St Margaret's School - Prep Handbook EYFS 2015-16

1

Early Years

Foundation Stage

Parents’ Handbook

2015 - 2016

2

Contents

4 Introduction and Staff List

5 School Contact Details and Governors

GENERAL INFORMATION

6 Absence

After School Club

7 Arrival

Beginning of the school year (The first day in September)

Breakfast Club

Cars and Parking

8 Collection of children

Collection by an authorised adult

Data Protection

Dogs

9 Fire and Evacuation Contingency Practices

Hair

Insurance

Lost Property

Missing Child Procedure

10 Mobile Phones

Mufti Days

Play

Policies

11 Registration

School Publicity

Security

Sports Centre

Staff

Staffing ratios

12 Uniform

Visiting the school

COMMUNICATION

13 Calendar Card

Change of Address

Communication

Complaints

14 Communication Prompt

Computers and Email

15 Confidentiality

Connections (Parents’ Association)

Emergency Contacts

Newsletter

Parents’ Meetings

Reports

3

Website

CURRICULUM

17 EYFS Curriculum

18 Assessments

Co-Curricular Activities

19 Differentiation

Homework

The School Day

Special Days, Visits to Museums, Galleries and other places of interest

WELFARE

22 Behaviour

24 Bullying

Chapel and Assemblies

25 Charity

Child Protection

22 Equal Opportunities

Food

26 Medical

28 Personal Hygiene

Rewards and Sanctions

29 Safeguarding

Safety

School Council

St. Margaret’s School Rules

APPENDIX 1

31 Uniform List

APPENDIX 2

35 Useful Information for Parents of

New Children

APPENDIX 3

37 Reception Class curriculum information (EYFS)

APPENDIX 4

44 Frequently Asked Questions

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Introduction

Welcome to St. Margaret’s Preparatory School, and in particular our EYFS (Early Years

Foundation Stage). This booklet is intended for parents of children in our Reception class.

This is a very important year for your daughter, being the first year of her formal schooling

and for forming the foundations of her future education and indeed, her life. We believe that

every child deserves the best possible education and therefore we ensure that she has the

teaching and support to enable her to fulfil her potential. St. Margaret’s is a secure, safe and

happy school and in our Reception classroom (and all of the other classes in school too) we

ensure that all children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. Through our

robust and broad curriculum we teach a range of knowledge and skills that provide the right

foundation for good future progress through school and life.

This handbook has been produced to give parents the information that will enable you to

work in partnership with the School to provide the best possible education for your daughter.

The information is in alphabetical order for ease of use.

Additional guides and booklets connected with your daughter’s education will be sent to you

at the appropriate time. The information in this handbook is correct at the time of issue, and

parents will be kept informed of any changes that occur. However while details may alter

from time to time, policies and procedures are unlikely to change significantly, and so it is

hoped that this handbook will be a valuable source of information throughout your daughter’s

time at St. Margaret’s Preparatory School.

The EYFS Staff

Head of St. Margaret’s Preparatory School Mrs C Aisthorpe

Reception Teacher Miss D King

Teaching Assistant Mrs J Tabor

After School Club Supervisor Mrs S Dainton

Nurse Sister Eales

Designated Senior Person for Miss J Chatkiewicz (Pastoral Deputy)

Child Protection for the whole school

and the EYFS setting

Deputy Designated Senior Person for Mrs C Aisthorpe

Child Protection for the whole school

and EYFS

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School Contact details:

Merry Hill Road, Bushey, Hertfordshire, WD23 1DT

Preparatory School Office 020 8416 4501

Main School Office 020 8416 4400

Fax. No. 020 8416 4416

Nurse 020 8416 4499

IT Department 0208 4164 4569

Sports Centre 020 8416 4600

DJ Uniforms (until Dec 2015) 020 8421 9488

[email protected]

www.djuniforms.co.uk

45 High Street, Bushey, Herts. WD23 1DT

Pullens 020 8954 3850 From Summer 2015

48-50 Church Rd, Stanmore HA7 4AH

www.uniform4kids.com

Email Preparatory School Office [email protected]

Email Main School Office [email protected]

Website www.stmargaretsbushey.org.com

Headmistress: Mrs RKR Hardy

Governing Body:

Miss Margaret Rudland (Chairman)

Mr David Clout

Mr Brian Coulshed

Rev. Will Gibbs

Mr Jamie Hill

Mrs Rachel Hodgson

Ms Judith Fenn

Mrs Ann Mathias

Mrs Susan Shepherd

Ms Natasha Singarayer

Mr Philip Walton

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.uniform4kids.com/

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General Information

Absence

All pupils are expected to begin and end term on the stated dates. The School publishes

term dates well in advance, and family holidays should be arranged to coincide with the

school holidays.

Pupils should not be absent from school for non-medical reasons (family celebrations,

attending major sporting events etc.) unless prior permission has been granted by the St

Margaret’s Head of Preparatory School. Parents are asked, given the importance of taught

lessons, to consider whether it is really necessary for their daughter to be absent from

school.

Routine medical treatment (e.g. an appointment at the dentist) should, wherever possible, be

arranged outside school time; if such an appointment is essential during school hours the

permission of St Margaret’s Head of Preparatory School must be sought.

If a girl is taken ill and cannot attend school, parents should contact the Preparatory School

Office on the morning of the first day of absence. On returning to school she should bring a

note to her Class Teacher to explain the absence.

After School Club

Timings For…? Venue Costings Booking

3.30 – 3.55pm Lower

Prep

only

Lower Prep Hall

(At 3.55pm the children walk to

Upper Prep small Dining Room.)

Free No

4.00 – 5.00pm Any

Prep

child

Upper Prep Small Dining Room

for a snack and a drink, then in

the After School Club Room

Chargeable On-line*

5.00 - 6.00pm Any

Prep

child

Upper Prep Hall or playground Chargeable On-line*

*Please book through the school website (PARENTS>After School Club Booking)

The After School Club is open to all children in the Preparatory School (4.00-6.00pm) and is

supervised at all times.

We provide a stimulating and healthy environment for children at the end of the school day,

where the emotional and physical wellbeing of pupils are given the highest priority.

If weather and sunlight permit, children play outside where they have access to all the

external equipment, or inside if the weather is unsuitable. Child initiated activities are

encouraged as the supervisors constantly engage with and supervise the children. When

the children are inside there are opportunities provided for arts and craft activities and child

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initiated play and/or games. During the session pupils may be heard to read and/or do

homework.

Arrival Children are welcome into school from 7.30am into the Breakfast Club which takes place in

the Upper Prep Dining Room until 8.00am. A member of St. Margaret’s staff supervises this

club.

Children are welcome into school from 8.00am where they will be met at the front door of the

Lower Prep house by a member of staff. Please do not bring your child before 8.00am as

there is no supervision before this time. Registration is at 8.30am.

Late Arrival: Please note that registration takes place at 8.30am to ensure a prompt

start to assembly at 8.45am. If your daughter is late, please would you

take her to her classroom.

Beginning of the school year (The first day only in September)

Morning: Please take your daughter to the Reception classroom at 8.30am. End of Day: Please collect from the Reception classroom at 3.30pm.

Breakfast Club

*Please book through the school website – General Information – Useful Information –

Breakfast Club booking – log in with your parent portal username and password. You

will immediately receive a receipt once you have paid.

The Breakfast Club is open to all children in the Preparatory School.

At 7:30am children are met in Upper Prep Dining Room by the Breakfast Club Supervisor.

The following options are offered to the pupils: Milk, water, hot chocolate, fruit juice, yoghurt,

cereal, croissants with butter and/or jam, toast, bread and fruit.

A box containing board games, books, paper and colouring pencils is available for children

who finish their breakfast early.

At 7:55am the supervisor escorts the younger children across to Lower Prep where they are

then supervised by Lower Prep staff.

Cars and Parking Space is limited on the school site and parents visiting the school are asked to park in the

Sports Centre car park. Parents are asked to park considerately, especially when dropping

off or collecting pupils. Congestion caused by inconsiderate parking can compromise pupil

safety.

Time Club Venue Supervised

by

Cost Booking?

7.30 –

8.00am

Breakfast

Club

Upper Prep

Dining

Room

Breakfast

Club staff

Chargeable On-line*

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Collection of Children

The Lower Prep finishes at 3.30pm unless specified on the school calendar. Please collect

from the Reception classroom, or after 3.35pm in the Lower Prep Hall.

Collection Arrangements By An Authorised Adult

At the beginning of each academic year you will be asked to complete and return to the Prep

Office a Collection Arrangements Form, indicating who you give permission to to collect your

child from school. If the details on this form change, please let us know, as we will only

release your daughter to an adult who you have told us has permission. We do understand

that arrangements may change at short notice (e.g. if your daughter is having a play date

with a friend). In this case please would you either:

● Telephone or email the Prep School Office (between 8.00am and 1.30pm) or the

Main School office (from 1.30pm)

● Write who is collecting your child on the Collection Chart in the Lower Prep front

hallway

● Write a note to your daughter’s Class Teacher

For regular arrangements, the Class Teacher needs to have this information in writing only

once. If we are not told of a change in arrangements we will refer to the Collection

Arrangements Form and if necessary a phone call will be made to you, the child’s parent, if

we are at all unsure of the person collecting your child.

If a child is not collected by 4pm

If a child is not collected by 3.55pm (and a prior arrangement to go to a Co-Curricular activity

or the After School Club has not been made) the following procedure will be implemented:

1. If a child is not collected by 3.55pm she will be taken to the Upper Prep to join the

After School Club and the cost will be added to the school bill.

2. At 6:00pm the child’s parents will be telephoned and an arrangement made.

3. If the parent will be at the school after 6:15pm the pupil will be taken to the Senior

School Dining Room to be supervised by a member of the Boarding Staff.

4. We will telephone parents to inform them of the transfer (leaving a message if

necessary).

5. We will inform the Head of the Preparatory School.

6. We will alert police if the child is still not picked by 6.30pm and we cannot contact the

parents.

7. We will ascertain why the parents did not pick up the pupil on time.

Data Protection The school has a formal Data Protection Policy which is consistent with the Data Protection

Act 1998.

Dogs

For hygiene and safety reasons dogs are not allowed on the Preparatory School grounds.

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Fire and Evacuation Contingency Practices All children and staff participate in evacuation practices at least once a term. If you are at

school and the fire alarm sounds you should make your way to the field in Lower Prep or the

grass area by the pond in Upper Prep.

Hair Girls who have hair longer than shoulder length must have it tied back neatly in a ponytail or

plait with a discrete, plain white, black or navy blue hair tie, hairband, clip and/or navy blue

scrunchie.

Insurance Please note that the school does not provide insurance for girls’ personal items, including

cash. However, included within the tuition fees is insurance against accidents with additional

dental protection.

Key person Your daughter’s EYFS class teacher is her Key Person, who will ensure that her learning

and care is tailored to meet her individual needs.

Lost Property Girls are responsible for their own possessions. All items of uniform and school equipment must be named so that if misplaced they can be returned. Named items will be returned to their owner. At the end of each academic year unclaimed items will be disposed of.

Missing Child Procedure Whilst we take every care in ensuring that all children are safe and secure at all times, as a

statutory requirement of the EYFS regulations, we need to explain our procedures in the

extremely unlikely events of a child going missing in school and whilst on a visit out of

school. The following procedure will be implemented.

In school - Staff will: 1. search all classrooms, playground, toilets and all areas of the building 2. ascertain if and how the child may have left the building 3. inform senior school administration immediately 4. continue to search in the surrounding areas of the Preparatory School 5. inform parents of the missing pupil 6. alert the police.

When the missing pupil is found, staff will ascertain why and how the pupil left the site and ensure that she is well and not injured or ill in anyway. The parents/guardian will be informed immediately. The school will investigate to improve and review security to ensure that no other pupil can leave the premises again in the same way. On visits out of school – Staff will:

1. search all areas of the visit venue 2. ascertain if and how the child may have left the area 3. inform the administration at the visit venue immediately 4. inform school administration immediately 5. continue to search in the surrounding areas of the visit venue 6. inform parents of the missing pupil 7. alert the police.

When the missing pupil is found, staff will ascertain why and how the pupil left the site and ensure she is well and not injured or ill in anyway. The parents/guardian will be informed immediately. The school will investigate to improve and review visit security to ensure that no other pupil can leave the designated adult again in the same way.

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Mobile Phones As part of the Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements we do not allow personal devices such as mobile phones and cameras whilst in the vicinity of the children, except in the case of an emergency. Photographs taken of the children are part of planned activities and will be taken with School cameras only.

Mufti Days Mufti Days are non-uniform days, usually held on the last day of a half term or term. These

are days that are usually themed, e.g. wear House colour. Girls are encouraged to bring in a

small donation for a particular charity. Please see the calendar for dates of mufti days.

Play Play is essential for children’s development, building their confidence as they learn to

explore, to think about problems and relate to others. Child initiated play and taking part in

play which is guided by adults is essential too and our staff ensure there is a good balance

between the formal and the play activities. As your daughter grows older through the

Reception year and as her development allows, activities led by staff increase in order to

prepare her for more formal learning in Year 1.

How can you help?

● Read and discuss stories with your child / make up stories together

● Ask her questions: How…?, Why…?

● Actively involve her in discussions

● Talk with her to help her to understand her feelings

● Encourage her to follow your instructions

● Encourage her to dress herself

● Give her opportunities to be physical, use her body and develop spatial awareness

● Give her opportunities to play in sand or water

● Play with Lego, K-nex, play dough etc.

● Encourage her to draw

● Encourage her to take responsibility for her personal hygiene

● Encourage her to try new things

● Encourage her to be independent, but also to ask for help if she needs it

● Encourage good behaviour and teach her that actions have consequences

● Develop / maintain a routine

● Enable her to play cooperatively with other children, taking turns, sharing, showing

sensitivity to others’ needs and feelings and form positive relationships with adults

and other children.

Policies Policies can be viewed on the school website. The following policies and procedures are

available, as hard copies, from the school on request:

● Admissions

● Anti-bullying

● Bursaries and Scholarships

● Child Protection

● Behaviour Management (including discipline and exclusions, rewards and sanctions).

● Curriculum (including provision for those pupils for whom English is an additional

language).

● Health & Safety

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● Health and safety on school visits

● The Complaints Procedure

Registration All pupils are registered at 8.30am and at the beginning of the afternoon. Any pupil arriving in school after morning registration is counted as late. Lower Prep children should go straight to class and those in Upper Prep should sign in at the Preparatory School Office on arrival. If your daughter is unable to attend school please call telephone or email the Prep School office on the morning of each day’s absence as we will call you if we have not heard anything. For all absences a note should be given explaining the nature of the absence and that the child is well enough to return to school.

School Coaches Children in Years 3 - 13 are eligible to go on the school coach.

School Publicity Photographs of your daughter(s) will be used in school publicity: in the Prospectus, the

School Calendar, the School Newsletter, the local press, the School Website, video

recordings etc., unless you have indicated in writing that this is not to happen.

Second Hand Uniform Second hand uniform is available and available to buy in the Prep School Office. If you have any unwanted, good quality school uniform, we would gratefully receive these in the Prep School office.

Security All visitors to the school should report to the School Office in Senior School or the

Preparatory School Office. Authorised visitors will be given a security pass. Members of staff

will challenge any person not wearing a pass. If a girl sees anybody who is not wearing a

pass and they do not recognise them as a member of staff they should report this to the

nearest member of staff. All external doors are accessible only by inputting the correct code

into the keypad. The Upper Preparatory School gate is closed from 9:00 am – 4.00 pm for

security.

Sports Centre The Sports Centre is in use throughout the school day for lessons and Co-curricular

Activities. All parents of current pupils of the school are entitled to become members of the

Sports Centre. Please contact the Sports Centre Manager for further information on 020

8416 4600.

Staff All of our staff are suitably qualified and experienced to fulfil the requirements for their roles

and have been through the appropriate checks in order to work at St. Margaret’s. Staff

attend regular training courses to ensure that they deliver the highest standard of care and

education.

Staffing Ratios Staffing arrangements must meet the needs of all children and ensure their safety. We have

high adult to child ratios, thus ensuring that your child is safe, secure and experiences a high

quality education. Our adult to child ratio meets and usually exceeds the legislation set out in

the EYFS Statutory Framework.

Uniform Please refer to Appendix 1

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Smart school uniform is an important part of the ethos of the school. Pupils are expected to

wear the uniform correctly and it is also expected that uniform items will be routinely

replaced when they become worn or shabby, or when they have been outgrown.

It is also very important that girls set high standards when they are off the school campus.

Girls are expected to wear normal school dress, when travelling to and from school.

Visiting the School Parents who need to speak to a member of staff should telephone or email the Preparatory

School Office first to make an appointment. When visiting the school to meet with a member

of staff parents should sign in at the Preparatory School Office or if visiting the Lower Prep,

ring the front door bell.

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Communication

Calendar Card

All planned school dates are published in the Term Diary which you will receive at the

beginning of each new term. Please refer to this when planning your diaries. Updates to this

will be published in our Friday Newsletter.

Change of Address

Parents are asked to inform the School Office immediately, in writing, of any change of

address, telephone number(s) or e-mail address(es) so that the school’s records can be kept

up to date. It is of the utmost importance that the school has daytime and evening numbers

(including, if relevant, mobile numbers) fax and email details in case of emergency.

Communication

We pride ourselves on the level of two way communication we have with parents through

having an open door policy and believing that communication is key to your daughter’s

success. Please let us know of anything happening in your daughter’s life that may affect her

education and we will work with you.

The School believes that it is vitally important to keep parents fully informed of both their

daughter’s progress and what is going on in the school at large. At the beginning of

September the Class Teacher will hold a forum for all parents of EYFS children to explain

about the year in the Reception class. If a Class Teacher is concerned about a girl’s

behaviour or progress he/she will contact the parents, similarly parents should contact their

daughter’s Class Teacher if they have any concerns.

The Headmistress’s End of Term letter informs parents of achievements, changes and

coming events. More information is given in our Preparatory School weekly newsletters and

a weekly e-bulletin of school events is emailed to all parents.

Complaints

If at any time parents have cause for concern or occasion for complaint, they should raise

the matter with the school as soon as possible. All concerns or complaints will be taken

seriously and treated with respect, and the school will respond promptly. Parents should feel

free to telephone, or to write, with details of the issue that concerns them. In the first

instance it may be best to address a concern to the member of staff most closely involved

with the matter at issue (e.g. the Class Teacher, the Head of the Preparatory School or the

Headmistress). A copy of the Complaints Procedure is on the website, or a hard copy is

available on request. If you believe the School is not meeting the EYFS requirements you

can raise concerns by writing to ISI, CAP House, 9-12 Long Lane, London EC1A 9HA, or to

[email protected]. You can also contact the Department for Education online or on 0370 000

2288.

http://www.education.gov.uk/help/contactus

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Communication Prompt (Preparatory School)

For any financial queries, please liaise with the Bursary.

Computers and Email Reception girls are given supervised access to the school network and the internet. St

Margaret’s has an Acceptable Use Policy and our students and their parents are required to

sign the policy. The full document is issued with the agreement form for our students to

keep. We take the view that ICT has the potential to enrich pupils’ learning in new and

exciting ways. However, with the provision and use of ICT go responsibilities for ensuring

that its use is appropriate and user confidentiality is maintained. Abuse of our ICT

infrastructure and or the internet will be dealt with in line with the school’s Behaviour

Management Policy.

FOR A MORE SERIOUS

CONCERN

Please make an

appointment to see the

Headmistress

Please make an appointment

to see the Head of the

Preparatory School

Please see your child’s Class

Teacher

If you would like to discuss

your child’s academic

progress or pastoral needs…

For a medical issue…

Liaise with Sister Eales

For a food issue…

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Nearly all School communication to parents is by email; therefore it is vitally important that

you inform the School Office of any changes to email addresses. Please also inform the

School Office if you do not have email at home and require a hard copy.

Confidentiality

Information about pupils, regardless of age, is confidential. On occasions it may be

necessary for a member of staff to pass on confidential information to parents, or other

members of staff, if it is considered to be in a girl’s best interests or necessary for the

protection of other members of the school community. Wherever possible any information is

passed on with the girl’s consent... See also the section on Data Protection.

Connections (Parents’ association)

Connections is the St Margaret’s parents’ association. All parents are automatically

members and are encouraged to give their active support to events designed to enable them

to socialise together as well as to raise funds for school projects and charities. Events can

include BBQs, Pamper Evenings, Christmas Market and May Fayre. A committee is elected

annually at the A.G.M. Any parent who wishes to become involved can contact the

committee through the School Office or by emailing [email protected].

Emergency Contacts

If we are unable to contact parents directly when we consider there is a need to do so, then

persons named as emergency contacts on the Pupil Information Form will be contacted. It is

essential therefore that these contacts are reasonably local to school, and are prepared to

act in “loco parentis”. It is important that emergency numbers are correct and that the school

is advised immediately of any changes.

Newsletter

This is available each Friday on the school website and includes more detailed information

including weekly news items and achievements, plus reminders and notes about upcoming

events.

Parents’ Meetings There are three Parents’ Evenings during each academic year (October, March and an

optional EYFS meeting in June) to which parents and/or guardians are invited to discuss

your daughter’s welfare and progress.

Reports Full written reports are available through your parent portal access at the end of the Autumn

and Summer terms.

Website

The school’s website can be found on www.stmargaretsbushey.co.uk. Lots of useful

information can be found here including the latest news, school events, school policies and

other school documentation. In the case of unusual circumstances, for example heavy

snowfalls, up to date information is posted on the website.

There is a Parents’ Area containing more in-house information which can be accessed by

using the parents’ portal in the top right hand corner of the website:

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Username: Parent

Password: smb4u

If you have a problem accessing the Parents’ Area or getting into your parent portal, please

contact the IT department.

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Curriculum Please also refer to Appendix 3

EYFS Curriculum

If you wish to access more information about the EYFS in general, please see

http://www.education.gov.uk

(Some of the information below is taken from the Dept. of Education Statutory Frames for

EYFS.)

The EYFS seeks to provide:

• quality and consistency in all early years settings, so that every child makes good progress

and no child gets left behind;

• a secure foundation through learning and development opportunities which are planned

around the needs and interests of each individual child and are assessed and reviewed

regularly;

• partnership working between practitioners and with parents and/or carers;

• equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice, ensuring that every child is included

and supported.

Working in partnership with parents/carers we aim to promote the learning and development

of all children in our care. Our curriculum reflects the broad range of skills, knowledge and

attitudes children need as foundations for good future progress. We guide the development

of children’s capabilities with a view to ensuring that children in our care complete the EYFS

(at the end of the academic year in which they turn 5 years old) ready to benefit fully from

the opportunities ahead of them.

There are seven areas of learning and development that shape our curriculum. The staff

ensure that the curriculum is well planned, challenging and enjoyable, taking into account

the needs of each individual child. Each area of learning and development is implemented

through planned formal education balanced with child initiated, purposeful play. Each is

important and interconnected. Three areas are particularly crucial for igniting children’s

curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, and for building their capacity to learn, form

relationships and thrive. These three areas, the prime areas, are:

● communication and language;

● physical development;

● personal, social and emotional development.

We also support children in 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.

Communication and language development involves giving children opportunities to

experience a rich language environment; to develop their confidence and skills in expressing

themselves; and to speak and listen in a range of situations.

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Physical development involves providing opportunities for young children to be active and

interactive; and to develop their co-ordination, control, and movement. Children must also be

helped to understand the importance of physical activity, and to make healthy choices in

relation to food.

Personal, social and emotional development involves helping children to develop a

positive sense of themselves, and others; to form positive relationships and develop respect

for others; to develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings; to understand

appropriate behaviour in groups; and to have confidence in their own abilities.

Literacy development involves encouraging children to link sounds and letters and to begin

to read and write. Children must be given access to a wide range of reading materials

(books, poems, and other written materials) to ignite their interest.

Mathematics involves providing children with opportunities to develop and improve their

skills in counting, understanding and using numbers, calculating simple addition and

subtraction problems; and to describe shapes, spaces, and measures.

Understanding the world involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world

and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people,

places, technology and the environment.

Expressive arts and design involves enabling children to explore and play with a wide

range of media and materials, as well as providing opportunities and encouragement for

sharing their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of activities in art, music, dance

and role-play and design and technology.

Assessment Assessment plays an important part in helping us to recognise your daughter’s progress,

understand her needs and to plan activities to challenge her and support her. Ongoing

assessments take place every day within the classroom mostly through the teacher/teaching

assistant observing the children to understand their level of achievement, interests and

learning styles and then shaping the learning experiences to bring out the best in each child,

thus promoting children’s successful learning and development. Within the first few weeks of

your daughter’s schooling with us we will assess your daughter to see what she is capable

of. All children will be assessed in English. We will keep you up to date with your child’s

progress and development.

Throughout the year we will complete a profile that evidences your daughter’s progress

throughout her first year in school. This will be a well-rounded picture of your daughter’s

knowledge, understanding and abilities and her readiness for Year 1. At the end of your

child’s Reception year you be given a copy of this profile, as will her Year 1 teacher and your

daughter’s teacher will discuss this with you and also with her Year 1 teacher.

Co-Curricular Activities

Girls in the Reception Class have the opportunity to participate in some out of class activities

e.g. Ballet, Zumba and Chess. These are chargeable and require a term’s notice if you wish

for your daughter to stop participating in the club.

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Differentiation Differentiation is the process by which teachers plan for the differences in pupils needs to

ensure all children have the best possible chance of learning. Our teachers are experts at

this and aim to provide a range of methods – practical support, human support and through

individual or small group tasks.

More Able and Talented

It is important that every pupil is encouraged and supported to achieve their potential with

particular attention paid to achievement. We cater for all abilities and differentiate the work

according to individual needs, stretching the children, taking them out of their comfort zone,

whilst enabling them to learn within a nurturing environment.

We aim to provide the highest standard of education enabling each girl to achieve to the very

best of her potential through promoting high standards and academic achievement. We

ensure that every girl has every opportunity to thrive and flourish, through fostering

individuality, developing confidence and encouraging a desire to learn in a warm, supportive

and nurturing environment. Throughout their time in the Preparatory School children are

taught mostly by their Class Teacher. Subject specialist teachers teach:

Reception to Year 6: Music, PE

We regularly monitor, evaluate and use a range of diagnostic assessments to enable every

girl to achieve her potential. Therefore great care is taken to ensure that all children are able

to develop their strengths and overcome their weaknesses, through differentiated lessons.

Our Teaching Assistants work with individuals or small groups to support or enrich the

learning. A range of in school workshops and out of school visits enhance and consolidate

the curriculum.

Homework In the Reception Class we like parents to be involved in their child’s learning, following advice from our Reception teacher. These are guidelines and will change according to what is being taught in class and as the year progresses. Reading and keywords each day – approx. 5 minutes

Weekly spellings each day – approx. 5 minutes

Spellings are tested weekly

The Learning Journey Throughout your daughter’s year in Reception much of her work is collated and made into a

book called the Learning Journey. This enables you to see the progress that she is making

and provides a discussion point during meetings between yourself and the Class Teacher. At

the end of the academic year the Learning Journey is passed on to your daughter’s next

teacher so that plans may be drawn up to ensure continuity of learning.

Special Days, Visits, Talks and Workshops In the EYFS

Throughout their time at St. Margaret’s girls are regularly given the opportunity to visit places of interest, theatres, galleries and museums in London and elsewhere – visits are chosen to link with particular areas of study. Separate consent forms are sent to parents for each individual trip. Details of approximate departure and return times will be circulated in advance. The cost of any trips incurred during a term will be added to the school bill for the following term. The School strives to keep the costs of all school trips to a minimum. Please note that the following table is a guide and may be subject to change.

20

Autumn Term Pantomime Visit - December Rec – Year 2

Harvest Festival - Chapel Service (in school) Rec – Year 6

Internet Safety Talks (in school)

Help for Heroes Talks (in school)

Mufti Days (in school)

Environmental Day (in school)

Autumn Book Fair (in school)

Bonfire Party (in school)

St. Margaret’s Day and Grandparents’ Tea

Christmas Productions

Christmas Chapel Service (in school)

Spring Term Science Workshop (in school) Rec + Year 1

Author Workshop (in school) Rec – Year 2

Sponsored Spelling Week (in school) Rec – Year 6

Mufti Days (in school)

Skipping Workshops

Mothers’ Day Assembly (in school) Rec – Year 6

Summer Term

Lower Prep Outing

Rec – Year 2

Teddy Bears’ Picnic Rec – Year 2

Summer Book Fair (in school) Rec – Year 6

Sports Day (in school)

Celebration of Achievements (in school)

Summer Picnic (in school)

Ballet Presentation Rec – Year 6

Talk by the National Animal Welfare Trust Rec – Year 6

21

Timetable

A timetable detailing the range and type of curriculum activities is provided at the beginning

of the academic year and each term a curriculum plan is sent to each parent explaining what

will be taught.

EYFS

08:30 REGISTRATION

08:45 ASSEMBLY

09:00 LESSON 1

09:40 LESSON 2

10:15 BREAK

10:35 LESSON 3

11:15 LESSON 4

11:50 LUNCH

13:00 LESSON 5

13:30 LESSON 6

14:00 BREAK

14:15 LESSON 7

14:50 LESSON 8

15:30 END OF DAY

22

Welfare

Your daughter’s welfare is vital and she will learn best when she is healthy, safe and secure,

when her individual needs are met and when she has positive relationships with the adults

caring for her. At St. Margaret’s we provide a high quality learning environment, which is

welcoming, safe and stimulating and where children are able to enjoy learning and grow in

confidence. If you wish to see any of our policies, please ask.

Behaviour Please refer to our policy on Behaviour Management

Our EYFS Coordinator is responsible for behaviour and takes all appropriate actions to

ensure that good, positive behaviour is promoted. If necessary parents/carers will be

informed of an incident on the day, or as soon as reasonably practicable.

On a daily basis there is so much that is good and we want to promote and celebrate this.

Parents are the first educators of our children and in partnership with parents the emphasis

must always be on promoting good behaviour. It is important that pupils and parents are fully

aware of the St Margaret’s Preparatory School high expectations for pupil conduct and

support us, through working collaboratively, as we all want the best for our children. Parental

cooperation also forms part of the contract between the school and parents of pupils at the

school.

High standards of behaviour and work are expected at all times. Courtesy, good manners

and consideration for others, together with self-discipline and a proper respect for authority

and safety, are encouraged at all times and are important for our school to be a true, caring

community.

TREAT OTHERS AS WE WOULD WISH TO BE TREATED

At St Margaret’s we are proud of the very good behaviour by most of our children most of the

time and firmly believe that children want to behave. Through making class rules at the

beginning of each academic year, following school rules and having reminders in

discussions, lessons and assemblies all children are frequently reminded of our high

expectations.

What is good behaviour?

· Treating others as I would wish to be treated

· Knowing the difference between right and wrong

· Being kind and caring

· Being respectful and polite

· Conducting myself with maturity

· Working to the best of my ability

· Leading by example

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· Recognising there are limits and rules

· Acting responsibly in a variety of situations

· Accepting responsibility for my actions

· Treating property and the environment with care and respect

How do we encourage good behaviour?

Inherent through all aspects of school life we consistently, continuously and positively:

· promote a trusting and caring environment where good examples are set and where

fairness and respect play important parts

· promote a calm, industrious and caring environment that encourages good behaviour

to emerge naturally rather than demands it to be imposed

· present role models that illustrate trust, respect, openness, consistency and fairness

· enable open communication and dialogue for all

· recognise that each day is new and brings its own fresh start

· praising and reward

· providing opportunities to be ‘caught being good’

· promote self-control, taking responsibility and being accountable for our actions

· teach pupils that actions and choices have consequences

· allow pupils to develop positive attitudes and abilities

Parents’ Role

· We support the parents’ role as prime educators of their child and we work together to

support them in their role.

· School and parents should work together to set consistent standards which are in

keeping with our School Aims

· Please chat with your daughter’s Class Teacher if you are concerned about

something your child tells you about school. A small concern is best dealt with quickly

before it becomes a big problem.

· Any concern should be dealt with by the School as we have the big picture and

consistently support all pupils with appropriate strategies.

24

· Encourage parents to positively discuss daily events with their daughter and keep

discussions between the School, your daughter and you.

What is unacceptable behaviour?

· Hurting others

· Insolence

· Using bad language

· Using racist language or behaviour

· Bullying

· Damaging property

· Putting others at risk

Putting this all into practice…How do we deal with unacceptable behaviour?

Promoting good, respectful behaviour is inherent in all aspects of school life. Understandably

there will be slight variations in staff acceptance and tolerance of pupils’ behaviour in class

depending on the nature of the class and content of the lesson or location. However it is

essential that good behaviour allows constructive teaching and learning, therefore all staff

have a duty to ensure that behaviour which adversely affects teaching and learning or other

aspect of school life will not tolerated. Through regular discussions at meetings, all staff will

endeavour to ensure that sanctions are applied consistently and fairly, thus ensuring positive

attitudes and behaviour. No sanctions will be humiliating or degrading. Sanctions will be

applied when rewards have failed, or where it is necessary in the circumstances to show

appropriate disapproval. For EYFS children, the EYFS coordinator will deal with

misdemeanours.

Bullying

The School does not tolerate any form of bullying. There is a strict anti-bullying policy.

Throughout their time at the school girls are taught to respect one another and to develop a

constructive and cooperative approach to the needs of others in the community.

Understanding and adhering to the Anti-Bullying Policy is an important part of this

development. (A copy of the Anti-Bullying Policy is on the website and a hard copy is

available to parents on request.)

Chapel and Assemblies

The School is a Christian foundation, and chapel services and assemblies are an important

and regular part of school life. All girls are expected to attend weekday assemblies and

special services such as the Harvest Thanksgiving Service, St Margaret’s Day and the Carol

Service.

25

Chapel services and assemblies are designed to accommodate the values shared by all

faiths within a framework of tolerance and respect for all beliefs. The views and practices of

all major religions are recognised and girls of all faiths are encouraged to contribute to

services.

Charity

It is our aim to foster an awareness of the wider world and to encourage all our girls to take

positive action to help those less fortunate than themselves. The school raises money

throughout the year for various charities using a variety of means which might include non-

uniform days, cake sales etc. The charities we have supported in recent years include the

Watford New Hope Trust, Jeans 4 Genes, Help for Heroes, Michael Green Foundation,

Great Ormond Street Hospital and the Animal Welfare Trust.

Child Protection

The School has a formal Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy which is consistent with

the guidelines issued by the DfES and the Boarding Schools Association. A copy can be

found on the website.

Clean and comfortable

On rare occasions, “little accidents” and unforeseen incidents can occur, which require staff

to ensure that a child is clean and comfortable afterwards. This potentially involves

undressing and physical intervention, beyond that of normal daily communication between

staff and pupils. In order that we can deal with these occasions sensitively and quickly, we

require you to give your consent for staff to change underwear and clothes, along with

helping a child to wash if such action is considered necessary in their professional

judgement. Within the Joining Pack there is a form to complete and return to school when

your child begins in Lower Prep only.

Equal Opportunities

The school is committed to securing equality of opportunity through the creation of an

environment in which all pupils are respected as individuals. This commitment is shared by

all pupils, staff and governors.

Food St. Margaret’s is a healthy school and meals, snacks and drinks are healthy, balanced and

nutritious. Our lunches are freshly prepared and cooked in the Preparatory School kitchen. If

your child has any dietary requirements or allergies please ensure these are detailed on the

Medical Form that you complete at the beginning of each academic year. If there are any

changes throughout the year, please inform us. All staff who work in the EYFS have been

trained in Food Hygiene. Fresh drinking water is available and accessible at all times.

The cost of snacks and lunch is included in the school fees.

*Breakfast Club (chargeable): A continental breakfast is provided.

Morning and afternoon snacks: Snack and a drink

Lunch: A hot dish, salad and a pudding (including fruit) are

provided each day. There is also an option suitable for

vegetarians. Dietary requirements are catered for. A

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menu is published each week in the Prep School

Newsletter (available on the school’s website).

*After School Club (chargeable): An afternoon tea of sandwiches, cake, fruit and a drink

are provided.

*Please see notes on the Breakfast Club and After School Club

Birthday cake may be brought into school for your daughter’s class to enjoy. Please ensure

that there are no traces of nuts.

Cake Sales – As a way of raising money for House charities we hold regular cake sales. We

therefore ask parents to donate nut free cakes which are then sold in school. Please see the

calendar for more information.

Nut allergies No establishment can ever be totally nut free. However, we strive to ensure that pupils avoid contact with any nuts at school. If cakes or treats are brought into school for birthdays or as a donation for a cake sale we ask that care be given to avoid bringing any form of nut within the product. Items should always be given to a member of staff. If you do not wish for your child to have consumable treats in school, the Head of St. Margaret’s Preparatory School should be informed.

House System Girls are assigned to a House on arrival and will remain members of that House until they

leave.

Medical At St. Margaret’s we promote a healthy lifestyle through our teaching, curriculum and the

food we offer. Please refer to the Preparatory School Parent Handbook for details of

illnesses and medication. If you wish to discuss medical issues relating to your daughter,

please do so with her Class Teacher and/or the School Nurse.

All of our EYFS staff hold a recent Paediatric First Aid certificate qualifying them to deal with

any accidents. First Aid boxes are accessible at all times. Records of accidents are kept and

if your daughter has an accident or injury, appropriate first aid treatment will be given. For

more serious cases, the School Nurse will be called. Parents will be told of accidents.

We have a fully qualified full time registered nurse on site and most staff have an up to date

First Aid certificate with a few staff having a Paediatric First Aid certificate. The School

Medical Centre is open during term-time. Parents are asked to complete a medical

questionnaire on entry to the school, including vaccination information. A Medical Update

form will also be sent out annually, please ensure you complete this and return it to school

as soon as possible in order for the school nurse to be kept up to date with any changes to

your daughter’s health. Please keep us informed of any updates when necessary.

Medication New parents: Please complete the medical form in the joining pack. Please

speak with the school nurse if you wish to discuss the form.

Administering medication: The school nurse must be informed when any girl is taking

prescribed medication. If you wish for your daughter to be administered pain relief in school

please would you complete the form (in either Lower or Upper Prep) or you may either write

a letter, email ([email protected]) stating your daughter’s:

mailto:[email protected]

27

● name,

● the reason for the medication

● name of the medication to be given

● the time the medication should be given.

Medication will be given by the school nurse, or delegated to a member of staff by her.

If your child needs to take antibiotics during the school day it must be bought in to school in

the original container with the Pharmacist label attached to the container and the child’s

name clearly visible. The school nurse will administer the medication, or will give permission

for a member of staff to give the prescribed dose.

Medication or first aid treatment given to any child will be recorded immediately in the first

aid folder in either Upper or Lower Prep and if it is necessary you will either receive a

treatment form via your daughter on the day, or if more severe, a phone call from a member

of staff or the school nurse.

If your child is unwell and unable to attend school, please inform the Prep Office by

telephone, email or in person on each day of absence, before 9:30am. Failure to do this will

result in a telephone call from the office staff to ascertain the reason for absence. On her

return to school, a letter should be sent to explain the nature of the absence and to confirm

that your child is fit to return to school.

If your child is unwell in school and is unable to cope with normal activities, we will make

sure that she is comfortable and will make every effort to contact you to arrange for her to be

taken home.

Condition / Illness / Disease Notes + Exclusion Period

Chickenpox Please only return to school 5-7 days after the first

scab has appeared and all blisters have scabbed over.

Cold sores Return to school once soreness and discharge have

disappeared.

Conjunctivitis

An extremely contagious condition requiring immediate

treatment. Keep at home until it clears up. Return 48

hours after commencing appropriate antibiotic

treatment.

Diarrhoea and vomiting

Do not send to school. She should be kept away from

school until a minimum of 48 hours has passed after

last bout of sickness or diarrhoea.

Eczema No exclusion necessary unless infected.

Glandular fever No exclusion necessary if well.

Hand, foot and mouth disease No exclusion necessary if well.

Head lice

If we see head lice in school we will ask the parent to

collect their daughter to treat her as we do not want

the lice to spread to others. Once treated, no need to

exclude or separate. This is a problem affecting

children in the younger age group. We recommend

that you regularly check for head lice. If your child

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does have an infestation please inform the school in

order that we may inform other parents that there has

been an incidence so they can check their child’s hair

Impetigo Exclusion until fully healed.

Influenza No exclusion necessary when well enough to manage

a full day in school.

Measles Please remain at home for 5 days after the onset of

rash.

Mumps Please remain at home for 5 days after the onset of

swelling.

Psoriasis No exclusion necessary if not infected.

Ringworm of the feet No exclusion necessary.

Ringworm of the scalp Exclusion until treated.

Roseola No exclusion necessary.

Rubella (German Measles) Please remain at home for 5 days from the onset of

rash.

Scabies Exclusion until treated.

Scarlet fever Return to school only after 24 hours from commencing

appropriate antibiotic treatment

Temperature

Please do not send your daughter to school if she has

a temperature as this increases the risk of infecting

others.

Threadworm Exclusion until treated.

Tonsillitis Return to school once temperature has settled for 24

hours.

Verrucae (warts) No exclusion necessary but lesions need to be

covered.

Whooping cough Please remain at home for 5 days from start of

antibiotics.

Personal Hygiene It is important that when your child starts school that she is toilet trained and able to look

after her personal hygiene.

Rewards and Sanctions Expectations with regard to good behaviour are reinforced at all times, in and outside of the

classroom and children are expected to show politeness and respect to their peers, staff,

parents and visitors. Prefects and the older girls model and encourage considerate,

respectful behaviour and actively promote adherence to the code of conduct and the school

rules.

Children are continually encouraged and praised at St. Margaret’s School. Teachers are

aware that nothing succeeds like success and work is differentiated to ensure that the whole

curriculum is accessible to all children and that there are constant opportunities for success.

Star of the Week certificates are presented in the weekly Celebration Assembly. In the

Reception Class we appoint a Special Person for the Day and this child is able to take

Sparkle (the Reception Class cuddly toy unicorn) home and write in her diary.

29

Sanctions Pupils and parents will be notified that appropriate action will be taken against those who are

in breach of the acceptable use guidelines following the school’s behaviour policy.

Sanctions might include:

● A verbal reprimand

● A reminder of expected behaviour

● 1 or 2 minutes deducted from Golden Time or break time

Sad Notes may be given for the following:

● Persistent unkindness, rudeness or intentionally hurting another child

● After repeated reminders have been given

● Rudeness/insolence/disobedience at any time

This list is not exhaustive.

Safeguarding

All of the staff at St. Margaret’s have undertaken appropriate training and professional

development to ensure they can continually improve the quality learning and development

experiences they offer for children. If you are at all concerned about a child’s welfare please

would you contact either the Class Teacher, the Head of the Preparatory School or the

school’s Designated Child Protection Officer.

Safety

The safety of the pupils is of high priority, and because they are so young, we need to be

particularly vigilant. Pupils are supervised at all times. We therefore:

● Only allow a child to go home with someone other than their parent(s) if we have

received advance permission that she may be collected by another adult. If we are

unaware of the adult who is collecting we will call the parents to verify that permission

is given. It is the parent’s responsibility to let us know if and when arrangements

change.

- In the Joining Pack is a Collection Form, this is completed by the

parent on joining and again at the beginning of each academic year, or if

arrangements change.

- There is a Collection Chart for parents to fill in in the Lower Prep entrance

hall.

- Permission may be also given by letter, email or a telephone call to the

school.

● At the end of the day all pupils are dismissed by their Class Teacher or other

member of staff.

● We never allow a pupil to leave the premises unsupervised. There are always

sufficient staff on duty at break times.

● All visitors are asked to identify themselves and to state their business before we

give them access to the premises. Visitors sign in, wear a security badge and are

escorted throughout their visit. They sign out on leaving.

● All pupils are registered at the beginning of the morning and afternoon sessions.

● External doors have security keypads for staff use only.

30

● We ensure that our premises, including outdoor space, are fit for purpose and

secure.

● All equipment, furniture and toys are safe for children to use, clean and hygienic.

School Council The School Council is a group of pupils who are each elected by their class to represent the

views of all pupils and to improve their school. Being involved can develop important life

skills, such as speaking and listening skills, teamwork, problem-solving, moral reasoning

skills, self-esteem and self-confidence.

The Preparatory School Council meets once each term with a teacher present, chaired and

organised by our Head and Deputy Head Girls to discuss improvements that the children

may want in school and try to sort out any problems. These may include school lunches,

behaviour or ideas to improve the school.

Do be kind and helpful Do not hurt other people

Always be considerate Do not be selfish

Look after property Do not waste or damage belongings

Listen and show respect Do not interrupt or be rude

Do work hard Do not waste your’s or other people’s time

Do be honest Do not cover up the truth

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Appendix 1

St. Margaret’s Preparatory School Uniform list

To be bought from D J Uniforms (until December 2015) or

Pullens (from September 2015)

School Outfitters

DJ Uniforms Tel: 020 8421 9488

45 High St Fax: 080 8421 9487

Bushey Email: [email protected]

Hertfordshire www.djuniforms.co.uk

WD23 1BD

Pullens

Pullens 020 8954 3850

48-50 Church Rd, Stanmore HA7 4AH

Website www.uniform4kids.com

PLEASE ENSURE THAT EVERY ITEM OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ACCESSORY

IS NAMED CLEARLY

Autumn and Spring Terms

ITEM DESCRIPTION YEAR GROUPS

Jumper Navy with stripe all

Blouse Turquoise all

Pinafore Blue/green tartan Reception to Year 3

Skirt Blue/green stripe Years 3 – 6

Art overall Navy smock all

Coat Navy with inside fleece all

Hat Navy, with school crest all

School bag Navy all

http://www.djuniforms.co.uk/

http://www.djuniforms.co.uk/



32

Summer Term _ To be bought from School Uniform Suppliers

The summer uniform may be worn in the first half of the Autumn Term, weather dependent.


Summer dress White/turquoise all

Cardigan Navy with stripe all

Summer hat White, floppy all

Physical Education Clothing To be bought from School Uniform Suppliers


Shorts Navy all

Polo shirt White, with school crest and all

surname printed on the back

Sweatshirt Navy, round neck all

Netball skort Navy Years 5 – 6

Tracksuit trousers Navy all

PE bag (drawstring) Navy all

Swimming costume Navy Years 1 – 6

Swimming hat House colour Years 1 – 6

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St. Margaret’s Preparatory School Uniform list

May be bought from any shop

Autumn and Spring Terms

PLEASE ENSURE THAT EVERY ITEM OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ACCESSORY

IS NAMED CLEARLY


Tights Blue, plain all

Socks Navy, knee length all

Scarf Navy all

Gloves Navy all

Extra pair of pants (for accidents) Reception – Year 2

Shoes Black - leather uppers with buckles all

with Velcro fastening, bar (not ‘Kickers’ style), or lace up. Please ensure your daughter can

put on and take off her shoes independently.

Wellingtons Reception – Year 2

Hair ties/bands/clips Black or Navy Blue (discrete and plain) all

Summer Term _ May be bought from any shop

The summer uniform may be worn in the first half of the Autumn Term, weather dependent.


Socks White, ankle all

Extra pair of pants (for accidents) Reception – Year 2

Shoes Black - leather uppers with buckles all

or Velcro fastening bar (not ‘Kickers’ style), or lace up (only if your daughter can

independently tie her own laces) with flat heel and rounded toes

Hair ties/bands/clips Black or Navy Blue (discrete and plain) all

Physical Education Clothing


Goggles any Years 1 - 6

Swimming bag waterproof Years 1 – 6

Swimming towel any colour Years 1 - 6

34

Trainers Predominantly White with all

non-marking soles – Velcro

(or lace up if child can tie independently)

Sports socks White, ankle all

(different pair to those worn during the day)

Boot bag any Years 5 – 6

Shin pads any Years 5 - 6

General Appearance It is expected that all girls will maintain a smart appearance with shoes polished. Hair should

be kept neat and tidy. It must be tied or clipped back so that none falls over the eyes,

eyebrows or face; this is particularly important for all sporting activities and practical lessons.

Use of hair gel is not permitted. Hair should not be dyed, bleached or tinted. Hair below the

shoulder should be tied back.

Jewellery Ideally we would prefer that no jewellery is worn at all to school, but we do understand that

some is worn for religious reasons. Our Uniform Policy states, “Small religious symbols may

be worn on a chain around the neck, but must be removed for PE lessons.” Therefore on

PE, Games, Swimming and Dance days please would you ensure that all jewellery is taken

off and left at home as staff do not have the time to take off every child’s jewellery. If your

child needs to wear a small religious symbol or ear rings and can remove them

independently, we will do our best to ensure that it is safe but we cannot be responsible for

any loss.

Ear rings: A single plain stud (no colour) may be worn in each ear. If your daughter is

going to have her ears pierced, please could we politely ask you to have this done on the

first day of the summer holiday so that when your daughter returns to school in September,

they are ready to be removed for PE lessons. If she has newly pierced ears and is unable to

remove them, on a PE day please would you tape them up. The taping up of ear rings in

swimming is not an option as there is a risk that the tape will come off in the water and may

present a choking hazard for other swimmers. In the event that any jewellery cannot be

removed your daughter will not be permitted to take part in the lesson.

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Appendix 2

USEFUL INFORMATION FOR PARENTS OF NEW CHILDREN

The following information is intended to help to make life much easier for you, your child and

the School staff.

● Pupils may attend the Breakfast Club from 7.30am. This is a supervised early

morning facility in the Upper Prep Dining Room where your daughter may have a

healthy breakfast. Parents may drop off between 8.00 – 8.30am. Registration is at

8.30am.

● Try not to worry if your child is upset at the beginning of school – we are used to

dealing with this and most children settle very quickly usually the moment you have

left the room! Experience has shown that it is less distressing for your child if you

leave quickly and decisively.

● Please name ALL items of clothing – P.E., indoor, outdoor, shoes, socks etc. Please

use name tapes for items of clothing and appropriate methods for all other

belongings.

● Particularly for young children, please sew long loops on coats and overalls to enable

children to hang them up and please sew elastic onto gloves so that it may be

threaded through the coat sleeves leaving the gloves to dangle outside of each hand

hole – therefore gloves will not be lost.

● Before starting school encourage your child to get dressed independently in

preparation for PE lessons, including putting on their PE shoes. Please only buy

footwear that your child can do up independently.

● Try to encourage your child to use a knife and fork correctly and to observe good

table manners. We encourage children to try different foods and it would be helpful if

you could support us with this at home.

● Particularly for the younger children, whilst we fully accept that there will always be

the occasional accident, children should be able to manage their own toilet hygiene

and be toilet trained. Please provide a spare set of your child’s underwear.

● Please put something distinctive but small on your child’s bags so she can identify it

easily – one key ring or a picture. This may not be removed during the school day.

● If you have any school problems related to your child, our staff are always happy to

discuss these. Problems are normally best dealt with promptly. Please contact your

Class Teacher direct to make an appointment at a time, which is mutually convenient

through the Prep School office, or by writing a note to the Class Teacher.

● Please send in any records from previous schools.

● Please inform us if your child is to be called by a different name or a shortened

version to that stated on the Registration Form at the time of registration.

● A Calendar Card is given out at the beginning of each term to each family – please

read the weekly Prep Newsletter (published on the website each Friday) for any

upcoming events or end of term changes to collection times

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT YOUR CHILD

● Be positive, encourage and praise.

● Hear your child read regularly.

36

● Read a bedtime story to your child whenever possible.

● Verbal games in the car – I spy, Granny goes to market (for memory), maths

questions, spellings – fun activities etc.

● Play board games.

● Encourage children’s imaginative play.

● Please check your child’s school bag on a daily basis.

● Encourage good manners especially at the table.

● Allow time and space for your child to do their homework independently.

● If your child is tired at the end of a day at school do not worry about making them

read - let them have an early night and relax!

● Regular visits to the library.

● Praise, praise, praise!

● Encourage, encourage, encourage!

● Enjoy your children and have fun!

Children need to be able to:

Express their needs appropriately Use the toilet independently

Wash and dry hands Blow their nose

Sit up at a table Use a knife, fork and spoon correctly

Dress and undress themselves Sit quietly

Listen to a story or a piece of music Wait patiently

Share a book Share and take turns

Tidy up things they have used Say goodbye with a smile when left by

parent/carer

Pronounce commonly used English words correctly

You could also practise these activities at home to improve your child’s co-

ordination:

Colouring in accurately Completing jigsaws

Using scissors Using glue and paint carefully

Hopping Skipping

Balancing Running

Jumping Kicking a ball

Catching and throwing a ball Tying shoe laces

Drawing straight and curvy lines Playing board and matching games

Playing ‘I Spy’

Playing ‘spot the difference, snap and dot to dot games

37

Appendix 3

Reception Class (Early Years Foundation Stage)

We provide a strong academic foundation to prepare children for Year 1, ensuring that the

curriculum is appropriate to the needs and aspirations of our pupils. For this reason, we do

not adhere to the EYFS frame work which is statutory for the maintained sector. The EYFS

curriculum is organised to incorporate the following:

● We strongly uphold the belief that children develop at different rates, requiring a

highly differentiated curriculum in the early years. The Key worker (who we choose to

acknowledge as ‘The Class Teacher’) will plan appropriate activities for each child,

ensuring that learning is exciting and relevant.

● Structured, adult led, Maths and Language programmes provide our primary focus in

the mornings. The Class Teacher and the Teaching Assistant will work with small

groups. Through differentiated planning and attention to detail, children are taught

the basic fundamental skills which lead to proficiency and self-confidence in all areas

of the curriculum.

● The classroom is managed to include an ever changing range of stimulating activities

and resources for children to explore independently throughout the day when they

are not working directly with the Class Teacher. This enables social skills,

independence, creativity and critical thinking to be developed. We are also ambitious

for children to incorporate what they have been taught by adults into child initiated

learning.

● Whenever possible, there will be opportunities to learn in the outdoor environment.

● Deliberate practice of key skills such as phonics, reading, handwriting and number

bonds are fostered every day for small periods of time.

● A written copy of curriculum objectives is given to parents each term, as well as a list

of suggested websites to support learning at home.

Personal and Social Development

We aim to provide a nurturing environment, through small classes and highly committed staff

who know the needs of each child thoroughly. Close collaboration with parents and carers

through our ‘Open Door’ policy ensures communication on a very regular basis. Staff are

visible and available at the start and end of each day to ensure that children receive

appropriate pastoral support and that both the Class Teacher and parents are aware of

critical incidents affecting their child’s wellbeing. The Reading Record Book is used to record

the books your child reads and is also a means of communication between school and

home.

Staff are expected to immerse themselves in the needs of the children throughout the school

day. If needed, they will provide support for individuals at playtime. Staff have lunch with the

pupils in order to monitor what they eat and ensure that a healthy lifestyle is promoted.

Within our PSHCE programme we encourage critical thinking to stimulate the raising of

questions and exploration of answers and opinions.

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Traditional values, such as politeness and taking a pride in one’s achievements and

appearance are promoted through our rules, Be Your Best Self, Respecting other People,

Be Safe and the weekly award ceremony.

Literacy

Term 1 Term 2 Term 3

Working at a differentiated

pace, the children will:

link sounds and letters for

every letter of the alphabet

and progress through

sounds identified in the

language curriculum.

hear and say sounds in

words in the order they

occur.

read texts compatible with

their phonic knowledge and

skills.

use a pencil and hold it

effectively to form

recognisable letters,

particularly those found in

their own names.

show an understanding of

the elements in stories such

as the main character and

sequence of events.



read a range of familiar and

common words and simple

sentences independently.

recognise common

diagraphs.

read simple words by

sounding out and blending

the phonemes all through the

word from left to right

use a pencil and hold it

effectively to write correctly

formed letters, applying

these to an increasing

amount of words.

use phonic knowledge to

write simple regular words

and make plausible attempts

at more complex words.

write labels and captions.

they will begin to form simple

sentences with increasing

use of punctuation.



recognise sounds and

diagraphs then blend them to

read and spell words.

create rhyming strings of

words, plan and write

sentences for different

purposes and spell all key

words.

continue to learn the correct

formation of lower and upper

case letters.

use handwriting skills and

knowledge of sounds to write

their own sentences, using

an increasing amount of

words independently.

write news, and read back

what has been written to

check for mistakes.

know that sentences begin

with a capital letter and end

in a full stop.

continue at an individual rate

with the reading scheme,

increasing ability to explain

and answer questions about

the story.

re-enact or retell stories that

have been read.

develop story writing skills,

using story starters, e.g.

39

once upon a time and story

language e.g. first, next,

then, in the end.

relate stories to own

experiences.

develop comprehension

skills.

show how information can be

found in non-fiction texts to

answer the questions why,

who, where and how.

Communication and Language




listen with enjoyment to

stories, songs, rhymes and

poems and create their own.

interact with others taking

turns in the conversation

enjoy listening to and using

spoken and written

language

sustain attentive listening,

responding to what they

have heard through relevant

comments, questions or

actions.



speak clearly and audibly

with confidence and control

and show awareness of the

listener.

use language to imagine and

recreate roles and

experiences.

speak clearly and audibly

with confidence and control

and show awareness of the

listener.



express opinions and talk

about their experiences,

listen to others and join in

with discussions.

40

Mathematics




say and use number names

in order, in familiar contexts.

count reliably 20 everyday

objects.

use developing mathematical

ideas to solve practical

problems.

recognise 1-20, extend to 30

if able.

name 2d shapes e.g. circle

square, rectangle and

triangle.

use ‘bigger’ ‘smaller’, ‘larger’

to describe shape and size

of solid and flat shapes.

begin to relate addition to

combining two and three

groups of objects and

subtraction to ‘taking away’.



say and use number names

in order to 30.

recognise numbers 1-30.

use language such as more

or less to compare two

numbers.

begin to relate addition to

combining two and three

groups of objects and

subtraction to ‘taking away’.

use language e.g. cube,

cuboid, sphere, pyramid,

cone, cylinder to describe

the shape and size of solids

and flat shapes.

use familiar objects and

common shapes to create

patterns and build models.



recognise, order and write

numbers 1-50 and extend to

100.

use developing mathematical

ideas and methods to solve

practical problems and

investigations.

find the missing numbers in

a pattern.

select two groups of objects

to make a given total.

add and subtract using their

fingers, a number line and

counting on and back in their

head.

in practical activities and

discussion begin to use the

vocabulary involved in

adding and subtracting.

explore symmetry and

pattern.

Understanding of the World




learn about the festivals of

Harvest and Diwali.

learn to use ICT around the

classroom e.g. programming

Beebots, independently

using a tape recorder and cd

player and use the



have opportunities to

investigate senses both adult

and child initiated.

model investigative

behaviour.

be encouraged to raise

questions and suggest



have opportunities to record

findings e.g. drawing, writing.

learn about different animals

and their habitats.

learn about different mini

beasts and their lifecycles.

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interactive whiteboard.

learn to type their name

using a keyboard, navigate

between programmes

independently and to use a

mouse with good skill and

control.

learn about other cultures

and how they are different to

their own.

learn about our bodies, how

they work and what kinds of

food are good and bad.

answers.

use comparative language.

create simple maps of area

in 3D.

look at different cultures in

terms of dress and customs

e.g. Chinese New Year).

develop classification/

recording skills.

identify characteristics of

living things.

develop scientific vocabulary

through practical

investigations.

learn about seasonal

changes (spring/summer).

give commands to a

programmable toy.

use ‘Microsoft Word’ to write

sentences and stories.

Expressive Arts and Design




learn to produce creative

work on a small and large

scale.

learn to listen to music and

use musical instruments to

copy and make patterns.

learn to use a variety of

materials and textures in

their artwork.

learn to listen to music and

move their bodies to the

music in a variety of ways.

learn to act out roles and use

creative language in their

drama.



express the way they feel

about their representations

modelling appropriate

language... ‘that makes me

feel…..’

learn how musical

instruments can be played in

different ways

express imagination through

paintings, poems, dance.

use imaginative play to

extend imagination.



extend their repertoire of

songs.

explore different ways of

making sounds using a

variety of percussion

instruments.

use role play to make a mini-

beast garden.

use imagination in art and

design, imaginative play, role

play and stories.

extend skills to produce

observational drawings.

use the style of ‘Matisse’ to

produce their own art work.

use collage.

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explore different textures and

materials.

use malleable materials to

produce 3D mini-beasts.

Physical Development




learn about how their body

changes after exercise.

learn to develop their fine

motor skills using a variety of

equipment e.g. scissors,

threading beads and doing

puzzles.

learn to work together in a

team.

learn to use a range of

equipment and skills such as

balls, skipping ropes and

cones.



discuss their actions.

use equipment safely.

use space around them and

respect others personal

space.

understand how to keep

healthy.

learn about change in our

bodies after exercise.



develop fine and gross motor

skills.

explore ways of travelling.

show awareness of personal

space and that of others.

use a range of small and

large equipment.

handle tools, objects,

construction and malleable

materials safely and with

increasing control.

understand that exercise is

beneficial to a healthy

lifestyle and observe

changes on the body after

exercise.

use scooters in the outside

area with increasing

confidence.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development




be confident when trying new

activities, initiate ideas and



embrace new experiences.



work co-operatively and

consider the needs of others.

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speak in a familiar group.

maintain attention,

concentrate, and sit quietly

when appropriate.

respond to significant

experience showing a range

of feelings when appropriate.

have a developing

awareness of their own

needs, views and feelings

and be sensitive to the

needs, views and feelings of

others.

form good relationships with

adults and peers.

work as part of a group,

taking turns and sharing

fairly, understanding that

there needs to be agreed

values and codes of

behaviour for groups of

people, including adults and

children, to work together

harmoniously.

understand what is right,

what is wrong, and why.

select and use activities and

resources.

share their experiences and

feelings.

explain their actions and

listen to others.

separate from main carer

with support.

think about issues from the

viewpoint of others.

identify issues and solve

problems

understand what is right,

what is wrong, and why.

have a developing respect

for their own culture and

beliefs and those of other

people.

dress & undress for P.E.

care for and look after living

things.

look after our environment.

join in with discussions about

stories and books that

emphasise moral issues.

learn about other

cultures/religions through RS

lessons and assemblies.

identify problems associated

with social issues and find

solutions.

encourage children to think

about issues from other

viewpoints.

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Appendix 4

Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DO I…

let the school know my daughter is unwell?

Telephone, email or in person tell the

Preparatory School Office on each day of

absence before 9.30am.

When do I need to send in a

sickness/absence note?

On the day your daughter returns to school

and ask her to give it to her Class Teacher.

let the school know that I am running late? Telephone or email the Preparatory School

Office.

let the school know that someone else is

collecting my daughter?

In the Lower Prep please complete the

Collection Form on the clipboard stand,

telephone or email the Preparatory School

Office.

book an appointment with my child’s

teacher?

Telephone or email the Preparatory School

Office or write a note in your daughter’s

Homework Diary (Reading Record Book if

she is in Reception or Year 1). The Class

Teacher will reply with a selection of days

and times from which you may select a

convenient time.

book an appointment with the Head of the

Preparatory School?


Office.

Ask permission for my daughter to be

absent?

Write to the Head of the Preparatory School.

book a place at the Breakfast Club or After

School Club?

Through the school website – General

Information –Useful Information – After

School Club booking or Breakfast Club

booking – log in with your parent portal

username and password. You will

immediately receive a receipt once you have

paid.

speak with the school nurse? Telephone or email (please see details at the

beginning of this Handbook)

tell the school about an out of school

achievement?

We love hearing this type of news! Either let

us know through the Preparatory School

Office email, telephone or speak with us in

person.

tell the school that your parent log-in is not

working?

Telephone or email the IT Department

(please see details at the beginning of this

Handbook)

report lost property? Telephone or email the Preparatory School

Office.

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find school term dates? This information is on the school website and

in the termly Term Diary.

book or make changes to co-curricular

activities?


Office.

buy second hand uniform? Pop in, telephone or email the Preparatory

School Office.

St Margaret's School - Prep Handbook EYFS 2015-16

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