Esk / Nidd Class

Welcome to the EYFS Unit at Brotherton & Byram CP Academy!

Teams Esk & Nidd

A very warm welcome…

Dear Parent/Carer,

Starting school is an exciting and busy time for all young children. At Brotherton & Byram CP Academy, our busy Early Years unit is made up of two classes; Teams Esk and Nidd. We take great care to ensure that all our children thrive in our stimulating hands-on learning environment and that every individual pupil is supported to achieve their full potential. Please take the time to read the key information below; if you are interested in finding out more about our unit please do not hesitate to arrange a visit with the school office. We pride ourselves on developing close working partnerships with all of our families to give your child the best possible start at school and look forward to welcoming your child into our community in the near future.

Best wishes,

Mr Ben Greene

EYFS Teacher

Useful information

Head Teacher: Mr Greene

EYFS Teacher : Miss Gill / Mrs Robertson

Assistant Teacher: Miss Kirsty Dickinson

Assistant Teacher: Mrs Helen Bryan

Assistant Teacher: Miss Hannah Bird

The Foundation Class is made up of:

Foundation Class hours:

It is important that your child arrives on time at the beginning of the session so that they can make full opportunity of the foundation provision.  All the children begin to get ready to go home about ten minutes before the end of the session so that they are ready for you to collect them. Please be prompt for lunch-time sessions.

Helping your child to prepare for the Foundation Class

• Encourage independence when using the toilet, washing hands, getting dressed and in using a handkerchief.
• Find opportunities for your child to mix with other children.
• Share simple household tasks with your child e.g. setting the table, sorting laundry, making shopping lists, etc.
• At every opportunity, talk with your child, answering questions and listening to what your child has to say.
• Enjoy quality time singing nursery rhymes together.
• Set aside a short time each day to share a story with your child.
• Find time to play with your child, e.g. building with Lego, doing jigsaws puzzles, dressing dolls etc…
• Encourage your child to use pencils and crayons.  What may look like scribble to you is an important part of the development of drawing and writing.

What we can do to help

The Foundation staff will help in every way we can.  We will observe your child closely during the first few weeks and throughout their time in the Foundation Class. We will watch who they play with, what their interests are and to see if they have any worries.  During their time in Foundation their progress will be recorded in an individual profile. The Foundation staff will work with your child encouraging independence and supporting their learning.

Towards the end of the first term the Foundation staff will have completed an informal assessment of your child’s development using the Early Years Foundation Stage guidelines.

Your child’s profile is available for you to see at any time and add comments to, please log onto Tapestry online to see your child’s progress.  The children all enjoy sharing their special work with you, so please feel free to do this with your child. You are always welcome to discuss any concerns you may have at any time. Please add your own observations from home as well to add to their profile; we welcome the chance to share learning from home in our setting.

Helping to settle your child

Your child will be excited about starting school but when he/she starts he/she may find some things difficult.

• Mixing with other children is not easy.
• Using a different toilet may cause a child to worry.
• They may find it difficult to leave you.
• He/she may be happy to leave you at first, but then later want you to stay.

What you can do to help

• Help your child to understand that he/she will go to school every day (sometimes they think that the experience ends after the first day).
• Talk with your child about the activities they will be able to enjoy at school.
• After your visit you will be able to talk about what you have seen and what the other children were doing.
• Even if you are worried about your child settling happily, try to keep these worries to yourself. Make it clear that you are sure they will enjoy him/herself.
• Talk to your child about what you will do in the time that you leave him/her and later collect them from school.  They will be reassured to know that you are shopping or making beds.
• Always collect your child in good time, they will be waiting for you.

Some questions you may have

What should your child wear?

School uniform is encouraged throughout the school.  It is important at this age to send your child in appropriate suitable clothing that they can manage independently.  As we encourage increasing independence, clothing which is easily manageable when going to the toilet and shoes that they can put on easily and fasten which are suitable for outdoor active play are best.

We do provide aprons for messy activities, but little accidents are unavoidable when children are learning to do things for themselves.  Please make sure your child has a spare change of clothing that is clearly labelled with their name. This can be kept in a suitable school bag (please no plastic bags).

What do I do if my child is ill?

Children enjoy school so much that parents often say their child wants to come when they are clearly not well.  If your child is unwell, but asks to come to school, please say NO, as it is unfair to pass on coughs, colds and upset tummies, etc., to everyone else.  Please contact the school to inform the Foundation staff of their absence.

Please leave an alternative telephone number, as well as the home number (e.g. a grandparent or other relative) in case we need to contact you in an emergency.  Please tell us if your child has any medical problems that may affect him/her in school.

If you are unsure about whether or not to send your child, bring him/her and if we think they are not fit to be in school we will contact you.

Collecting your child

Please inform staff if you plan to not collect your child and have made alternative arrangements.  Staff need to know who your child is going home with.

Daily snack

Your child will have the opportunity to have milk or water with fruit as a snack throughout their session.

School Behaviour Policy

The class rules are frequently discussed with the children and especially following an incident of either good or inappropriate behaviour.

Children are awarded a marble in the jar for Wow and Good behaviour and move their name is displayed in the classroom.  Wow behaviour is rewarded with a visit to the treasure box.

If your child does come home talking about their marble or Wow behaviour, be sure to ask them why it was awarded and praise their efforts!

What will your child learn?

The foundation class follows the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and is set out in carefully chosen areas to encourage children to choose, plan and develop their own activities.  The staff work alongside the children, talking to them, listening to what they have to say, asking questions and making suggestions which will help to extend their learning.

These areas are the foundations for ALL later learning in Numeracy, Literacy, Art, Music, PE, Humanities and Science.

Spanish

Children will be introduced to the Spanish language including basic greetings, numbers to 10 and colours. They learn through lots of games, songs and stories. They also practice other vocabulary such as food, actions and animals to learn how to listen, repeat and practice words in a new language. 

Some of our favourite songs include: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OonqrUZCef4&list=PLHQgDiYoZe3k_VIINX2X91aXtqJm6b38B&index=5&t=1s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srAVqewVajo&list=PLHQgDiYoZe3k_VIINX2X91aXtqJm6b38B&index=7

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjy6FVNwCdU&list=PLHQgDiYoZe3k_VIINX2X91aXtqJm6b38B&index=8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0JXO3ILl00&list=PLHQgDiYoZe3k_VIINX2X91aXtqJm6b38B&index=18

Hola song backing track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70eCHHov6UA&list=PLHQgDiYoZe3k_VIINX2X91aXtqJm6b38B&index=11

What do you need to bring to school?

Each day your child will need to bring a school bag in which to carry home school newsletters, paintings etc.

Please include a spare change of clothing.  This is a good routine to foster from day one as your child will certainly need a school bag later in the main school.

What more can we do to help?

Please let us know if you have any worries about your child.  The best time for an informal chat is at the end of a session rather than at the beginning.  We want to work closely with you in the best interests of your child. We look forward to getting to know you.

How you can help us

If you would like to come in and help at school you are very welcome.  This also includes grandparents/relatives. Please let us know if you are interested.  There are all sorts of jobs you can help with (baking, sewing, painting activities) and any help is very much appreciated.