EYFS

What will children learn?

We follow the Early Years Foundation Curriculum that outlines seven areas of learning as follows:

These are the prime areas:

• communication and language

• physical development

• personal, social and emotional development

The specific areas are:

• literacy

• mathematics

• understanding the world

• expressive arts and design

The learning in the 7 areas is planned by the teacher, often following the children’s individual interest and developing these into mini-projects. Activities are planned to use both the indoor and outdoor learning environments.

Learning Outside

Hedgehogs class are very lucky to have their own dedicated playground and reception children are encouraged to make use of this space as much as possible.

Transition from nursery/playgroup to school

During the summer term parents are invited to a welcome meeting and are given information about their child’s learning. Planned sessions when the new reception children will be invited in to work alongside Hedgehogs class will also be organised. In addition, the class teacher will visit the children at their nursery/playgroup in order to see them in that setting. Home visits will also be organised which will allow both the class teacher and parent an opportunity to talk about the child in more depth.

Settling into school in September

All children now have the opportunity to stay all day from September. However, to ensure that every child settles easily and to allow them to get to know school routines and staff, we suggest that children attend for half days for the first and second week. In the second week we like to introduce children to the lunchtime routine and invite all of them to stay for lunch. After this, children are usually ready to attend full time.

Daily Routine

Parents are encouraged to bring the children into to class and settle them for the day. At the end of the school day the children will be brought to the playground and can be collected from there.

Session times

School gates open at 8.40am and children can be dropped off any time between 8.40 - 8.50am. At 8.50am all children should be in class, as this is when we register the children. Lunch is from 12.00-1.00pm. The afternoon session is from 1.00 -3.15pm.

How will I know how my child is getting on?

We strive to work in partnership with our parents and you are very welcome to come into to school and discuss any concerns you may have.

The class teacher and teaching assistant will both be available at the beginning and end of every day to share important information.

After the first six weeks, you will be invited into to a meeting which will update you on how the reception children are settling in and will give you a chance to meet other parents. At this meeting we will introduce you to our online learning journal, Tapestry, which provides you access to information about your child’s learning at school. This is an interactive tool which also allows you to add information and communicate with the school.

Full or Part Time

Children normally start school in the September after their fourth birthday. Parents have the choice whether they wish their child to start full or part time. However every child needs to begin full time the term of their fifth birthday.

If you choose to attend part-time, they need to be collected at 12noon. Any child attending part-time can move to full-time after a discussion with the class teacher. Once your child has started full-time we expect them to remain full-time and to attend full-time every day.