1. Welcome to St Bonaventure`s Catholic Primary School New Parents’ Meeting Wednesday 30 th September 2015

2. Early Years Foundation Stage What is the Early Years Foundation Stage? The Early Years Foundation Stage sets the standards to ensure that children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. It promotes teaching and learning to ensure children's ‘school readiness’ and gives children the broad range of knowledge and skills that provide the right foundation for good future progress through school and life.

3. The curriculum is organised into seven areas of learning : 3 Prime Areas Personal, Social and Emotional Development Physical Development Communication and Language 4 Specific Areas Literacy Mathematics Understanding the World Expressive Arts and Design

4. Characteristics of Learning. Playing and exploring – engagement Active learning – motivation Creating and thinking critically - thinking

5. The Prime areas begin to develop quickly in response to relationships and experiences and run through and support learning in all other areas. They continue to be fundamental throughout the EYFS. The Specific areas include essential skills and knowledge, they grow out of the Prime areas and provide an important context for learning. The 3 characteristics underpin learning and development across all areas and support the child to remain an effective and motivated learner.

6. Monitoring Progress Each of the 7 areas of learning has its own set of ‘Early Learning Goals’ which determine what most children are expected to achieve by the end of Reception Class. e.g. PSED Making Relationships ‘ children play cooperatively taking turns with others’.

7. The first few weeks We will find out what the children already know & can do & use this information to help us develop an effective, exciting, varied and progressive learning programme. We would 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 progress & adjustment to school within the first term. Thursday 15th October and Tuesday 20th October

8. A typical day in Reception……. Prayer/Carpet Time Adult led activity/ Indoor/Outdoor Play Snack Time Group Activities Prayer/Carpet Time Lunch Registration/Carpet Time Adult led activity Child initiated activity Circle Time/Story/Song Prayer/Home Time

9. Reading and Phonics Listening Speaking Reading Writing How can you help your child? WOW Stickers

10. Other matters… Children will usually read once a week with an adult so please bring book bags and books everyday! Children can change their free reader book once a week if they wish. We will soon begin to visit the school library and children will be able to choose a library book. Please ensure that your child looks after school books etc

11. What can you do to help your child’s mathematical development? Practise counting at any time-climbing the stairs, shopping etc Play simple board games Sing number rhymes and songs together Number recognition in everyday situations Maths challenge cards

12. E-Safety At school we use the SMART rules Children in all year groups learn about Acceptable Use and being a good digital citizen Information on the school website or speak to Lisa Harvey Reminder – Facebook's Terms and Conditions state that it is for children aged 13+ A parents e-safety information evening I is being organised for later in the year

13. SEN If you have any concerns please speak to the class teacher in first instance. Liz Kurzik, SENCO for this year.

14. Bilingual children We are lucky to have many bilingual families here at St Bons and it is important for children to use both their home language and English.

15. Uniform Please ensure that names are in EVERYTHING!!! Please remember to check regularly that you have your own child's cardigan/sweatshirt! Send coats EVERYDAY Sensible shoes and no jewellery No PE kit required at the moment.

16. Communication Between Home & School Weekly Newsletter every Friday Absence Notification / Phone Call Home/school book in Reading Bag

17. And Finally… If you have any worries or concerns please come in and see us and we will do our best to help you