Reception Information Pack

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@strettonsugwas

Welcome to Reception
Reception
Re

Dear Parents/Carers,
Welcome to New Bees Reception we are so excited you will be joining us at the start of your child's learning journey through Stretton Sugwas School.
My name is Mrs Fisher and I had the privilege of teaching in different primary settings private and mainstream for nearly twenty years, eight of those being in Reception. I am very excited to welcome you and your child into our community and continue their learning journey with them. I would also like to introduce Mrs Kamester and Mrs Yarnold, who are much loved team members of the school. They will be working alongside me to provide the very best education and support for your child.
I hope this booklet will give you the information you need to start your child’s first year of school confidently. If you have any questions at all please do not hesitate to get in touch. I have an open door policy and no question or concern about your child is ever too small or too silly.
Best Wishes
Mrs Fisher
EYFS Manager
Contact details:
01432 760282
egwynne@strettonsugwas.hereford.sch.uk

www.strettonsugwas.com
@strettonsugwas

Our Vision

Our Aims
At Stretton Sugwas Academy we aim to provide the highest quality care and education for all our children in the Early Years Foundation Stage, thereby giving them a strong foundation for their future learning. We create a safe and happy environment with motivating and enjoyable learning experiences that enable children to become confident and independent. We value the individual child and work alongside parents and others to meet their needs and help every child to reach their full potential.
“Every child deserves the best possible start in life and support to fulfil their potential. A child’s experience in the early years has a major impact on their future life chances. A secure, safe and happy childhood is important in its own right and it provides the foundation for children to make the most of their abilities and talents as they grow up.”
We adhere to the Statutory Framework of the EYFS and the four guiding principles that shape practice within Early Years settings.
Every child is a unique child, who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured
Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships with other adults and children
Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates
Children learn and develop well in enabling environments, in which their experiences respond to their individual needs and there is a strong partnership between practitioners and parents/carers
Principles into practice
As part of our practice we:
Provide a balanced curriculum, based on the EYFS, across the seven areas of learning, using play as the vehicle for learning
Promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. We provide early intervention for those children who require additional support
Work in partnership with parents/carers and within the wider context
Plan challenging learning experiences, based on the individual child, informed by observation and assessment
Provide opportunities for children to engage in activities that are adult-initiated and child-initiated, supported by the adult
Provide a secure and safe learning environment indoors and out

www.strettonsugwas.com
@strettonsugwas

Areas of Learning

The Curriculum
We plan an exciting and challenging curriculum based on our observation of children’s needs, interests, and stages of development across the seven areas of learning to enable the children to achieve and exceed the early learning goals. All the seven areas of learning and development are important and inter-connected. Three areas are particularly crucial for igniting children's curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. These three areas of learning are the prime areas:
Communication and Language
Physical Development
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Children are also supported through the four specific areas, through which the three prime areas are strengthened and applied. The specific areas are:
Literacy
Mathematics
Understanding the World
Expressive Arts and Design
Children are provided with a range of rich, meaningful first-hand experiences in which children explore, think creatively and are active. We aim to develop and foster positive attitudes towards learning, confidence, communication and physical development.
Physical Education and Extra Circular Opportunities
Developing the children’s gross motor skills and ABC’s (Agility, Balance and Co-ordination) is the foundation towards any physical activity. Imbedded in the weekly timetable there are a selection of different opportunities for the children to move their bodies like Forest Schools, Yoga and PE sessions. On a daily basis the children will be given the opportunity to enjoy playing on the outside equipment such as the Pirate Ship and trikes and bikes.
We will always endeavor to organize school trips in support of the ‘Theme’ where possible for each term.
Inclusion and Equal Opportunities
Children with special educational needs will be supported as appropriate to enable them to access the curriculum fully. This includes children that are more able and those with specific learning difficulties and disabilities. Pupil Passports identify targets in specific areas of learning for those children with additional learning needs with the school’s SEN Policy. The school’s SEN Co-ordinator is responsible for providing additional information and advice to staff and parents and for arranging external intervention and support as necessary.
The Reception department will be supported with a fully qualified and skilled Learning Mentor. The team will work closely together to ensure that any Speech and Language and SEN needs are identified quickly and intervention is put in place promptly.
In line with the school’s Equal Opportunities Policy, we will provide all children, regardless of ethnicity, culture, religion, home language, family background, learning difficulties, disabilities, gender or ability with equal access to all aspects of school life to ensure that every child is valued as an individual. All staff are role models and are aware of the influence they have in promoting positive attitudes and use that influence to challenge stereotypical attitudes.

www.strettonsugwas.com
@strettonsugwas

Planning and Assessment

Planning
As a team, we write long term and medium term plans using the EYFS based on a series of topics each of which offers experiences in all seven areas. The mid term plans are made up of mini topics which are sent home for parents to see. This allows you to have an understanding of some of the experiences your child is having in school and for you to link their home experiences into our topic at school. These plans then inform our short-term weekly planning, alongside our observations, which remains flexible for unplanned circumstances or children’s responses.
A love of books and stories is promoted throughout linking all mini topics to a specific text. The children are constantly surrounded by all the aspects of the curriculum given them opportunities through play and enhanced learning activities.
You can visit www.early-education.org.uk ‘Development Matters in the Early Years Foundation Stage’ for a detailed look at the areas of development we observe and assess in New Bees.
Observation and Assessment
We have devised out own ‘Pupil Trackers’ which works alongside ‘Development Matters’ objectives. These are updated termly and you will be invited in to look at your child's assessment and feedback. We also take this opportunity to celebrate your child's work where they share what they have done with you. We call this our ‘Open Celebration’.
Facebook
We share daily adventures and celebrate work and a wellbeing through our private New Bees Facebook page. Please look for our logo and ask for a request. This is a positive forum to keep you updated and not to be used in a negative way. Always contact room leaders directly to help and support.

www.strettonsugwas.com
@strettonsugwas

Children's Welfare

Safeguarding
The Welfare Requirements stipulate that, ‘providers must be alert to any issues in the child’s life at home or elsewhere’ (2021). Therefore the ‘welfare of children is paramount’. We have robust policies and procedures (please see safeguarding policy) in order to safeguard children. If we have a concern about a child we will share these concerns with parents/carers. However, if sharing these concerns puts the child at risk of significant harm we will seek advice from Herefordshire Council staff within the MASH team, which may result in a referral to social services. Where there is a concern regarding the welfare of the children that has been shared with parents, staff have a responsibility to record details in a communication log, which is kept in the family file and locked in a cabinet.
Home School Links
In Reception, we recognize that the child’s first educators are their parents/carers. We will keep you regularly informed with what is happening in Class, through Parent Mail. This is an APP where staff can communicate directly. We would use this platform to inform you about any important information, planning, first aid that may occur or requests to meet after school. We do also encourage an open door policy, allowing parents to make an appointment or talk to the teacher about any issues they may have.
We also use Evidence Me to share your child's experiences in school. this also allows parent/carers to share their childe ‘Wow’ moments with school . Together we are able to build a picture of the child learning journey.
We are always open to positive and constructive feedback and see this as a way to reflect and make these early experiences the best they can be.
First Aid and Medical
If your child has any incident in school it will be dealt with and recorded. We will inform you of a head incident through Parent Mail and/or contact you to discuss options if needed. For other minor injuries a ‘Green Slip’ would be sent home informing what has happened and what action has been taken.
It is extremely important that staff are made aware of any medical conditions or allergies your child may have. Please ensure that you declare these on the relevant forms which you will be given for completion. If your child is ill, please could you inform us directly on 01432 760282 as soon as possible in the morning.
In order to maintain health and safety requirements within the Early Years setting any child who has or who have had diarrhoea/sickness within 48 hours of the incident will not be allowed to attend. Should your child become ill whilst in our care you will be contacted and asked to collect her/him.
Toileting
We expect children to be toilet trained by the time they reach Reception, unless they have a SEN or medical needs. Our preschool is very happy to support parents with toilet training, however, it is vital that this process is fully committed to at home.

www.strettonsugwas.com
@strettonsugwas

Transitions and Settling

Transition and Settling in
We aim for a smooth transition when children start Reception. We want to make this process as positive and supportive as possible.
Home to Reception
Its really important for children who are not in New Bees Pre-School to feel ready and prepared for their new adventure. Part of this process will include a relaxed settling session with their Parents/Carers in the Summer Term. There will also be an opportunity for a meet and greet session especially for the parents. This is where you will get to discuss future expectations for their Reception year ahead.
Pre School – Reception
During the Summer Term the Reception teacher will undertake Preschool Class visits. You and your child will also be invited in for an afternoon session where your child will get to meet any new friends and the teaching team. There will also be an opportunity for a meet and greet session for the parents too. This is where you will get to discuss future expectations for their Reception year ahead.
Reception to Year 1
We believe the transition into primary school in Year 1 is something that must be handled sensitively as they will be moving over to the ‘Big School’. Sessions during the Summer Term where the children come to school, this allows them to become familiar with their new classroom and the staff. It also allows the staff to begin to get to know the children, their capabilities and interests.
Documentation
Prior to your child’s arrival we would require you to complete a data collection form and a Questionnaire about your child, which will be sent to you via the school office.

www.strettonsugwas.com
@strettonsugwas

Daily Routines

Attendance
Flexi Arrival/Departure
For the department to work harmoniously, with the amount of children entering at once, we have a free flow system where the children can enter at any point in the allocated arrival and departure time.
If you are running late or your child is ill please inform the office where you can leave a message or talk to a member of the team. If your child is not picked up and we are not informed then they will be taken to join the Afterschool Club where you will be charged at an hourly rate.
After School Club
We provide wrap around care from 7.50 am until 5.30 pm (Breakfast club from 7.50-8.50, Afterschool club 3.30-5.30) It’s a set fee for whatever time you drop off and pick up.
If you wish for your child to attend any of these clubs please book through your account on Parent Mail Prior to the session 24 hours before. If its on the day that you need to book last minute, then please ring directly to Mrs Weaver at the Office 01432 760282.

www.strettonsugwas.com
@strettonsugwas

School Preparation

Uniform and Clothing
In Reception we would require all children to be in their school uniform. Navy Jumper/cardigan, Light Blue T-Shirt, Grey shorts/trousers/skirts, grey socks (boys) white socks (girls), Grey tights and black school shoes.
Reception will have Forest School and PE sessions where children will be expected to come in, in appropriate clothing on the allocated day.. All branded school uniforms can be found on https://myclothing.com
Personal Items
Each child attending preschool will require the following items, all of which should be named and put into a clearly labelled bag:
All of the above need to be in Reception every day if we are to ensure that all children have the opportunity to be outside whenever they want to be. If it’s raining we will splash in the puddles, if it’s snowing or frosty we will make footprints, if it’s muddy we will still play on the fields, therefore appropriate clothing and particularly spare clothes are needed.
Food and Drink
Fruit will be provided at snack times, daily milk is provided up until the age of 5. When your child turns 5 you will have a letter giving you the option to pay for your child to continue to have milk. fresh drinking water is accessible at all times.
Lunch time will run from 11.45-12.15. If you choose hot lunches the children will be taken over to the school hall to enjoy their lunch. You will be sent a menu and order form if you wish to order these through Parent Mail. Alternatively you can send in a packed lunch.
Please remember that if you supply your child with a packed lunch it does need to be healthy in order to support our Healthy Eating Policy. (Sandwich, fruit, yoghurt, breakfast bar, for example). Please avoid sending anything containing nuts, including chocolate spread as we do have children with nut allergies.

www.strettonsugwas.com
@strettonsugwas

Reception
8.30-9.00	Flexi Arrival
9.00-3.00	School Day
3.00-3.30	Flexi Departure

Timings	Total price
Breakfast Club (7.50-8.40)	£3.50
Afterschool Club (3.30-4.30)	£4.50
Afterschool Club (3.30-5.30)	£7.00

Reception
Blue Book Bag - for your child's Reading Record/Book / A water bottle and lunch box if required

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