The Foundation Stage New Parents Meeting 2018

“learning together, aiming high, proud to be ourselves” Our Vision “learning together, aiming high, proud to be ourselves” Through our Code of Conduct and Core Values we set ourselves high expectations, develop responsibility and a deep respect for others. We believe in creating a positive and inclusive learning environment where everyone is provided with the skills, knowledge and attitude for a successful future. At our school everybody is somebody. At our school everybody has a voice and feels that they belong. At our school EVERY CHILD MATTERS.

Core Values and Code of Conduct We have six core values which provide our children with key life skills for the future: Respect Honesty Caring Curiosity Fairness Responsibility Code of Conduct Be Safe Be Kind Be Responsible

Building positive Learning Behaviours right from the start. We have 5 Learning Behaviours which we develop with the children. We teach them to be: Resilient Rabbits Co-operative Caterpillars Reflective Owls Persevering Pigs Concentrating Cats.

So, what is The Foundation Stage? The Foundation Stage is the first part of your child’s school life and we aim to make it as fun and enjoyable as possible! There are 7 areas of learning within the Foundation Stage, all of them linked together, and we aim to teach these in a variety of ways in order to encourage children to become independent, curious and enthusiastic learners. All adults in the Foundation Stage work together to plan opportunities for children to learn through play and exploring, both inside and outside.

If your child has had a busy day of Learning they may look like this…

Inside Learning

Outside Learning

Organisation Morning session. 8. 50am – 12. 00pm Lunchtime. 12 Organisation Morning session 8.50am – 12.00pm Lunchtime 12.00pm – 1.00pm Afternoon session 1.00pm – 3.00pm There are four Reception classes each with their own classroom. The children also have shared use of the outdoor learning environment. Children take part in whole class, small group and activities 1:1 with an adult. There are a number of adults working with the children – Teachers and Learning Support Assistants. All the adults work closely as a team to ensure the best possible care, learning environment and teaching for the children. Children need to be dropped off and collected from their classroom door which leads onto our playground. Part of the children’s learning is to be as independent as possible so we encourage them to come into the classroom by themselves.

Rabbits and Bumblebees Dragonflies and Ladybirds

We encourage the children to be independent and we teach them these skills right from the start. How you can help………….

Snack Time All children are provided with a free piece of fruit daily but we like them to have more choice. We ask each family to donate £5 each term to pay for extra snacks for the children – things like breadsticks, cheese, crackers, different fruits and vegetables. We encourage the children to taste new things and sit and eat together. We also use this donation to pay for ingredients for our cooking, such as stir fry, pancakes, fruit kebabs and sometimes biscuits!

Parents and families At John Ray Infants we always work in close partnership with our parents and families. We value your help in ensuring that all your children attend school regularly and on time. Good attendance is vital for your child to develop all their social, emotional and educational skills.

Parents and families We welcome parents into school throughout the year – at Library visits, Stay and Play sessions and also for parent/ teacher meetings.

  We have an online Learning Journal system called Tapestry which enables us to record photos and observations of your children. It also allows you to share your children’s learning at home with us as you can take photos and put comments on for us to see. It is a safe and enjoyable way to see what your child has been learning at school. Only school staff, parents and carers can access it as it requires a password to view it. Please give your email address to us as soon as possible so we can set it up ready for September.

School Uniform School Uniform Girls – grey skirt/ dress, white polo shirt and a red jumper or cardigan. Boys – grey trousers, white t-shirt and a red jumper. School jumpers are available to buy from school. Sensible black school shoes should be worn – Velcro please! We encourage children with long hair to keep it tied back. As a large part of the curriculum is taught outside we ask the children have a pair of wellington boots in school. PLEASE ENSURE ALL CLOTHING IS CLEARLY LABELLED WITH YOUR CHILDS NAME.

Book Bags and PE Kits Book Bags: Book bags are available to buy from school. Children take books home daily. They read with an adult at school and parents are encouraged to hear their children read at home. All children have a Home/School red book which we ask parents to sign when they hear them read. PE Kits: Your child will need a PE kit in school as they will have a PE lesson once a week. Children need a pair of red shorts, a white t-shirt and a pair of trainers (not plimsolls). Please also provide an old tracksuit for outside PE. All items should be clearly named. Your child’s PE kit should be kept in a PE bag that is clearly labelled with their name. This could be any bag so its easier for them to recognise.

Transition visits. June/July 2018 4 visits for each class before the end of the Summer Term. 1 visit will include a welcome meeting and lunch. Please bring your child to the Classroom Door in the Reception playground, you don’t need to stay. September 2018 5th, 6th, 7th September- Home visits to be arranged. 10th September week 1 of transition AM or PM 17th September Week 2 of transition AM or PM 24th September- Children start full time.

Start dates and times start part time on Monday 10th September. Children will be put into mixed aged groups and all will start part time on Monday 10th September. Week 1 beginning – Monday 10th September Group A 9am-12 noon every day Group B 1-3pm every day Week 2 beginning - Monday 17th September Group B 9am-12 noon every day Group A 1-3pm every day Week 3 beginning - Monday 24th September All children in full time 8.50-3pm  

Parents Meetings in September When your child starts school in September we hold a short meeting at the end of the second week. This will give you more information about reading at home, Tapestry, the school day and any upcoming events. You will be able to chat with us if you have any questions about your child’s first 2 weeks. Group B – meeting at 11.30am on Friday 21st September Group A – meeting at 2.30 pm on Friday 21st September

How you can help your child over the summer. When your child comes to visit us in June/July we will give them a pack with some information and ideas in. There is one sheet we would like you to do with your child and return it on their first day at school. My favourite book is…   My favourite food is… My favourite colour is …. This is a picture of me.     Who lives in my home? Please tell us about who lives in your home – adults, sisters, brothers, pets and anyone else you think is important to your child. My name is _____________________ Make a Chatterbox- (using a shoebox, place 5 special items in to talk about to your new class in September) You can decorate the box with pictures or drawings.

Thank you for coming and we look forward to meeting your children.