1. Reception Parents Meeting New Starters
June 2019 am

2. The Sculptors I dreamt I stood in a studio And watched two sculptors there The clay they used was a young child’s mind And they fashioned it with care One was a teacher, the tools he used Were books and music and art. One was a parent with a guiding hand And a gentle loving heart…………………… ……..And each agreed they would have failed If they had worked alone. For behind the parents stood the school And behind the teacher, the home.

3. Welcome!
On behalf of everyone here at Opossum Federation, we welcome you to a new and exciting stage in your child’s life. During this year your child will make new friends, enjoy new experiences and learn the vital new skills of reading and writing. We, teacher and parents, have the chance to work as partners to ensure that at the end of this school year your child will have a positive attitude towards education based on social and academic confidence.

4. Stay and Play/ Taster session
Parents join class at 10.00am
Taster session: am

5. First day – a happy one
Please be positive with your children in preparing them for school and explain to them what will happen ~ talk about the teachers, other children, learning, tidy-up time and home time.
On arrival it is very helpful if you can show your children where to hang their coats and leave their lunchboxes and bags.
After meeting the teacher and some other children please leave promptly because your child will pick up any anxiety you may have.
Most children, even if initially upset, soon become distracted by their surroundings and settle down.

6. First week in school
First day (Monday, 2nd September 2019) is staggered times – go home at lunch time
Second day (Tuesday 3rd September 2019)– all start normal school starting time (9.00am) and stay for lunch and go home at 1.15pm
Third day (Wednesday 4th September 2019) – all children at school for normal school times
Rest of the week – normal school times

7. School times Oakhill times Session 9.00am – 12.00pm Morning session
12.00pm – 1.00pm
Lunch time
1.00pm – 3.25pm
Afternoon session

8. Play is key to the way young children learn.
Through play, children can develop the confidence needed for learning, the social skills needed for personal development and the skills needed for reading and writing.
Good quality play activities provide experiences through which children learn
Play helps young children to progress in a non-threatening and enjoyable way and instils confidence

9. Topics Autumn 1 – Settling in/This is me Autumn 2 – People who help us
Spring 1 – Animals
Spring 2 – Transport
Summer 1 – Lifecycles
Summer 2 – Traditional tales

10. Attendance All appointments should be made out of school hours.
Reception is statutory for all children.

11. Book bags
All children should bring their book bag to school every day.
Teachers will change books twice a week.
On Fridays teachers will provide home learning and phonics activities
A guided reading book and a story book will be given to all children. These need to remain in book bags all week.

12. Clothing Please make sure names are clearly marked in ALL clothing.
No flip flops, high-heeled or UGG boots allowed
No jewellery - it can cause accidents.

13. Lunchtime Packed lunch – must include:
Sandwich, fruit, muesli bar, water
NO fizzy drinks, chocolates, nuts and sweets
School dinners
Healthy school status
All meat is halal
Vegetarian options are available
Home dinners – must be collect and dropped off on time. Pick up at lunch time and dropped of 2 min before the afternoon session starts.

14. Snacks Children receive daily milk and fruit
Please bring in a water bottle (labelled with name)
no fruit juice or squash

15. Medical Needs
All medication should be taken to the office and a medical form needs to be completed
Asthma pumps should be left at school
Please make sure the class teacher is aware of any other medical needs
Please bring your child to the school office to complete a risk assessment when child arrive from hospital

16. Picking up children
Let teachers know who will pick up your child at the end of the day
Call the office to inform them of changes and request a password
Please use the gates where a staff member are on duty to help with the security of the school.

17. Focus Groups Each week 6 children from every class will be focused on
Weekly Show and tell
Fridays – Focus group of parents’ will be invited to see their child’s special book at the end of the day

18. Good Behaviour Everyone is expected to treat each other with respect.
Class charters are created with the class and children are expected to follow set rules. E.g.: kind hands/ kind words
Adults will explain to children how or why they should or should not behave. Children are given thinking time.
Parents will be contacted if child shows consistently unacceptable behaviour

19. Parent/Carer Meetings Workshops
Children Centre programs are running throughout the year
Messy play
Rhyme time
Workshops – reading, phonics and maths
Once a term to feedback on the child’s learning
See the news bulletin, school diary and website for important dates
Teachers and EYP’s are available daily
Make appointments for private conversations

20. What can I do to help my child before starting school?
Independence
Going to/using the toilet
Dress and undress
Tidy up toys, books and games
Talk with your child and encourage your child to talk to others
Share – toys, games etc.

21. Reading, Writing and Maths
Read daily, share stories and visit the library
Sing and say rhymes and songs
Provide writing equipment (encourage lower case letter writing)
Count objects, find numbers, sort toys or equipment

22. Early Years Parents guide

23. Keeping in touch

24. Questions