Mrs M Opara Headteacher

Mrs E Smyth Early Years teaching assistant

Mrs S Collins School Secretary

Mrs F Page Early Years teacher

2. WHAT IS EARLY YEARS?

We offer pupils the chance to come to school on Monday and Friday mornings in the term before they start in the full time Reception class. Any pupil who has been offered a place to start in Reception the following term can come.

3. WHY?

To help children ease into school life happily and successfully, and to get them used to the routines of school.

4. WHAT TIME? HOW DO I DELIVER/COLLECT MY CHILD?

The morning session runs from 8.50 am to 12.00, with a break indoors for a drink and a snack at 10.30 followed by play outside in the secure early years play area (or inside if it is wet). You should bring your child to the entrance at the back of the old school building in time for the start of the session, and can wait in the same area to collect them when they are brought out at lunchtime. We will never let a child go outside on their own – if you are delayed, just let us know, and we will look after them until you can collect them.

5. WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD WEAR?

School uniform, which is practical and easy to get on and off. Preferably slip on shoes, but definitely not laces! The uniform is: white polo shirt or shirt/blouse; dark grey joggers/skirt/pinafore/trousers; navy sweatshirt/ cardigan. Polo shirts and sweatshirts bearing the school logo may be bought through the Friends of Roydon School Association (FORSA) from the lobby of the Year 6 classroom on Friday afternoons after school.

6. WHAT ELSE WILL THEY NEED?

The children will be given a drink and something to eat – we are part of the Healthy Eating Scheme, so they will have a piece of fruit or vegetable during the morning. They need PE shoes and kit – navy shorts and a white T-shirt. Swimming kits will be needed when they start full time; we swim during the summer term.

7. WHAT WILL THEY DO? WHAT WILL THEY LEARN?

The children will use the Foundation Stage curriculum which follows on from familiar activities they will have taken part in at preschool, such as language and maths activities, creative play, PE and movement, and music. This wide range of activities will help prepare them for the National Curriculum. They will be introduced to using computers, and have the opportunity for outside play as a group in a separate play area with plenty of large play equipment.

8. HOW WILL I KNOW HOW MY CHILD IS GETTING ON?

If we have any concerns about your child, we will discuss them with you immediately. Conferencing sessions take place every term from when children start full time. These sessions provide an opportunity to look through your child’s work and discuss their progress with their class teacher. All full time pupils receive an annual report during the summer term.

9. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM WORRIED OR UNSURE ABOUT SOMETHING?

Feel free to discuss anything with Mrs Page or Mrs Smyth. If you would like to discuss anything in private, we will be happy to make an appointment as quickly as possible.

10. HOW WILL THE SCHOOL KEEP ME INFORMED?

We will make sure that Early Years pupils get a copy of all school letters. If your child has been away or you think you might have missed a letter, copies are kept in a file by the front door in the reception area.

11. HOW SHOULD I KEEP THE SCHOOL INFORMED?

Please ensure that, on the day your child starts their first day with us, you have completed the school registration form and returned it to the school office. It is very important that we have reliable contact numbers in case we need to get hold of you. The registration form also contains a permission slip for us to take the children on local walks under supervision (at least one adult to every three children in Early Years), for your child to use the Internet (supervised, censored connection), and for us to administer first aid treatment if your child should fall over in the playground. It is also important that we know about any allergies or illnesses (such as asthma) that your child may have.

If your child is ill and unable to come to school for any of the sessions, please telephone and let us know, or send them with a note for the next time they are in school. If your child needs to take medicine, please try and arrange it so that you can give it to them before and after school. If it is absolutely essential that they take a dose during the time they are at school, please arrange to come in and administer it.

12. HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD AT HOME?

Sharing books with your child; counting things such as how many knives and forks needed on the table – four cups for four people etc. Encourage them to write using lower case letters rather than capitals. Help them to recognise their names when they see them written on name tags, books and so on; ensure they are confident and capable of dressing and undressing themselves and of using the toilet independently.

13. HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED IN SCHOOL LIFE?

We always welcome help in class, for example hearing readers, helping with cookery, group work etc. If you would like to help or have any particular skills, please come and have a word with us.

The Friends of Roydon School (FORSA) are our “PTA”, and hold various events through the year to raise money for the school. They raise several thousand pounds a year, and always welcome help from new parents. If you can help in any way, regularly or occasionally, please let the school office know, and FORSA will include you in the mailing list for information.