The Early Years Team

         Mrs Webb                   Mrs DeLuca-Smith                        Miss Gladman

         Class teacher            Teaching assistant/PPA cover               Teaching assistant

Welcome to Early Years! We are really excited to be part of your child's first experience of school and aim to give them the best possible start to their educational journey. We plan exciting themes linked to their interests to engage children in their learning and we observe them in their child-initiated play, focusing on what they can do and how we can support them to move forward in their learning. We believe that communication between school and home is key to helping us get to know your children as quickly as possible. We look forward to working with you.

Transition into School

A positive transition into school life for your child is really important. We want your child to form strong and supportive relationships quickly.  When they start school we stagger the transition over 2 weeks; splitting the children into two small groups and slowly building up their time spent at school. If your child appears unsettled please communicate with the Early Years team and we will keep a close eye on your child and give them any extra reassurance they need. 

Tapestry – Online Learning Journal

In Early Years we use an online learning journal called Tapestry. The Early Years team add observations, photos and videos of your child’s learning for you to see. These observations show the learning journey and progress of your child. It is also an effective tool for communicating regularly with you about your child’s learning. You can regularly keep up to date on your child’s learning and even write your own comments or add your own observations. Once your child has settled we arrange a meeting where Phonics and Tapestry are explained to you in a bit more detail.

Please return your Tapestry form to the office if you haven't had a chance to do so yet. 

Physical Education

As part of our curriculum we participate in Physical Education, from basic motor skills to dance.  PE days will be Mondays and Thursdays beginning Monday 25th September.

PPA Cover

In Early Years we have an experienced Early Years Higher Level Teaching Assistant, Mrs DeLuca-Smith, who covers Mrs Webb's PPA (Planning, Preparation and Assessment) time. This will be on Friday mornings. When Mrs De Luca- Smith isn't in classMs Gladman will be joining us. This will be Wednesday and Thursday mornings, and all day on a Friday.

Snack Time

In Early Years we gather together to enjoy our morning snack. We take this time to share stories linked to our learning, to sing, make bonds with our friends. You can provide your child with a healthy snack from home. We do also have free seasonal school snack that changes daily. If you have also signed up to have milk your child will receive this in our morning snack time.

Reading

As a gift from the Parents of English Martyrs each child will receive their own school book bag. In this book bag all your child will need is their snack, water bottle and school books. Once your child has settled at school they will begin to bring home books to share and enjoy with you. We encourage reading to be a fun and enjoyable experience and recommend reading with your child preferably daily, or as frequently as you possibly can. If you are unsure on how best to read with your child then watch the handy videos in the phonic section or ask the Early Years team for some support. Your child’s books will be changed weekly.

A final reminder please name all belongings! As a team we try our best to support your child in looking after their belongings, however if they are not named it can make the task very challenging. Please also remember in Early Years we have the outdoor area open in all weathers so please make sure your child has the appropriate footwear and clothing. We provide a welly rack for our class to use and leave their wellies on all year round. Most the children cannot resist the urge to explore the rain (or snow, if we are lucky enough to have it again).

What an exciting time for you all, as your child’s new learning adventure begins! We are delighted to be part of this journey with you.

Mrs Webb