Nursery Parent Pack (August 25)

Nursery

PARENT INFORMATION

Nursery 0 - Dragonflies Nursery 1 - Otters Nursery 2 - Kingfishers

Welcome Message Term Dates Meet The Team

CONTENTS

The Nursery Day Nursery Sessions Curriculum Enrichment Information for families Communication Working in Partnership FAQs

WELCOME

MESSAGE 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 Autumn Term 2025

Summer Term 2026

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)

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 5 June (3.45pm or 5pm) Exeat weekend ends - Sunday 7 June (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

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)

MEET

THE TEAM Simon O’Malley

Joe Durham

Head head@orwellpark.org

Year 2 Teacher, Forest School Leader joedurham@orwellpark.org

Hayley Lloyd

Poppy Hudson

Head of Lower Prep DDSL Year 4 Class Teacher hayleylloyd@orwellpark.org

Lower Prep PE Teacher poppyhudson@orwellpark.org

Vikki Wiggins

Tara Corbett

EYFS Leader DDSL, Year 1 Teacher Reception Class Teacher vikkiwiggins@orwellpark.org

Nursery, Games Teacher taracorbett@orwellpark.org

Dianne Middleton

Julie Kostrzewski

Dragonflies’ and Otters’ Keyworker diannemiddleton@orwellpark.org

Lower Prep Higher Level Teaching Assistant julietaylor@orwellpark.org

Danielle Rogers

Alex Kemsley

Kingfishers’ Keyworker daniellerogers@orwellpark.org

Deputy Head (Academic), Lower Prep French Teacher alexkemsley@orwellpark.org

Katy Smith Lower Prep Music Teacher katysmith@orwellpark.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 - 3yrs+ After School Club

THE NURSERY DAY

Please sign your child in at the Pre Prep Reception on arrival at the start of their daily sessions.

Please ensure you book your child in for the daily After School Club 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.

3yrs+ After School Club (3:30pm - 5:00pm) A range of sandwiches and fruit are provided at After School Club 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 for each Nursery class.

Note: Areas marked in grey indicate those sessions that may be limited or unavailable due to your child’s age.

Nursery 0 - Dragonflies (2-2.5 years) We are only able to offer Monday and Wednesday mornings to children aged 2-2.5 years.

Nursery 1 - Otters (2.5-3.5 years) Any combinations of sessions can be booked across the week with a minimum weekly commitment of 3 sessions a week.

Nursery 2 - Kingfishers (3.5 years +) Any combinations of sessions can be booked across the week with a minimum weekly commitment of 3 full days or 6 sessions.

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.

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, maximising opportunities for as many children as possible to benefit from our enchanted forest environment.

OPPORTUNITIES

ENRICHMENT

Ballet Ballet tuition is offered for children in Nursery 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.

Music A weekly music lesson with our dedicated music teacher, Mrs Smith. Children in Kingfishers also join a choir session with our Reception class.

French Children in Kingfishers will have a weekly French lesson with Mrs Kemsley, our Deputy Head (Academic).

PE All Nursery children take part in weekly PE lessons with Miss Hudson, our Lower Prep PE teacher.

Children will develop fundamentals of movement and physical literacy aligning with the statutory early years curriculum.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

INFORMATION 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

Navy blue roll neck top OR royal blue polo shirt Navy sweatshirt Long grey trousers Grey short socks Black leather shoes (velcro) School coat Navy winter woollen hat with gold crest Navy gloves (optional) Wellington boots (optional)

Royal blue polo shirt Navy sweatshirt Mid grey shorts Grey short socks Black leather shoes (velcro) Summer cap

Girls - Winter

Girls - Summer

Navy blue roll neck top OR bottle green polo shirt Navy sweatshirt Tunic Navy socks OR tights Plain black leather shoes (velcro) School coat 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

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?

Illness and injury Minor Playground Injuries Minor cuts and bruises sustained in The Lower Prep are dealt with by the member of staff on duty. Every incident is recorded and you will be provided with an information slip at the end of the day.

Serious Injuries More serious injuries are dealt with by the School Nurses, Emily Reed and Kellymarie Toussaint. Your child will be taken to the School Surgery and cared for there. Your child’s emergency contact numbers will be notified if this is the case - please ensure all contact details are kept up to date.

Illness If you child is unwell the night before a School day, please do not send him/her into School the following morning. Please call the School Receptionist (01473 659225) before 9.00am to inform us of their absence. Please see advice from Public Health England to advise whether or not your child can attend School.

Medication If you would like us to give your child medicine during the day, you will be asked to sign a form giving us permission.The medication will then be stored appropriately and dispensed by a trained member of staff.

Sun Protection We ask all children to have sun cream applied before the School day.

Please provide a roll-on sun cream in a named container if your child will need help to 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 Dragonflies and Otters (aged 2+) and Danielle Rogers for children in Kingfishers (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 Twice a year, there are opportunities to formally meet and discuss your child’s progress with their key worker. 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, Hayley Lloyd or Vikki Wiggins.

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!

Nacton, Ipswich IP10 0ER 01473 659225 opssecretary@orwellpark.org www.orwellpark.co.uk