ORCHARD INFANT SCHOOL Starting Reception...
The following information outlines our usual procedures. However, because of current circumstances linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the given information maybe subject to change in order to adhere to ongoing government guidance. We will let you know in advance of any changes that are necessary. We appreciate your understanding during these unprecedented times.
About Orchard Orchard staff work closely as a team and are all committed to doing their best for every child in school. We want to develop confident, independent children who are interested in the world around them and who are eager to learn. Our aim is to make learning interesting and meaningful. We want you to feel your child is safe at school and well cared for.
Our Curriculum We plan a new stimulus/centre of interest each half term. Activities in Reception are carefully planned to cover all areas of the EYFS curriculum. There is a strong emphasis on developing communication, language and social skills during the Reception year. There are lots of opportunities for children to learn through play and areas are set up to encourage this. There will be a range of guided, group activities and short class lessons.
Daily Routines When they arrive at school, children will be encouraged to change their school book and then sit on the carpet area for morning register. There will be a short teaching input time. Children will then be able to choose from different activities - guided work and free-choice. Before playtime children will be asked to tidy up before having their morning milk. There will be an outside playtime in the middle of morning, lunchtime and then again in the afternoon. There will be a gradual introduction to Numeracy/Phonic lessons. A PE session is timetabled every day. When children have their lunch they will go to the school dining room where they will experience family service, i.e. will have food served at the table by lunchtime supervisors and older children. Children will usually finish the school day with a story, a singing session or a school assembly.
Leaving your child Parents are welcome to bring their child into the classroom. We ask parents to share any changes to arrangements for end of the day so staff are kept informed. A member of staff is available if you have a quick question/would like a word about something first thing in the morning. If your child finds it difficult to be left, try not to worry, we aim to offer reassurance and we will work with you to make this easy as possible!
Arrival and Departures We have an agreed policy - no child should walk to or from school on their own or be left unsupervised on the school premises; either before or after school. Children must be collected by named adults or older siblings (provided they are 16 years old or above). We need to know in advance about any changes to arrangements. School gates are locked at 9.00am each morning.
What should children wear? Our school dress code is recommended because it is practical. A range of items with the school logo are available from the M&S website: mandsyourschooluniform.com These items are available in a choice of red, green or navy. Plain sweatshirts, polo shirts, trousers etc. can also be purchased from other supermarkets/high street shops.
Things to think about! Please ensure that everything your child brings to school is named. Children will need to wear sensible, flat footwear whilst at school. We advocate velcro rather than laces. Please choose clothes that are easy to put on. A coat will be needed every day. Wellies/boots are useful when needed – with an additional pair of shoes to change into. Shorts/gingham dresses may be worn when the weather is warmer/in the summer months.
Things to remember: A school bookbag should be brought to school every day. An ‘Orchard’ book bag can be bought from school at a cost of £5.00. We have a timetabled PE session every day so kit can be brought to school on Monday and left in school all week. Again, an Orchard PE kit bag can be bought from school at a cost of £3.50. Children can have milk in school. Parents can register online at www.coolmilk.com – milk is free up until the age of 5. It must be paid for from your child’s 5 th birthday. We encourage children to bring a water bottle to school everyday with fresh water in - no juice or other treats please! We advise bringing a hat and sun cream when it is sunny. Please do not allow your child to bring toys or extra things from home.
Supporting your child... Teach your child to put their coat on themselves and fasten it - because they have to do this every day in school in preparation for outdoor times and when getting ready for hometime. Encourage your child to dress/undress themselves – as we have a PE session every day children need to be quick - leave top buttons on polo shirts undone! Also, try to choose uniform that is easy to put on. Please aim to bookshare with your child every day – new books can be chosen each morning from the Reception classroom area.
Supporting school... Parents are welcome to come into school to help work with a group or bookshare – we do however prefer to settle the children in first before we encourage this so as not to cause unnecessary upset. Parents can also come into school to bake with a group of children – we ask for a contribution of 50p each half term (£3.00 for the year) to help pay for the baking ingredients that are used. Parents may also like to help with school fundraising events.
How do we keep you informed? Newsletters ParentPay School App Website See Saw/Reception Facebook page Open Afternoons - twice a year; annual report in June/July Phone call if your child is ill when they are school
Absence Illness – it is very important that you let school know if your child is unwell – an email or phone call to the office is a quick and easy way of doing this. If there is an unexplained absence school needs to follow this up with a safeguarding phone call/home visit. We feel that it is very important to develop good attitudes to attendance in a child’s early years. Holidays are unauthorised unless they meet exceptional circumstances (this only applies once). A leave of Absence Request Form is available from the school office – proof/reason for absence must be provided.
Free School Meals Meals are free to all children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. School needs to know if anyone is not having school dinners in September. You also need to let school know if your child has any Special Dietary Needs. We would recommend that your child starts the school year by taking up the offer of a school lunch – this can then be reviewed if you feel that it is necessary. Let us know if you are claiming Income Support as school would be able to claim Pupil Premium Funding in order to support children in school.
Social Media Each year group has a Facebook page – if you choose to use this please remember to keep comments professional/avoid personal grumbles or any inappropriate comments. You are welcome to take photos of your own child at concerts/sports day etc. but these should only be for personal use – please do not post on any social media sites, e.g. Facebook etc.
And finally... Everyone in school has the best interests of all the children at heart. We value the communication between home/school. We are very much looking forward to meeting you!
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