STARTING NURSERY SEPTEMBER 2021
(scroll down for starting Reception presentation)
Thank you to all the families who were able to join us for our 'Welcome to Nursery' virtual meeting on Wednesday 30th June. It was lovely to see so many of you, albeit on screen! For those of you who may have been unable to attend, or who would like to revisit our presentation, please find a copy below for information:
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Nursery Questions
During our presentation, we welcomed questions and have collated these below along with our answers - should you have any additional questions please do not hesitate to make contact with us via the school office on 0208 399 3341 or office@maple.rbksch.org :
If my child cannot attend on the 19th July to collect their transition bag and meet Mrs Miller, can a parent or other family member still attend?
Yes - absolutely! And if no-one can attend, please contact the school office to organise an alternative date to collect their bag from us (but please note that Mrs Miller will not necessarily be available to meet you)
Do you follow a Reggio or Montessori approach?
As a community infant school nursery, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework, which has been updated for 2021 onwards. We do not follow a Reggio or Montessori approach, but our provision does reflect current research and understanding on how children learn best. If you'd like more information on the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework, this can be found published online.
How do you support children who do not speak English as their first language in nursery?
We are very experienced in supporting children who are new to English - indeed, over 50% of the children in our school speak English as a second or even third language! We find that the immersion into a very language rich and play based environment, supports children to gain in confidence and understanding, learning from other children but also being well supported by adults who are skilled in tailoring activities to meet individual children's needs.
How many children are in each nursery class?
There is a maximum of 26 children per morning and afternoon session, with 2 adults (including Mrs Miller who is a qualified teacher).
What do you do in the case of a medical emergency or if first aid needs to be given?
We have a number of paediatric first aid trained members of staff that are always on site. In the event that first aid needs to be given, they will lead your child's care and record this for you on a slip that will be sent home with your child. In the event of an emergency that requires medical attention beyond that of our first aiders, we will call an ambulance and you, with a member of staff staying with your child, including escorting them to hospital, until you arrive. If your child needs any medication to be given on a regular basis or needs access to this in an emergency e.g. an asthma inhaler or EpiPen, please let the school office know so that a care plan can be written in conjunction with you. If your child is prescribed medication for a short period e.g. antibiotics, most parents find that they are able to adjust the timings that this is given at home to fit around their child's nursery session.
My child is currently being potty trained - do they need to bring a potty with them?
If your child is ready to be potty trained then we will work with you to support them in this process. Between now and the start of nursery, families often find that children make progress in this area and you will be able to share information about this at your virtual home visits in September which will be held via Google Meet. The toilets in our nursery are child sized and do not require a step for most children to access and our staff will support the children in using these - you will not need to bring a potty for your child.
Will there be a daily briefing of my child's time in nursery each session?
Whilst there will always be as short amount of time each day to ensure essential messages are passed on to you, there will not be a daily briefing for every child. What we do ensure is that you receive a weekly class learning letter each Friday, which outlines to you the learning taking place in the following week. You will be offered a formal consultation meeting with the teacher in the autumn and spring term, and receive an end of year report in the summer term. Our staff are always able to schedule additional telephone calls, emails or face to face meetings (subject to COVID restrictions being lifted) should you require it.
If my child cannot attend on the 19th July to collect their transition bag and meet Mrs Miller, can a parent or other family member still attend?
Yes - absolutely! And if no-one can attend, please contact the school office to organise an alternative date to collect their bag from us (but please note that Mrs Miller will not necessarily be available to meet you)
Do you follow a Reggio or Montessori approach?
As a community infant school nursery, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework, which has been updated for 2021 onwards. We do not follow a Reggio or Montessori approach, but our provision does reflect current research and understanding on how children learn best. If you'd like more information on the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework, this can be found published online.
How do you support children who do not speak English as their first language in nursery?
We are very experienced in supporting children who are new to English - indeed, over 50% of the children in our school speak English as a second or even third language! We find that the immersion into a very language rich and play based environment, supports children to gain in confidence and understanding, learning from other children but also being well supported by adults who are skilled in tailoring activities to meet individual children's needs.
How many children are in each nursery class?
There is a maximum of 26 children per morning and afternoon session, with 2 adults (including Mrs Miller who is a qualified teacher).
What do you do in the case of a medical emergency or if first aid needs to be given?
We have a number of paediatric first aid trained members of staff that are always on site. In the event that first aid needs to be given, they will lead your child's care and record this for you on a slip that will be sent home with your child. In the event of an emergency that requires medical attention beyond that of our first aiders, we will call an ambulance and you, with a member of staff staying with your child, including escorting them to hospital, until you arrive. If your child needs any medication to be given on a regular basis or needs access to this in an emergency e.g. an asthma inhaler or EpiPen, please let the school office know so that a care plan can be written in conjunction with you. If your child is prescribed medication for a short period e.g. antibiotics, most parents find that they are able to adjust the timings that this is given at home to fit around their child's nursery session.
My child is currently being potty trained - do they need to bring a potty with them?
If your child is ready to be potty trained then we will work with you to support them in this process. Between now and the start of nursery, families often find that children make progress in this area and you will be able to share information about this at your virtual home visits in September which will be held via Google Meet. The toilets in our nursery are child sized and do not require a step for most children to access and our staff will support the children in using these - you will not need to bring a potty for your child.
Will there be a daily briefing of my child's time in nursery each session?
Whilst there will always be as short amount of time each day to ensure essential messages are passed on to you, there will not be a daily briefing for every child. What we do ensure is that you receive a weekly class learning letter each Friday, which outlines to you the learning taking place in the following week. You will be offered a formal consultation meeting with the teacher in the autumn and spring term, and receive an end of year report in the summer term. Our staff are always able to schedule additional telephone calls, emails or face to face meetings (subject to COVID restrictions being lifted) should you require it.
STARTING RECEPTION SEPTEMBER 2021
Thank you to all the families who were able to join us for our 'Welcome to Reception' virtual meeting on Wednesday 30th June. It was lovely to see so many of you, albeit on screen! For those of you who may have been unable to attend, or who would like to revisit our presentation, please find a copy below for information:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reception Questions
During our presentation, we welcomed questions and have collated these below along with our answers - should you have any additional questions please do not hesitate to make contact with us via the school office on 0208 399 3341 or office@maple.rbksch.org :
Are the stay and play sessions for Reception happening next week?
Due to the changes in the government's easing of COVID restrictions and these not lifting until after the 19th July, we are unable to hold the stay and play events as planned. However, as very solution focused school we have come up with an alternative! You will shortly receive information about visiting the school in smaller groups, where you will have the opportunity alongside your child to meet their teacher in our school garden and receive a transition bag of goodies for the summer break.
When should we bring in our child's birth certificate or other completed forms?
These can be brought along to the visit to collect your child's transition bag - if you are unable to attend this session, please contact the school office to arrange an alternative time.
After a staggered entry for groups of children in the first few weeks of September, will all the children be in full-time from the 17th?
Yes
Is the staggered entry in September due to COVID reasons?
No - we have always had a staggered start for new Reception children in September and our current timings have been the same for the last few years. By asking smaller groups of children to attend in the first few weeks, both the children and the staff are able to benefit from the opportunity to really get to know one another and the daily routines, before all 30 children come together.
I haven't received details of the class my child is in yet - how do I find this out?
We sent emails and/or letters to all of our families in the week beginning the 28th June - if you have not received this information please do contact the school office who will be able to assist you.
Will there be any after school clubs my child can attend from September?
Since March 2020 we have needed to put all after school clubs on hold due to COVID restrictions. We are awaiting updated guidance from the Department of Education (DfE) and Public Health so that we can risk assess how we reinstate after school clubs. Once this has taken place and we have consulted with our after school club providers, we will share this information with you.
We're not able to attend in July for the collection of my child's transition bag and for them to meet the teacher - can I reschedule this?
Please contact the school office to rearrange a collection time - please be aware that your child's class teacher may not necessarily be available when you collect the bag and that the school is closed for the summer break from the 22nd July.
Does any learning take place outside or off-site?
Yes - we love learning outdoors and taking our children out into the local area. The Reception children have daily free flow access to a purpose built outdoor classroom and provision. We go outside all year round so we ask that your child has clothing suitable for the this - a sun hat, a winter hat, raincoat or wellington boots depending on the weather! However, due to COVID restrictions, taking children offsite and into our local area has not been possible this year and we are awaiting updated guidance from the DfE and Public Health before we can risk assess how this can be planned for the coming year. As soon as it is safe to do, we'll be back out visiting local parks and gardens and taking the children further afield for class outings which support their learning in school!
When can I collect my child's chair bag that I have ordered?
These will be in your child's class on their first day in September (if they have been ordered via ParentMail in advance), ready for them to bring home for labelling and decoration, should you wish.
Can I contribute to your after school club survey?
We recently held a parent survey asking both existing and prospective parents about their views on after school club provision - this survey was well responded to and is now closed. The school are considering all the feedback received so that we can plan our provision for next year, alongside updates from the DfE and Public Health related to COVID guidance.
Do you have a breakfast club?
We do not currently have breakfast club provision on-site, but historically Maple Infants' children have been welcome to attend the breakfast club at our adjoining partner school, St Andrews' and St Marks' Junior School.
Where can I buy my child's school uniform?
Information about our school uniform can be found in your information pack which was posted to you recently. Branded uniform (polo shirt, cardigan, sweatshirt, PE t-shirt, book bag, PE bag and summer/winter hats) can be purchased from PMG Schoolwear in Chessington. There contact details can be found at www.pmgschoolwear.co.uk. Non-branded school uniform (including skirts, dresses, trousers, shorts as well as the other items listed above without the school logo) can be purchased from many high street stores including Matalan, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Marks & Spencer, John Lewis etc. School shoes must be black and have closed toe (no sandals please) - velcro or buckle fastenings that your child can manage themselves are recommended, with laces only if your child is able to tie them independently, thank you. PLEASE REMEMEBR TO LABEL ALL CLOTHING CLEARLY WITH YOUR CHILD'S NAME!
Does my child need to bring their own pencils or crayons etc?
Your child does not need to bring any stationary items - everything they need is provided in the classroom!
What are the lunch arrangements for September?
We have a new caterer from September - Caterlink. Details of their school meals offer will be sent to you shortly once we receive them. Caterlink will be able to discuss any dietary requirements your child may have prior to them joining in September. Currently, children have their meals cooked on site and eat them in their classrooms, as part of our COVID safe arrangements. Infant aged children are entitled to a free school meal so there is no cost to parents for these. If you prefer your child to have a packed lunch from home then this is also possible. We are hoping that once COVID restrictions are lifted, the children will be able to eat their lunches in our school hall, supported by our team of school meal supervisors.
When should I hand in the My Unique Child booklet?
You are welcome to bring the My Unique Child booklet to your child's visit to collect their transition bag in July or organise drop-off at the school office at an alternative time before they join us in September. If you have already completed a booklet for your child in nursery, we do welcome an updated version for Reception - thank you.
What are the arrangements for PE in Reception?
The Early Years Foundation Stage Framework places a strong focus on your child's physical development. As such, they will have access to outdoor play and physical activities every day, alongside designated PE sessions in the week. PE sessions cover a range of sporting activities including gymnastics, dance, yoga, hockey, tennis, football and parachute games, to name just a few! An important part of the PE session is your child also learning to get changed into and out of their PE kit as independently as possible, which is something you may wish to practice over the summer!
Are the stay and play sessions for Reception happening next week?
Due to the changes in the government's easing of COVID restrictions and these not lifting until after the 19th July, we are unable to hold the stay and play events as planned. However, as very solution focused school we have come up with an alternative! You will shortly receive information about visiting the school in smaller groups, where you will have the opportunity alongside your child to meet their teacher in our school garden and receive a transition bag of goodies for the summer break.
When should we bring in our child's birth certificate or other completed forms?
These can be brought along to the visit to collect your child's transition bag - if you are unable to attend this session, please contact the school office to arrange an alternative time.
After a staggered entry for groups of children in the first few weeks of September, will all the children be in full-time from the 17th?
Yes
Is the staggered entry in September due to COVID reasons?
No - we have always had a staggered start for new Reception children in September and our current timings have been the same for the last few years. By asking smaller groups of children to attend in the first few weeks, both the children and the staff are able to benefit from the opportunity to really get to know one another and the daily routines, before all 30 children come together.
I haven't received details of the class my child is in yet - how do I find this out?
We sent emails and/or letters to all of our families in the week beginning the 28th June - if you have not received this information please do contact the school office who will be able to assist you.
Will there be any after school clubs my child can attend from September?
Since March 2020 we have needed to put all after school clubs on hold due to COVID restrictions. We are awaiting updated guidance from the Department of Education (DfE) and Public Health so that we can risk assess how we reinstate after school clubs. Once this has taken place and we have consulted with our after school club providers, we will share this information with you.
We're not able to attend in July for the collection of my child's transition bag and for them to meet the teacher - can I reschedule this?
Please contact the school office to rearrange a collection time - please be aware that your child's class teacher may not necessarily be available when you collect the bag and that the school is closed for the summer break from the 22nd July.
Does any learning take place outside or off-site?
Yes - we love learning outdoors and taking our children out into the local area. The Reception children have daily free flow access to a purpose built outdoor classroom and provision. We go outside all year round so we ask that your child has clothing suitable for the this - a sun hat, a winter hat, raincoat or wellington boots depending on the weather! However, due to COVID restrictions, taking children offsite and into our local area has not been possible this year and we are awaiting updated guidance from the DfE and Public Health before we can risk assess how this can be planned for the coming year. As soon as it is safe to do, we'll be back out visiting local parks and gardens and taking the children further afield for class outings which support their learning in school!
When can I collect my child's chair bag that I have ordered?
These will be in your child's class on their first day in September (if they have been ordered via ParentMail in advance), ready for them to bring home for labelling and decoration, should you wish.
Can I contribute to your after school club survey?
We recently held a parent survey asking both existing and prospective parents about their views on after school club provision - this survey was well responded to and is now closed. The school are considering all the feedback received so that we can plan our provision for next year, alongside updates from the DfE and Public Health related to COVID guidance.
Do you have a breakfast club?
We do not currently have breakfast club provision on-site, but historically Maple Infants' children have been welcome to attend the breakfast club at our adjoining partner school, St Andrews' and St Marks' Junior School.
Where can I buy my child's school uniform?
Information about our school uniform can be found in your information pack which was posted to you recently. Branded uniform (polo shirt, cardigan, sweatshirt, PE t-shirt, book bag, PE bag and summer/winter hats) can be purchased from PMG Schoolwear in Chessington. There contact details can be found at www.pmgschoolwear.co.uk. Non-branded school uniform (including skirts, dresses, trousers, shorts as well as the other items listed above without the school logo) can be purchased from many high street stores including Matalan, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Marks & Spencer, John Lewis etc. School shoes must be black and have closed toe (no sandals please) - velcro or buckle fastenings that your child can manage themselves are recommended, with laces only if your child is able to tie them independently, thank you. PLEASE REMEMEBR TO LABEL ALL CLOTHING CLEARLY WITH YOUR CHILD'S NAME!
Does my child need to bring their own pencils or crayons etc?
Your child does not need to bring any stationary items - everything they need is provided in the classroom!
What are the lunch arrangements for September?
We have a new caterer from September - Caterlink. Details of their school meals offer will be sent to you shortly once we receive them. Caterlink will be able to discuss any dietary requirements your child may have prior to them joining in September. Currently, children have their meals cooked on site and eat them in their classrooms, as part of our COVID safe arrangements. Infant aged children are entitled to a free school meal so there is no cost to parents for these. If you prefer your child to have a packed lunch from home then this is also possible. We are hoping that once COVID restrictions are lifted, the children will be able to eat their lunches in our school hall, supported by our team of school meal supervisors.
When should I hand in the My Unique Child booklet?
You are welcome to bring the My Unique Child booklet to your child's visit to collect their transition bag in July or organise drop-off at the school office at an alternative time before they join us in September. If you have already completed a booklet for your child in nursery, we do welcome an updated version for Reception - thank you.
What are the arrangements for PE in Reception?
The Early Years Foundation Stage Framework places a strong focus on your child's physical development. As such, they will have access to outdoor play and physical activities every day, alongside designated PE sessions in the week. PE sessions cover a range of sporting activities including gymnastics, dance, yoga, hockey, tennis, football and parachute games, to name just a few! An important part of the PE session is your child also learning to get changed into and out of their PE kit as independently as possible, which is something you may wish to practice over the summer!
