1. The Foundation Phase Reception Parents Meeting September 2015 Miss Cullen & Miss Pearson

2. Meet the team: Miss Cullen Reception Class teacher Miss Pearson Reception/Year 1 Class teacher LSAs: Mrs Hallet Mrs Coates Miss Pearson Miss BraddonMrs Hannigan Miss Cullen

3. What is the Foundation Phase? The Foundation Phase begins when children reach the age of three, when children might attend a nursery setting. The final year of the Foundation Phase is when your child is in Year 2. It prepares children for learning in their future school.

4. Areas of learning… The Foundation Phase Curriculum is split into seven areas of learning… 1.Personal and Social Development, Well-being and Cultural Diversity. 2.Language, Literacy and Communication skills 3.Mathematical Development 4.Welsh Language Development 5.Knowledge and Understanding of the World 6.Physical Development 7.Creative Development

5. Encourages children to be independent and to interact with other children and adults Helps children to become confident, safe, secure and ready to learn from new experiences. Personal and Social Development, Well- being and Cultural Diversity

6. Encourages children to develop conversational skills. Will help children to develop listening and concentration skills Enables children to begin to hear sounds in words and to link these sounds to letters Encourages children to develop pencil control and to begin to make marks on paper Will help children to learn to read individual words and eventually, write simple stories independently. Language, Literacy and Communication skills

7. Mathematical Development Helps children to count up to ten and beyond. Encourages them to use mathematical words such as greater, smaller, heavier, lighter, more, less etc Develops skills in comparing and sorting objects Supports children’s understanding of shape and size including 2D and 3D shapes.

8. Knowledge and Understanding of the World Helps children to gain an understanding of their world (Geography) Encourages them to look at changes over time (History) Encourages them to explore and investigate (Science) Helps to develop designing and making skills (D&T) Will give your children the opportunity to understand and use information and communication technology (ICT).

9. Physical Development Supports children’s healthy development. Provides opportunities for using a range of large and small equipment Helps them to develop a sense of space around themselves and others Encourages balance Develops practical skills such as dressing, undressing etc.

10. Creative Development Inspires children to explore colour and colour changes Helps them to explore shape and texture using all of their senses Develops an interest in music, singing and music-making Develops confidence and imagination.

11. Welsh Language Development Children will learn to use and communicate in welsh to the best of their ability Listen to welsh being spoken and respond appropriately in familiar situations All theses skills are developed through communicating in a range of enjoyable, practical, planned activities using a range of stimuli in safe and stimulating indoor and outdoor activities.

12. What can you do to help your child’s literacy development? Sing songs and Nursery rhymes Support your child with any homework Encourage mark making, writing name and other words Reading books (stories, information books, newspapers, magazines, comics etc), encouraging your child to join in and talk about books Modelling correct letter formation and pencil grip Taking time to listen to them talking about things they’ve done and answering their questions.

13. What can you do to help your child’s Mathematical Development? Looking at numbers in the everyday environment Practise counting at any time-climbing the stairs, shopping etc Point out numbers around you Play simple board games Sing number rhymes and songs together

14. Reading / Words Book bags sent every day – please can children bring their book bag daily Parent comments Unit Words Reading

15. Uniform Please ensure that names are in EVERYTHING! Send coats in EVERYDAY – we use the outdoors in all weathers Sensible shoes and no jewellery Please label your child’s PE Kit PE is Friday– Miss Pearson PE is Wednesday– Miss Cullen Book Bags purchased from the office Forest Schools

16. Attendance Education Welfare Officer (EWO) Cheryl Williams

17. And Finally… Every child is treated as an individual – if your child has trouble settling we will work closely with you to ensure that the transition is as smooth as possible for your child If you have any worries or concerns please come in and see us and we will do our best to help you

18. Keep in touch… Website www.tyisafinfantschool.co.uk Twitter @tyisafinfants We love a tweet !

19. We operate an open door policy and are always pleased to see any parent/carer requiring information or advice. Thank you