2. Welcome We are looking forward to starting your child’s education in our Early Years Unit. We provide a happy, caring, stimulating and safe environment where all children are encouraged to reach their full potential. Play is at the heart of our curriculum.

3. Entrance to Nursery The entrance to our Nursery is in Harrold Road. Children MUST be accompanied by an adult to the entrance and supported to hang up their coats and bags. Parents may stay briefly to settle and play with their children We ask no dogs, scooters, bikes, dolls pushchairs etc in the Nursery path/entrance for the children’s safety A staff member is always on the door every morning to keep the children safe Children may only be collected by a known person over the age of 16 If someone else collecting please inform adult on door in morning or phone the office.

4. The first few weeks -starting times and dates On your child’s first day they will start half hour later than the children already in the Nursery to enable us to settle them. (except for the children who are the first group to start!) Children’s first day is always a Tuesday or Thursday. Children are allocated either a morning or afternoon session. Although we do our very best to accommodate your preferences we are not always able to do so. Your child will attend for 2 hours initially and then usually attend for the full three hours from Monday 29 th September 2015

5. Initial 2 hour times are: am 8:30-10:30am pm 1:25-3:25pm Then 3 hours: am 8:30 -10:30am pm 12:25 -3:25pm Parents will be notified of their child’s start date and time in writing. This enables us to get to know your children on an individual basis and to give them the best possible start to school and for them to make friends with other children in a smaller group initially.

6. Settling in The majority of children settle well into Nursery. We find saying goodbye quickly and telling your child you will be back soon helps to settle the children. Don’t just leave! Our staff will look after your child and call if they have any concerns. If your child needs more time to settle the nursery staff will discuss a longer transition period leading up to attending for the whole session.

7. Home Visits Children joining our school in Nursery will have a home visit. We recognise parents are children’s first teachers and this is an opportunity for our staff to learn more about your child in the security of their own home. Each family will be allocated a day and time for their visit.

8. Key Worker Groups There are three key worker groups. Children will be divided into 3 groups, each group a different colour and with a different key worker/adult. Each group sits in a different area of the Nursery for their group sessions. You will collect your child from these groups at the end of the session. After settling children will do self-registration. This means they will get their name/photo card and put it on the wall in their colour area.

9. School Uniform Uniforms can be purchased from the school office Trousers- elasticated are best to ensure your child can change independently Gives your child a sense of belonging Flat, closed toe shoes All clothing clearly named We ask parents to provide a spare change of clothes in a named bag and a pair of Wellington boots.

10. Admission Forms If you have not already completed your child’s admission forms and provided a copy of: -birth certificate and -proof of residency (preferably Council Tax) You will need to complete these today. Your child will be unable to start Nursery without the completion of these forms. Office staff are available to help completing any forms.

11. Attendance and punctuality Please be prompt so your child is able to settle before our first lesson. Research shows child who are punctual and attend school every day do better socially, emotionally and academically. Please help us to ensure your child has the best possible start to their education.

12. Medical needs Please ensure you tell us of any medical needs If your child has any medical needs e.g. allergies (e.g. milk, nuts, fish) asthma, eczema, sickle cell anaemia please write this clearly on admission forms and inform a staff member. Medical consent forms must be completed and prescription medicine e.g. asthma pump given to the school prior to or on your child’s first day Medication needs to be named and in date Medicine must be prescribed by a GP.

13. Milk Children are provided with a fresh fruit snack and a carton of milk each day in Nursery. Please let us know if your child is allergic to milk.

14. Outdoor Play All weather- coats, sun cream hats, shoes We provide a range of experiences for your children through messy play- porridge, hair gel etc We have a digging area that does get muddy Wellington Boots- named to stay at school.

15. School Nurse Can be contacted through the office Supports with hearing/vision/height/weight checks Drop-in clinic every 6 weeks for you to discuss any concerns.

16. PSA Christine is our Parent Support Advisor. She is here to help you and your family.

17. Curriculum We have 7 main areas of learning in out National Curriculum: - Personal, Social and Emotional Development -Communication and Language -Physical Development -Literacy -Maths -Understanding the World -Expressive Art and Design We teach all these areas of learning through small, adult led sessions and play.

18. National expectations for the end of Nursery have risen. For example your children will need to: -Write their name and begin to read and write simple words and sentences -recognise numbers to 10, count objects to 10 -Name and talk about shapes.

19. Learning Journeys- A celebration of your child’s learning We value your learning at home. Please bring photos of family celebrations, days out, paper samples so we can put them in your child’s folder. Folders are inside the classroom doors. Please look at your child’s folder before or after school and write a comment..

20. Parents as teachers We welcome parents to talk about their own cultures, experiences and occupations (fire-fighters, nurses, cleaners etc) If you are interested please talk to your child’s class teacher.

21. How can you help your child and us? Junk modelling- clean recycled resources Spare clothes- change children Donation - £2.50 per term - baking, chicks, growing plants Parent Partnership Meetings.

22. Stay and Play Come and see your child’s Nursery and meet their teacher and new classmates. Date: Wednesday 17 th and 18th June 2015 Time: 4:00 - 5:00 pm

23. Any questions?