Pre-Prep & Nursery Information for Applicants 2016/17

Ages

2¾ – 7 Info

Pre-Prep & Nursery 2016/17

rm

at

io

n

for

Applicants

1

2

Welcome

3

Admissions Procedure 2016/17

4

Key Dates 2016/17

5

Admission to the Pre-Prep and Nursery

6-7

Information for New Parents

8-9

Ethos and Values

10

Statement of Fees

11

Optional Subjects and Payments

12

Culford Governors and Staff

13-14

How To Find Us

15

We are delighted that you are considering Culford Pre-Prep and Nursery for your child’s future education. We pride ourselves on our small class sizes, our warm nurturing environment, caring teachers, and offering an education that is challenging, enriching and fun. Culford Pre-Prep and Nursery gives your child the very best start to their schooling and provides a world of opportunities.

Although our website and prospectus will give you a flavour of what Culford has to offer, they are no substitute for coming to visit us. You are warmly invited to visit us at a time convenient to you, to meet me and other members of staff for a comprehensive tour of the school. We also hold Open Mornings and taster sessions for children may also be arranged.

Welcome

Dear Parents

This booklet provides all the information you will need when applying for a place at Culford, however please do contact the Admissions team on +44 (0)1284 385308, +44 (0)1284 385412 or email admissions@culford.co.uk with any questions you may have; they will be delighted to help.

We hope that you will choose to visit Culford Pre-Prep and Nursery soon, and look forward to showing you what makes our school so special.

Yours faithfully,

Mrs Sarah Preston BA Headmistress Telephone: +44 (0)1284 385308 Email: fieldgate@culford.co.uk

3

Admissions

Admissions Procedure 2016/17 HOW TO APPLY §§

The formal start of the academic year is September, however, pupils are welcome to join the school at other times during the year.

§§

Please telephone the Admissions Office in the first instance to check on the availability of places. We will send you a prospectus and registration form and also arrange for you to visit the Pre-Prep and Nursery.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? §§

Culford Pre-Prep and Nursery holds several fun Activity Open Mornings throughout the year which you are invited to attend. If you cannot attend an Open Morning, we are very happy to organise an individual visit. Please contact us on +44 (0)1284 385308 or +44 (0)1284 385412 to book your visit.

§§

Once you have decided that you wish to apply for a place at Culford, you need to complete and return a Registration Form together with a non-refundable registration fee of £75 to ensure that your child is placed on the entry list for admission.

§§

Early registration is encouraged and we offer free and discounted Parent, Baby and Toddler sessions, the details of which can be found on page 6. The Admissions Office will arrange the necessary entrance assessment, the details of which are set out on the following pages.

OFFERS

4

§§

Any formal offer is made subject to our Standard Terms & Conditions. Your child’s place is secured on receipt of the signed acceptance form, medical form and the nonrefundable acceptance fee.

§§

A copy of the Standard Terms and Conditions is sent out with the formal offer of a place. These can also be found at: www.culford.co.uk

ISI November 2014

Open Mornings 2016/17 2016 Friday 18 November

Nursery

09.15am

Pre-Prep

09.15am

Prep

10.30am

Nursery

09.15am

2017 Friday 10 March

Pre-Prep

09.15am

Prep

10.30am

Nursery

09.15am

Pre-Prep

09.15am

Prep

10.30am

Monday 1 May

Key Dates

“The Pre-Prep prepares children effectively for the next stage in their learning�

Term Dates Autumn Term 2016

Term begins Half Term Term ends

Wednesday 7 September 2016 Friday 21 October - Sunday 6 November 2016 Thursday 15 December 2016

Spring Term 2017

Term begins Half Term Term ends

Thursday 5 January 2017 Friday 10 February - Sunday 19 February 2017 Thursday 23 March 2017

Summer Term 2017

Term begins Half Term Term ends

Wednesday 26 April 2017 Saturday 27 May - Sunday 4 June 2017 Thursday 6 July 2017 5

Pre-Prep and Nursery

Admission to the Pre-Prep and Nursery (ages 2¾ to 7) ASSESSMENT

PRE-PREP CURRICULUM

Admission to the Pre-Prep School is on the basis of an informal assessment. Your son or daughter will spend a morning or day in the classroom with pupils of the same age. Social skills and interaction will be observed.

We offer a caring environment where each child is encouraged and expected to achieve his or her full potential. Academic standards are high, class sizes are small and there are many opportunities for the children to explore and develop a variety of interests and abilities.

In Years 1 (PP1) and 2 (PP2) they will spend a day in class, where reading, writing, numeracy and IQ will be assessed.

For entry to Culford School Nursery, children will be invited to attend a session to ensure they will settle well and thrive within our caring environment.

Ages 2¾-7

Transfer to the Preparatory School is on the basis of informal assessment in the Spring Term of the year of entry, along with a satisfactory school report.

“The Pre-Prep is an exceptional place. At four years old my daughter is learning to read, write, count, play tennis, swim, play, share and dance; what more could a four year old want from school?”

Culford Pre-Prep Parent 6

All the children can access ICT through interactive whiteboards and laptops and there is a wellstocked library. Culford is a Forest School and offers children exciting opportunities to learn through play in the fantastic environment of Culford Park.

PARENT, BABY AND TODDLER SESSIONS Once your child is registered with Culford, you can both attend our Friday morning Parent, Baby and Toddler sessions for free (normally £6 a session.)

As a registered parent, your child also qualifies for other discounted Parent, Baby and Toddler activities on Wednesdays.

YEAR 2 (PP2)

At the Nursery we aim to stimulate each child; we recognise that play is a child’s work and we seek to promote a positive approach to learning. The classes follow the Early Years Foundation Stage and focus on:

PP2 study literacy, numeracy, history, geography, science, music, art, design and technology, French, philosophy, PSHE, SEAL and religious studies. They also learn to play the recorder as well as having weekly music lessons and the option of individual music lessons. Dance and PE including swimming and tennis, continue to be taught by specialist teachers.

• Communication and language • Mathematics • Literacy • Expressive arts and design • Physical development • Understanding the world • Personal, social and emotional development Dance, music, swimming and tennis are taught by specialist teachers with tennis offered as an optional extra.

RECEPTION (PPR) We continue to work on the Early Years Foundation Stage areas of learning with the emphasis on literacy and numeracy. The children also learn about history, geography, Mad Science, art, design and technology, PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education), philosophy and SEAL (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning), whilst still allowing time for learning through play. In addition PE, dance, French, music, swimming and tennis are all taught by specialist teachers.

YEAR 1 (PP1) PP1 offers a more structured environment, with a continued emphasis on literacy and numeracy. The children study history, geography, philosophy, religious studies, science, art, design and technology, PSHE and SEAL. French, dance, swimming and music continue to be delivered by specialist teachers. Pupils also learn to play ocarinas (a flute-like wind instrument) and individual music lessons are available on request. PE is taught by specialist teachers covering a range of sports including hockey, rugby and tennis.

AFTER SCHOOL PROVISION An unrivalled variety of after school activities are offered to Pre-Prep pupils from PP1 at an additional cost. Examples include: football, rugby, tennis, art club, Zumba, golf, Mad Science, cricket, cookery and netball.

After school care is also offered for Nursery and Pre-Prep children, until 6pm if required. More information can be found on pages 11-12.

Pre-Prep and Nursery

NURSERY

LEARNING DEVELOPMENT Culford is a mainstream school with a small, yet highly successful Learning Development Department serving the Pre-Prep, Prep and Senior Schools. We offer support to pupils with mild specific learning difficulties who are able to manage independently in the classroom.

Tailor-made provision is built into a broad and balanced mainstream timetable to meet every child’s individual needs. Learning Development lessons are offered on a withdrawal basis or arranged before school. Lessons are taught by specialist teachers to individuals or pairs and incur an additional cost, the details of which may be found on page 12.

Ages 2¾-7

Copies of our Handbook for Parents may be downloaded from Culford’s website: www.culford.co.uk

7

Information for New Parents

Information for New Parents

Breakfast club is available from 7.30am and needs to be booked in advance.

A TYPICAL DAY AT NURSERY 7.30am

8am - 9am

Breakfast Club Children may be dropped between 8.00am 9.00am, with supervised activities from 8.30am.

9am All children should arrive in time for registration at 9.00am.

9.15am

10.15am

11am

12pm

Curriculum Snack time Curriculum activities. and outside activities. play.

Lunch followed by outside play.

1.10pm

2.15pm

Beginning of the Snack time afternoon session and outside with curriculum play. activities.

Children only participating in morning sessions are picked up at 1.10pm.

3pm

3.40pm

Curriculum activities.

End of Afternoon Session. Children may stay for After School Care.

4pm 6pm After School Care with a variety of activities on offer.

A TYPICAL DAY AT PRE-PREP 7.30am Breakfast Club

8

8am

8.20am

8.55am

School Opens - early morning care is available from 7.30am.

Classrooms open for early morning work.

Registration

9am

9.30am 10.30am

Assembly Literacy with Mrs Lessons Preston, the Headteacher.

10.30am 11am - 11am 12pm Snack and Playtime

12pm 1.10pm

1.10pm - 3.20pm 3.20pm 3.45pm

Numeracy Freshly Afternoon Lessons prepared lunch Lessons served in the dining hall, with playtime or a club.

Show and Tell

3.50pm

4pm 6pm

Home Time After School Care with a variety of activities on offer.

HOLIDAY CLUB

Forest school is a specific way of learning outdoors that helps children to develop personal, social and technical skills in a forest or woodland setting. At Culford, we are extremely lucky to be based in such beautiful parkland with woodland on our doorstep.

We use our special and unique location as a Forest School to encourage independence and self-esteem in our pupils.

Culford Sports and Tennis Centre runs a Summer Holiday and half term Sports & Activity programme for children aged 5-15. This takes place every day throughout the summer holidays from 8.30am to 5.30pm. Activities include rounders, table tennis, arts & crafts, a daily swim and many more.

What are the benefits?

• • • • •

Increases emotional wellbeing Enables social development through communication, negotiation and problem solving Development of fine gross motor skills and co-ordination Links to the Early Years Foundation stage curriculum areas of learning Children gain confidence and have fun!

UNIFORM Pre-Prep and Nursery uniform is one of our distinctive hallmarks and enables even the youngest children to take pride in their appearance and their school.

A complete uniform list is sent to you in advance of your child’s first term and may also be downloaded from www.culford.co.uk under the Admissions section.

New uniform may be purchased from the School outfitter: Aubyn Davies, 81 St John’s St., Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1SQ Telephone: +44 (0)1284 754276.

We also offer Tennis Camps for children aged 5 and above and individual activities such as Puppet classes and Forest School throughout the holiday period.

For more information, please contact the Sports & Tennis Centre on: on +44 (0)1284 385370 or email cstc@culford.co.uk

Information for New Parents

WHAT IS FOREST SCHOOL?

TRANSITION TO PREP SCHOOL Culford Pre-Prep has strong links with the Prep School. The children have activities with older pupils and experience some lessons with Prep School teachers. The Head of Prep School regularly visits the Pre-Prep.

Parents are kept well informed about the transition process with an information afternoon in the Autumn Term, an induction day in the Summer Term, a welcome afternoon in September and detailed letters throughout the process. Parents also have the opportunity to attend events, such as the music concerts, and other activities at the Prep School.

“The woodland area directly outside the Pre-Prep is used imaginatively” ISI November 2014 9

ETHOS AND GENERAL VALUES

Ethos and Values

Culford aims to provide an education which is challenging, enriching and fun. We are a Christian school with a Methodist Foundation, but pupils of all faiths and of none are welcome.

The guiding values at Culford School are those of fairmindedness, hard work, enjoyment and treating others with proper respect and consideration. We also attach great importance to manners, good discipline, service to others and to caring for the school and external environment. We value both effort and achievement and we encourage every positive contribution that a pupil makes to the life of the Culford School community.

The principles that make up the school’s policies are addressed to each pupil. Some of them necessarily apply also to parents. Compliance is a condition of membership of the school.

Parents are asked to read through the detailed policies contained in the Parents’ and Pupils’ Handbooks with their son or daughter from time to time. Copies are available on request and may also be downloaded from the school website: www.culford.co.uk

“Within the Early Years Foundation Stage the children’s personal, social and emotional development is excellent. Their behaviour is exemplary. They take turns and share toys and equipment sensibly.

They are happy, feel safe in the secure environment and are confident to share any concerns with staff.”

10

ISI November 2014

ADMISSIONS POLICY Culford School will only admit pupils whose educational needs can be adequately met. The educational interests of the child are at the forefront of our selection process.

It is a general principle, therefore, that Culford School will only admit a pupil in the belief that they will qualify for the next stage of their education within the school. Making such judgements may be difficult, particularly at younger ages, and on occasion there may be pupils within the school who do not qualify for transfer to the next part of the school or make sufficient academic progress.

Any decision to refuse such progress, however, will be made: • •

with timely, documented and open discussions with the parents with regard to the best educational interests of the child concerned

Parents whose children are admitted with such reservations will be written to formally informing them of the likelihood of progression to the next stage of education.

Culford reserves the right, in consultation with parents/ guardians, not to offer places to those whom it considers would not benefit from the school’s education, or whose presence might have a detrimental effect on other pupils.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR ADMISSION TO CULFORD In all cases the Head of the relevant school is responsible for deciding to admit or refuse entry to a pupil. Where such a decision is to be challenged by the parents the normal complaints procedure of the school should be followed.

The point of first appeal with regard to entry to the PrePreparatory and Preparatory Schools is to the Headmaster of the Senior School and, in the last resort, beyond him to a panel of the Governors. An appeal against the refusal to admit a pupil to the Senior School may be made to a panel of the Governors in the first instance and, beyond that, to a panel consisting of the Chairman of Governors and a representative from the Methodist Board.

SCHOOL POLICIES You can find all Culford’s policies and handbooks relating to pupils and parents, including the School Safeguarding policy, on our website: www.culford.co.uk/Policies-and-Handbooks Please call the Common Room Secretary on +44 (0)1284 385318 if you have any difficulty accessing any of the policies or would like a copy sent to you.

Statement of Fees 2016/17

PRE-PREP AND NURSERY FUNDING SCHEME

Children may arrive from 8.00am or at 7.30am if they choose to join our Breakfast Club. A mix of morning and afternoon sessions is possible.

Time

Cost

Breakfast Club

7.30am – 8.00am

£7.00 per session

Mornings (including lunch)

8.30am – 1.10pm

£26.50 per session

Afternoons

1.10pm – 3.40pm

£13.50 per session

Full Days (including lunch and tea)

8.30am – 3.40pm

£40.00 per day

Full Days (including after school care)

8.00am – 6.00pm

£51.00 per day

Rising 3s (no minimum number of sessions required)

8.30am – 1.10pm (including lunch)

£20.00 per session

Occasional after school care (including tea)

4.00pm – 6.00pm

£7.00 per hour

PRE-PREP SCHOOL Year Group

Age on 1 Sep 16

NC* Year Group

Termly Fee

Annual Fee

Reception (PPR)

4

Reception

£2,870

£8,610

Year 1 (PP1)

5

Year 1

£3,000

£9,000

6

Year 2

£3,140

£9,420

Culford operates its own funding scheme for parents of children in their final year of Culford School Nursery i.e. the year prior to joining Reception class. The scheme allows parents of children in Culford Nursery to receive discounts of up to £800 against their Reception and PP1 summer term fees.

Given that many children in Culford Nursery will attend on a part-time basis – often involving half day sessions – the loyalty scheme has been devised on the basis of total weekly sessions rather than full days. So, if your three-year old child attends 6 half day sessions per week (equating to 3 full days) they would be eligible for £480 discount against their final year fees.

Please contact the Admissions Office for more detailed information on +44 (0)1284 385308.

Sessions per year

Credit to bill in PPR*

Credit to bill in PP1*

5 days a week

£800

£800

A normal school year consists of 34 weeks across three terms. A Holiday Club is available during half terms and school holidays for children aged 5 and above. More details about the Holiday Club may be found on the website or by contacting the Sports & Tennis Centre.

Between 3 4 days a week and up to

£640

£640

Between 2 3 days a week and up to

£480

£480

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Equal to

2 days a week

£320

£320

Less than

2 days

Nil

Nil

Year 2 (PP2) *National Curriculum

Equal to

A variety of after school activities are offered and currently include: country dancing, choir, art and sports clubs. Parents are advised of additional termly charges per activity and asked to sign up for their children’s chosen activities at the start of each term.

Statement of Fees

CULFORD SCHOOL NURSERY

* This credit is applied to the summer term’s fees in PPR and PP1 to those who qualify for the scheme.

11

Optional Subjects

Optional Subjects and Payments AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES A variety of after school activities are offered and currently include: country dancing, art, choir, mad science and sports clubs. Parents are advised of additional termly charges per activity and asked to sign up for their children’s chosen activities at the start of each term. After school care is also available between 4.00pm and 6.00pm.

BREAKFAST CLUB Breakfast club is available from 7.30am for £7 per session. Please call +44 (0)1284 385412 for more information.

LEARNING DEVELOPMENT Learning Development is available for £28 per 40 minute lesson.

MUSIC LESSONS Music lessons are priced at £12 per 15 minute session. For more information please contact Pre-Prep Reception on +44 (0)1284 385412.

12

DISCOUNTS FOR SIBLINGS For families with 3 or more children attending Culford simultaneously, the following discounts will apply: 3rd Child

4th Child

5th Child

6th child

10%

20%

35%

60%

Triplets 10% per child Quadruplets 15% per child Discounts do not apply until the third sibling is in Reception class or above.

PAYMENT OF FEES A non-refundable registration fee of £75 per pupil is payable prior to assessments/entrance examinations. Early registration is recognised with free Friday Parent, Baby and Toddler sessions prior to starting at the Nursery (please call +44 (0)1284 385412 for more details). An acceptance fee of £150 (Nursery) and £300 (Pre-Prep) per pupil, is payable with the acceptance form. These sums secure your child’s place and are retained to contribute to the School’s Bursaries Fund.

Fees include tuition, meals, standard textbooks and teaching resources. Fees do not include optional subjects and examination entry fees.

Fees are payable on or before the first day of term.

Payment by direct debit is available over a ten month period August-May. It is also possible to arrange a lump sum advance payment of fees.

Please contact the Finance Department for more information on +44 (0)1284 385345.

Pre-Prep and Nursery School Common Room

The Rt Hon Viscount Chelsea PATRON Air Vice Marshal S Abbott CBE MPhil BA CHAIRMAN Mrs P Abbott BEd ACP Mr A Atkinson LLB MBA MA JP Prof S Challacombe BDS PhD FRC(Path) FDSRCS(Eng,Ed) DSc(h.c) FMedSci FKC Mr A P Crane BSc CEng FIET Mr M Donougher BSc ACA Mr N Gillis MA Mr J M Hammond MA Mr M King Mr T C Matthews BSc FRICS Mr P Moore BA MBA MIC Mr S Pott FRICS FRAgS FInstCPD FRAU The Revd J M Pursehouse Mrs V Sanderson BA Grad CIPD

Mrs S Preston BA

Head Teacher Miss S Widger BSc QTS

Senior Teacher Miss K Harrison BEd

Senior Teacher Mrs M Anderson

Level 3 Cache Teaching Assistant, Level 3 Forest Leader Mrs N Brown NNEB

Teaching Assistant and After School Care Mrs S E Combes BA

Head of Pre-Prep Music Mrs E Grey DPP

Nursery Support Staff Mrs H Hansgate BSc

PE Support Staff Mrs R Lesley BA

PE Support Staff Mrs A Mackenzie TFL Dip FR

French Teacher Mrs A Morrell BEd

Class Teacher Mrs D Rampling NVQ

Level 3 Nursery Support Staff Mrs R Ratcliffe BEd

Class Teacher and Learning Development Miss N Rodwell EYP

Teaching Assistant, Level 3 Forest Leader Mrs C Rossiter BEd

Class Teacher Mrs J Suckling BA

Class Teacher and Early Years Coordinator Miss K Trow BA

Nursery Manager, Level 3 Forest Leader

Culford is one of a group of schools owned by the Methodist Independent Schools Trust (MIST), 25 Marylebone Road, London NW1 5JR. Telephone: 02079 353 723, www.methodisteducation.co.uk

Any communication to Governors should be addressed to: Clerk to the Governors, Culford School, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP28 6TX Email: clerk@culford.co.uk

Mr J F Johnson-Munday MA MBA Dr J Guntrip BSc PhD

School Office Mrs E McNeil/ Mrs J Spraggs

Headmaster Headmaster Deputy Head

Headmaster’s Office Mrs A Buttery BA Headmaster’s PA Mrs N Emms BA Assistant PA to the Headmaster Ms J Hunt Common Room Secretary

Governors and staff

Governors

Secretary

Admissions Office Mr Dave Watkin BEd Mrs Karen M Tompkinson Mrs Michelle Dodd Ms Maura Power BA M Ed

Assistant Head Registrar UK Admissions Manager External Relations Manager

13

IT Services

Governors and staff

Mr L New Mr C Polley Mr A Sochon

School Offices at Prep and Senior Schools Head of IT Services IT Services Technician IT Services Technician

Medical Centre Mrs E Deane RGN RM BSc

Ms M Chipping

Mrs H Hodgkins RSCN

Medical Centre Manager Healthcare Assistant Resident Nurse

Foundation and Communications Office Mrs J Johnson-Munday LLB Foundation Director Mrs J Glover BA

Communications Officer Mr J A Humphries BA OC Liaison Officer Miss A Paterson BA Marketing and Communications Manager Mrs K Perry MSc

Alumni Database Manager Mrs S Salisbury

Foundation Manager Miss H Walker BA Communications Officer

Finance and Operations Department Mrs E Boardley FCCA BA

Finance and Operations Director Miss L Cornell Finance and Operations Assistant Miss F Cunningham Finance Assistant Mr R Greenhalgh Finance Assistant Mr C Hunt Lettings, Operations and Health and Safety Officer Miss A Oxford BA Finance Assistant Mrs E Taylor Finance Assistant and Clerk to Governors Mrs S Taylor Finance Assistant Mrs S Tyler Payroll Administrator Mrs J Waters BA MAAT Finance Office Manager Mr M Webb Operations Manager 14

Mrs K Furlong/ Mrs C Holder/ Ms G Rynsard Mrs R Dawson/ Mrs S Kent

Senior School Receptionists Prep School Receptionists

How to find us xxx

BY ROAD From the A14 (London/Cambridge/Ipswich) Exit the A14 at junction 42 (Bury St Edmunds West) and at the roundabout take the exit signposted Brandon B1106 (RAF Honington). Continue along Tut Hill past Bury St Edmunds Golf Club on the right until the double mini roundabout.

Go straight over into Fornham All Saints village, past the Church and the Suffolk Golf Club, and continue until the roundabout. Take the first exit signposted Culford and Brandon B1106. Continue along this road until you reach Culford village. The entrance to the School will be seen on the left hand side.

BY AIR

SATELLITE NAVIGATION

Culford is 45 minutes from Stansted and approximately 2 hours from Heathrow and Gatwick.

When using SATNAV please use the postcode IP28 6TX and input “via Fornham All Saints”, otherwise you may be directed to the rear entrance to Culford Park, instead of the main entrance to the School.

From Norwich on the A11

BY RAIL

Travelling south on the A11 from Norwich, take the B1106 just south of Thetford signposted Bury St Edmunds. Culford is in 6 miles. Culford School is in the centre of the village.

There are good rail and coach links from Heathrow and Gatwick airports to London. Trains leave from London Liverpool Street (via Ipswich) or King’s Cross (via Cambridge) to travel to Bury St Edmunds.

www.culford.co.uk

Culford School, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP28 6TX Admissions Office: +44 (0)1284 385308 Reception: +44 (0)1284 728615

15

“A world of opportunities”

Culford School, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP28 6TX Tel: +44 (0)1284 385308 Email: admissions@culford.co.uk www.culford.co.uk

16

Culford prospectus documents describe the broad principles on which the School is presently run. Although the information in this booklet is believed to be correct at the time of printing, it does not form part of any binding agreement between parents and the School and may be subject to change. © Culford School 2016