought into school in an envelope with child’s name and class written on it. Cheques should be made payable to IOM Government.

Medical Matters and Absences Any sickness or diarrhoea, must be followed by 48 hours absence. Any absence requires a note or telephone call explaining why. If you need time away from from school during term time, we can authorise up to 10 days, but a letter must be sent into school explaining the reasons for the time off being required. Head lice are common! Please check regularly and treat as recommended. No medicines can be administered by staff. Children with asthma will be helped to take their inhaler, and an asthma card must be completed. Sun cream can be brought to school, but children will need to be able to apply it themselves. There will be a questionnaire to fill in regarding health issues with your child.

Please Remember… If you have any concerns or questions we will be happy to help you.