EYFS Handbook
Table of Contents Welcome from the Headteacher
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Welcome from the Foundation Stage Leader
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Academic Calendar 2017-2018
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School Hours
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Arrival & Departure Procedures
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Security
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Extra Curricular Activities
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School Uniform
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What Your Child Will Need For School
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School Lunch
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Behaviour
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Merit System
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Attendance
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Health and First Aid
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Role of the Parent
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Home Learning
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Home/School Communication
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Using English in School
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Additional Information
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Summary
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Welcome from the Headteacher Dear Parents and Students, It is our pleasure to welcome you to the 2017-2018 school year at The British International School of Marbella (BISM). We extend a very warm welcome to all new and returning students and parents. Our aspiration is to provide a World Class Education for all pupils within the BISM community. We are fortunate to be governed by the Executive Board of The British Schools Foundation (BSF), a network of schools established across the globe. We are looking forward to providing your child with an outstanding educational experience. The Foundation has an excellent reputation worldwide and we will continue to build on that as we seek to meet the needs of all students enrolled in our school. Our staff members are enthusiastic and passionate about teaching, and bring a wealth of experience and expertise. At BISM , we have created a stimulating, safe and positive learning environment, with high expectations of achievement, endeavour and behaviour. We are committed to making the curriculum accessible to all students through utilising a range of teaching styles and state of the art technology, which will motivate our students to develop independent, lifelong learning skills. As BISM’s Headteacher, my role is to establish a culture that promotes excellence, equality and high expectations of all students. We value the opinions of our parents, therefore please feel free to send an email, call or arrange a visit. Parent input is invaluable and I look forward to working with you in the most important job you have - educating your child. We hope you will find this handbook useful and look forward to working closely with you to ensure the success of BISM and our students. Yours sincerely, Ms Sian Kirkham Headteacher
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Welcome from the Foundation Stage Leader Dear Parents and Students, This Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) handbook will introduce you to the specific information that will help you to support your child in quickly becoming integrated into their life at BISM. Please take the time to read it through carefully and keep it at hand for future reference. The Early Years are the most important years of a child’s life. In order to create happy, healthy and confident students, as well as lifelong learners, we choose to adopt the best practice of the EYFS framework of the English National Curriculum. This will provide your children with the best possible introduction to their school life. Every new academic year it is a pleasure to see the children gain such confidence and develop a natural curiosity for the world around them. They enjoy the feeling of being ‘grown up’ when they are expected to be independent and, consequently, they become less and less dependent on the adults around them. The emphasis at Nursery age is on learning through direct experience, with a focus on play-based activities. Particular attention is given to children’s personal, social and emotional development to help them become confident, independent learners. In Reception class at BISM, although ‘hands on’ activities are still a part of everyday life, this is the year when children learn to read and write. We use the Read, Write, Inc. programme as the core of our reading and writing curriculum. This approach works best with parental support at home and good communication between teacher and parent. The foundation classrooms are lively places, full of learning. Children are challenged and supported by class teachers, teaching assistants and specialist teachers in Music, PE and Spanish to ensure that they are provided with the experiences to match the full range of their talents and abilities. We have no doubt that you will see your child quickly develop a range of skills that will enable them to fulfill their potential in all aspects of school life. Welcome to the Early Years Foundation Stage at BISM! Mr. Ian Holden Foundation Stage Leader 4
Academic Calendar 2017-2018 Autumn term Fri 1st Sept Thurs 12th Oct Mon 16th Oct – Fri 20th Oct Wed 1st Nov Tue 20th Dec Spring term Mon 8th Jan Wed 28th Feb – Friday 2nd March Fri 23rd March
First Day of Term One Spanish National Holiday Half term break National Holiday Last Day of Term One
First Day of Term Two Half term break Last Day of Term Two
Summer term Tue 3rd Apr Mon 30th April – Tue 2nd May Mon 11th June Fri 29th June
First Day of Term Three Half term break Local Holiday Last Day of Term Three
Please note: The last day of each term will be a noon finish
School Hours 08:30 – 08:45 Children arrive to school (08:45 at the latest) 08:45 – 10:00 Registration and lessons 10:00 – 10:30 Snack and break time 10:30 – 12:30 Lessons 12:30 – 13:30 Lunch time 13:30 - 16:15 Lessons* 16:15 - 16:30 Story time/Home time * Afternoon break is taken when at a time deemed appropriate by the teacher. It is essential that students arrive at their classrooms for the beginning of tutor time so that they can begin the day with their classmates and teachers and, of course, are properly registered. Please understand that Teachers will not be available to meet with parents once the children start arriving. Children who arrive late on assembly days (Mondays and Fridays) will not be permitted to interrupt the assembly and will be supervised by support staff until their class returns.
Student Adult Ratios ● ● ●
Pre-Nursery: 16 children, 3 adults (1 Teacher, 1 Teaching Assistant, 1 Care Assistant) Nursery: 16 children, 2 adults (1 Teacher, 1 Teaching Assistant), class can increase to 20 with an additional TA Reception: 22 children, 2 adults (1 Teacher, 1 Teaching Assistant), class can increase to 25 with an additional TA
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Arrival & Departure Procedures It is essential that our youngest students be supervised at all times for their security and safety. Therefore, we request that students should not arrive to classrooms and should be handed over to a member of staff in the playground between 8:30 and 8:45am. All students should, however, be in class ready for registration at 8:45 am at the latest. It will help the morning routine enormously if parents support us in promoting independence with students of all ages (even Nursery age) when changing shoes and hanging up coats, etc. If a brief chat with the teacher is needed at drop-off time, please ensure that you do this before 8:45 am, when registration will begin. Nursery and Reception parents, please ensure that you or your designated guardian collects your child from a member of staff at the end of each day from the same playground (from the classroom on rainy days). Pre-Nursery children are collected directly from their classroom. Please collect your child between 4:15pm and 4:30pm. On the last day of each term, school finishes at 12:00 noon. If, for some reason, you have been delayed, please telephone the school so that we are aware and can inform your child so as to avoid any unnecessary anxiety. If you are unable to collect your child, please inform the school at the earliest possible time as to who will be collecting your child. For security reasons, teachers will not release a child to an unauthorised person so please ensure you wear your ID badge at all times. Please be aware that teachers/teaching assistants need to hand your child over to you; please assist this process by ensuring your teacher is aware you have received your child.
Security All visitors entering the school are required to sign in and out. We believe our students are very safe during the day and with your assistance believe we can continue our high standard of security. Parents are required to wear their ID badge at all times while on the school site. If you are not wearing your ID badge for whatever reason you will be asked to sign in and issued a visitor badge to enable you to collect your child. It is essential that we have an accurate record of who is authorised to collect your child and that each authorised adult has an ID badge. We will not release a child to the custody of a different adult unless we have received notification from the child’s parent. If you need to collect your child during the school day please ensure that you inform your class teacher in advance. Parents will need to report to the reception desk. A staff member will then collect your child for you. You will need to sign your child out before leaving the school premises. Parents should provide the school with at least two contact telephone numbers in case of emergencies. It is vital that you inform the school of any changes to these contact numbers. Please ensure you keep your phone close to you at all times so that we can contact in in case of an emergency.
Extra Curricular Activities As an extension to your child’s education we offer an Extra Curricular Activities (ECA) programme to children from Pre-Nursery upwards. ECAs include a variety of exciting activities including Dance, Music & Movement, Spanish, Arts & crafts, ICT, Sports and Games. 6
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 at school every day in uniform, worn in a tidy manner. We expect our students to take pride in their school uniform. All students are expected to wear PE uniform on PE days. You will be informed about these days at the beginning of the academic year. The school will give guidance regarding the dates when summer and winter uniforms are to be worn, according to the seasonal weather conditions. Summer uniform will be required at the beginning of the year. Below is the set uniform for EYFS children:
Other Items The correct socks and shoes complete the school uniform (see above). Therefore, black leather shoes must be worn every day except PE days when proper trainers should be worn. We believe that the children benefit a great deal from playing outside and enjoying fresh air whenever possible, even in winter. We always make every effort that they are dressed appropriately to go outside. It is therefore extremely important that your son or daughter has the appropriate clothes to go outside. Use of coats, hats, gloves etc. are encouraged during cold and rainy days. Sun hats are recommended for sunny days. As well as the black leather shoes or trainers on PE days, students will always need a pair of wellington boots to change into on rainy days. We appreciate your support in ensuring that weather appropriate garments are provided. 7
With young children we do understand that accidents sometimes happen. We ask parents to provide a spare change of uniform, to include socks and underwear, that should be kept in your child’s bag in school. For safety reasons, the wearing of earrings (except studs) or other jewellery (metal or plastic) must not be worn to school. They represent potential hazards to all participants. Professional and occupational safety advice confirms that they should be avoided at all times. We encourage independence in our students from the first day of school. This does mean at times that items can go temporarily missing. With this in mind, please label all items of school uniform with your child’s name and class. As part of the school routine, the children in the Pre-Nursery and Nursery classes will have the opportunity to nap for up to one hour each afternoon. The children will need a sheet, small blanket (not duvet) and pillow in a cotton bag or pillowcase, all labeled with the child’s full name which will be sent home every Friday for washing. All your child’s bedding will be kept in an individual locker. If you would like your child to take a nap during the school day then please communicate this to the teacher. General Appearance Students should not wear necklaces, bracelets or earrings to school (except for stud earrings). Hair should be worn in a neat style, long hair tied up. We consider mohicans, tramlines and bright colours are not considered appropriate hairstyles for school. If a student attends school with a hairstyle that is deemed inappropriate the Headteacher will inform the parents and request a more suitable style.
What Your Child Will Need For School Water bottles: ● Each student will be asked to bring their own reusable water bottle to school ● The bottle should be individual and never shared with others ● It should be clearly labeled with the name and class of the student ● The bottle will be returned home at the end of each day to be washed ● Only water should be contained in the bottles - no juice, carbonated or flavoured drinks ● Water dispensers will be available at school for refills whenever required Storage & Usage ● Water bottles will be stored neatly in class and students will be able to carry them to specialist lessons ● Teachers will establish clear routines in their class to ensure drinks are available to students at certain times but do not interrupt their lessons in anyway ● Please note that students may not be permitted to use water bottles in locations which are deemed hazardous, e.g. in the vicinity of ICT and/or electrical equipment Prohibited Items It is school policy not to bring the following items to school: ● Sharp or pointed instruments (e.g. scissors) ● Chewing gum and sweets ● Toys or games unless at the request of a teacher ● Music-playing systems, mobile phones or any other electronic devices not supplied by the school. This is to ensure that students’ belongings do not get damaged or lost. If a parent needs to contact a student urgently a message can be passed through the school office.
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School Lunch A hot and nutritious lunch is served to all children in school (except half-day Pre-Nursery children who wish to leave before lunch). School lunches are paid for in advance along with tuition fees. If you have not already informed the school that your child has dietary restrictions (whether for health, religious or allergy reasons), please do so immediately. We will inform the catering company and special arrangements will be made to provide proper suitable alternatives. As snacks are provided in EYFS there is no need to send in a snack for school (only from Year 1 upwards). BISM discourages sugar-laden foods for health reasons and also because they can have a negative effect on concentration and learning. Under no circumstances should snacks be shared amongst students. Occasionally, families send in a small individual cupcake for each child to celebrate a birthday. Please avoid sending in one large cake or gift bags. Also, please note that, due to existing serious allergies present within the school, snacks with nuts must be avoided. BISM is a nut-free zone.
Behaviour From an early age we encourage students to develop a sense of responsibility, self-respect and a respect for other people, property and the environment. We ask our EYFS students to take care of their friends, classroom and the toys and resources within it. It is essential for parents and school to work in partnership so that the values encouraged by home and school are mutually reinforced. The following is not an exhaustive set of objectives, but outlines the key expectations we have of students: ● 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; litter should be placed in bins ● Greet the teacher and guests in the school ● Speak and listen in turn ● Always look after school resources and ensure that furniture and resources are tidy at the end of lessons ● Do not leave the classroom without the teacher’s permission ● From Reception age, students are responsible for clearing trays and plates after break and lunch We encourage all students to act as positive citizens and bullying will not be tolerated at our school.
Merit 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 house names and colours are as follows:
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The whole school is involved in the merit system and each teacher and assistant teacher will be part of a house. The students earn house points (dojos) for individual awards relating to their progress and efforts in all aspects of school life. Beyond this each week the total house point scores are collected and shared during assembly each week. A house point shield is awarded to the winning team annually at Speech Day. Teachers award points to each student when deserved and it is the responsibility of the student to enter his/her house points on the chart displayed in the class. This can be a coloured square or a tick alongside a name. There will be no negative actions such as minus house points. Certificates will be awarded in class to successful students.
Attendance Regular daily attendance is essential for even the youngest students. They learn a great deal every day. We ask that parents support attendance at school wherever possible and avoid any absences. Parents who are aware of such future absences should inform the class teacher/tutor and seek permission as far in advance as possible. If students do not make the progress required to enter the next year group due to poor attendance, the student may need to repeat the year. In summary, please get your child to school every day if possible - it will really help them enjoy school and make great progress. Absence Through Sickness While regular daily attendance is important, sometimes absence is unavoidable through sickness. Please inform the school if your child is unable to attend school for health reasons. Please telephone as early as possible after 8:00am and leave a message for the class teacher/tutor. If you prefer to use email, please inform both the class teacher and the receptionist. In order for us to ensure the health and safety of your child, please advise us of any medical problems they may have when there is an allergy to materials or food. Please ensure that the health questionnaire has been completed. If your child becomes unwell and the class teacher/tutor feels that they may not be well enough to participate in lessons, the student will be referred to the Headteacher after further observation, if the student 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 that the school cannot provide a driver in such circumstances. Please ensure that school always has updated contact phone numbers. 10
If a child has suffered a tummy virus, please be aware that it is school policy that the child cannot return to school within 24 hours of the last episode to avoid further infection. If a child has live head lice you will also be called to collect your child.
Health and First Aid All staff are first aid trained who can deal with day-to-day matters such as cuts or bruises, and students who feel unwell whilst at school. If there is an accident/injury at school and the child needs to see a doctor the parents will be called immediately. If you have private medical insurance you can take your child to your preferred doctor. If you would like to use the school´s medical insurance provided by Mapfre insurance you will need to go to the Clinica Ochoa, Avenida Severo Ochoa s/n, Marbella. If you decide to take them to the Clinica Ochoa you will need to take along an accident declaration form which has been filled in by the school, signed and stamped with a unique file number.
Medicine For Students Academic and administrative staff are prohibited from giving any medication to students whilst on site. In special circumstances, medication for illnesses such as asthma can be administered providing the school has received a prescription from a doctor with the doctor’s signature and stamp in order to administer any medication to a child. If this cannot be provided, a family representative known to the school will need to give medicine to the student.
Role of the Parent At BISM we acknowledge the importance of involving our parents in their child’s education and we encourage the support of parents throughout the school. Parents are often invited to support class assemblies, activities, open days and curriculum days in order to be involved in school life as much as possible. In addition to your role within school we also encourage your support with your child’s learning at home. The enjoyment and knowledge that young children get from books is invaluable at this age and we encourage parents to read with their child as often as possible at home. At BISM we consider homework to be an excellent way to review or reinforce work taught in school rather than a way to extend learning. To be involved in school life as much as possible parents are invited to take part in the following activities: ● Reading with children in class ● Helping with class trips ● Helping with cookery or art lessons ● Supporting class assemblies, phase productions and other activities ● Ted talks Please get in touch if you would like to offer some of your spare time in school. We would love to have your input.
Home Learning It is very important that school and homework go together to develop a love of learning in our students. It helps enormously if work done at home is completed at a regular time and under the best conditions in order for the child to enjoy learning. Teachers are happy to give guidelines so that the support given at home mirrors what is learnt by your child in school. Important information is posted on the portal at least weekly. This will help you to understand what topics are being covered in school.
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Parents will be invited to a termly Open Days and workshops throughout the year. This will help parents to understand how we teach young children at BISM.
Pre-Nursery & Nursery In Nursery, home learning would simply involve supporting us by promoting independence at home e.g. encouraging/teaching your child to take off and put on their own shoes and coat and eating by themselves, etc. Parents can involve themselves and their child at home in the topics being learnt in school. This helps to reinforce what is being taught and students can get a fuller learning experience.
Reception In Reception, parents should reinforce letter sounds, blending and listen to their child read. Initially phonetic word lists to be ‘sounded out’ with children will be sent home. Later, ‘Tricky Words’ will be introduced and exposure to these words at home will really help children to feel confident when reading. It is always good to get children to make predictions about the story, answer open-ended questions and even write about what they enjoyed about the book. Counting objects, identifying shapes, using mathematical language (e.g. more, less, rectangle, add, subtract) and learning number bonds by heart to 10 (e.g. 7+3=10, 8+2=10, 5+5=10) will all help your child in class. General Home Learning For EYFS Students ● Encourage independence ● Share books together and discuss them ● Using their fine motor skills (building up the muscles in the fingers by writing, colouring, cutting, squeezing and threading etc.) Please ensure the correct finger/scissor grip is reinforced at home ● Ask a lot of questions (get students thinking) ● Get students physically active and playing alongside others ● Do jigsaw puzzles and encourage them to solve their own problems
As ‘home learning’ in the EYFS is not as structured as with older students, it can often be considered less important. However, please remember that these are the foundation years on which everything else is built and, therefore, the most important.
Home/School Communication At BISM we greatly value working in partnership with parents and guardians to ensure the very best for your children. As part of this, we place a strong emphasis on opening up many avenues of communication between parents and teachers. Please take the time to read the following to help you understand the different ways that we can share information with each other. Daily Communication: ● Parent Portal. Most communication from the school is provided via the online Parent Portal. Therefore, it is essential that all parents review all of the information on the Portal and check the calendar regularly. Not only will information from key staff members be presented there but also important calendar events that we would hate you to miss. ●
Email. Critical/individual communication can also be maintained by email, though we ask you to do this selectively and concisely so that email communication remains manageable for teachers and they can focus on their classroom work. We aim to answer email within 48 hours. The class teacher would be the first point of contact on most issues. When appropriate, they will refer any important issues to the Senior Leadership Team. If you wish advice on administrative aspects of school our admin team are always happy to help.
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Weekly: ● Weekly Blog. Teachers will inform you of learning experiences that took place during the week and upcoming events via the weekly ‘blog’ that is completed on Fridays and posted on the Parent Portal. Monthly: ● School newsletter. This will be published on the Portal and the school website every month. It includes articles from staff and students and photos celebrating what the children have done throughout the month. Termly: ● Curriculum Letters. At the beginning of each term, a curriculum letter is sent out to inform parents of the topics and objectives that will be taught in the coming term. ● School Reports. Each term you will receive a full written report on your child’s progress and attainment. ● Parent Teacher Consultations. These take place five times a year and give you the opportunity to talk one-to-one with the teacher about your child’s progress, development and targets. Additional Information and Correspondence during the Year: ● Curriculum Evening: Before the academic year starts a Curriculum Evening will be held, during which time parents will be invited to visit the classroom of their son or daughter and gain an insight into their new class and teaching staff. It is also an opportunity for the teachers to share important information about class procedures and expectations.
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Class Timetable. This timetable indicates which activity your child is doing at what time during the week.
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Curriculum Overviews. These will be posted directly onto our school website and is an overview of what the year group will be addressing.
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News. We have regular updates of school activities provided by the news coordinator on each site via newsletter, website and postings.
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Face to face. Class teachers/tutors are happy to discuss concerns you may have about your son or daughter but are unable to do so during teaching time. Any small issue that can be discussed briefly at drop off or pick up time, must be completed outside of lesson time.
Teachers will gladly arrange for you to make an appointment (with class teachers) to discuss any important topics that you wish to raise. In order to maintain consistent lines of communication, we ask that you ensure that your contact details including mobile phones and email addresses remain regularly updated with the school office. If you have a question or concern, please arrange a meeting with your class teacher. If you are not satisfied with the result of the meeting, then please meet with the Phase Leader. If the issue still cannot be rectified, please meet with the Headteacher. If you have a grievance to bring to our attention please always use a polite and respectful tone at all times. All BISM staff work very hard for the good of your child and we expect them to be treated with the respect that they deserve. Student Work and Portfolios Parents will have regular opportunities each term to see the work being achieved by the students as part of the parent teacher consultations. Portfolios will be collated throughout the year that parents can access at any time. All student books will normally be sent home at the end of the year (with the exception of examples required for inspection or display purposes).
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Using English in School Bilingualism is an asset to the pupil and the school, and this is reflected in the way we approach the use of language in school. English is the first language of the school and we encourage it to be used as much as possible. It is the one common language that all pupils will share and therefore has the capacity to unite all pupils. It is not forbidden for children to use their native language in the EYFS classroom, however our graduation towards exclusive of use of English in the classroom and on the playground grows with the age of the children and their English language proficiency. Very young children and those new to English, may use their native language when necessary but move gradually towards more and more English. When determining use of native language in school, the age and capability of children is key and all staff will take a common sense approach. Pupils are not reprimanded or sanctioned for using their mother tongue. Instead, they are positively encouraged to use English wherever possible.
Additional Information
Assessments are continually made throughout your child’s education to ensure they are progressing at expected levels and are suitably challenged and supported. Work samples are collected to help document each child’s progress and we have ‘Excellent Work Books’ that celebrate achievements. Cultural awareness is promoted throughout the year. We celebrate various cultural celebrations as well as sing songs, enjoy various festivals and of course recognise the range of cultures represented in our classes. Time is given for expression through art, music, dance and drama. The main topics taught through a three year cycle are outlined below:
Autumn
Spring
Summer
Cycle 1
Once upon a time Ourselves Traditional tales, nursery rhymes, counting rhymes, spiders
Secret garden Bugs, mini beast, growing (Jack and the Beanstalk, In Wibbly’s Garden, Oliver’s Vegetables, The Hungry Caterpillar), senses (smelling/tasting food/touching textures of food, soil etc)
Splish, splash, splosh Water, sea animals, pirates, boats, floating and sinking, Mrs Wishy Washy, rainbow fish, Mr Grumpys Outing
Cycle 2
Wonderful me Our body, skeletons, hands, senses, my family, The Gingerbread Man (biscuit making), split pin people
Great explorers Dinosaurs, jungles and animals, around the world, countries, cultures, pirates, mountain trip for Reception
Holidays Hot/cold places, different clothes, transport, travel agents, maps, countries, beaches, sea life
Cycle 3
People that help us People that help us, cartoon heros, super heros
Zoom, zoom, zoom Transport
Honey pot Bears (fact and fiction), Goldilocks, book lead planning, Teddy bears new and old, teddy bears picnic
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MFL: Spanish Children in the Foundation Stage receive three hours of Spanish per week. The children are split into two groups – natives/fluent speakers and non-natives/beginners. A bilingual Spanish/English assistant supports each FS class. As well as support the delivery of the English lessons, they also reinforce the Spanish learning objectives to the non-natives when the opportunity arises, such as during PE lessons and free play.
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. Mr Ian Holden Reception Teacher & Foundation Stage Leader ian.holden@bsm.org.es Miss Jade Nixon Nursery Teacher jade.nixon@bsm.org.es Miss Laura Rutherford Pre-Nursery Teacher laura.rutherford@bsm.org.es
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Calle Jacinto Benavente 29601 Marbella Málaga Spain +34 952 779 264 www.bsm.org.es
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