PARENT INFORMATION Nursery
Welcome Message
Term Dates
Meet The Team
The Nursery Day
C O N T E N T S
Nursery Sessions
Curriculum
Enrichment
Information for families
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
Autumn Term 2024
Term begins - Wednesday 4 September (7 00pm)
Long weekend begins - Friday 27 September (3 45pm)
Long weekend ends - Monday 30 September (7 00pm)
Half-term begins - Friday 18 October (3 45pm)
Half-term ends - Sunday 3 November (7 00pm)
Long Weekend begins - Thursday 21 November (3 45pm)
Long Weekend ends - Sunday 24 November (7 00pm)
Term ends - Friday 13 December (12 noon)
Spring Term 2025
Spring Term 2025
Term begins - Wednesday 8 January (7 00pm)
Long weekend begins - Friday 24 January (3 45pm)
Long weekend ends - Monday 27 January (7 00pm)
Half-term begins - Friday 14 February (3 45pm)
Half-term ends - Sunday 23 February (7.00pm)
Long Weekend begins - Thursday 13 March (3.45pm)
Long Weekend ends - Sunday 16 March (7.00pm)
Term ends - Wednesday 26 March (3.45pm)
Summer Term 2025 (provisional)
Term begins - Wednesday 23 April (7 00pm)
Long Weekend begins - Friday 2 May (3 45pm)
Bank Holiday - Monday 5 May
Long Weekend ends - Monday 5 May (7 00pm)
Half-term begins - Friday 23 May (3 45pm)
Half-term ends - Sunday 1 June (7 00pm)
Common Entrance - Tuesday 3 June - Friday 6 June
Long Weekend begins - Friday 13 June (3 45pm)
Long Weekend ends - Monday 16 June (7 00pm)
Term ends - Saturday 5 July (3 45pm) (Year 8 Leavers: 12 midnight)
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
Reception Class Teacher vikkiwiggins@orwellpark org
Dianne Middleton
Nursery 1 Leader diannemiddleton@orwellpark.org
Danielle Rogers
Nursery 2 Leader daniellerogers@orwellpark.org
Katy Smith
Lower Prep Music Teacher katysmith@orwellpark org
Joe Durham
Year 1 Class Teacher Forest School Leader joedurham@orwellpark org
Poppy Hudson
Lower Prep Sports Teacher poppyhudson@orwellpark org
Lindsey Philpott
Lower Prep Secretary Mon-Tues lindseyphilpott@orwellpark org
Stephanie Tilling
Lower Prep Secretary (Weds-Fri) stephanietillingorwellpark org
8:00 - 8:30am Early Start (bookable in advance)
8:30am - 11:30am - Morning session
11:30am - 12:30pm - Lunch
12:30pm - 3:30pm - Afternoon session
3:30pm - 5:00pm - Evening Explorers (bookable in advance)
Please sign your child in at the School Office on arrival at the start of their daily sessions
T H E N U R S E R Y D A Y
Please ensure you book your child in for the daily Evening Explorers provision if you will need them to stay after 3.30pm. This must be in advance so they can be catered for. Every Nursery child will have a hot lunch option, plus we provide toast and fruit throughout the day (no hungry children here!)
Please collect your child promptly at the end of his/her daily session. Collection will be from the main front door, except at 3.30pm, when parents collect from the Nursery external doors. Please drive up the main driveway, passing the Pre Prep on your left, then turn left, following the fence around to access the Nursery gate. You are able to park on the grassy verge opposite Nursery. Staff will sign your child out.
Evening Explorers (3:30pm - 5:00pm)
A range of sandwiches and fruit are provided at Evening Explorers in the Pre Prep building (up to 5:00pm) as an energy boost Children choose from the platter provided, which usually includes, jam, honey, marmite or plain butter
Late Collection
Late collection surcharges apply We will of course avoid charges in cases where the roads may have been closed or in a genuine emergency Thank you for letting us know if you will be late for any reason so we can forewarn your child
NURSERY SESSIONS
Please see our table of fees and session times
Note: Areas marked in grey indicate those sessions that may be used as part of the 15 hours free entitlement for eligible children
OUR CURRICULUM
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum in Nursery and Reception classes, in addition to an accredited Forest School programme. In EYFS, 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 Nursery 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 Nursery children participate in an accredited phonics programme each week, learning to recognise letter sounds (phonemes) and form written letters (graphemes). 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 attending Orwell Park Nursery are exceptionally well prepared for Reception, with many already reading and writing, equipped with increasing resilience and positive attitudes to School
Evening Explorers
Children in Nursery may attend ‘Evening Explorers’ from 3:30pm - 5:00pm for an additional 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.
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
We aim to provide two Forest sessions a week for Nursery 1 and 2, maximising opportunities for as many children as possible to benefit from our enchanted forest environment
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
INFORMATION SCHOOL UNIFORM
In the Nursery, there is no mandatory uniform. However, most parents choose for their children to wear a simplified uniform, detailed below. Older Nursery children may choose to wear The Lower Prep uniform (see below), once they are toilet trained and confident dressing themselves.
For younger Nursery children, or those who prefer a more casual style, we recommend the following practical and comfortable clothing:
For girls: A School plain forest green polo shirt with navy blue leggings, joggers or shorts, and a School navy sweatshirt
For boys: A School plain royal blue polo with navy blue joggers or shorts, and a School navy sweatshirt
Although we have a small supply of clothes, please provide your child with a complete change of clothes to keep at School (in case of little accidents) If your child has recently been potty trained, we ask that more than one change of clothes be provided daily Please provide plain black or dark coloured shoes or trainers with velcro fastenings (no open toes) Your child will also need a pair of wellington boots to keep in School and a navy blue coat to wear to and from School, and for outdoor play (wet weather suits for Forest School are provided) Please ensure your child has a sunhat, preferably with a neck covering, as we are outside a lot! We have a small supply of hats available if needed Navy blue is our preferred colour
Finally, please ensure that all of your child’s items of clothing and possessions are clearly labelled with his or her name Please also help your child practise putting clothes on and off at home, especially coats, to aid their growing independence
Boys - Winter
Boys - Summer
Girls - Winter
Girls - Summer
WHAT SORT OF FOOD WILL MY CHILD EAT WHILE AT NURSERY?
Break times
We provide a snack of toast for the children every day at around 9 15am This routine forms part of their personal and social education In Nursery, afternoon snacks include fruit and occasionally a biscuit
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.
WHEN TO RETURN TO SCHOOL?
ained in The Lower Prep are dealt with by the ery incident is recorded and you will be n slip at the end of the day
alt with by the School’s Nurse, Emily Reed. he School Surgery and cared for there Your umbers will be notified if this is the casetails are kept up to date
ht before a School day, please do not send owing morning Please call the School 5) before 9.00am to inform us of their absence. c Health England to advise whether or not l
like us to give your child medicine during the day, you will be n a form giving us permission The medication will then be opriately and dispensed by a trained member of staff
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hildren to have sun cream applied before the School day de a roll-on sun cream in a named container if your child will o reapply during the School day.
COMMUNICATION
Correspondence
You will receive a weekly Lower Prep newsletter to inform you about the week ahead in The 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
In Nursery, each child is assigned a ‘Key Worker’, in keeping with the EYFS recommendations for all settings At Orwell Park, our Key Workers are Dianne Middleton for children in Nursery 1 (aged 2+) and Danielle Rogers for children in Nursery 2 (aged 3+) Parents/carers are able to speak to their child’s Key Worker when dropping off in the morning Should you wish to have a more in depth chat, please speak to Danielle or Dianne to book an appointment.
Hayley Lloyd (Head of Lower Prep), and Guy Musson (Headmaster), are available via appointment and can also be seen at the Pre Prep entrance (Hayley) and Main School entrance (Guy) most mornings
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) It can be used to create an individual learning journey for each child, and to link information to the EYFS 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
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 or key worker 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 Nursery:
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 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
FAQS
Can my child bring toys into Nursery?
We ask that toys remain at home where they are safe However, if your child has a comforter, they may bring this to Nursery Please ensure it is clearly named
Does my child need sports kit?
PE in Nursery is based around movement and the EYFS milestones relating to balance and coordination Children do not need additional PE kit at this stage
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
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
We thank you for choosing Orwell Park Nursery and very much look forward to working closely with you to give your child the best possible start!
