FAQS

HOW BIG ARE THE CLASSES AND WHAT ARE THE RATIOS?

In Pre-Nursery we have a maximum of sixteen per day in the autumn term as the ratio for two year olds is one to four. In the Nursery we have two classes with a maximum of sixteen children per class. Each class has a full time teacher and teaching assistant which ensures all the children receives the individual attention they need to thrive. In Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 we have two classes with a maximum of twenty children per class. Each of these classes has a full time teacher and teaching assistant.

HOW ARE PARENTS COMMUNICATED WITH?

The Pre-Prep and Nursery use an online learning journal called Tapestry which enables parents to view personalised photographs of their child along with positive and informative teacher comments.

There is a parent drop in once every term, where parents and family are invited into the classroom to see the children’s work.

Mr Williams holds a talk every half term on topics such as phonics, maths, internet safety etc. so that the parents stay informed on how the children are taught and how they can help at home.

DOES MY CHILD HAVE TO DO ALL 5 FULL DAYS?

In the Pre-Nursery children are asked to do a minimum of two mornings a week. In the Nursery this is increased to a minimum of five mornings, although children in both these years are able to come for a maximum of five full days. Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 come for five full days a week.

HOW IS THE SCHOOL DAY ORGANISED AND DO YOU PROVIDE WRAP AROUND CARE?

Drop off begins at 8:20am and the school day starts at 8:35am. A bookable early birds drop off is available from 8:00am for Pre-Nursery to Year 2. The day begins formally at 8.35am. There is a twenty minute break time in the morning. For those in Pre-Nursery and Nursery who are staying for half a day, pick up time is at 12:00pm before lunch. Lunch break is an hour and twenty minutes where the children are able to eat and play freely outside. Collection time is 3:15pm and there is an after school club which runs until 5:45pm where a hot meal is provided, a service which is available from the Nursery up.

CAN MY CHILD TAKE A NAP?

In the Pre-Nursery the children have a chance to nap after lunch, although this is not essential. We provide them with foldable mattresses and blankets to ensure their comfort. In our Nursery we do not provide napping facilities, but parents are able to pick up their child at 12:00pm, so they are able to nap at home if needed.

DOES MY CHILD HAVE TO BE TOILET TRAINED?

No, your child does not have to be toilet trained before joining the Pre-Nursery. We have changing facilities and the teachers work with the parents to ensure that they begin to use the toilet by the end of the school year. In Nursery we would like the children to be out of nappies, although we understand that the odd accident will happen.

CAN MY CHILD TAKE SCHOOL TRANSPORT?

In the Pre-Prep and Nursery children must be dropped off by an adult. Whilst we encourage parents to drop off at the door, we offer a drive-in drop off for anyone who needs it from Reception upwards. Bus transport is available for pupils Year 3 and upwards.

WHAT HELP IS THERE FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL OTHER EDUCATIONAL NEEDS?

Our dedicated IN team provide a range of support services for those children who either need additional support generally, ranging from group classes to one to one lessons weekly. We also have a speech therapist who visits the school once a week who can provide one to one sessions.

DO YOU STREAM THE CHILDREN?

We do not stream the children in Pre-Prep and Nursery. Throughout all lessons, the teaching staff make use of differentiation to support and stretch our pupils. There are many proven educational benefits of inclusive teaching at this age.

ARE THERE SPECIALIST TEACHERS?

We have specialist teachers for PE and games, music, forest school, French and computing. From Pre-Nursery upwards all the children will have PE, games and music with our teachers outside of their classroom. Nursery start learning the basics about computing and have access to computers for maths and English games. French is introduced in Reception.

WILL MY CHILD AUTOMATICALLY PROGRESS THROUGH THE SCHOOL?

Pre-Prep pupils will automatically progress into the Prep School. Great care is taken over the transition process for all of our pupils. Settling in sessions, buddy systems and moving up days all form part of transition. Year 2 parents are also invited to a special transition speech from the Prep School head, Mrs Hutton-Attenborough.