Barley Fields Primary School Reception Parents Meeting June 2013

Staffing 2013/14 Miss Sharples Mrs Bryson Miss Johnson Mrs Conway Mrs Foster Mrs Talbot

The E.Y.F.S. in Barley Fields Primary School. Reception 90 places Our Foundation Stage operates as a distinct key stage within the school. Staff in Nursery and Reception Teams work very closely together and deliver a similarly themed curriculum.

What is it like in Reception? Busy! Friendly! Exciting! Noisy! Fun! Happy! Challenging!

Organisation In the first half term children will be placed in mixed ability class groups and will be working with a designated teacher and teaching assistant for the majority of their activities both focused and independent. Children will then be streamed for literacy and numeracy activities later in the year.

The content of the Curriculum The E.Y.F.S. curriculum is a curriculum designed specifically for children from birth to 5 years of age which covers several key aspects of learning: Personal, Social and Emotional Development Communication, Language and Literacy Physical Development Literacy Mathematics Understanding the World Expressive Arts and Design

The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of young children and ensures that all learning is based on practical and experiential activity. The type of provision offered in our reception classes is very similar to the provision offered in nursery, although it differs in structure and formality as children progress through the year. Children will be given opportunities to work under teacher direction using focused groups and also independently within a highly structured environment.

Teachers closely monitor and observe children within the setting. Assessment of progress is completed regularly and is based on observation of independent activity and some planned assessment opportunities. Similar methods of attainment and progress tracking are employed in both Nursery and Reception classes.

Outdoor Learning

Transition into reception There are 90 children starting in reception. Staggered transition will take place during the first week of the new term to ensure all children are safe, secure, familiar and happy in their new routine. Each child has already been given a date for starting school. There is an opportunity for all children to make a morning visit into the existing Reception class and an invitation to stay for a school lunch with their parents. Dates have already been given 1st, 2nd and 3rd July. If a child takes longer to settle into the routine of full time school staff will work in partnership with parents to extend and modify the transition arrangements in September.

At the start of the day… Reception door will be opened at 8.55 am as the school bell rings. The door will be closed at 9.00 am to ensure the children’s safety. Children are encouraged to enter the classroom independently, put away their things and follow the morning routine. Each child has a personalised tray and coat peg to store their belongings. Once the reception door is closed, late entry to school is through the main school office only.

During Lunchtime... Children must choose an option of either school lunch or packed lunch. Change of option can only be made with a 2 week notice period in writing addressed to the school office. Lunchtime will take place at 11.45 – 12.45pm. Children may stay for school lunch – priced at £10.25 per week. This should be sent into school each Monday in the lunch money envelopes provided or may be paid for by cheque on a monthly or termly basis. Children may choose to bring a healthy packed lunch in an appropriate container clearly labelled with their name (no sweets, chocolate bars or fizzy drinks allowed). .

Key members of the foundation stage team are responsible for the supervision of children during the lunchtime period and are supported by a midday assistant. All children are supported and supervised when choosing their lunch or accessing their lunchboxes. They are encouraged to eat or try most things. After lunch children will have access to the designated E.Y.F.S. playground and garden area

At the end of the day… Reception door will be opened at 3.20pm. As the school bell rings and the children will be escorted out with their class. All children MUST be collected by a familiar adult (over the age of 16 years). Children will be prepared for home-time in the classroom prior to bell ringing and are then brought out under direct teacher supervision – please be patient as it can take a little while for everyone to be ready and to match children up with their parents!

Reception School Uniform Grey trousers, pinafore or skirt; White shirt (preferably short sleeved); Elasticated school tie; Red checked dress (Summer Term); School jumper/cardigan; Black school shoes (preferably velcro fastening). Please ensure all items of clothing are clearly labelled with your child’s name.

School uniform - purchase We have a small range of uniform in stock for immediate purchase or parents may choose to have their child’s initials embroidered onto jumpers and cardigans for a small extra charge. Orders for additional uniform can be made at the school office. Parents may purchase uniform to try on for size and return/exchange any unworn items if they are unsuitable.

Other equipment for purchase All children will need a school book bag to carry home their reading book, home reader, letters etc. P.E. Drawstring bags are available Raincoats Baseball caps

All items clearly labelled with your child’s name in a drawstring bag P.E. Kit Navy shorts Plain white t-shirt Navy tracksuit Black plimsolls All items clearly labelled with your child’s name in a drawstring bag If your child wears earrings please ensure these are removed on PE days. All P.E. Kits should be sent into school at the start of each half term and will be returned home during each school holiday.

What does my child need? School uniform including VELCRO shoes all clearly labelled with your child’s name. Book bag (available from school office). Clear water bottle (first one will be provided free by the school and additional bottles can be purchased from the school office). P.E. kit with all items clearly labelled in a drawstring bag

Personal Property Please ensure all items of clothing are clearly labelled with your child’s full name… … shoes and all items of PE kit! … coats, hats, gloves, scarves, caps … lunchboxes, book bags.

Please remember… The end of the school day is the best time to talk to the teacher if you have a concern or a query. Children should not bring valuables, toys, sweets or jewellery to school. Any correspondence – letters, money etc. should always be sent into school in a sealed and clearly marked envelope.

Special Educational Needs If you have any concerns about your child please contact Mrs Taylor (SENCO/Deputy Head teacher). These may include: Academic skills Social skill and interaction Speech and language difficulties Behavioural difficulties Medical Needs

Our extended school services Ryandale Playgroup – daytime wrap around care for 2-4 years. Barley Fields Children's Club - before and after school provision for 3 – 11 year olds. * if this provision is required we can put you in touch with them after the meeting

What next? Each child has a school admissions pack, which we sent to your home address. It contains – a school brochure, EYFS information booklet, school-home agreement form, SIMS form, responsible use of the internet form, timber activity trail consent form. These forms are an important part of our admission procedure and must be returned to the school office by Friday 5th July 2013.

Following this meeting all parents may have the opportunity to have a look around the reception classroom and meet with staff.

There will be an opportunity to have a look around all other areas of the school. There is a selection of uniform and additional equipment available for order. In order to guarantee delivery for September 2013 all orders for school uniform must be received by Friday 28th June or alternatively you may purchase the uniform direct from Motif8, Thornaby Industrial Estate. Uniform should be available on the 27th, 28th and 29th August (school open daily until 3.00pm)

Thank You Any Questions?