Starting School

A video for the new starters joining us in Reception September 2021

 

A video for the new Reception children joining us in September 2020

The majority of learning in the Early Years is through ‘PLAY’. It is through these play activities that your child will gain the experiences that will prepare them for their continuing learning journey. We observe your children in their play to ensure we take their learning forward. We consider the individual needs, interests and stage of development of each child in the class. We use this information to plan a challenging and enjoyable experiences for each child in all areas of learning and development.

We have a purpose-built classroom with its own outdoor free-flow area. The high quality provision in the setting, inside and outside, allows the children to initiate their own challenges throughout the day. This is done along side guided learning activities with the teacher. All of the children’s achievements are recorded in their Learning Journey, which you are welcome to look at whenever you wish. We encourage parents to share achievement milestones with us as well, so that we can build up a complete picture of your child and plan their progress.

The Early Years Framework

Prime Areas of Learning:

• Communication & Language
• Physical Development
• Personal, Social & Emotional Development.

Specific Areas:

• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Arts & Design

Recommended Reading & Websites for Further Information:

www.foundationyears.org.uk

www.peal.org.uk

www.early-education.org.uk

Preparing your child for school

All parents want their child to be happy and do well at school. Encourage your child to look forward to going to school without making it sound too daunting. We strongly discourage phrases such as ‘You won’t be able to do that when you start school!’ as it can inadvertently make your child apprehensive about starting.

The school day can seem long and tiring to begin with so don’t be surprised if your child seems tired and perhaps ‘babyish’ at the end of the day. It is best not to press them to answer lots of questions immediately – wait until they offer the information, possibly at bath-time or bedtime or look at the photos that have been put on the website together – the find these are a really good starting point for discussing school with your children.

Tiredness during the first few weeks is quite natural and your child may equate this with ‘not liking school’ – try to stay positive and reassure them.

Your child will make a better start at school if he/she has learned to do the following:

• Speak clearly and ask politely for what they need
• Dress and undress on their own
• Go to the toilet alone, wipe themselves, flush the toilet, wash and dry their hands
• Blow their nose
• Use a knife and fork, spoon, cup and drinking straw
• Recognise their own names beginning with a capital letter
• Share things and take turns
• Answer questions and use ‘please’ and ‘thank you’
• Handle and enjoy books
• Use crayons, pencils, plasticine, scissors etc.
• Clear up toys, games or puzzles

All children need to be assured of being loved, to be praised when it is deserved, to feel proud of their achievements and to be encouraged to overcome difficulties.

If you have any questions or concerns at any time, please come and discuss them with their teacher to get the whole story. It is important that you are always positive and supportive about school in front of your child as this will help them to settle and feel secure. Your child will have a home-school link book where you can also write messages to the teacher if it isn’t possible for you to pop in.