The Early Years Foundation Stage
Parent Welcome Pack
The School Day
The majority of learning in the Early Years is
through ‘PLAY’. It is through these play activities
that your child will gain the experiences that will
prepare them for their continuing learning journey.
We observe your children in their play to ensure
we take their learning forward.
Throughout the day your child will have
opportunities for self-initiated play, adult-directed
tasks, whole class activities and small group work.
We have high expectations
of every individual and seek
to develop the whole child
academically, physically,
spiritually, morally and
culturally.
Indoor and Outdoor Play
Play underpins all development and learning for
young children and it is through play that they
develop intellectually, creatively, physically, socially
and emotionally.
Children will have opportunities to play indoors and
outdoors, through planned, purposeful play, with a
balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities.
Assessment
On going assessment is an integral part of the learning and development process. We will make systematic observations and assessments of each child’s achievements, interests and learning styles. We will use these to identify learning priorities and plan relevant and motivating learning experiences for your child. These will be recorded in your child’s Early Years Foundation Stage Profile.
Helping Your Child Learn
Before your child starts school you can help them to prepare by encouraging them as ‘independent learners’. Let your child practise getting dressed, teach them to use a knife and fork, use the toilet independently and encourage them to take responsibility for their belongings.
School Times
The classrooms open for children to enter at 8:35 a.m. and the gate closes at 8:45 a.m. Please make sure your child is in school on time as it helps your child settle into the school routines if they are in class ready to start the school day.
We ask parents to say goodbye to the children on the playground as this encourages the children to be independent and results in them settling quickly for the rest of the day.
The day ends at 3.15 p.m. Please wait for your child outside the classroom. Please ensure that you inform the teacher if somebody different is picking your child up. If your child is getting the bus an adult will accompany them to the bus.
You can see further details about the timing of our School Day here.
Fruit and Snacks
Children in Nursery, Reception and Years 1 and 2 receive a piece of fruit at playtime. They may help themselves to water throughout the day. Your child may also bring an additional healthy snack for playtime, such as a cereal bar, fruit or raisins etc.
Labels
It is very important that all clothing is labelled. This includes all items of uniform, as well as PE kit and coats/jackets. This will prevent any mix-ups happening and any ‘lost’ items can be easily returned.
Parents as Partners
We want you to be involved in your child’s education and we encourage you to do this in a number of ways:
- Read and look at books together
- Look for opportunities to apply and consolidate simple skills such as observing, counting, pointing out labels and words as communicators of meaning and talking and listening with your child.
- Reinforce good learning attitudes and relationships, particularly sharing, caring and considering safety.
- Inviting you to special assemblies and performances
- Asking you to contribute to your child’s ‘learning diary’
- Inviting you to help with activities in school
- Inviting you to parents evening
- Visiting the website to see what your child has been learning and access resources to support their learning at home.
We believe that the partnership between pupils, staff, governors, the wider community and the Church are vital to the success of the school.