Welcome to Chandlers Field School
Welcome to our school.
The purpose of this presentation is to provide you with introductory information about some of the Reception routines, our curriculum and how we
approach Maths No Problem, Talk for Writing and Reading. As well as some ways you can help your child
to prepare for school.
Firstly you’ll be keen to know who the class teachers are…
Meet the team
Assistant Head Teacher and Dragonflies class teacher: Mrs Linnegar
Bumblebees class teachers: Mrs Starkey (3 days) and Miss Mellou (2 days)
Curriculum
We follow the National Curriculum in an exciting, innovative and creative way.
You will receive further information about the curriculum via our weekly blogs and website as well as stay and learn sessions when we are able to run these
safely.
You will have access to Tapestry, our on-line learning journals as the children work towards achieving the
Early Learning Goals.
Our innovative way to learn MathsMaths No Problem
Maths No Problem focuses on the use of concrete resources, moving on to children recording their own ideas and applying their knowledge independently. It
is play-based, child centered maths learning, and covers the development of early mathematical
concepts and ideas needed in early years maths.
Reading and Phonics
Once settled, the children will bring a new book home twice a week. Reading books are expected to be read
at home every night and records to be signed daily too as this ensures that the children get enough time to
practise and consolidate their phonics learning.
We use a phonics scheme called Sounds~Write. We regularly share the sounds that we are learning on Tapestry and will run phonics sessions for parents
again when it is safe to do so.
Handwriting
Children have the opportunity for many practical activities to build up their muscles and skills for
writing. They will be gradually introduced to formal letter formation through Sounds~Write phonics and a
handwriting scheme called PenPals.
Our innovative way to learn writingTalk for Writing
As part of our literacy, we deliver exciting and engaging Talk 4 Writing sessions which give an
introduction to writing (through the imitation stage). This is always supported visually by a hook. eg
spaceships landing in the playground, and a story or text map.
In this way, the children hear the text and language used, say it for themselves and enjoy it before seeing
it written down. We focus on the language of the text and the children being able to retell it once familiar with it before then
going on to develop the children’s independent writing skills.
The innovation stage of Talk for WritingWe enhance the text map together. Children share
their own ideas to make changes to the story and we develop vocabulary. The children use their knowledge
of stories and create a new story.
Independent application of Talk for WritingOur aim is to have a cohort of confident, articulate
learners.Children develop their writing independently with lots
of opportunities to develop their strengths and improve with support.
Reception Routines (You will receive a parentmail on any changes due to
Covid updates from the DfE)
Start of the day:Children may arrive from 8.45am. Parents will bring
their children to the green fence at the front of Reception and children will enter through the gate. The teachers will be excitedly waiting to meet the
children and we ask that parents allow their children to enter the building independently where possible.
End of the day:School finishes at 3.15pm and children will be
released one at a time to parents who wait outside of the green fence.
Lunchtimes
All children in Reception receive a universal free school meal. They can choose what they would like for
lunch from a choice of 3 options and the menu is shared at the start of the school year. For the first few
weeks of term, Reception staff spend part of lunch time with the children to encourage eating and help with cutting food when required. There will also be
lunchtime staff to help the children. We are always amazed at how quickly the children
build independence in the lunch hall.
Communication between home and school
Your first point of contact should always be the class teacher but the morning is a busy time. So do feel free
to make an appointment, call the office, or leave a note for the teacher to follow up.
If someone else is collecting your child please let us know.
Remember if your child is absent for any reason please phone the school on the day of absence.
Uniform
Please name all clothing and shoes. Each child has a hook in the cloakroom and hanging loops work best
on these.
It is helpful if shoes and trainers are velcro fastening or slip on as children are expected to change them
themselves. Elasticated waists on trousers and skirts are really useful for the children to gain more
independence.
On the day that your child has PE they will be expected to come into school wearing their PE kit.
Preparing for School
The most useful skills that children need to learn in preparation for school are self-care, social skills and positivity about this wonderful school
adventure. Between now and September, it would be helpful for the children to work
on the following skills at home:Pack their school bag, hang their bag and coat up, put on their coat, uniform and shoes all by themselves, independently manage zips and buttons, to be able to feed themselves independently and have table manners, to tidy up
after themselves, to independently manage toileting and hygiene, develop correct pencil grip and strengthen their muscles in preparation for
writing (threading, scissors, pegs and mark making)
Communication skills are also key. Encourage your child to communicate their needs : for example: if he/she needs help with opening their lid on a lunchbox, explain that we all need to ask for help, encourage your child to
use their words to explain how they feel.
Thank youWe hope this has provided you with more
information.
If you have further questions please do not hesitate to contact us and we will endeavour to answer your
questions as soon as possible [email protected]