FOREWORD
AVRIL STOCKLEY, HEADTEACHER SAYS:
Ethos & Culture
I am delighted to welcome you to our fantastic school which has a village flavour and a family atmosphere. This character underpins our partnership with parents which is essential to our success and our approach to school life. We work alongside our families, guaranteeing that school is supported by parents and parents are supported by school so that children can shine.
Vision and Ambition
Our vision is centred on our commitment to excellence in learning. We are ambitious for all children and they, in turn, are ambitious for themselves. Achieving academic success is an essential aspect and our aim is for all children to leave Year 6 as confident, responsible and competent learners who are more than ready for secondary school.
Igniting the Future
Our curriculum is stimulating, thought-provoking and creative. We want to ignite children’s interest in the world around them, and for that interest to lead them to fulfilling and imaginative lives. Our children, encouraged by expert practitioners, are enthusiastic and curious learners, secure in the knowledge that they will always be valued as individuals and supported with gentle hands and open hearts to develop their talents and explore their interests.
Thank you for your support in making your child’s start to Reception and full-time schooling a positive experience.
Miss Stockley
The Team
Dear Parents/Carers and Children,
Welcome to The William Hogarth School! We are so excited that you will bejoining ourschool family this September. This year will be full of fun, friendship, and new adventures.
In this pack, you’ll find everything you need to know to get ready for your first day and the exciting journey ahead. If you have any questions, just ask – we’re here to help!
Early Years Team Leader
Early Years Teaching Assistant SENCO & Inclusion
Miss Gaitantzi
James Upton Teaching Assistant
Miss Preston
Miss Cowell
Scholarship
Key Stage 2 SATs, 2023/24
Year 1, Phonics Screening Check, 2023/24
School Hours
The School Day
8.45 am Gates open and school day begins with ‘soft start’.
Please say “Goodbye” to your child (bags, coats and belongings) and drop them at the dedicated EARLY YEARS gate on Devonshire Street.
8.55 am Registration
11.45 am
1.00 pm
3.30 pm
Early Years lunchtime
Afternoon session begins
School day ends
Please collect your child from the dedicated EARLY YEARS gate on Devonshire Street
Extended Provision
Breakfast Club and After School Care
At The William Hogarth School, we understand that families need flexible childcare options. That’s why we offer friendly, safe and fun, term-time Wraparound Childcare Provision for all children aged 4 to 11-year-olds from 7.45 am to 6 pm each weekday
Breakfast Club:
• Open from 7.45 am until 8.45 am for a healthy breakfast and craft activities. Children are escorted to their classrooms ready for the start of the school day.
• Additional charge applicable.
After School Care:
• Open from 3.30 pm until 6pm, additional charge applicable
• Includes sporting, craft and quiet activities from Club Sporters’ carefully planned offer, taking into account children’s preferences and interests.
• A light supper is included.
• Children attending after school clubs can also attend Club Sporters, 4.30-6.30 pm, reduced charge applicable.
Lunches, Snacks and Drinks
LUNCH, 11.45 am until 1 pm
Lunchtime is a very important part of the school day. All children eat in the dining hall where there is a real family atmosphere and sense of coming together. Children are encouraged to socialise and show off their excellent manners whilst refuelling!
Our delicious school lunches are provided by caterers, Taylor Shaw. There is always a huge selection available (meat, vegetarian, halal, veg and salad etc) for the children to choose from. All food is cooked and freshly prepared on-site daily by our experienced catering manager, Jeanie. Children select their lunch at the start of the day (we recommend having a look at home together) and a weekly menu is included in the newsletter.
All children in Reception are provided with a cooked meal, free of charge through the Government’s Universal Free School Meal offer.
If your child would prefer a packed lunch, this is fine. Our only request is that it is healthy (no sweets, chocolate or fizzy drinks please) and nut free
All children in Reception are offered some fresh fruit mid-morning to keep them going!
In addition, milk is available free of charge to pupils aged under 5 years. Once pupils turn 5, they can continue to receive milk daily by signing up to Cool Milk. Water is always available for the children to access in the classroom. We recommend that your child brings a plastic, reusable bottle to drink from throughout the day.
Sample Menu
SNACKS
School Uniform
The governors, staff and children believe that school uniform creates a sense of belonging, pride and ownership in the school. It is our school policy that all children must wear school uniform.
What should my child wear?
The William Hogarth School uniform is a smart grey pullover or cardigan, white polo shirt and grey trousers, shorts, skirt or pinafore. Shoes should be black – we do not recommend laces until your child is able to tie these independently.
We have kept our school uniform as simple as possible so that it can be purchased from most high street stores and supermarkets at a reasonable cost. There is no requirement to wear items with the school logo. The official school uniform provider is Stevensons. All uniform can be purchased online from the official stockist.
Alternatively, our pupil leadership group - The Entrepreneurs - run a frequent second hand uniform shop in the school playground outside the office after school on most Fridays, as well as having their own online shop hosted by Uniformd
Do children change for PE?
For PE, Reception children are expected to wear their PE Kit to school for the day. They need black shorts or tracksuit bottoms, a white t-shirt and a pair of plimsolls that they can slip on easily.
All uniform items must be clearly labelled with your child’s name.
HAIRSTYLES
Long hair must be tied back with black, white or yellow bands.
We also recommend a pair of wellies and a good outdoor coat, as children will be learning outside regardless of weather.
Please note: All uniform and personal items must be clearly labelled with your child’s name. We love learning and achieving together!
What your child needs everyday Learning to achieve
What your child will learn at school
Key Stages
The National Curriculum is divided into three stages:
• Early Years Foundation Stage, ages 3-5
• Key Stage 1, ages 5-7
• Key Stage 2, ages 7-11
Characteristics for Effective Learning
Playing and exploring
Children investigate and experience things, ‘having a go’.
Active learning
Children concentrate and keep on trying if they encounter difficulties, and enjoy achievements.
Creating and thinking critically
Children have and develop their own ideas, make links between ideas, and develop strategies for doing things.
Key Stages 1 and 2: Mathematics English Science Computing Spanish (Key Stage 2) Design and Technology Religious Education
Learning Outside
History Geography
Art and Design
Music
Physical Education
Personal, Social and Health Education
Outdoor provision for Early Years children is extensive. It includes a dedicated, recently refurbished playground with wooden equipment, trees to climb and a grass area. We also have a school pond full of frogs and other wildlife!
We are currently refurbishing our other playgrounds and are developing a much larger Forest School zone which will be for children of all ages.
Learning in Reception
At our school, your child will learn through play, exploration, and meaningful experiences. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is made up of seven key areas of learning, designed to support your child’s development and prepare them for the future. The seven areas of learning, split into Prime Areas and Specific Areas
Prime Areas
These are the foundation blocks for learning. Children develop these first.
1. Communication and Language
�� Listening, understanding, speaking
Children learn to listen carefully, talk with others, ask questions, and enjoy stories and songs.
2. Physical Development
�� Moving, handling, self-care
Children develop coordination and strength through play, and learn to look after themselves (e.g. getting dressed, washing hands).
3. Personal, Social and Emotional Development
�� Confidence, relationships, emotions
Children learn to share, take turns, build friendships, and understand their feelings.
Specific Areas
These build on the Prime Areas and support more formal learning.
4. Literacy
�� Reading and writing
Children explore books, learn sounds (phonics), recognise letters, and start writing words and sentences.
5. Mathematics
�� Numbers, shapes, problem-solving
Children count, sort, and explore patterns, shapes, and simple addition or subtraction.
6. Understanding the World
�� People, places, nature
Children learn about their environment, families, traditions, seasons, and use simple technology.
7. Expressive Arts and Design
�� Art, music, imagination
Children paint, build, sing, dance, and role-play to express their ideas creatively.
Phonics
At The William Hogarth School we teach early reading through the Read Write Inc. Phonics programme. This structured and engaging approach helps children learn to read sounds and blend them into words. Phonics is an essential foundation for reading and writing, helping children become confident, fluent readers. We teach phonics every day in small groups, so each child gets the right support to succeed. You can help at home by reading with your child and practising the sounds they are learning in school.
What is Read Write Inc?
Read Write Inc (RWI) is a phonics complete literacy programme which helps all children learn to read fluently and at speed so they can focus on developing their skills in comprehension, vocabulary and spelling. The programme is designed for children aged 4-7. RWI was developed by Ruth Miskin and more information on this as well as resources can be found at https://www.ruthmiskin.com/parentsandcarers/
Reception
In Reception all children will learn how to ‘read’ the sounds in words and how those sounds can be written down.
Reading
The children:
• learn 44 sounds and the corresponding letters/letter groups using simple picture prompts – see below
• learn to read words using Fred talk and sound blending
• read from a range of storybooks and non-fictions books matched to their phonic knowledge
• work well with partners
• develop comprehension skills in stories by answering 'Find It' and 'Prove It' discussion questions.
Writing
The children:
• learn to write and form the letters/letter groups which represent the 44 sounds with the help of fun phrases
• learn to write words by using ‘Fred Talk’
• learn to build sentences by practising sentences out loud before they write.
Mastering Number
At The William Hogarth School, we follow the NCETM Mastering Number programme to build strong early maths skills. This approach focuses on helping children develop a deep understanding of numbers, rather than just learning to count.
Through short, daily maths sessions, children explore:
• What numbers really mean
• How numbers can be made and broken apart (e.g. knowing that 5 is 4 and 1, or 2 and 3)
• Counting with confidence
• Recognising patterns and making connections
We use fun, hands-on resources like Rekenreks (number racks) and real-life objects to help children see how numbers work. This gives them a solid foundation for maths later on.
How can I support my child at home?
You don’t need special equipment to help your child with early maths everyday life is full of great opportunities! Here are some fun and easy ways to support their learning at home:
Talk About Numbers Daily
• Count aloud when climbing stairs or walking to the park
• Point out numbers on doors, clocks, food packets or price tags
• Ask questions like: “How many apples are there?” or “Can you find 3 socks?”
Play Simple Games
• Board games like Snakes and Ladders or Dominoes help with counting and recognising patterns
• Make up number games like “guess the missing number” or “how many are hiding under the cloth?”
• Use Real-Life Maths
• Involve your child in cooking: count spoons, weigh ingredients, or cut fruit into halves and quarters
• Let them help with shopping: find the right number of items, match coins, or spot the cheapest price
Build Number Sense
• Use toys or objects (e.g. LEGO bricks, buttons, pasta) to group, sort, and count
• Talk about how numbers are made: “You have 5 grapes – that’s 3 and 2!”
Enriched curriculum:
clubs, trips and visitors, cooking, music, PE, events
CLUBS
The school offers an exciting range of after school clubs for Reception children. The offer this year has included:
• Gymnastics
• Choir
• Football
• Crafts
• Spanish
• Construction
• Cookery
MUSIC
Weekly music lessons are a highlight of our school curriculum. Delivered by experts, the children have the opportunity to sing, compose and play a range of tuned and untuned instruments.
In addition, all children have the opportunity to join a rock band and put on a termly performance, or learn to play the guitar or the keyboard (additional charges apply).
TRIPS AND VISITORS
To further enrich our curriculum, Reception children are offered a range of visits. Examples include:
• Journey sticks to Chiswick House and Garden
• Joining the library
• Posting Christmas cards and letters
• Kitchen gardening (CHG)
• Pantomime
This year’s visitors have included:
• Community police team
• Careers workshop speakers
• Ducklings!
• Zoo lab
We really value giving children the opportunity for rich and varied experiences, and the chance to develop their talents and build new skills whilst at school. As well as our programme of enrichment activities, all children have access to our dedicated library and cooking suite and are expected to play a full part in our outstanding Learning 2 Lead curriculum.
Getting involved
Friends of William Hogarth School (FOWHS)
We have a thriving and committed group of parents and staff whose aim is to populate the school calendar with communityfocused events like the Christmas and Summer Fairs, as well as family bingo, cake sales and other fun activities. Their current fund-raising aim is redevelopment of the outside space at the school, as well as providing opportunities for the children that may otherwise not take place. Each class has a dedicated ‘rep’ who helps to get everyone involved in school life. Everyone is automatically a member of the Friends when they join our school.
Volunteering
Volunteers from our school and wider community are always welcome to help in school. If you have a particular talent or interest, or are simply interested in supporting our children, please contact Miss Rees, our deputy head and volunteer coordinator via admin@hogarth.hounslow.sch.uk
Governance
Our Governing Board is made up of members of our local community including three elected parent governors. They work closely with the Senior Leadership Team to support the school in planning its strategic developments. If you would like to become a school governor, please contact the school office for information.
Preparing for your child’s first day
Books
Books are a fantastic resource to help your child feel enthusiastic about their first day in Reception.
• Starting School, Janet and Alan Ahlberg
• Billy and the Big New School, Catherine and Laurence Arholt
• Lucy and Tom Go To School, Shirley Hughes,
• Harry and the Dinosaurs Go To School, Whybrow and Reynolds
• Topsy and Tim Start School, J & G Adamson
Independence
Help them to practise independent skills like:
• Using the toilet (flushing and wiping)
• Putting their coat on (zippers and buttons)
• Shoes (velcro and slip-ons are recommended, plus which foot in which shoe)
• Using a knife and fork
Key Dates This Term Communication
• Daily communication at the classroom door
• Half-termly curriculum map
• Dedicated page on the school website
• Half-termly Early Years newsletters
• Weekly whole school newsletter
• Termly parent teacher meetings (spring & autumn)
• Learning Ladders
• Daily insights into classroom learning and enrichment
• Dynamic social media style newsfeed, with separate message streams that differentiate important information from news
• Instant language translations
To support the children in making a successful start in Reception, we host a number of special ‘Getting Ready for Big School’ events so that children and their families can get to know the setting and staff before September. Storytime and Create 2 – 3 pm Friday 27th June In the school library
and Play 10 – 11.30 am Tuesday 1st July In Reception
Music Makers 1.30 – 3pm Thursday 10th July , In the school hall
Please contact the school office to book your place.
You are warmly invited to join the fun at:
• the summer fair, Saturday 5th July, 11 am – 3 pm
• Family singing assembly, Thursday 10th July, 9.30 – 10.15 am
• Reception and Nursery cake sale, Friday 11th July, 3.30 pm
Key Dates : September 2025
Getting to Know Your Child
Between Wednesday 3rd – Friday 5th September, families will be invited to come into school individually, so that the staff can spend time getting to know you and your child better. This is a really useful way to ask any questions and share information about your child’s interests. Please book your appointment today or via the school office.
A Staggered Start
Week of Monday 8th – Friday 12th September, children attend in smaller groups to build confidence and familiarity in the setting and routines. Children are split into two groups during this week who will attend on the following dates:
Group 1
Monday 8th September, 8.45 am – 12 pm
Wednesday, 10th September, 8.45 am – 1 pm
Group 2
Tuesday 9th September, 8.45 am – 12 pm
Thursday 11th September, 8.45 am – 1 pm
Friday 12th September, (everybody attends) 8.45 am – 3.30 pm
YOUR CHILD IS IN GROUP:
School office: 0208 994 4782 admin@hogarth.hounslow.sch.uk
The William Hogarth School Duke Road, W4 2JR
https://williamhogarthschool.co.uk/
Term and Holiday Dates 2025/26
Frequently asked questions
These are the answers to what we find are the most frequently asked questions. If you have any questions that are not answered here, please contact the school office who will be happy to help.
Absence
We have a ‘first day response’ policy.
If your child is absent from school, it is very important that you let us know the reason for absence as soon as possible by contacting the office on 0208 994 4782. If no message is received by closure of registration, a member of the office team will telephone to find out why your child has not arrived at school.
Attendance and Punctuality
Regular and punctual attendance is an important part of a child’s educational development. Our high attendance figures are only achieved as a result of strong parental support.
Term Time Holidays
Leave of absence is only permitted for exceptional circumstances Requests for holiday in term time will not be authorised unless there are very exceptional circumstances.
Absences
We know that children’s immune systems adapt when they start in a new setting. Other than sickness, absences will be classified as unauthorised. This information is published as part of the school’s annual statistical record and in your child’s annual report.
Medication in school
School staff can only administer prescribed medicines in their original container, where the dosage is three times a day or more. Parents will need to fill in a Medicines Form at the school office to provide consent. It is also
possible for parents to visit the school at break or lunch to administer medication.
Allergies & Epipens
We require 2 inhalers to be kept in school at all times. One inhaler is located centrally in the welfare room, the second is store in the medical box in your child’s classroom. This ensures immediate access to inhalers throughout the school day.
We require 2 epipens to be kept in school at all times. One epipen is located centrally in the welfare room, the second is store in the medical box in your child’s classroom. This ensures immediate access to epipens throughout the school day.
Mobile phones and devices
Some parents choose to give their children mobile phones in Years 5 and 6. These phones must be turned off and stored in the school office during the day.
We recommend that the Schools Mobile app is installed on all devices.
Parents must ensure mobile phones are on silent or airplane mode during assemblies. We ask that parents put their phones away at the end of the school day, so that they can collect their child with a smile.
Jewellery, toys and personal possessions
Unless requested by the teacher for something special, children should not bring toys or other items in from home. It is all too easy for something to become broken or lost and this causes upset.
No jewellery should be worn at school except for a watch (no smart watches please), stud earrings and certain religious items.
Children are not be allowed to wear earrings or other jewellery for PE. They will need to remove this independently, or cover with tape
The school accepts no responsibility for any items that are lost or damaged.
Homework
We value the support that parents give the school by helping with homework, although we understand that the pressures of time and other commitments sometimes makes this difficult.
For Reception children, the school expectation is that children are read with daily, for 10-15 minutes. We will send home phonics resources and books as well.
Internet Safety
We offer a wide range of ICT opportunities to our pupils and believe in teaching the skills needed to access the technology on offer in the world responsibly. Each classroom has access to an interactive whiteboard. In school, internet access is age-appropriately filtered.
Children and parents are asked to read and adhere to our Acceptable Use Policy.
E-Safety
Use it wisely! We recommend that parents install the Schools Mobile app on all devices that children access outside of school.
Your child’s progress Learning Ladders
You will be invited to join ‘Ladders at Home’ to give you insights on your child’s progress and achievements throughout the year. Annual reports are embedded within Learning Ladders so remember to sign-up.
Parents evenings and reports
Reports are produced at the end of the summer term. Parents also have the opportunity to discuss their child’s progress at twice-yearly parent teacher consultations.
Booking clubs and trips
We are a cash-free school. All clubs and trips are booked electronically via ParentPay
If you would like to have a meeting with your child’s teacher, please make an appointment.
Welfare concerns
Please do not be worried about speaking up or asking for help. If you wish to discuss something complex or confidential, please contact the school office who will be happy to arrange a meeting with the Designated Safeguarding Leads:
Avril Stockley or Katie Rees.
Equality of opportunity
We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve their full potential and that it is our job to help your child overcome any barriers or challenges with learning. We work hard to ensure that all children have access to a fully inclusive curriculum and can take part fully in school events.
Special
Educational Needs
Katy Luciani is our very experienced school SENCO and also works across the Local Authority as a Mainstream Inclusion Cluster Leader.
All pupils in our school study the National Curriculum. It is estimated that approximately 20% of children nationally will experience learning difficulties at some point during their education.
We believe that there are considerable benefits for all pupils in catering for special educational needs in the mainstream class. Some pupils may, however, at times require more specialised teaching which is better provided within a smaller group.
All classroom staff working in school have been trained by the Autism Education Trust. They are very experienced in adapting learning to meet all the children’s needs. All classroom staff have been trained to Gold Standard Trauma Informed Practice.
Class teachers are responsible for the support and progress of all pupils in their class. Teaching assistants may work in your child’s class to provide support for children in the classroom and in small group tuition, under the guidance of the class teacher.
Special provision is provided for those children with an EHC. Our school has experience in teaching pupils with a wide range of learning difficulties.
More able pupils
We recognise that all children are individuals with their own specific set of needs, gifts and abilities. Children who exhibit a particular flair are supported with stimulating and enriching materials appropriate to their needs. We take part in opportunities for such pupils to meet and work with pupils in other schools when available.
Charging policy
All education during school hours is free. We do not charge for any activity undertaken as part of the National Curriculum.
Voluntary contributions
When organising school trips which enrich the curriculum and educational experience of the children, the school invites parents to contribute to the cost of the trip. All contributions are voluntary. If we do not receive sufficient voluntary contributions, we may need to cancel a trip. If a trip goes ahead, all children will participate, regardless of whether a contribution has been made or not.
We do not treat children differently in our school. So, if a parent wishes
their child to take part in a school trip or event, but is unable or unwilling to make a voluntary contribution, their child will be allowed to participate fully in the activity
We invite Early Years families to make a termly voluntary of contribution of £10 towards consumables that enrich the curriculum offer.
All children study music as part of their normal school curriculum. There is no charge for this. If you wish your child to join RockSteady or have individual or group keyboard and / or piano lessons, a charge will be made by the relevant companies and peripatetic music teachers. Parents in receipt of certain benefits may be exempt from payment.
Pupil
premium
We ask all parents to check whether their child qualifies for the Pupil Premium Grant. This grant provides significant additional funding to schools. Details on how to check your eligibility can be found on the website and via the school office. Someone different collecting your child
Please contact the school office if someone different will be collecting your child at the end of the day, even if this is another parent who is known to the school. We will never send a child home with someone without your permission.
Emergency arrangements
We will, of course, endeavour to keep the school open if at all possible. In the event of emergency closure, parents will be contacted via text and the information will be published on our website and Twitter feed, @Hogarth_the.
Please make sure that the school office always has up to date contact details for yourself and at least 2 emergency contacts.