BCB EYFS Parent Handbook 17/18 (5 SEP 2017)

EYFS​ ​Parent​ ​Handbook

Table​ ​of​ ​Contents Welcome​ ​from​ ​the​ ​Headmaster

2

Mission​ ​Statement​ ​and​ ​Aims

3

School​ ​House​ ​system

4

School​ ​Hours

4

Arrival​ ​and​ ​Departure​ ​Procedures

5

School​ ​Uniform

6

Standards​ ​of​ ​Behaviour

7

Foundation​ ​Stage​ ​Behaviour​ ​Management

8

Bus​ ​Policy

9

Health

9

Attendance

10

Common​ ​Language​ ​Policy

11

Extended​ ​Curriculum

11

Home/School​ ​Communication

12

The​ ​Events​ ​and​ ​Fundraising​ ​Group

13

School​ ​Lunches​ ​and​ ​Snacks

15

Early​ ​Years​ ​Curriculum

15

Assessment​ ​in​ ​Early​ ​Years

18

How​ ​to​ ​Support​ ​your​ ​Child​ ​at​ ​Home

18

Role​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Parent

21

Birthdays​ ​Policy

21

School​ ​Complaints​ ​Procedure

22

In​ ​Summary

23

1

Welcome​ ​from​ ​the​ ​Headmaster

Dear​ ​Parents,

It is our pleasure to welcome you to The British College of Brazil (BCB). We extend a very warm welcome to you all to our school. We are proud to be here in Sao Paulo as a British school that is wholly UK owned, and that thoroughly follows the English National Curriculum. We are looking forward to providing your child with an outstanding educational experience. We strive to build on our reputation of excellence as we seek to meet the needs of all children enrolled in our school. Our staff members are enthusiastic and passionate about teaching and bring a wealth​ ​of​ ​experience​ ​and​ ​expertise.

At The British College of Brazil we have created a stimulating, safe and positive learning environment, with high expectations of achievement and behaviour. We are committed to making the curriculum accessible to all children by utilising a range of teaching styles and state of the art technology, which will motivate our students to develop independent, lifelong learning skills.

We hope that you find this handbook useful and look forward to working closely with you to ensure​ ​the​ ​success​ ​of​ ​BCB​ ​and​ ​our​ ​pupils.

Yours​ ​sincerely,

Duncan​ ​Rose Headmaster

2

Mission​ ​Statement​ ​and​ ​Aims

Our​ ​Mission

​ t The British College of Brazil, we value our reputation for providing a British education of the A highest quality within an international context. We believe that every child matters. All gifts and talents are recognised and nurtured so that pupils are prepared to become responsible, caring, active​ ​members​ ​of​ ​a​ ​global​ ​community​ ​in​ ​the​ ​twenty-first​ ​century.

School​ ​Aims

Philosophy To ensure that all those who participate in the life of our school leave us as better, more able, more​ ​responsible​ ​and​ ​more​ ​confident​ ​individuals.

Governance To provide the highest quality of education to our students, where the long-term development and​ ​reputation​ ​of​ ​the​ ​organisation​ ​are​ ​safeguarded.

Personal​ ​Development To encourage students to explore the extent of their intellectual and physical abilities, helping them​ ​to​ ​fulfil​ ​their​ ​maximum​ ​potential.

Values To​ ​uphold​ ​values​ ​of​ ​honesty,​ ​integrity​ ​and​ ​respect​ ​for​ ​others.

Environment To provide a vibrant, happy and secure environment that is conducive to the development of our​ ​students.

Staff To ensure the school recruits and retains high calibre professionals who are worthy of the responsibility​ ​entrusted​ ​upon​ ​us.

Social​ ​Responsibility To ensure our organisation and its members are involved in promoting the general good within our​ ​community.

3

School​ ​House​ ​system

On entry to the school, each student will be allocated a ‘House’. Members of the same family being placed in the same house. We always seek a balance of male and female students in each one. The whole school is involved in the ​merit system and each teacher and teaching assistant​ ​will​ ​be​ ​part​ ​of​ ​a​ ​house.​ ​The​ ​house​ ​names​ ​and​ ​colours​ ​are​ ​as​ ​follows:

School​ ​Hours Times

Primary

7:30am

Gate​ ​open​ ​-​ ​children​ ​may​ ​arrive​ ​at​ ​school​ ​at​ ​this​ ​time

7:50am

Registration

8:00-​ ​10:00am

Lessons

9:50​ ​–​ ​10:30am

Morning​ ​Breaks​ ​(KS1​ ​9:50​ ​–​ ​10:10​ ​KS2​ ​10:10​ ​-​ ​10:30)

10:30​ ​–​ ​12:00pm

Lessons

11:20​ ​–​ ​1:00pm

Children’s​ ​Lunch​ ​Break​ ​(FS​ ​stage​ ​will​ ​begin​ ​earlier) KS1:​ ​11:20​ ​–​ ​12:20 Yr​ ​3​ ​+​ ​4:​ ​11:40​ ​–​ ​12:40pm Yr​ ​5​ ​+​ ​6:​ ​12:00pm​ ​-​ ​1:00pm

12:20​ ​–​ ​2:30pm

Lessons

2:10​ ​–​ ​2:30pm

Afternoon​ ​Break​ ​for​ ​KS1​ ​only

2:40​ ​–​ ​3:30pm

Extended​ ​Curriculum

3:30pm

End​ ​of​ ​Day​ ​for​ ​children

4

Arrival​ ​and​ ​Departure​ ​Procedures

Pupils should not arrive before 7:30 am. This is to ensure that teachers have sufficient planning, meeting and preparation time at the beginning of the school day. All students should be in school​ ​for​ ​7:50am​ ​ready​ ​for​ ​registration​ ​at​ ​the​ ​start​ ​of​ ​the​ ​school​ ​day.

At the beginning of each day, please ensure that a teacher, teaching assistant or the bus monitor receives your child (whichever is appropriate). Children should not be left alone for school to start. It will help the morning routine enormously if parents do not enter the school building​ ​unless​ ​there​ ​is​ ​a​ ​specific​ ​reason​ ​to​ ​meet​ ​with​ ​a​ ​member​ ​of​ ​staff.

Please ensure that you or your designated guardian collects your child from a member of staff at the end of each day from the designated pick up point. Those children using the school bus service​ ​will​ ​be​ ​collected​ ​by​ ​the​ ​bus​ ​monitor​ ​and​ ​safely​ ​taken​ ​home.

Please collect your child promptly at the end of each day. If for some reason you have been delayed, please telephone the school so that we are aware and can inform your child to avoid any​ ​worrying​ ​and​ ​so​ ​we​ ​can​ ​anticipate​ ​your​ ​arrival.

Parents who are consistently late in collecting their children will be requested to meet with the Headmaster.

If you are unable to collect your child, please inform the class teacher, the school receptionist and the appropriate bus company (if necessary) in writing, as to who will be collecting your child by 1:00 pm at the very latest. Teachers will not release a child to an unauthorised person.

All​ ​pick-up​ ​cars​ ​must​ ​display​ ​the​ ​school​ ​identification​ ​sticker.

It is imperative that parents respect the requests of the doormen at drop off and pickup times.

Signage and pedestrian crossings outside of the schools should be observed at all times. Cars should never be left unattended outside of the school and parents are encouraged to park away​ ​from​ ​the​ ​school​ ​and​ ​walk​ ​to​ ​the​ ​main​ ​entrances.

5

School​ ​Uniform

School uniform is compulsory for all students attending the school. We believe that wearing school uniform in a proud and smart manner promotes positive self-esteem and therefore is integral to the ethos of the school. All students are expected to arrive to the school everyday in clean clothes, to be worn in a tidy manner. We expect our students to take pride in their school uniform.

School uniform consists of a summer and winter uniform. However, as Sao Paulo experiences a tropical climate there will be times throughout the year when either uniform could be worn.

We therefore leave it to the discretion of parents to decide the most appropriate uniform for a specific​ ​day.

However, on days that they have PE, students should wear that uniform. On all other days full uniform is required. Uniform will also be worn on class educational trips. (Either PE or full uniform depending on the nature of the trip) A house colour T-shirt is also part of the school uniform​ ​and​ ​can​ ​be​ ​worn​ ​on​ ​PE​ ​days​ ​as​ ​well​ ​as​ ​during​ ​house​ ​competitions.

With young children we do understand that accidents do happen. We ask parents to provide a spare set of clothes, that include socks and underwear. These should be kept in your child’s school​ ​bag.

Details of our school uniform are outlined on our school website. Parents will be notified if students​ ​are​ ​not​ ​wearing​ ​appropriate​ ​school​ ​uniform.

We encourage independence in our students from the first day of school. This does mean at times some items of clothing may go temporarily missing. With this in mind, all clothes worn to school should be clearly labelled with the child’s name. Lost, un-named clothing and bags are placed​ ​in​ ​Lost​ ​Property​ ​(located​ ​at​ ​the​ ​front​ ​desk​ ​of​ ​both​ ​campuses).

Other​ ​items

Footwear is an important aspect of the school uniform. Shoes should be black leather and worn each day. On PE days, trainers should be worn. ​For younger children, we advise that the shoes are not lace up until the children are able to tie them unaided. For safety reasons, flip-flops​ ​should​ ​not​ ​be​ ​worn.

Use​ ​of​ ​coats​ ​and​ ​anoraks​ ​are​ ​encouraged​ ​during​ ​cold​ ​and​ ​rainy​ ​days.

Sunhats are a vital part of our school uniform and it is compulsory that all children wear one whilst​ ​on​ ​the​ ​playground​ ​otherwise​ ​they​ ​will​ ​not​ ​be​ ​allowed​ ​to​ ​play.

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General​ ​Appearance

For safety reasons, children are advised not to wear necklaces, bracelets or earrings to school (except for stud earrings and removed completely on PE days). Hair should be worn in a neat style and long hair should always be tied back using a simple hair band or hair tie. Mohicans, tramlines and bright colours are not considered appropriate hairstyles for school. If a child attends school with a hairstyle that is deemed inappropriate the Headmaster will inform the parents​ ​and​ ​request​ ​a​ ​more​ ​suitable​ ​style.

Temporary tattoos, ​nail varnish and makeup are not appropriate for school and should be cleaned​ ​off​ ​before​ ​children​ ​attend.

What​ ​you​ ​will​ ​need​ ​for​ ​school 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6)

A​ ​BCB​ ​School​ ​Bag A​ ​BCB​ ​School​ ​Hat A​ ​Change​ ​of​ ​clothes Mosquito​ ​repellant Suntan​ ​lotion Toothbrush​ ​and​ ​toothpaste

*All​ ​items​ ​must​ ​have​ ​the​ ​child's​ ​name​ ​and​ ​class​ ​on​ ​them.

The​ ​school​ ​will​ ​provide​ ​all​ ​equipment​ ​and​ ​materials​ ​including​ ​stationery.

To ensure that children’s belongings do not get damaged or lost. The following items are ​not to be​ ​brought​ ​to​ ​school: ● Toys​ ​or​ ​games​ ​unless​ ​for​ ​a​ ​special​ ​day​ ​(marble​ ​rewards)​ ​or​ ​at​ ​the​ ​request​ ​of​ ​a​ ​teacher ● Music​ ​playing​ ​systems,​ ​mobile​ ​phones​ ​or​ ​any​ ​other​ ​electronic​ ​devices ● Chewing​ ​gum/sweets

The school accepts no responsibility or liability for loss or damage to personal items brought into​ ​school.

Standards​ ​of​ ​Behaviour

From an early age we encourage students to develop a sense of responsibility, independence, self respect and a respect for other people, property and environment. We ask our EYFS students​ ​to​ ​take​ ​care​ ​of​ ​their​ ​friends,​ ​classroom​ ​and​ ​the​ ​toys​ ​and​ ​resources​ ​within​ ​them

We have systems in place to recognise and reward children’s effort and achievement. The vast majority of our pupils exhibit very good manners and care for their peers and learning environment,​ ​and​ ​this​ ​is​ ​valued​ ​and​ ​celebrated​ ​in​ ​class.

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However, it is only natural that from time to time, children sometimes make poor decisions regarding their conduct. These will be dealt with in a sensitive way and the children will be reminded of acceptable behaviour. If a problem persists, you will be notified and asked to come​ ​to​ ​speak​ ​to​ ​the​ ​teacher​ ​or​ ​one​ ​of​ ​the​ ​school​ ​leadership​ ​team.

All​ ​pupils​ ​are​ ​required​ ​to​ ​observe​ ​the​ ​following: •​ ​Treat​ ​everyone​ ​with​ ​respect​ ​and​ ​courtesy.

•​ ​Behave​ ​in​ ​a​ ​way​ ​that​ ​aids​ ​learning​ ​during​ ​lessons •​ ​Walk​ ​at​ ​all​ ​times​ ​when​ ​indoors.

•​ ​Walk​ ​on​ ​the​ ​left​ ​ ​in​ ​corridors​ ​and​ ​staircases.

•​ ​Hold​ ​doors​ ​open​ ​for​ ​others •​ ​Remove​ ​coats,​ ​jackets​ ​and​ ​hats​ ​during​ ​lessons​ ​and​ ​at​ ​lunch.

•​ ​Make​ ​sure​ ​that​ ​classrooms​ ​and​ ​playgrounds​ ​are​ ​kept​ ​clean​ ​and​ ​tidy.

It is important that we all have high expectations of pupils in work and for behaviour, and it is essential for parents and school to work in partnership so that the values encouraged by home and​ ​school​ ​are​ ​mutually​ ​reinforced.

Foundation​ ​Stage​ ​Behaviour​ ​Management

At the British College of Brazil we operate a positive behaviour policy, which praises excellent work, outstanding behaviour and good citizenship. Children receive house points for their efforts. Each child has a pirate themed house point chart displayed in our classroom. The children work towards earning a range of certificates depending on the amount of house points they receive each term. For every 10 house points a child earns, they will be rewarded with a very special jewel for their treasure chest and will receive the corresponding certificate of excellence​ ​in​ ​our​ ​Early​ ​Years​ ​assemblies.

NOTE:​ ​At​ ​the​ ​end​ ​of​ ​each​ ​term,​ ​house​ ​point​ ​totals​ ​revert​ ​back​ ​to​ ​zero​ ​for​ ​each​ ​child.

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Additionally, each class operates a Rainbow, Sun and Cloud system. All children begin each day on the sun. If they demonstrate excellent effort or behaviour, they will move their photograph to the rainbow. However, if a child is not following the class rules, after a warning, they will move themselves to the cloud. If this behaviour continues, they will then move themselves to the thunder cloud and will receive a few minutes time out to reflect on their behaviour. If the child continues to misbehave, they will have a further time out in another FS classroom​ ​and​ ​if​ ​there​ ​is​ ​a​ ​persistent​ ​problem,​ ​parents​ ​will​ ​be​ ​consulted.

We believe it is always best to discuss the children’s behaviour with parents from an early stage,​ ​as​ ​working​ ​as​ ​a​ ​team​ ​will​ ​result​ ​in​ ​positive​ ​results​ ​much​ ​quicker.

Bus​ ​Policy

The school buses are an extension of the school and the same high expectations are still in place for all the pupils. There is often a wide range of ages present on a bus and the older children, especially, need to take care of how they behave and what they choose to talk about.

There​ ​should​ ​be​ ​no​ ​inappropriate​ ​language,​ ​conversations​ ​or​ ​behaviour

If​ ​there​ ​are​ ​problems​ ​with​ ​a​ ​student​ ​on​ ​the​ ​bus​ ​then​ ​the​ ​following​ ​procedures​ ​will​ ​be​ ​followed:

● First​ ​time​ ​–​ ​a​ ​warning

● Second​ ​time​ ​–​ ​a​ ​second​ ​warning​ ​and​ ​a​ ​phone​ ​call​ ​home ● Third​ ​time​ ​–​ ​a​ ​phone​ ​call​ ​home​ ​and​ ​a​ ​day​ ​off​ ​the​ ​bus ● Fourth​ ​time​ ​–​ ​a​ ​phone​ ​call​ ​home​ ​and​ ​a​ ​fortnight​ ​off​ ​the​ ​bus ● Fifth​ ​time​ ​–​ ​expulsion​ ​from​ ​the​ ​bus​ ​service

Such incidences will be recorded in the student’s file. The class teacher shall make any warnings and phone calls to parents. In the case of repeated warnings, the class teacher shall notify​ ​the​ ​Key​ ​Stage​ ​leader​ ​and​ ​/or​ ​Headmaster,​ ​which​ ​may​ ​result​ ​in​ ​further​ ​action​ ​being​ ​taken.

The organisation of the bus routes is extremely complex. In light of this, using the bus service to​ ​facilitate​ ​play​ ​dates​ ​and​ ​parties​ ​is​ ​not​ ​allowed.​ ​Parents​ ​are​ ​responsible​ ​for​ ​this.

Health

Regular daily attendance is expected but sometimes absence is unavoidable through sickness.

Please inform the school if your child is unable to attend by sending an email to the class teacher and the school receptionist. If your child uses the bus service it is imperative that you inform​ ​the​ ​school/bus​ ​monitor​ ​as​ ​soon​ ​as​ ​possible​ ​to​ ​avoid​ ​delaying​ ​the​ ​bus.

9

If your child is sick, they should not be sent to school to avoid passing on the sickness to others. A period of 24 hours should be observed to ensure symptoms have abated. If the school feels that a child has returned to school too soon, parents will be contacted to collect their​ ​child​ ​immediately.

Please advise us of any medical problems your child may have when there is an allergy to materials or food. Please ensure that the health questionnaire has been completed upon admission​ ​to​ ​the​ ​school​ ​and​ ​updated​ ​when​ ​necessary​ ​and​ ​appropriate.

If your child becomes unwell and the class teacher feels that s/he may not be well enough to participate in lessons, they will be referred to the school nurse on site. After further observation, if the child is clearly not well enough to return to class, you may be telephoned to collect your child. Please be aware that it is the responsibility of the parents to collect their unwell child and the school cannot provide a driver in such circumstances. In extreme emergencies, such as serious injury or extreme sickness the school will make every effort to get the child to medical facilities.

Medication can only be administered with written consent and directions from the parents.

Medicines must be given to the nurse by the parent, not the child. If your child has had to visit the​ ​nurse​ ​due​ ​to​ ​injury​ ​you​ ​will​ ​be​ ​informed​ ​of​ ​the​ ​incident​ ​in​ ​writing.

First​ ​Aid

The school employs a full-time qualified nurse and designated staff are first-aid trained and can deal with day-to-day matters such as cuts or bruises and children who feel unwell whilst at school. In the unlikely event of a more serious accident all students will be escorted to a hospital. Parents will be telephoned immediately to inform of the accident and asked to meet the​ ​child​ ​and​ ​nurse​ ​at​ ​the​ ​hospital.

Attendance

We​ ​expect​ ​pupils​ ​to​ ​have​ ​good​ ​attendance​ ​at​ ​school​ ​with​ ​any​ ​absences​ ​being​ ​reported​ ​directly to​ ​the​ ​class​ ​teacher​ ​via​ ​email.​ ​ ​They​ ​learn​ ​a​ ​great​ ​deal​ ​every​ ​day.​ ​We​ ​ask​ ​that​ ​parents​ ​ensure you​ ​support​ ​attendance​ ​at​ ​school​ ​whenever​ ​possible​ ​and​ ​avoid​ ​any​ ​absences.​ ​If​ ​parents​ ​are aware​ ​of​ ​such​ ​future​ ​absences​ ​please​ ​inform​ ​the​ ​teacher​ ​as​ ​soon​ ​as​ ​possible.​ ​Children​ ​that attend​ ​school​ ​consistently​ ​tend​ ​to​ ​enjoy​ ​school​ ​more​ ​and​ ​make​ ​great​ ​progress.

Good​ ​timekeeping​ ​is​ ​also​ ​expected​ ​both​ ​with​ ​arrivals​ ​and​ ​pick-ups.​ ​ ​Children​ ​who​ ​are consistently​ ​late​ ​for​ ​school​ ​have​ ​a​ ​poor​ ​start​ ​to​ ​the​ ​day​ ​which​ ​can​ ​affect​ ​their​ ​performance.

Being​ ​consistently​ ​picked​ ​up​ ​late​ ​at​ ​the​ ​end​ ​of​ ​the​ ​day​ ​can​ ​cause​ ​distress​ ​and​ ​unhappiness​ ​to children.​ ​If​ ​these​ ​become​ ​a​ ​concern​ ​for​ ​the​ ​school,​ ​a​ ​meeting​ ​may​ ​requested​ ​by​ ​the headmaster.

10

Under​ ​Brazilian​ ​law,​ ​if​ ​a​ ​child​ ​misses​ ​25%​ ​of​ ​school​ ​in​ ​any​ ​given​ ​year,​ ​it​ ​will​ ​be​ ​necessary​ ​for him/her​ ​to​ ​re-sit​ ​the​ ​academic​ ​year.​ ​He/she​ ​will​ ​be​ ​retained​ ​in​ ​the​ ​same​ ​year​ ​group​ ​and​ ​not progress​ ​with​ ​the​ ​peer​ ​group.

Common​ ​Language​ ​Policy

As an international school, there are over 30 different nationalities at BCB. As a result of this, it is important that we observe a common language and this English. At all times, we will encourage your child to speak in English and we expect support with this from home. Children will be reminded of our common language if they persist in speaking with their peers in their home language as this helps with integration and academic achievement at school. It encourages friendship and social development as well as providing an environment where second or third language learners can develop their English language skills quickly and effectively.

Extended​ ​Curriculum

Please​ ​note,​ ​these​ ​take​ ​place​ ​during​ ​the​ ​school​ ​day​ ​and​ ​not​ ​after​ ​school.

The purpose of the Extended Curriculum (EC) is to utilise our staff expertise to enrich and extend learning in ways that may not be always possible in the normal time of a busy classroom. The children will benefit from enjoying carefully planned activities which reflect the interests​ ​and​ ​specialisms​ ​of​ ​our​ ​teaching​ ​staff,​ ​enhancing​ ​opportunities.

The Extended Curriculum Programme takes place on Monday to Friday for 50 minutes a session (at the school’s discretion). ECs begin towards the start of term after normal routines have​ ​been​ ​established.

The EC programme is supported and led by teachers and assistant teachers and sometimes outside coaches and parents. The purpose of the EC programme is to promote the creative and physical elements of the curriculum through stimulating, meaningful and fun activities that will deepen​ ​students´​ ​understanding​ ​of​ ​the​ ​taught​ ​curriculum.

We aim to provide an exciting range of opportunities for our students. Examples of activities could include: Portuguese/Spanish lessons, Gymnastics, Football, Art & Craft, Games, Drama, Dance, Music and Ballet. The EC Coordinator(s) will be responsible for ensuring a range of activities that reflect the interests of the students and aims of the school and ensure that there is​ ​an​ ​appropriate​ ​balance​ ​of​ ​activities​ ​for​ ​the​ ​age​ ​range​ ​and​ ​number​ ​of​ ​students.

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Home/School​ ​Communication

Since​ ​BCB​ ​first​ ​opened​ ​its​ ​doors​ ​here​ ​in​ ​Sao​ ​Paulo​ ​it​ ​has​ ​had​ ​a​ ​strong​ ​sense​ ​of​ ​community spirit.​ ​All​ ​research​ ​shows​ ​that​ ​children​ ​benefit​ ​from​ ​a​ ​strong​ ​partnership​ ​with​ ​parents.​ ​We​ ​value the​ ​support​ ​of​ ​parents​ ​in​ ​school​ ​and​ ​are​ ​keen​ ​to​ ​promote​ ​strong​ ​home​ ​school​ ​links.

Throughout​ ​the​ ​year,​ ​there​ ​will​ ​be​ ​multiple​ ​opportunities​ ​which​ ​will​ ​enable​ ​strong​ ​home/school links​ ​to​ ​be​ ​formed.​ ​We​ ​also​ ​have​ ​an​ ​'open​ ​door​ ​policy'​ ​at​ ​BCB​ ​where​ ​we​ ​encourage​ ​parents and​ ​teachers​ ​to​ ​communicate​ ​frequently​ ​with​ ​each​ ​other​ ​in​ ​order​ ​to​ ​provide​ ​the​ ​best​ ​education for​ ​your​ ​child.

If you have a question or wish to talk about your child’s progress or general welfare, then in the first instance you should discuss this directly with the class teacher. This can either be done in person or by email. If you wish to meet with the class teacher, we kindly request you to make an appointment in order to prevent any disruption to the teaching day. Teachers will not be able to​ ​meet​ ​during​ ​normal​ ​teaching​ ​times.

You​ ​will​ ​be​ ​given​ ​your​ ​class​ ​teacher's​ ​email​ ​address​ ​when​ ​your​ ​child​ ​joins​ ​BCB.

If you need further advice, help or guidance then please contact the appropriate member of the Primary​ ​Leadership​ ​Team.

Keeping​ ​us​ ​Informed

Parents are asked to keep the school informed of any changes that may occur to their home or telephone contact details. Please make sure you inform the Administration Department of any changes​ ​as​ ​soon​ ​as​ ​possible.

We use a variety of methods of communication which we will use to ensure that you are kept up​ ​to​ ​date​ ​with​ ​your​ ​child's​ ​learning​ ​and​ ​progress.

Parent​ ​Portal

When you join BCB, you will be given login details for our Parent Portal. Each class has a blog where the class teacher will frequently post important information. In addition to this, the class teachers write a weekly update every Friday on their class blog which will inform parents of what has happened in class that week. Photos of that week in school are also published in order to show you the activities your child has taken part in, related to their learning. Class blogs are private and can only be accessed with a password which parents will be supplied with.

Any letters from the school or from teaching staff of whatever nature (selecting enrichment activities, instrumental programme, field trips, weekly review etc) are sent by email and they are also​ ​published​ ​on​ ​the​ ​Parent​ ​Portal.

It is through the Parent Portal that you will also be able to access your child's reports and attendance​ ​summary.

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Meet​ ​the​ ​Teacher​ ​Sessions

At the beginning of the academic year, you will be invited into school for a 'Meet the teacher' session. This will give teachers, parents and also the children the opportunity to see their new classroom, meet one another and also give everyone the opportunity to find out key information or​ ​answer​ ​any​ ​questions​ ​you​ ​may​ ​have.

Curriculum​ ​Letters

Each term you will receive a Curriculum Overview letter. This will inform you of what your child will be learning within each area of the curriculum. It will also provide you with any important dates​ ​that​ ​you​ ​will​ ​need​ ​and​ ​any​ ​other​ ​key​ ​information.

Progress​ ​Reports

Throughout the school year, you will be issued with three reports. The first report is a settling in report and will focus on Personal, Social and Emotional development and how they have settled into their new class. The other two reports are full reports and these will be issued at the end of Term 2 and Term 4. These reports will be detailed reports and will explain your children's progress in each of the curricular areas. There will also be clear targets to help your child​ ​move​ ​forward​ ​with​ ​their​ ​learning.

Parent/Teacher​ ​Consultation

Parent/Teacher Consultations are held regularly throughout the school year, in addition to the distribution​ ​of​ ​Progress​ ​Reports.​ ​During​ ​these​ ​meetings,​ ​teachers​ ​will​ ​discuss​ ​with​ ​parents​ ​the academic progress of pupils as well as personal and social matters. Again, exact dates are provided in the school calendar. Pupils are also encouraged to share their own learning through a​ ​Pupil​ ​Led​ ​Consultation​ ​with​ ​parents.

Learn​ ​Together​ ​Sessions

Parents​ ​will​ ​be​ ​invited​ ​into​ ​school​ ​to​ ​add​ ​to​ ​their​ ​child's​ ​Learning​ ​Journal.​ ​These​ ​will​ ​be​ ​after​ ​a holiday​ ​and​ ​provide​ ​a​ ​great​ ​opportunity​ ​for​ ​you​ ​to​ ​discuss​ ​the​ ​work​ ​that​ ​your​ ​child​ ​has​ ​been doing​ ​in​ ​class,​ ​as​ ​well​ ​as​ ​share​ ​their​ ​holiday​ ​experiences​ ​with​ ​others.

The​ ​Events​ ​and​ ​Fundraising​ ​Group

The​ ​Events​ ​and​ ​Fundraising​ ​Group​ ​(EFG)​ ​is​ ​a​ ​very​ ​active​ ​part​ ​of​ ​BCB​ ​and​ ​is​ ​run​ ​by​ ​a​ ​group​ ​of parents.​ ​The​ ​group​ ​frequently​ ​holds​ ​special​ ​events​ ​at​ ​school​ ​in​ ​order​ ​to​ ​raise​ ​money​ ​to​ ​support our​ ​school​ ​charities​ ​and​ ​other​ ​worthwhile​ ​causes.​ ​We​ ​support​ ​a​ ​local​ ​organisation;​ ​Arca​ ​do Saber.​ ​Arca​ ​do​ ​Saber​ ​is​ ​based​ ​in​ ​Vila​ ​Prudente,​ ​one​ ​of​ ​the​ ​favelas​ ​in​ ​Sao​ ​Paulo.​ ​ ​It​ ​is​ ​a pedagogical​ ​centre​ ​for​ ​extremely​ ​impoverished​ ​children​ ​aged​ ​between​ ​6​ ​and​ ​13.​ ​It​ ​is​ ​partially funded​ ​by​ ​its​ ​own​ ​craft​ ​workshop,​ ​subsidies​ ​and​ ​donations.​ ​We​ ​feel​ ​that​ ​this​ ​is​ ​an​ ​excellent charity​ ​for​ ​the​ ​families​ ​of​ ​BCB​ ​to​ ​support.

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Not​ ​only​ ​does​ ​EFG​ ​help​ ​support​ ​the​ ​school​ ​in​ ​organising​ ​events,​ ​it​ ​also​ ​serves​ ​as​ ​a​ ​valuable resource​ ​for​ ​new​ ​parents​ ​to​ ​our​ ​school​ ​and​ ​indeed​ ​Brazil.​ ​Quite​ ​often​ ​new​ ​parents​ ​look​ ​to​ ​the EFG​ ​to​ ​help​ ​them​ ​become​ ​acquainted​ ​with​ ​the​ ​local​ ​area.​ ​All​ ​parents​ ​are​ ​welcome​ ​and encouraged​ ​to​ ​attend​ ​EFG​ ​meetings​ ​as​ ​and​ ​when​ ​they​ ​happen.​ ​Any​ ​involvement,​ ​no​ ​matter how​ ​big​ ​or​ ​small,​ ​is​ ​embraced​ ​and​ ​appreciated.

Class​ ​Representatives

The​ ​EFG​ ​recruit​ ​one​ ​or​ ​two​ ​parents​ ​from​ ​each​ ​class​ ​to​ ​represent​ ​the​ ​EFG​ ​as​ ​well​ ​as​ ​support their​ ​child's​ ​class​ ​community.​ ​Class​ ​reps​ ​help​ ​the​ ​EFG​ ​by​ ​passing​ ​on​ ​messages​ ​and​ ​arranging small​ ​events​ ​such​ ​as​ ​coffee​ ​mornings.​ ​Previously​ ​they​ ​have​ ​also​ ​been​ ​called​ ​upon​ ​by​ ​teachers to​ ​help​ ​with​ ​things​ ​such​ ​as​ ​chaperoning​ ​school​ ​trips,​ ​helping​ ​organise​ ​costumes​ ​for assemblies/productions​ ​and​ ​coming​ ​into​ ​school​ ​to​ ​support​ ​certain​ ​class​ ​activities.​ ​ ​It​ ​is​ ​also​ ​a wonderful​ ​opportunity​ ​to​ ​get​ ​to​ ​know​ ​other​ ​parents​ ​from​ ​our​ ​BCB​ ​Community​ ​and​ ​the​ ​role helps​ ​to​ ​facilitate​ ​effective​ ​links​ ​between​ ​teachers​ ​and​ ​parents

To​ ​help​ ​facilitate​ ​effective​ ​links​ ​between​ ​teachers​ ​and​ ​parents​ ​each​ ​class​ ​appoints​ ​one​ ​or​ ​two class​ ​representatives​ ​from​ ​the​ ​parent​ ​body.​ ​There​ ​are​ ​guidelines​ ​for​ ​parents​ ​to​ ​help​ ​them​ ​with their​ ​role​ ​and​ ​the​ ​Head​ ​of​ ​Primary​ ​supports​ ​this​ ​group​ ​of​ ​parents​ ​by​ ​organising​ ​meetings​ ​or giving​ ​advice.

The​ ​role​ ​involves: ● With​ ​approval,​ ​collating​ ​class​ ​contact​ ​details.​ ​This​ ​list​ ​can​ ​be​ ​helpful​ ​when​ ​organising playdates​ ​or​ ​parties​ ​but​ ​should​ ​remain​ ​confidential​ ​amongst​ ​the​ ​members​ ​of​ ​the​ ​class.

Class​ ​chat​ ​groups​ ​can​ ​sometimes​ ​cause​ ​issues​ ​and​ ​are​ ​not​ ​always​ ​the​ ​best​ ​form​ ​of communication. ● Supporting​ ​the​ ​class​ ​teacher​ ​with​ ​class​ ​events,​ ​often​ ​enlisting​ ​the​ ​help​ ​of​ ​other​ ​parents.

For​ ​example,​ ​decorating​ ​the​ ​classroom​ ​for​ ​a​ ​special​ ​festival​ ​such​ ​as​ ​Diwali. ● Introducing​ ​new​ ​parents​ ​to​ ​the​ ​class/school​ ​community. ● Supporting​ ​ ​and/or​ ​enlisting​ ​other​ ​parents​ ​to​ ​help​ ​organise​ ​social​ ​or​ ​fundraising​ ​events.

A​ ​good​ ​way​ ​to​ ​start​ ​the​ ​year​ ​is​ ​to​ ​organise​ ​a​ ​class​ ​coffee​ ​morning​ ​providing​ ​the​ ​opportunity​ ​for the​ ​class​ ​parents​ ​to​ ​get​ ​to​ ​know​ ​each​ ​other.​ ​Please​ ​note,​ ​the​ ​role​ ​of​ ​a​ ​class​ ​representative​ ​is not​ ​to​ ​act​ ​as​ ​a​ ​problem​ ​solver​ ​in​ ​the​ ​class​ ​for​ ​academic​ ​issues.​ ​Please​ ​direct​ ​parents​ ​initially​ ​to the​ ​class​ ​teacher​ ​or,​ ​thereafter,​ ​the​ ​Phase​ ​Leader​ ​before​ ​approaching​ ​the​ ​Deputy​ ​Head​ ​or Head​ ​of​ ​Primary.

Special​ ​Days​ ​and​ ​Events

A​ ​number​ ​of​ ​special​ ​days​ ​and​ ​events​ ​are​ ​organised​ ​by​ ​the​ ​EFG​ ​and​ ​take​ ​place​ ​throughout​ ​the school​ ​year​ ​which​ ​celebrate​ ​different​ ​festivals​ ​and​ ​occasions.​ ​These​ ​include​ ​Halloween,​ ​the Christmas​ ​Fayre,​ ​Festa​ ​Junina​ ​etc.

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Other​ ​events,​ ​such​ ​as​ ​book​ ​week,​ ​special​ ​history-related​ ​days​ ​or​ ​International​ ​Day​ ​also​ ​give​ ​the children​ ​a​ ​chance​ ​to​ ​immerse​ ​themselves​ ​through​ ​dressing​ ​in​ ​character.​ ​ ​All​ ​events​ ​are​ ​all calendarised.

School​ ​Lunches​ ​and​ ​Snacks

Each​ ​day,​ ​children​ ​receive​ ​a​ ​morning​ ​and​ ​afternoon​ ​snack​ ​as​ ​well​ ​as​ ​a​ ​hot​ ​lunch​ ​at​ ​school.

Morning​ ​snack​ ​is​ ​a​ ​very​ ​healthy​ ​snack​ ​of​ ​fruit​ ​and​ ​vegetables​ ​and​ ​the​ ​afternoon​ ​snack​ ​is​ ​juice and​ ​crackers​ ​or​ ​biscuits.

A hot lunch is served to all children in school. School lunches are paid for in advance along with tuition fees. It is essential that you inform us immediately of any dietary restrictions your child may have due to allergies, health reasons or religious beliefs. The kitchen staff will also be notified of any dietary restrictions to ensure they have a suitable alternative available to them.

The​ ​lunch​ ​menu​ ​will​ ​be​ ​published​ ​on​ ​the​ ​school​ ​website​ ​each​ ​month.

At BCB we promote healthy eating and also independence during snack and lunch times. All children are encouraged to eat independently. In Pre-Nursery they will use a spoon to eat, but in Nursery and Reception, all children are encouraged to use a knife and fork. Please also support​ ​us​ ​with​ ​this​ ​at​ ​home​ ​and​ ​encourage​ ​your​ ​child​ ​to​ ​be​ ​independent​ ​eaters.

Nut​ ​Free​ ​School

Please be advised that BCB is a nut-free zone. No products containing any nuts whatsoever are​ ​allowed​ ​at​ ​school.

Early​ ​Years​ ​Curriculum

Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage learn by playing and exploring, being active, and through​ ​creative​ ​and​ ​critical​ ​thinking​ ​which​ ​takes​ ​place​ ​both​ ​indoors​ ​and​ ​outside.

Your child will be learning skills, acquiring new knowledge and demonstrating their understanding​ ​through​ ​7​ ​areas​ ​of​ ​learning​ ​and​ ​development.

Children​ ​should​ ​mostly​ ​develop​ ​the​ ​3​ ​prime​ ​areas​ ​first.​ ​These​ ​are:

● ​ ​Communication​ ​and​ ​language; ● Physical​ ​development;​ ​and ● Personal,​ ​social​ ​and​ ​emotional​ ​development.

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These prime areas are those most essential for your child’s healthy development and future learning.

As children grow, the prime areas will help them to develop skills in four specific areas. These are: ● Literacy; ● Mathematics; ● Understanding​ ​the​ ​world;​ ​and ● Expressive​ ​arts​ ​and​ ​design.

These 7 areas are used to plan your child’s learning and activities. The adults teaching and supporting your child will make sure that the activities are suited to his or her unique needs.

This is a little bit like a curriculum in primary and secondary schools, but it's suitable for very young children, and it's designed to be really flexible so that staff can follow your child's unique needs​ ​and​ ​interests.

The​ ​7​ ​Areas​ ​of​ ​Learning

1.​ ​Literacy

In ​Foundation ​Stage ​the ​teaching ​of ​literacy ​involves ​encouraging ​children ​to ​link ​sounds ​and letters ​and ​to ​begin ​to ​read ​and ​write. ​Children ​are ​given ​access ​to ​a ​wide ​range ​of reading materials​​ ​(books,​​ ​poems,​​ ​and​​ ​other​​ ​written​​ ​materials)​​ ​to​​ ​ignite​​ ​their​​ ​interest

Reading By​​ ​the​​ ​time​​ ​your​​ ​child​​ ​has​​ ​finished​​ ​Foundation​​ ​Stage​​ ​she​​ ​or​​ ​he​​ ​will​​ ​be​​ ​able​​ ​to: ● read​​ ​and​​ ​understand​​ ​simple​​ ​sentences. ● ​ ​use​​ ​phonic​​ ​knowledge​​ ​to​​ ​decode​​ ​regular​​ ​words​​ ​and​​ ​read​​ ​them​​ ​aloud​​ ​accurately. ● read​​ ​some​​ ​common​​ ​irregular​​ ​words,​​ ​and ● demonstrate​​ ​understanding​​ ​when​​ ​talking​​ ​with​​ ​others​​ ​about​​ ​what​​ ​they​​ ​have​​ ​read.

Writing Your ​child ​will ​learn ​to ​use ​phonics ​to ​write ​words ​in ​ways ​which ​match ​their ​spoken ​sounds.

We ​love ​it ​when ​children ​can ​write ​simple ​sentences ​which ​can ​be ​read ​by ​themselves ​and others. ​Some ​words ​will ​be ​spelt ​correctly ​and ​others ​will ​be ​phonetically ​plausible, ​but ​in ​the Foundation​​ ​Stage​​ ​all​​ ​‘mark​​ ​making’​​ ​and​​ ​beginner​​ ​writing​​ ​behaviour​​ ​is​​ ​a​ ​celebration.

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2.​ ​Numeracy

Teachers ​at ​BCB provide ​Foundation ​Stage ​children ​with ​opportunities ​to ​develop ​and ​improve their ​skills ​in ​counting, ​understanding ​and ​using ​numbers; ​calculating ​simple ​addition ​and subtraction​​ ​problems;​​ ​and​​ ​describing​​ ​shapes,​​ ​spaces,​​ ​and​​ ​measures.

Numbers By​ ​the​ ​time​ ​your​ ​child​ ​has​ ​completed​ ​Foundation​ ​Stage​ ​she​ ​or​ ​he​ ​should​ ​be​ ​able​ ​to:

● count reliably with numbers from 1 to 20, place them in order and say which number is one​ ​more​ ​or​ ​one​ ​less​ ​than​ ​a​ ​given​ ​number. ● use quantities and objects to add and subtract two single-digit numbers and count on or​ ​back​ ​to​ ​find​ ​the​ ​answer,​ ​and ● ​ ​solve​ ​problems,​ ​including​ ​doubling,​ ​halving​ ​and​ ​sharing.

Shape,​​ ​space​​ ​and​​ ​measures We encourage children to use everyday language to talk about size, weight, capacity, position, distance, time and money, and to compare quantities and objects and to solve problems. In Foundation​ ​Stage​ ​they​ ​will​ ​learn​ ​to​ ​recognise,​ ​create​ ​and​ ​describe​ ​patterns.

3.​ ​Communication​ ​and​ ​Language

We ​give ​your ​child ​constant ​opportunities ​every ​day ​to ​experience ​a ​rich ​language environment; ​to ​develop ​confidence ​and ​skills ​in ​self-expression; ​and ​to ​speak ​and ​listen ​in ​a range​​ ​of​​ ​situations.

4.​ ​Physical​ ​Development

At ​BCB ​your ​child ​will ​be ​active. ​We ​ensure ​all ​children ​are ​given ​opportunities ​to ​develop ​their co-ordination,​​ ​control,​​ ​and​​ ​movement.

5.​ ​Personal,​ ​Social​ ​and​ ​Emotional​ ​Development

It​ ​is​ ​vital​ ​that​ ​from​ ​the​ ​moment​ ​your​ ​child​ ​begins​ ​at​ ​BCB​ ​that​ ​we​ ​help​ ​him​ ​or​ ​her​ ​to:

● develop​ ​a​ ​positive​ ​sense​ ​of​ ​themselves,​ ​and​ ​others; ● to​ ​form​ ​positive​ ​relationships​ ​and​ ​develop​ ​respect​ ​for​ ​others; ● to​ ​develop​ ​social​ ​skills​ ​and​ ​learn​ ​how​ ​to​ ​manage​ ​their​ ​feelings; ● to​ ​understand​ ​appropriate​ ​behaviour​ ​in​ ​groups; ● and​​ ​to​​ ​have​​ ​confidence​​ ​in​​ ​their​​ ​own​​ ​abilities.

6.​ ​Understanding​ ​the​ ​World

It ​is ​vital ​that ​children ​in ​Foundation ​Stage ​are ​helped ​to ​make ​sense ​of ​their ​physical ​world ​and their ​community ​through ​opportunities ​to ​explore, ​observe ​and ​find ​out ​about ​people, ​places, technology​​ ​and​​ ​the​​ ​environment.

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7.​ ​Expressive​ ​Arts​ ​and​ ​Design

Every day our children explore and play with a wide range of media and materials. They are encouraged to share their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of activities in art, music,​ ​movement,​ ​dance,​ ​role-play,​ ​and​ ​design​ ​and​ ​technology.

Assessment​ ​in​ ​Early​ ​Years

Assessment in the Early Years Foundation Stage is an ongoing process. We used a variety of strategies in order to capture and record where your child is with their learning. It is important for us to do so in order for us to be able to identify their next steps, ultimately helping them to progress. Most of our assessment takes place in the form of observation. ​Through teacher led and child led activities, we are able to assess your child's knowledge and learning as well as identify​ ​their​ ​next​ ​steps.

Learning​ ​Journals

These books allow us to document physical work the children have completed in class. They might be teacher led activities, or child led from the provision within the classroom. These Learning Journals allow us to evidence your child’s progress and the children are encouraged to take great pride in them. The children select most of the work that is within the book and it becomes an effective way to reflect on the learning that has taken place as well as the accomplishments​ ​the​ ​children​ ​have​ ​made​ ​throughout​ ​the​ ​year.

The children also explain their work and this is documented against each piece of work also.

This​ ​is​ ​an​ ​opportunity​ ​to​ ​record​ ​the​ ​language​ ​development​ ​of​ ​your​ ​child.

You will receive opportunities throughout the year to discuss the progress of your child at Parent Interviews and you will also receive 3 reports which will document this as well as identify their​ ​next​ ​steps.

How​ ​to​ ​Support​ ​your​ ​Child​ ​at​ ​Home

Your child will not receive homework in Early Years, but there are many ways in which you can help​ ​at​ ​home​ ​to​ ​consolidate​ ​key​ ​skills​ ​which​ ​have​ ​been​ ​taught​ ​at​ ​school.

The children are still young in Early Years and have a long day at school so at this age, they are not able to do too much at home. The more learning through play they do the better. Learning should be a fun and positive experience for your child. Helping them to play educational games is​ ​one​ ​way​ ​to​ ​ensure​ ​this.

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Spending time with your child is the most valuable experience you can give them. In order for young children to make sense of the world around them, they need as many learning opportunities in their environment as possible. Any experiences you share with your child, gives you the opportunity to discuss and question them on what they have observed in order to develop their understanding of the world around them. This also allows them to make links in their​ ​learning.

All the fun activities that you do with your child at home are important in supporting their learning and development, and have a really long lasting effect on your child’s learning as they progress through school. Even when your child is very young and is not yet able to talk, talking to them helps them to learn and understand new words and ideas. If you make the time every day to do some of the following things with your child it will make a real difference to your child’s​ ​confidence​ ​as​ ​a​ ​young​ ​learner.

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Exploring​ ​Books

Each week your child will bring a library book home to share with you. This is the perfect opportunity to help develop their early reading skills. Reading is a very important skill that children need to develop in order to progress in all areas of the curriculum. Reading allows children to learn about new things and read for information on a daily basis. The more children read, the better they will become. It also helps to increase vocabulary and develop a better understanding of the world around them. In order for your child to succeed in reading they need to develop a love of books. The best way to help your child is to read as many books as possible​ ​in​ ​English​ ​and​ ​their​ ​native​ ​language.

In​ ​order​ ​to​ ​develop​ ​early​ ​reading​ ​skills​ ​you​ ​should:

1. Read a book to/with your child on book on a daily basis. Reading aloud helps develop fluency​ ​and​ ​understanding.

2. Talk about the books you have read together. Discuss the events and characters and encourage them to make predictions about what will happen next. This helps to develop your​ ​child’s​ ​comprehension​ ​skills.

3. Let your child see you reading – show them reading is both highly enjoyable and very useful.​ ​Set​ ​a​ ​great​ ​example.

Encouraging​ ​and​ ​Developing​ ​Independence

It​ ​is​ ​really​ ​important​ ​for​ ​your​ ​child’s​ ​development​ ​that​ ​they​ ​begin​ ​to​ ​be​ ​as​ ​independent​ ​as possible.​ ​We​ ​create​ ​very​ ​independent​ ​classrooms​ ​and​ ​encourage​ ​this​ ​development​ ​within​ ​all children​ ​regardless​ ​of​ ​their​ ​age.​ ​Please​ ​support​ ​us​ ​by​ ​encouraging​ ​your​ ​child​ ​to​ ​be​ ​as independent​ ​as​ ​possible​ ​at​ ​home​ ​and​ ​at​ ​school.

You​ ​can​ ​encourage​ ​your​ ​child​ ​to: ● Carry​ ​their​ ​own​ ​school​ ​bag. ● Be​ ​responsible​ ​for​ ​putting​ ​their​ ​school​ ​bag​ ​in​ ​their​ ​own​ ​locker. ● Eating​ ​independently​ ​(please​ ​encourage​ ​Nursery​ ​and​ ​Reception​ ​children​ ​to​ ​eat​ ​with​ ​a knife​ ​and​ ​fork. ● Helping​ ​to​ ​dress​ ​themselves.​ ​Even​ ​in​ ​Pre-Nursery,​ ​children​ ​are​ ​encouraged​ ​to​ ​put​ ​their own​ ​shoes​ ​on. ● We​ ​create​ ​very​ ​independent​ ​classrooms​ ​where​ ​children​ ​are​ ​responsible​ ​for​ ​tidying​ ​up, ● looking​ ​after​ ​the​ ​resources​ ​and​ ​they​ ​also​ ​do​ ​jobs​ ​within​ ​the​ ​classroom,​ ​which​ ​they​ ​love.

This​ ​is​ ​something​ ​that​ ​you​ ​can​ ​promote​ ​at​ ​home.

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Role​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Parent

We​ ​recognise​ ​that​ ​as​ ​a​ ​parent,​ ​you​ ​have​ ​chosen​ ​our​ ​school​ ​because​ ​of​ ​the​ ​values​ ​we​ ​hold​ ​and our​ ​approach​ ​to​ ​education.​ ​ ​We​ ​view​ ​the​ ​parent​ ​and​ ​school​ ​integration​ ​as​ ​a​ ​partnership​ ​and​ ​as we​ ​do​ ​our​ ​best​ ​to​ ​provide​ ​you​ ​and​ ​your​ ​children​ ​with​ ​a​ ​world​ ​class​ ​education,​ ​we​ ​rely​ ​on​ ​your support​ ​to​ ​achieve​ ​this.​ ​ ​We​ ​expect​ ​and​ ​appreciate​ ​the​ ​support​ ​given​ ​by​ ​parents​ ​in​ ​all​ ​aspects of​ ​the​ ​school​ ​including​ ​adherence​ ​to​ ​uniform,​ ​completion​ ​of​ ​homework​ ​and​ ​attendance​ ​at school​ ​events​ ​and​ ​parent​ ​meetings.

Birthdays​ ​Policy

At The British College of Brazil we feel that a child’s birthday is an important day in their lives and that it should be celebrated. In order to keep celebrations appropriate and to ensure the minimum​ ​of​ ​disruption​ ​to​ ​the​ ​school​ ​day,​ ​we​ ​ask​ ​that​ ​the​ ​following​ ​requests​ ​be​ ​observed:

1. Cakes are allowed to be brought to school to share with the class, but must be 100% nut​ ​free.

2. Parents may be present when the cake is shared with the class, but must refrain from taking​ ​photographs​ ​which​ ​include​ ​children​ ​other​ ​than​ ​their​ ​own.

3. Parents must arrange the cake delivery with the teacher at least 3 days in advance and must​ ​not​ ​turn​ ​up​ ​unannounced.

4. Gift bags, balloons or other small gifts should not be distributed to the other children in the​ ​class​ ​as​ ​this​ ​can​ ​cause​ ​an​ ​unwanted​ ​precedent​ ​for​ ​other​ ​parents.

5. Entertainers,​ ​such​ ​as​ ​clowns​ ​or​ ​magicians,​ ​are​ ​not​ ​permitted.

6. The celebration must cause the minimum of disruption to the school day and the requests​ ​of​ ​the​ ​class​ ​teacher​ ​should​ ​be​ ​respected​ ​at​ ​all​ ​times​ ​and​ ​never​ ​questioned.

Birthday​ ​Parties​ ​outside​ ​of​ ​School

The​ ​responsibilities​ ​of​ ​teachers​ ​and​ ​admin​ ​staff​ ​at​ ​The​ ​British​ ​College​ ​of​ ​Brazil​ ​are​ ​vast​ ​and varied.​ ​ ​As​ ​a​ ​result,​ ​it​ ​is​ ​not​ ​possible​ ​for​ ​any​ ​member​ ​of​ ​the​ ​school​ ​team​ ​to​ ​be​ ​involved​ ​in​ ​the organisation​ ​of​ ​children’s​ ​birthday​ ​parties​ ​that​ ​take​ ​place​ ​outside​ ​of​ ​school.​ ​ ​The​ ​following guidelines​ ​should​ ​be​ ​observed​ ​at​ ​all​ ​times:

1. Invitations to parties may be distributed by the child to other members of the class or school. In pre-nursery and nursery, teachers can assist in placing invites into bags or folders,​ ​but​ ​only​ ​when​ ​the​ ​whole​ ​class​ ​have​ ​been​ ​invited​ ​to​ ​the​ ​party.

2. Invitations should contain all relevant information regarding organisation, timings, location and correspondence. These should be completed by the parents including all names​ ​and​ ​other​ ​details.

3. Teachers and admin staff cannot assist in the collection or collation of party invitations.

This​ ​should​ ​be​ ​made​ ​clear​ ​on​ ​the​ ​party​ ​invitation.

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4. Teachers and admin staff cannot assist in the logistical organisation of parties such as buses​ ​and​ ​other​ ​transportation.

5. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to organise all aspects of parties outside of school. Teachers and admin staff should not be approached or contacted about these​ ​matters.

It is the responsibility of every child’s parent to inform the school of how their child will be going home, including parties. As a reminder, all alterations to a child’s mode of transport must be made​ ​before​ ​1:00pm​ ​of​ ​the​ ​given​ ​day.

School​ ​Complaints​ ​Procedure

The​ ​school​ ​welcomes​ ​all​ ​feedback​ ​of​ ​all​ ​kinds​ ​from​ ​parents.

On occasion you might feel that our service has fallen below the levels of your expectation, or require further explanation on an area of which you are unsure. If you have a complaint regarding any non-financial matter concerning the school the first point of contact is normally your​ ​child’s​ ​class​ ​teacher.

They​ ​will​ ​take​ ​the​ ​matter​ ​up​ ​for​ ​you​ ​and​ ​will​ ​do​ ​one​ ​of​ ​two​ ​things;

1)​ ​ ​ ​Reply​ ​directly​ ​within​ ​24​ ​hours​ ​when​ ​possible.

2)​ ​ ​ ​Pass​ ​the​ ​matter​ ​to​ ​the​ ​appropriate​ ​person.

Please note that email is the preferred method of handling communication with class teachers as they are busy during the day and cannot respond to phone calls. Alternatively, a meeting can be​ ​requested​ ​via​ ​reception​ ​or​ ​via​ ​email.

If the complaint is regarding the class teacher and you feel that it would not be appropriate to raise it with them you may contact the Head of Early Years. If the complaint is concerning the head​ ​of​ ​school​ ​then​ ​the​ ​complaint​ ​should​ ​be​ ​lodged​ ​directly​ ​with​ ​the​ ​Headteacher.

Urgent matters of child welfare (safety) can be immediately addressed to the school in person and​ ​a​ ​meeting​ ​will​ ​be​ ​arranged​ ​as​ ​soon​ ​as​ ​possible​ ​with​ ​a​ ​senior​ ​member​ ​of​ ​staff.

Complaints​ ​of​ ​a​ ​financial​ ​nature​ ​should​ ​be​ ​directed​ ​to​ ​the​ ​school’s​ ​Finance​ ​Department.

Appointments can be made to see heads of school via reception. Complaints are handled as swiftly as possible and in confidence where appropriate/requested. Parents will be kept up to date​ ​of​ ​the​ ​progress​ ​of​ ​their​ ​enquiry​ ​throughout​ ​the​ ​process.

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In​ ​Summary

We​ ​hope​ ​that​ ​this​ ​handbook​ ​provides​ ​an​ ​informative​ ​introduction​ ​to​ ​the​ ​school.​ ​Of​ ​course​ ​not every​ ​piece​ ​of​ ​information​ ​will​ ​be​ ​here​ ​and​ ​if​ ​you​ ​should​ ​need​ ​any​ ​further​ ​guidance,​ ​please​ ​feel free​ ​to​ ​contact​ ​the​ ​appropriate​ ​member​ ​of​ ​the​ ​school​ ​for​ ​further​ ​advice.​ ​We​ ​look​ ​forward​ ​to working​ ​with​ ​you​ ​this​ ​year​ ​and​ ​welcoming​ ​your​ ​child​ ​to​ ​BCB.​ ​We​ ​hope​ ​you​ ​have​ ​a​ ​wonderful year​ ​ahead.

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Avenida​ ​Engenheiro​ ​Oscar​ ​Americano,​ ​630 Cidade​ ​Jardim,​ ​São​ ​Paulo​ ​SP, 05673-050, Brazil

+55​ ​11​ ​3031​ ​4697

R.​ ​Álvares​ ​de​ ​Azevedo,​ ​50​ ​-​ ​Campo​ ​Grande, São​ ​Paulo​ ​SP, 04671-040, Brazil

+55​ ​11​ ​5523​ ​5052

https://britishcollegebrazil.org

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