Lower Prep
PARENT INFORMATION
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
Guy Musson Headmaster
A very warm welcome to Orwell Park
We passionately believe in protecting the magic of childhood and are blessed to be able to offer our children the most stunning 110-acre site in which they can learn, laugh, explore, make mistakes and grow Magnificent grounds, buildings and facilities are of great value, but we are more proud to be able to boast a talented and dedicated team of staff, who succeed in sparking joy, inspiration and aspiration – this is where the magic is truly brought to life.
Nestled in the heart of Orwell Park’s magnificent grounds, the Pre Prep building is where our youngest children embark on their educational journey. With a focus on nurturing the whole child, Nursery and The Lower Prep lay the foundations and build successful relationships in which each child can thrive
An environment where academic rigour and a holistic ethos are given equal importance, we aspire for children to leave us as happy, confident, well rounded and kind young people.
At Orwell Park, we have high expectations, use accurate tracking, and early identification alongside coordinated planning across the whole School, to ensure children’s academic opportunities are excellent With outstanding pastoral care, timely intervention and support where necessary, and access to valuable enrichment experiences, an Orwell Park education nurtures each child as an individual
- 2026
TERM DATES 2025
Autumn Term 2025
Term begins - Wednesday 3 September (7 00pm)
Exeat Weekend begins - Friday 19 September (3.45pm or 5pm)
Exeat Weekend ends - Sunday 21 September (7 00pm)
Exeat Weekend begins - Friday 3 October (3.45pm or 5pm)
Exeat Weekend ends - Sunday 5 October (7 00pm)
Half-term begins - Friday 17 October (3.45pm)
Half-term ends - Sunday 2 November (7 00pm)
Exeat Weekend begins - Friday 14 November (3 45pm or 5pm)
Exeat Weekend ends - Sunday 16 November (7 00pm)
Exeat Weekend begins - Friday 28 November (3 45pm or 5pm)
Exeat Weekend ends - Sunday 30 November (7 00pm)
Term ends - Friday 12 December (12 noon)
Spring Term 2026
Term begins - Wednesday 7 January (7 00pm)
Exeat weekend begins - Friday 16 January (3 45pm or 5pm)
Exeat weekend ends - Sunday 18 January (7 00pm)
Exeat Weekend begins - Friday 30 January (3 45pm or 5pm)
Exeat Weekend ends - Sunday 1 February (7 00pm)
Half-term begins - Friday 13 February (3 45pm)
Half-term ends - Sunday 22 February (7.00pm)
Exeat weekend begins - Friday 6 March (3 45pm or 5pm)
Exeat weekend ends - Sunday 8 March (7.00pm)
Term ends - Wednesday 25 March (3 45pm)
Summer Term 2026 (Provisional)
Term begins - Wednesday 22 April (7 00pm)
Exeat weekend begins - Friday 1 May (3.45pm or 5pm)
Exeat weekend ends - Monday 4 May (7 00pm)
Exeat Weekend begins - Friday 15 May (3.45pm or 5pm)
Exeat Weekend ends - Sunday 17 May (7 00pm)
Half-term begins - Friday 22 May (3.45pm)
Half-term ends - Sunday 31 May (7 00pm)
Exeat weekend begins - Friday 19 June (3 45pm or 5pm)
Exeat weekend ends - Sunday 21 June (7 00pm)
Term ends - Saturday 4th July
MEET THE TEAM
Guy Musson
Headmaster guymusson@orwellpark.org
Hayley Lloyd
Head of Lower Prep DDSL
Year 4 Class Teacher 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
12:20pm - 1:25pm - Lunch Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
11:45am - 12:55pm - Lunch Wednesday
3:30pm - End of lessons, home time
3:30pm - 5:00pm - 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
12:20pm - 1:25pm - 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
S
E N R I C H M E N T O P P O R T U N I T I E
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
Boys - Winter
Navy blue roll neck top OR royal blue polo shirt
Navy sweatshirt
Long grey trousers
Grey short socks
Black leather shoes (velcro)
School coat with gold crest or Cheltenham jacket
Navy winter woollen hat with gold crest
Navy gloves (optional)
Wellington boots (optional)
Girls - Winter
Boys - Summer
Royal blue polo shirt
Navy sweatshirt
Mid grey shorts
Grey short socks
Black leather shoes (velcro)
Summer cap
Girls - Summer
Navy blue roll neck top OR bottle green polo shirt
Navy sweatshirt
Tunic
Navy knee length socks OR Navy cotton rich tights
Plain black leather shoes (velcro)
School coat with gold crest OR Cheltenham jacket
Navy winter woollen hat with gold crest
Navy gloves (optional)
Wellington boots (optional)
Summer dress leaf design
Navy sweatshirt
Navy short ankle socks
Black leather shoes (velcro)
Summer cap
Winter
R royal blue polo shirt tshirt
g y rs/shorts
Grey short socks
Black leather shoes (not patent)
School coat, either navy Cheltenham coat or navy wax jacket
Navy winter woollen hat with gold crest Navy gloves (optional)
Wellington boots (optional)
Girls - Winter
Navy blue roll neck top OR bottle green polo shirt
Navy sweatshirt
Tartan School kilt
Navy knee length socks OR Navy cotton rich tights
Black leather shoes (not patent)
School coat, either navy cheltenham coat or navy wax jacket
Navy winter woollen hat with gold crest Navy gloves (optional)
Wellington boots (optional)
Boys - Summer
Royal blue polo shirt
Navy sweatshirt
Black leather shoes (not patent)
Boys - No.1 Uniform
(worn for formal School occasions, some
events and when representing the School) Blazer -
Girls - Summer
Summer dress leaf design
(worn for formal School occasions, some
Boys hair should be tidy and of a sensible length, not in their eyes
Earrings must be either silver or gold studs and only one stud per ear No other jewellery is permitted
Hair bands/accessories must be of neutral colour, i.e. black, navy blue, brown.
Hair that is shoulder length or longer must be tied back Nail varnish is not permitted
SPORTS KIT
Reception, Year 1 and Year 2
General
Years 3 and 4
Boys
General
Swimming
Girls
Swimming
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
Our boarding School proudly welcomes students from all over the UK and abroad for full, weekly, and flexi boarding
We offer 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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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 Guy Musson (Head Master), are available via appointment and can also be seen at the Pre Prep entrance (Hayley) and Main School entrance (Guy) 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
