Nursery

Nursery and Reception classes are referred to as the Foundation Stage of learning. This is an important stage, as it is during this time that attitudes to learning are formed and social skills developed which lay the foundations for future education.

There are three reception classes, each with a teacher and a dedicated teaching assistant. There are 90 full time places available in the Reception Class.

Learning takes place in whole class sessions, small group focussed sessions and through self-directed free choice activities. There is a shared area where the children are taken on a rota basis. They can choose from exploratory activities, creative activities, outside activities and role-play.  All of the activities will be based on a learning theme, which the children will be able to access and learn through play in a secure but challenging environment with effective adult support.

Through play, the children can:

• Explore, develop and represent learning experiences that help them to make sense of the world;
• Practise and build up ideas, concepts and skills;
• Learn how to understand the need for rules;
• Take risks and make mistakes;
• Think creatively and imaginatively; and

Communicate with others as they investigate or solve problems.

Timings

9.00am – 3.20pm

There is always a member of staff on the door in the mornings to greet the children who can also record and take messages to your child’s class teacher. Appointments can be made to see your child’s class teacher through the office or teachers are available more informally after school.

Snack Time

• During each morning we have snacks when the children are given milk or water.
• A snack of fresh fruit will be provided during the sessions. Please let us know if your child is not allowed to eat certain foods.

• Please inform us of any change of address or contact numbers so that we can get in touch with you if your child becomes unwell.
• If your child is absent please contact the absence line on  0121 464 9956.
• If your child has German measles / Smacked cheek, please contact us immediately so that we can inform parents in case of anyone being in the early stages of pregnancy.
• If your child has had sickness or diarrhoea please keep them at home for 48 hours.
• A holiday list will be given to you when your child enters nursery. Please inform us if your child is going on holiday during term time.

Clothing and other personal items

• Please arrange for your child to be sensibly and comfortably dressed in clothes that they can cope with when going to the toilet, playing in the water or changing for outdoor play. It is important that they are able to develop independence.
• Ensure that your child’s coat, hat etc. are named and that they do bring a coat to nursery as we have outside activities. If possible, avoid coats that have loose cords, which can be dangerous if caught in equipment.
• Please provide sensible shoes.
• We discourage jewellery as it can get caught or lost.
• Every child will have his or her own coat peg with name and picture.
• If your child has an ‘accident’ in nursery, we will change them and try to provide clean clothes. Please return nursery clothes (cleaned) as soon as possible as supplies are limited.

Snack Time

• During each session, we have snacks when the children are given milk or water.
• A snack of fresh fruit will be provided during the sessions. Please let us know if your child is not allowed to eat certain foods.

Nursery Fund

• We ask for a voluntary contribution of £1.00 per half term for School fund in order to buy extra supplies, e.g. for baking.

Nursery Library

• Children are encouraged to borrow a book from our nursery library. These are changed each week.

• Access to the nursery is by the gate on Poplar Road.
• Children must be brought and collected by a person over the age of 18 years.
• At the beginning of the session, please bring your child into nursery. Help them to find their names by their pegs and hang their coats up. Please make sure you take them to their teaching room.
• If you need to collect your child early, or if you arrive late, please ring the doorbell.
• Please tell us if someone different will be collecting your child or if you are going to be late for any reason. Also, let us know if you need to collect your child early.
• We would be grateful if you would ensure that your child is collected on time at the end of each session, as children can get upset if they are always left until last.