ORCHARD INFANT SCHOOL Starting Reception... The following - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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

• lder 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

• r 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

• nline at www.coolmilk.com – milk is free up until the age
• f 5. It must be paid for from your child’s 5th 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

• utdoor 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

• f 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!