WelcomeWelcome New Parents’ Meeting 2015

What is the Early Years Foundation Stage? The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the stage of education for children from birth to the end of the Reception year. We have our own curriculum to follow, which begins at birth and ends at the end of the Reception year. It is based on the recognition that children learn best through play and active learning.

What does our curriculum include? Three prime areas: Communication and language Physical Personal, social and emotional development These prime areas are those most essential for your child’s healthy development and future learning.

As children grow, the prime areas will help them to develop skills in 4 specific areas. These are: Literacy Mathematics Understanding the world Expressive arts and design

The first few weeks We will find out what the children already know and can do and use this information to help us develop a learning programme that meets their needs. We always value any contributions you would like to make in helping us get to know your child’s needs. You will be invited to discuss your child’s transition to school shortly after October half term at our parents evening. This is a really good opportunity to ask further questions and discuss any concerns/developments you have noticed during the ‘settling in period’.

Your Child’s Learning Journey We use observations, shared talk and teaching activities to record and assess the progress your child is making. We collate this information in a folder caller a ‘Learning Journey’. Your child’s ‘Learning Journey’ will be kept in the classroom – please feel free to look through their folder at anytime. We would love for you to contribute to them too. If you have any photos or wow moments at home share them with us. If you are given your child’s Learning Journey from Pre-School/Nursery/Childminder, please share these with us if possible.

Reading is learning for life... Children need to develop a love of reading. Read to your child as often as possible. Talk about anything that they question or find interesting and encourage them to think about what is happening by asking questions about the pictures/text. We begin with talking and building pictures in our minds. We want the children to develop a WIDE vocabulary, and a BIG imagination!

What can you do to help? Children will bring home one Reading Scheme book, and one ‘Library book’. They can change their library book as many times as they like during the week. Their reading scheme book they will change when they have read shared it at school and home. Make some quiet time to share these books, talk about pictures as well as reading them. Read to your child lots!

Make your child’s life easier... Children will do well in the future if they have learnt well at school. Children learn best if they are happy, healthy and settled. Have early nights and a good breakfast. To feel really involved they need to come every morning, and be here when everyone else is – not in late/in a rush. Doors open at 8.45am for early morning work – children enjoy this sociable time. Registration takes place at 9am. During the first term your child will be very tired due to the ‘hustle and bustle’ of school life.

Food and Drink Breakfast Club opens at 8.00am – your child will be provided with a healthy breakfast (please see Breakfast Club menu for further info). There is a fee payable for Breakfast Club (£4.00 per session – Mrs Robey will send an invoice at the end of each month). Drinks – water is available at all times for your child, cups are washed throughout the day, so there is no need to send a separate beaker. Food – Your child is entitled to free fruit/vegetables which we have at snack time. There is always a choice between different fruit/vegetables. Lunch – All Reception and KS1 children are entitled to a free hot dinner. Please speak to Mrs Robey for lunch menu – there is always two choices and children will be asked which option they would like at the start of the day. If you have any concerns about what your child is eating or drinking please speak to Mrs Field.

Daily habits to get into... Book bags – Come to school every day. Uniform - Please consider all uniform looks the same – If it is labelled it is much easier for you and other parents to track down missing items. A maker pen works well. PE kit - Bring in on a Monday and place on your child’s peg (we will send kits home on Friday). Coat/Wellington boots – We go outside in all weather – please ensure you child has a coat in school daily. We encourage children to leave a pair a named wellington boots in our boot box. Sun cream – We prefer this to be applied at home prior to school. There are many ‘all day’ creams available which will protect your child’s skin.

Questions