PARENT INFORMATION Lower Prep
Welcome Message
Term Dates
Meet The Team
The Lower Prep Day
C O N T E N T S
Curriculum
Enrichment
Information for families
Boarding
Learning Support
Communication
Working in Partnership
FAQs
MESSAGE WELCOME
There has always been the belief that protecting the magic of childhood should be at the very core of the school’s ambitions Orwell offers pupils a stunning 110-acre site in which they learn, laugh, explore, make mistakes and grow. Magnificent grounds, buildings and facilities are of immense value, but the school is most proud to be able to have such a talented and dedicated team of staff who inspire, spark joy and always put the best interest of each child first: this is where the Orwell magic is truly brought to life.
Orwell’s size allows each child to be known as an individual; small class sizes and a superb boarding provision ensure that the school community has a truly ‘home from home’ feel. Underpinning all this is first class teaching and the academic ambition for every pupil to thrive As a school, we are genuinely proud of the fact that leavers move on to leading senior schools across the country, with an impressive average of around 25 each year earning scholarships and exhibitions The icing on the Orwell cake is the extraordinary range of extra-curricular activities that are on offer – outstanding provision for Music, Art, Drama, DT and Sport is complemented by forest school and bushcraft, an observatory, an assault course, sailing and trips abroad including places as far flung as India and closer to home in France.
Young people develop their character, confidence and creativity from a range of platforms and with unwavering support and encouragement. We ask simply that they throw themselves into all that is on offer here, live by the school's values and are kind.
My time in education has taught me the importance of collaboration, partnership and trust, and it has always been my ambition to ensure a positive and supportive learning environment for all pupils in order that every individual will thrive. I am excited to be joining Orwell this year and look forward to working with you, your children and the staff The school has eyes firmly on the future and is genuinely aspirational There is a strong team here and we will work with you to bring out the very best in your children
If you are a current parent, my door is always open. If you are a prospective parent, I look forward to meeting you and sharing first-hand the Orwell magic.
Simon O’Malley Head
TERM DATES
2025 - 2026
MEET THE TEAM
Simon O’Malley Head head@orwellpark.org
Hayley Lloyd Head of Lower Prep DDSL hayleylloyd@orwellpark.org
Vikki Wiggins
EYFS Leader DDSL Year 1 Class Teacher vikkiwiggins@orwellpark org
Stephanie Green Reception Class Teacher stephaniegreen@orwellpark.org
Joe Durham
Year 2 Class Teacher Forest School Leader joedurham@orwellpark org
Michael Hough
Year 3 Class Teacher michaelhough@orwellpark org
Hattie Hawkins
Year 4 Class Teacher hattiehawkins@orwellpark org
Alex Brunt
Assistant Head (Operations & Cocurricular) alexbrunt@orwellpark.org
Poppy Hudson
Lower Prep Sports Teacher poppyhudson@orwellpark.org
Katy Smith
Lower Prep Music Teacher katysmith@orwellpark org
Tom Stapleton Director of Music tomstapleton@orwellpark org
Julie Kostrzewski
High Level Teaching Assistant julietaylor@orwellpark.org
Louise Greenwood Head of Art louisegreenwood@orwellpark org
THE LOWER PREP DAY
Reception to Year 2
8:00am - 8:15am - Classrooms open, arrival, early morning tasks
12:30pm - 1:25pm - Lunch Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
12:00pm - 12:55pm - Lunch Wednesday
3:30pm - End of lessons, home time
3:30pm - 5:00pm - Evening Explorers (After School Club - no additional charge)
5:00pm - 6:30pm - Late Stay, including supper (bookable in advance, additional charges apply)
Years 3 & 4
7:45am - 8:00am - Classrooms open, arrival, early morning tasks
12:55pm - 1:55pm - Lunch
3:30pm Collection - Wednesday, Friday (and Saturday for Year 4 only)
5:00pm - Collection - Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
5:00pm - 6:30pm - Late Stay, including supper (no charge)
6:30pm onwards Boarding activities
OUR CURRICULUM
“Pupils follow a broad and demanding curriculum, consistently gaining their first choice place in competitive entry to senior independent Schools Each year a considerable number are awarded academic, sporting, creative and music scholarships ” ISI
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum in Reception classes, in addition to an accredited forest School programme. In Reception, your child will gain many new skills through seven recognised areas of learning:
Communication and Language
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Physical Development
Literacy
Mathematics
Understanding of the World Expressive Art and Design
Learning through play is crucial for young children's development; at Orwell Park, we pride ourselves on providing play-centred activities that promote social skills, collaboration, communication and problem solving
Play is a natural and enjoyable way for children to learn and develop essential skills It integrates physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth, making it a holistic approach to early childhood education
Children in the Reception are taught by class teachers with some subject specialists enhancing our curriculum offering further in subjects such as:
Music
PE
Forest School
Ballet
French
Nurturing a love of reading and books is essential in early language development All Reception children participate in an accredited phonics programme each week, learning to recognise letter sounds (phonemes) and form written letters (graphemes) Regular informal assessment enables staff to group children according to the stage of their learning Knowing that all children progress at individual rates, reading books are carefully chosen to match each child’s reading development
We expect families to read with children at home daily
Children are exceptionally well prepared for the next stage of their education, with a supported transition from Reception to Year 1
The Lower Prep is where children begin their Orwell Park experience. As your child grows through The Lower Prep we encourage them to become curious thinkers, to ask questions and become independent learners so that they can thrive - in Lower Prep, in the Upper Prep School and beyond.
The Lower Prep sets the following goals for every child: to develop a passion for learning to be committed to achieving high standards to foster an inquisitive mind to encourage independence and individuality to nurture a sense of citizenship
Children learn more during the first five years of their life than at any other time, and we work towards guiding pupils towards their full potential within a caring and positive environment We have an uncompromising view that every child has the right to the best education, the best start, building foundations for life.
We aim to make being at School a magical experience
In Years 1, 2, 3 and 4, children broadly follow the National Primary Curriculum - a focus is on core learning in Maths, English, and Science, with sessions also on Geography, History, Art & Design, Critical Thinking, Physical Education, French, Life Skills, Religious Education, Digital Skills and Music
Children follow an accredited phonics programme with reading books carefully chosen to match knowledge. The School utilises the White Rose Maths programme from Reception, all through The Lower Prep
French, Music, and PE are taught by specialist staff in addition to class teachers
Children’s progress is carefully tracked and monitored in a variety of ways, including:
Diagnostic assessment - identifying pupils’ current knowledge of a subject, their skill sets and capabilities, and to clarify misconceptions before teaching takes place.
Formative assessment - which provides feedback and information during the instructional process, while learning is taking place, and while learning is occurring. Summative assessment - takes place after the learning has been completed and provides information and feedback that sums up the teaching and learning process.
Teachers use information from the assessment methods above to support children to make exceptional progress with their learning and plan accordingly.
Evening Explorers
Children in Reception to Year 2 may attend Evening Explorers from 3:30pm - 5:00pm free of charge A range of sport, imaginative play opportunities, craft and reading are on offer This daily provision is facilitated by The Lower Prep staff team
Late Stay (including supper)
Children in Reception to Year 2 may also attend Late Stay between 5:00pm - 6:30pm. During this time, they receive supper and participate in additional activities. Please note - this service incurs an additional charge of £13.50 per session.
E S
E N R I C H M E N T O P P O R T U N I T I
Forest School
Weekly Forest School sessions are led by Mr Durham and Mrs Lloyd - both qualified Level 3 Forest School practitioners
Ballet
Ballet tuition is offered for children from Nursery 1 with Miss Chloe, a Royal Academy of Dance accredited teacher from the Eastern Dance Academy Ipswich Ballet tuition is booked directly with Miss Chloe and details on how to sign up are provided in our termly enrichment letter Payment is made in advance of each term directly to Miss Chloe
Clubs and Activities
Life outside of the classroom sits among our highest priorities at Orwell Park. That’s why we offer our students a vast wealth of engaging activities to stimulate their creativity and expose them to new experiences. Each term, children from Years 1-4 are given opportunities to take part in a range of clubs and activities. Further information and sign up details are provided at the beginning of each term
Music Tuition
Your child has the opportunity to take individual musical instrument lessons or singing lessons from Year 1 upwards Some Reception pupils may be permitted to commence lessons after a trial Each lesson is taught by a specialist, and the cost of the lessons is added to the School bill Mrs Smith, the Pre-Prep Music lead, organises all lessons, and can be contacted by email: katysmith@orwellpark org
INFORMATION SCHOOL UNIFORM
Reception, Year 1 and Year 2
be
SPORTS KIT
Reception, Year 1 and Year 2
Years 3 and 4
Boys
Girls
STATIONERY LIST
School bag/backpack style
Handwriting pen or ink pen (blue)
HB pencils
Colouring pencils
Pencil sharpener and rubber
Scissors
Pritt stick
15cm and 30cm rulers
Protractor
Highlighter pens
We proudly welcome students from all over the UK and abroad for full, weekly, and flexi boarding, offering pupils facilities and activities which enhance social skills, cultural awareness, and respect for others In an environment that celebrates the differences between pupils, the key life skills of resilience, self-motivation, and responsibility are absorbed and developed. Children may commence boarding from Year 3.
Boarding Kit List
All personal items and School uniform must be clearly named/labelled; only sewn in labels for clothing are acceptable (not iron on)
As well as the requirements given on the uniform list, we ask full boarders to have three sets of home clothing for a weekend:
One smart set (chinos or smart jeans, shirt or polo shirt etc)
One set of older clothes
One casual set (tracksuit or similar and a hoodie)
One warm, waterproof coat
These are then washed and ready for the following weekend. Washing is part of the daily routine and belongings are returned to the boarders within a day or two
BOARDING FULL BOARDING
Full Boarders' Packing List
Pyjamas (two sets)
Dressing gown
Closed toe slippers (hard soles)
Towels (two)
Underwear
Mid grey socks (boys), for girls navy knee high socks or tights (winter and summer)
Reading book
Water bottle (in addition to School water bottle)
Trainers (separate pair to be kept in boarding)
Wash Bag - toothbrush, toothpaste, comb/brush, shower gel, shampoo/conditioner, roll on deodorant (Please discourage your child from bringing in large amounts, we have a stock of these items which can be bought from the boarders' shop)
Optional - boarders are welcome to have their own bedding sets if they prefer - two sets are required to allow for washing/drying times 2 x duvet cover, 2 x pillow case
Boarders should also have a home coat suitable for the season and one or two extra pairs of shoes/boots They may use their School coat if they prefer (including hats and gloves as required).
Tuck night!
No food items, sweets or treats are allowed School provides all necessary meals and treats for the boarders as appropriate.
Hairdryers are provided on the girls' floor
No valuable items, smart watches or gaming devices should be brought into School. Pocket money is controlled via the School accounts, a small amount is charged at the beginning of each term and distributed as needed (about £35 per term) Any remainder is refunded at the end of term. An empty wallet/ purse would be advisable. No cash is required to be brought into School.
Full boarders should arrive with only one medium/large suitcase and a smaller rucksack style bag for day trips out In addition they need one small, packed case ready to go for exeats and half-terms with at least three full sets of clothing.
All prescription medication must be labelled with a pharmacist’s label including the child’s name and be handed to the School Nurse or Houseparents with doctor’s instructions (in English) and not remain in boarding bags No food or snacks are allowed in boarding bags
WEEKLY BOARDING
Weekly Boarders' Packing List
Pyjamas (two sets)
Dressing gown
Closed toe slippers (hard soles)
Towels
Underwear
Mid grey socks (boys), for girls navy knee high socks or tights (winter and summer)
Reading book
Water bottle (in addition to School water bottle)
We recommend that your child's dressing gown, slippers, towel and wash bag remain in School for the term.
Optional - boarders are welcome to have their own bedding set in School if they prefer: I x duvet cover, I x pillow case
All prescription medication must be labelled with a pharmacist’s label including the child’s name and be handed to the School Nurse or Houseparents with doctor’s instructions (in English) and not remain in boarding bags. No food or snacks are allowed in boarding bags.
Boarders may bring in their mobile phone if they are boarding for 4 consecutive nights or more, these must be handed in on arrival at School.
WHAT SORT OF FOOD WILL MY CHILD EAT WHILE AT SCHOOL?
Break times
We provide a snack of toast for the children every day in the morning for children in Nursery - Year 2. Children in Years 3 and 4 have morning grub - mainly consisting of fruit.
Lunch
All children have a hot main course and a choice of pudding or fruit served each day: every meal is nutritionally balanced We eat in ‘family’ style in the main School dining hall, good manners, use of a knife and fork, and trying a little of everything are all encouraged. We will always ensure they have eaten something, with a filled roll or sandwich offered if they have not eaten any of their main course
Water
Each child will need to bring in a personal, named water bottle which is kept in the classroom Please fill bottles with water only as squashes and juices can leave a sticky residue when spilled
Please let your child’s teacher know if your child has any special dietary requirements, and provide any additional GP/specialist notes/reports or information which will be helpful to staff
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INTRODUCING ‘ASPIRE’
A S P I R E
Academic Growth Sports
Perseverance & Challenge
Inspire & Create Responsibility & Service Enrichment
We are excited to introduce ASPIRE - our dynamic co-curricular programme for Years 3-8, designed to enrich every pupil’s journey beyond the classroom. Rooted in our commitment to celebrating childhood whilst developing wellrounded individuals, ASPIRE stands for six key strands: Academic, Sports, Perseverance & Challenge, Inspire & Create, Responsibility & Service, and Enrichment
The ASPIRE programme aims to:
Broaden horizons
Promote personal growth
Encourage a balanced lifestyle
Develop key life skills
Enable confidence ambition and self-belief,
Inspire creativity
Celebrate childhood
Through ASPIRE, students are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, discover new interests, and build the habits and mindset that will serve them for life Whether it's mastering a new skill, committing to a cause, pushing physical boundaries, or unlocking creative potential, ASPIRE is about nurturing the whole child academically, socially, and emotionally
Pupils will select their own termly/half termly programme for ASPIRE by identifying essential academic units, recommended choices from their tutors and then also making choices for their own enjoyment passions and interests
LEARNING ENRICHMENT
The Learning Enrichment Department offers the following help free of charge to those children who need it
Small group work
Prep support and general support with organisation
Implementing and overseeing programmes such as Toe by Toe, Zones of Regulation, Social Stories etc
Supervision of physiotherapy/OT/eye exercises and other programmes from outside agencies
Initial basic in-house assessments
Interactive revision sessions throughout the year
Regular liaison with parents, tutor, subject teachers and outside agencies where appropriate to ensure information is disseminated to all staff
Revision session for all Year 7 children and parents
Revision guidance provided before examinations
Holiday work guidance
Occasional in-class support
Supervision of a separate extra time room - if applicable
Monitoring of typing courses, typing club and supervision of iPad use/typing
Interactive work extra sessions in Year 8
If a child is still not making expected progress, 1:1 learning may be considered. The following support sessions will, in principle, incur a termly charge which will be levied together with the fees The charges are listed on the school website
Occasionally a Learning Enrichment lesson may be delivered as a I:2 session where it is felt that is more beneficial to the students involved.
In addition, the department can assess for exam access arrangements and carry out full specialist teacher assessments
The process and fees can, in the first instance, be discussed with the Head of Learning Enrichment.
ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
On arrival, all overseas pupils are assessed by our specialist EAL teacher Where applicable, a programme of study will be discussed with parents together with the termly charge for this support, the charges are listed on the school website.
The Learning Support department offers the following help free of charge to those EAL children who need it in Years 5-8
Induction Programme at the start of the Autumn Term
Personal induction programme for students who join at other times during the academic year
Prep support
Monitoring of typing courses
In-house assessments
Regular liaison with parents, tutor, subject teachers and outside agencies where appropriate to ensure information is disseminated to all staff
Revision session for all Year 7 children and parents/guardians
Revision guidance provided before examinations
Holiday work guidance
Occasional in-class support
Supervision of a separate extra time room - if applicable
Interactive work extra sessions in Year 8.
Correspondence
You will receive a weekly Lower Prep newsletter to inform you about the week ahead in Lower Prep, including the menu for School dinners At the start of each term, learning posters informing you of the curriculum opportunities in your child’s class are shared, along with a letter detailing additional enrichment opportunities you may wish to take up. SchoolPost is the official secure online communication tool used to distribute letters and information, particularly relating to consent forms, trips and visits
Your child’s teacher will be the first point of contact for you with regards to any pastoral or academic issues. Should you wish to have a more in depth chat, please contact your child’s teacher to arrange a mutually convenient time
Hayley Lloyd (Head of Lower Prep), and Simon O’Malley (Head), are available via appointment and can also be seen at the Pre Prep entrance (Mrs Lloyd) and Main School entrance (Simon) most mornings.
Parent websites
We have a range of ways for parents to keep up with what is happening at School:
https://firefly orwellpark org provides information about your child’s timetable and preps set When you register with the email address you have given the School, an account will be created that is linked to your children so that you can see personalised information.
https://sport orwellpark org lists all of our sports teams, fixtures and results To view a team sheet to see who is selected you need a password which is “NactonIP10”
https://calendar orwellpark org is the online version of our “Blue Book” calendar
All School reports are securely published online and we email out details of how to access them Further details about accessing the above sites is emailed to parents when their children join the School
Tapestry
Tapestry is an online learning journal that helps teachers, parents, and carers record and track a child's development and learning journey through the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Lower Prep It can be used to create an individual learning journey for each child, and to link information to the EYFS and Lower Prep curriculum.
We encourage families to share photos and videos of your child’s learning experiences at home too. You can upload onto Tapestry. Support in navigating this platform is provided in a Parent Information Session
Parent Information Sessions
We work with parents to support and nurture all children and encourage families to attend information sessions relating to:
Tapestry
Phonics
Reading with your child
Early mathematics
Curriculum expectations
Supporting children with prep
WORKING IN
PARTNERSHIP
Friends of Orwell Park Reps
Each class has a parent representative who is there to help all parents in the class and welcome new families to the School. Your parent rep will put you in touch with other parents in the class, be able to give information about events that involve parental support, and be able to answer general questions.
If you have any specific questions or concerns regarding your child, please contact your child’s class teacher in the first instance.
Reporting on progress
Each year, there are opportunities to formally meet and discuss your child’s progress with their class teacher In addition to this, parents receive an end of term report in December, April and July.
If you have a query or concern about your child’s progress, please do not wait until the formal parents’ meetings, discuss this with either the class teacher or Hayley Lloyd
Coordinated approach
Good partnership and communication between home and School enables children to thrive Please keep us informed of anything which may affect your child in School, and we will do the same.
We treat all information in confidence and ask that you utilise open methods of communication with School rather than using public channels.
Supporting success at home
There are simple things you can do to support your child’s success at School:
Independence - encourage your child to dress, do up their own coat and recognise their name.
Manners - we expect children to use ‘please’ and ‘thank you ’ and ask for your support in helping your child to use a knife and fork, sitting nicely at the dinner table
Good hygiene - encourage your child to go to the toilet independently and wash their hands afterwards
Read every day - If a child is read to daily, they will have heard approximately 296,660 words by the time they are 5 years old! Writing readiness - when choosing to mark make, encourage your child to use a tripod grip
Set good habits around bedtimes and morning routines
Pack bags before going to bed each night
FAQS
Sleepovers
Whilst we understand children may sometimes need to stay with relatives or friends overnight if parents will be away from home for any reason, we ask that children do not have sleepovers with School-age children during the School week if this can be avoided Lower Prep aged children can be very tired the next day in School Please save sleepovers and later evenings for the holidays and weekends Thank you in advance
Does my child need Forest School kit?
School provides waterproof overalls for all children to use when participating in Forest School or outdoor play should weather conditions dictate We are outside in all weathers so please provide named sun hats and warm hats as appropriate Gloves are recommended for colder weather
Can
my child bring toys into
School?
We ask that toys remain at home where they are safe
Where can I purchase uniform?
School uniform is available from: COES 20-28 Norwich Road Ipswich IP1 2NH 01473 256061
www.coes.co.uk
Second Hand uniform shop
The School operates a used uniform shop Specific details about opening hours and how to purchase are shared termly The shop is run by a dedicated team of parent volunteers.
