2. The Governors and staff would like to welcome your child and your family to our Nursery. I hope that you will find this information booklet a useful guide to your child’s first experience of school. J Brill Headteacher Hengoed Primary School offers a part-time place for children in the term after their third birthday. Our Nursery is a large space with its own entrance, toilets and washbasins. It is well equipped with opportunities for imaginative play, sand, water, painting and modelling. There is equipment for manipulative play such as jigsaws, puzzles, threading toys and construction toys. There are large toys and a climbing frame. Next to the classroom area is a soft play area for the use of early years pupils. Shortly before your child is due to start Nursery you will be invited to bring your child in for a short Pre-Nursery visit to meet the Nursery staff and look around and play. At all stages in the Nursery we encourage the children to be independent, to dress themselves, cope with going to the toilet, and pack away their play things. There is an emphasis on social development, learning to be part of a group, sharing and taking turns. Nursery children also have the opportunity to do Music and Movement in the school hall and join with other children for assemblies and Special Times e.g. Christmas Concerts. Nursery children are also eligible to attend our School Breakfast Club which starts at 8.30 a.m., where they will be provided with a healthy breakfast to start the day off well. J Brill Headteacher The Governors and staff would like to welcome your child and your family to our Nursery. I hope that you will find this information booklet a useful guide to your child’s first experience of school. J Brill Headteacher

3. Hengoed Primary School offers a part-time place for children in the term after their third birthday. Our Nursery is a large space with its own entrance, toilets and washbasins. It is well equipped with opportunities for imaginative play, sand, water, painting and modelling. There is equipment for manipulative play such as jigsaws, puzzles, threading toys and construction toys. There are large toys and a climbing frame. Next to the classroom area is a soft play area for the use of early years pupils. Shortly before your child is due to start Nursery you will be invited to bring your child in for a short Pre-Nursery visit to meet the Nursery staff and look around and play. At all stages in the Nursery we encourage the children to be independent, to dress themselves, cope with going to the toilet, and pack away their play things. There is an emphasis on social development, learning to be part of a group, sharing and taking turns. Nursery children also have the opportunity to do Music and Movement in the school hall and join with other children for assemblies and Special Times e.g. Christmas Concerts. Nursery children are also eligible to attend our School Breakfast Club which starts at 8.30 a.m., where they will be provided with a healthy breakfast to start the day off well. J Brill Headteacher

4. Nursery Class Morning session -9.00 a.m—11.30 am Afternoon session - 12.45 am—3.15 pm Infant and Junior Classes Morning: 9.00 a.m—12 noon Afternoon: 1.00 pm—3.15 p.m School Address Hengoed Primary School Chapel Terrace Hengoed CF82 7JU School Telephone Number (01443) 812909 School Fax Number (01443) 862802 School E-mail Address Henpa@caerphilly. gov.uk

5. Head Teacher : Mrs J. Brill Foundation Phase Teacher: Mrs Sullivan HLTA/ Nursery Nurse : Miss N. Taylor Teaching Assistant: Auntie Sharon School Secretary : Mrs R. Gardner During the school year there will also be other people in the Nursery :  Super Shellby staff  students  Pupils from Secondary Schools who are gaining Work Experience Parking Unfortunately, there are no facilities within the school grounds for parental parking. The school gates are closed at 8.40 am and 3.00 pm. We respectfully request that when parking in the roads around the school that care is taken not to obstruct residents’ driveways, the school gates and restricted areas. SAFETY must take precedence over CONVENIENCE.

6. The Headteacher and staff hold a shared vision for our Nursery Class, in which all members care for and respect each other equally, no matter what their culture, gender, race or ability. We work together to help the children develop educationally as well as socially and emotionally. The vision permeates all aspects and activities within the Nursery. In order to achieve it we strive to provide a welcoming, happy and safe environment where the children can feel secure and enjoy their learning experiences. For some children this is their first independent step beyond the home and we aim to help them gain self confidence and maturity, according to their individual needs and interests. We acknowledge the support that parents give to the school and value the partnership between home and school. We have something in common, THE WELFARE OF YOUR CHILD. If there is anything worrying you or your child, please do not hesitate to share the concern with us. We hope that your child will be happy and will gain many worthwhile and valuable experiences from our Nursery Class and we look forward to working with you for the benefit of your child. Enjoy your child’s first experiences of school. It is a most valuable stage in their development and will pass all too quickly!

7.  In the Nursery Class we aim to provide a secure, welcoming and happy atmosphere where children experience a variety of activities and the opportunity to participate in purposeful structured and spontaneous play.  We aim to stimulate and challenge all our children with care and sensitivity.  Young children develop at different rates and in different ways. We know that children learn best from first-hand experiences and aim to provide experiences appropriate to their stage of development.  We encourage your child to make his/her own decisions and choices to enable him/her to become an independent learner.  We provide a stimulating environment in which your child can acquire a variety of early skills.  We introduce the children to the ‘routine’ of school life and to an early years curriculum which will encompass the six areas of learning.  We aim to prepare your child for confident entry to mainstream Reception Class.  We are eager to develop a good partnership between home and school to extend and enrich the experiences your child has received at home.

8. I like to look and listen I need to touch and try I want to smell and sample And ask the question why Give me time to wonder To imagine and pretend Space to run and bend And stretch Share secrets with a friend I want to hold and handle I must play to understand For I need to know so many things To find out who I am.

9. Your child will generally be admitted to nursery the term after their third birthday. You will receive a letter from the school prior to them starting. You and your child will be invited to visit the nursery prior to them starting. A date to start nursery will be allocated following a meeting with the Headteacher and the Nursery Staff. Entry is ‘staggered’ to allow children to settle and parents and staff to get to know each other. Your child will be allocated a morning or an afternoon session which will remain for their first term in Nursery. In their second term of Nursery, their session will change over to make it fair for all nursery children and parents. During the Summer term, your child’s place will be divided between morning and afternoons. You will be informed by the Headteacher of your child’s allocated session during their nursery visit. On your child’s first day of Nursery, you will be asked to sit with the nursery staff so they can find out more about your child. You will be asked to help fill in a ‘Pupil Profile’ booklet which will give the nursery staff the information regarding your child’s interest, likes/dislikes, medical conditions etc. This is always a good opportunity for you to discuss concerns and ask questions that you may have.

10. We need to know is your child has any medical conditions or allergies. Children suffering from asthma should have their medication in school if required. There is a form to complete if your child requires any form of medication in school. Please ask the School Secretary for details. For the health and well being of children and staff please keep your child at home if he/she is unwell. Poorly children do not concentrate, are lethargic and easily upset  In the case of absence please telephone the School Secretary who can then inform the Nursery Staff.  We need to know how to contact you in an emergency. Telephone numbers of at least 2 contacts please We need to know who will normally collect your child from Nursery.

11. The first day in Nursery is an important event in a child’s life, as well as in the lives of the parents. We try to make this day as happy as possible. It helps your child if you arrive on time and leave cheerfully. When you bring your child into the Nursery, you will be shown a coat peg with a picture for your child to use each day. Most of our children are happy about coming to Nursery and parents can leave fairly quickly. However, if your child is apprehensive or upset you will be welcome to stay for a short while to help him/her settle. Time keeping—Starting School Please ensure that your child arrives on time every day. A child will miss valuable instructions if he/she is late. Entry and exit to Nursery Class as follows: Morning Session Afternoon Session EntryLarge Red Gate EntrySmall Red Gate Exit Small Red Gate ExitLarge Red Gate Leaving School Please ensure that your child is picked up on time. He/she will become easily upset if you are late. If you are going to be unavoidably late, please telephone the school and let us know. It is important to inform staff if someone other than yourself will be collecting your child from Nursery. We will not allow children to leave with someone else unless we have already been informed. NO CHILD WILL BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE THE NURSERY WITHOUT A KNOWN ADULT.

12. We are fortunate in having a modern, well-equipped Nursery which provides excellent accommodation both inside and out, for the children. We also have access to the rest of the school. Within the Nursery we have:

13. Our work is related to a cross curricular topic. Through careful planning, all children will have access to experiences and activities based on the seven areas of learning, as outlined in the Foundation Phase Document.  Language, Literacy and Communication  Personal and Social Development, Well-Being and Cultural Diversity  Mathematical Development  Knowledge and Understanding of the World  Physical Development  Creative Development  Bilingualism Learning Through Play Learning in the Foundation Phase The Foundation Phase places greater emphasis on children learning by doing. In our Nursery children will be given opportunities to gain first hand experiences through play and active involvement. Children will develop their skills and understanding in all areas. The outdoor environment will be used as an extension to the classroom. Children will have regular opportunities to learn outdoors. Terms Autumn Spring Summer 1st Half Term Ti A Fi Nursery Rhymes Ar Lan Y Mor 2nd Half Term Celebrations Ar Y Fferm Under the Sea

14. During a typical day your child will be involved in many different activities. Some of these activities form part of our daily routine and therefore we will encourage all children to participate as it helps them to settle into their new nursery environment and to become more independent learners. Self Register— children find their name card and move it to the registration board on entry to class. Helpwr Heddiw– children will have the opportunity to prepare and serve fruit and vegetables for the class (adult supervised) Story and Circle Times Sessions—children come together to sing, dance and enjoy a themed activity with their friends. Children will be encouraged to participate in a Home-School task once a term which will be topic related. They will be displayed in the classroom environment and the children will be encouraged to talk about the task they have completed. A newsletter will be sent out at various times during the year with information relating to the topic and how you can help. Your child’s progress with be assessed throughout the year. Parents are invited to discuss their child’s progress on two Parent Consultation Days in the Summer and Autumn. A written report will also be issued in the Autumn and Summer terms.

15. Parents are always welcome but it is best to arrange a mutually convenient time to see staff about specific problems or queries. At the end of the session is usually most appropriate as the staff are busy settling the children at the start of the sessions. The nursery staff are always willing to Answer your questions. Please feel free to ask. During the last week of each half term, parents will be invited into the nursery class to join in an art and craft activity with their child. The activities will be fun and exciting to make and do. Parents can use this as an opportunity to become involved in their child’s learning in school, looking at their work and progress over the half term and, for talking to the nursery staff about their child’s learning and development. Our Nursery is committed to fostering children's interest in books and to supporting your child’s pre-reading skills. We offer a free lending library service for all nursery children. You will be able to take your child to the library and borrow one of a variety of books, reading material or an activity Book Bag for up to one week. For every five books your child borrows, your child will receive a star on their star chart. Every five stars will be recognised with a special certificate.

16. Your support in assisting staff to maintain high standards of behaviour will be very much appreciated. It is much easier to teach good habits from the Early years. We believe children thrive on praise and encouragement and will reward good behaviour. We aim to develop social skills and help the children to form friendships, take turns and share. In the case of persistent anti-social behaviour, the Headteacher will contact parents. At our Nursery, we emphasise the positive aspects of discipline.  Trust  Courtesy  Community spirit: Everyone is important  High expectations and promoting self-esteem √ A positive learning atmosphere Please inform us if either you or your child are concerned by the behaviour of anyone else. Problems can then quickly be resolved.

17. The expectation is that all pupils at the school will wear school uniform. The minimum requirement will be a white polo shirt and a red sweatshirt/ cardigan. We are able to offer uniforms carrying the school logo which can be ordered from the school or you may wish to purchase plain uniforms from local supermarkets. Please label all items of your child’s clothing clearly with their full name. A contribution of a £1 per week is collected at the beginning of each week to cover the cost of drinks and snacks. We appreciate the contribution as this allows us to cover our costs. Your child will be provided with a drink and a snack daily. Milk is provided for all the children. Please notify us if your child does not drink milk. Please let us know if your child has any food allergies

18. Autumn TermSpring TermSummer Term Term beginsWednesday 2nd September 2009 Monday 4th January 2010 Monday 12th April 2010 Half Term begins Monday 26th October 2009 Monday 15th February 2010 Monday 31st May 2010 Half Term endsFriday 30th October 2009 Friday 19th February 2010 Friday 4th June 2010 Term EndsTuesday 22nd December 2009 Friday 26th March 2010 Monday 19th July 2010 Autumn Term Spring Term Summer Term Term begins Wednesday 2nd September 2009 Monday 4th January 2010 Monday 12th April 2010 Half Term begins Monday 26th October 2009 Monday 15th February 2010 Monday 31st May 2010 Half Term ends Friday 30th October 2009 Friday 19th February 2010 Friday 4th June 2010 Term Ends Tuesday 22nd December 2009 Friday 26th March 2010 Monday 19th July 2010