JuniorPrepHandbook2025/2026
Welcome to Sherfield School’s Junior Prep Handbook. This document is intended to be the go-to guide for all Year 1 to Year 4 specific information.
Should you have any questions about any of the information in the handbook, please email the Head of Prep’s PA.
Sherfield Junior Prep - Welcome Message for Junior Prep Parents at Sherfield School
Our school motto, Ad Vitam Paramus, which translates to "Prepare for Life," encapsulates our mission. We aim to provide an education that not only challenges your children but also prepares them for the future. Our goal is to ensure that each child is equipped to achieve theiraspirations,fosteringresilienceandadaptabilitythatwillservethemthroughouttheirlives.
This year, we are excited to enhance our music provision significantly Each year group will have dedicated thirty minutes of choir time, allowing our children to develop theirvocal skills and enjoy the joy of singing together In addition, every child will have the opportunity to learn an instrument for a whole year as part of the curriculum On top of this, children will also receive one hour of music theory instruction eachweek.This comprehensive approach to music educationwill enrich theirunderstanding and appreciation of musicwhile fosteringcreativityandasenseofachievement.
The uniform for Sherfield can be found on this link and these are the only items pupil’s should wear when on school grounds.
Uniform should be worn with pride and all pupils should be dressed smartly at all times, including wearing blazers when not in lessons, this includes arriving and leaving school, between lessons, assemblies, break and lunchtimes.
You are alsowelcome tovisit ourschool uniform shopwhich is run byourwonderful Friends of Sherfield parent committee.
ExcitingNews – OurSchool Uniform Shop Has Moved!
We’re thrilled to announce that the School Uniform Shop has abrand newhome!The shop has nowrelocated to aconvenient and easilyaccessible space right next to the Old ChapelAuditorium.You’ll find the entranceviathe external staircasewhich is located behindwhere the school buses park.
The shopwill be open as usual.Whetheryou're stockingup on essentials orpreparingfornext term,we’re here to help.
WeeklyOpeningHours: Mondays &Wednesdays
Morning: 08:15 – 08:45 Afternoon: 16:00 – 16:30
We’d love foryou to pop in, browse ourfull range, and sayhello in ourfresh newspace. Ifyou have anyquestions orneed assistance, feel free to get in touchwith us at uniform@sherfieldschool.co.uk.
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
The first day of the new academic year is Monday 1 September; our doors open at 8:15am and close at 8:25am. All pupils in the Junior Prep phase, including new pupils, should go to the Prep School Courtyard via the gated entrance at the side of the Cottage. Please park in the parents car park and you will see the cottage and gate adjacent to the steps. A member of staff will be in the courtyard to help you find your way to your classroom.
Class teachers will be in their classrooms to register them and will give them their timetable, go through it with them, give them their school log on details and answer any queries they may have for the first morning. When pupils are ready to be collected at the end of the day, they will need to go to the pick-up point where a member of staff will wait with them until they are collected.
TIMES OF THE DAY
We are excited to announce the opening of our Rise and Dine Club. Reception to Year 7 children are able to book this club a month ahead to provide care and breakfast from 7:30am. Children will be supervised and activities will be planned to ensure that children start the day active and happy. Children can only use this service if they are booked in on Parentmail in advance before the last day of the month.
Registration is at 8:25am but children can be dropped off from 8:15am. Parents may drop their child off between 8:15am and 8.25am at the designated classroom entrance. Children must not be left unattended before 8:15am. Only children in Year 4 upwards are able to be dropped to the dining hall at 8am free of charge. Parents of Year 3 and below wishing to drop off earlier than 8:15am must use the Rise and Dine Club.
At the end of the day, children in Year 1 and Year 2 should be collected from their entrance in the Lydney building. For Year 1 and Year 2, the day finishes at 3:15pm and for Year 3 and Year 4, the day finishes at 4:15pm. Year 3 and Year 4 pupils who finish at 4:15pm must go to the front of the Wynstow building (outside the library) and wait to be collected, where they will be supervised by staff.
Tea and snacks for Year 3 upwards are served in the DiningHall at 4:15pm. Clubs for Years 3 and above are organised from 4:30pm to 5:45pm. Clubs organised byschool staff are inclusive in the school fees. There are some clubs which demand an additional fee due to the implications of coaching and facilities (e.g. Ballet, Fencing etc). All after-school clubs are booked for the term, in advance, with the exception of homework club, although notice must be provided that this is required.
Years 1 and 2 Day
8:25 Registration
8:35 Period 1
9:35 Period 2
10:35 Morning Break
10:55 Period 3
11:55 Lunch
12:50 Registration
13:15 Period 4
14:15 Period 5
15:15 End of School / Pick Up or Registration for Clubs.
16:15 After School Club Finish/ Pick up.
16:3018:00 Reception to Year 2 Cosy Club (Bookable)
Years 3 and 4 Day 8:25 Registration 8:35 Period 1 9:35 Period 2 10:35 Morning Break 10:55 Period 3 11:55 Lunch 12:50 Registration 13:15 Period 4
14:15 Period 5
15:15 Period 6
16:15 End of School / Pick Up
16:15 Tea / Registration for Clubs
16:30 After School Clubs
17:45 After School Clubs Finish / Pick Up / Buses
Sherfield Junior Prep
ARRIVING LATE AND LEAVING SITE
Pupils arriving late (after 8:25 when the doors close) must first report to Main Reception, via the black door to the left of the main entrance so that the registers may be corrected.
Pupils must not leave the site at any time without an adult. If they need to leave the school during the day for things such as a medical or dental appointment, this has to be authorised by the Head of Prep at least 48 hours in advance.
Parents must pick pupils up and return them to and from the Main Reception, where they must sign in and out of school. Parents should not attempt to access teaching areas themselves at any time. We would prefer children to be collected either at the end of their school day or at the end of their club to avoid disruption to the running of a club.
ENTERING AND LEAVING THE SCHOOL GROUNDS
Even at low speed a car can do a lot of damage to a child. Please do not exceed the 10mph speed limit and be very watchfulwhen drivingon the school site.
When exitingthe school, duringbusytimes, please ensure that you turn left onto the A33 and use the Sherfield Park roundabout to change direction if necessary.
SCHOOL CAR PARK
We have several school car parks on site. The first area on the right as you arrive along the driveway is for staff cars. The large car park after driving past Buckfield House and between the Early Years Centre and The Cottage is for parents and visitors. There is also parking available for parents along the new spaces created on the driveway. There is overflow car parking on the driveway opposite Archers Lodge as you drive out of the site and parking along the tree line as you head towards the exit.
Please refrain from parking on the other areas of grass unless instructed to do so by a member of school staff. Other areas of the school grounds and driveway should not be used to park cars or as waiting areas.
BUSES
There are buses which bring pupils into school and take them home again (from aged 8/Year 4). The routes are changed each year to accommodate the different needs of the current pupils. This service must be booked in advance.
If you have registered for school transport, pupils will be told where to wait for the bus to collect them in the morning. Pupils will arrive in plenty of time for registration at 8:25am. In the evening, pupils should be prompt in leaving their after-school club and report to Main Reception to wait for the bus to take them home. School buses leave at 5:45pm.
If pupils are not travelling home on the bus at the end of the school day, please let the Main School Receptionist know before you leave school for the day.
TIMETABLE
Timetables are issued on the first day of school. It will tell pupils which lesson they have, where it is and who the teacher is. If pupils lose their timetable, the class teacher can print another copy.
MUSIC LESSONS
Individual and small group lessons for music take place during the school day in lesson time. These are available for children from Year 1 upwards. The teacher for the lesson will let parents know when the lessons will take place each week as they may not be the same time. The teacher will collect the child and return them back to lessons afterwards.
If your child cannot attend the lessons, you need to speak with the teacher, or Mr Rampton, Head of Music, at d.rampton@sherfieldschool.co.uk well in advance to arrange a different time.
HOMEWORK
Children work hard at school and they must have time to relax and enjoy family life. Homework is set according to the child’s age and needs and should supplement what is covered in school.
Pupil’s should be able to complete their homework independently with parent’s encouragement. Please contact the class teacher with any queries or concerns regarding homework tasks.
Additional Home Learning is sent out each week in the year group letters to parents. These are optional for children to complete.
BEHAVIOURPOLICY
The ethos of Sherfield is based upon the values of Kindness, Courage and Respect. We expect parents to support us in maintaining our standards which are based upon courtesy, consideration and common sense. We reward positive behaviour and effort with house points, nominations for awards throughout the year and, most significantly, at Speech Day at the end of the year. Teachers will take the opportunity informally to pass on positive feedbackthroughout theyear.
ANTI-BULLYINGPOLICY
We have a strong culture of tackling bullying in school which is enhanced by our Positive Behaviour and No Bullying policy. Children are encouraged to tell their teacher or another trusted memberof staff if someone is making them unhappyorworried.An important part of being at school is building relationships and learning how to deal with a variety of situations and challenges.
Although it is often wise to wait a short time to allow your child to try and resolve things, early intervention by the school is the most effective means of helping all concerned. Do not hesitate to contact your child’s form tutor if someone or something is making your child unhappy.
Sherfield
CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
This curriculum aims to foster a love for learning and support each child’s holistic development. We teach a connected curriculum and make links between subjects to make learning meaningful!
Year 1:
In Year 1, children will enjoy a mix of child-led learning during Discovery Time and teacher-guided activities in reading, writing, and math. Morning sessions will focus on building essential skills that they will apply throughout the day. Outdoor learning will be a key feature, with activities like gardening in the summer. Children will also participate in weekly sharing sessions to develop their speaking and listening skills. Additionally, all students will have choir sessions and learn an instrument as part of our enhanced music provision. They will also begin learning Spanish.
This year, Year 1 will have joint thematic topics with Year 2, including:
Autumn Term: Paddington visits the UK, followed by Castles.
Spring Term: The Great Fire of London leading onto Transport over time.
Summer Term: Our School - Your School!
Year 2:
Year 2 will continue the emphasis on child-initiated learning alongside structured lessons. Students will explore topics related to their local environment and the wider world, enhancing their understanding of history and geography. Regular reading sessions will focus on fluency and comprehension, while writing tasks will encourage longer pieces for real audiences. Outdoor learning will remain integral to their education. Like Year 1, children will also participate in choir and instrumental lessons, and they will continue their Spanish sessions.
The joint thematic topics for this year include:
Autumn Term: Paddington visits the UK, followed by Castles.
Spring Term: The Great Fire of London leading onto Transport over time.
Summer Term: Our School - Your School!
Sherfield Junior Prep
Year 3:
In Year 3, writing and math skills will be further developed with children having a focus on their breadth of reading whilst being tracked using Accelerated Reader. Specialist teachers will introduce subjects like Art, Design and Technology, Drama and languages, with children continuing to learn Spanish. Children will have a weekly Games afternoon and begin to participate in fixtures; representing the school. Choir and instrumental lessons will continue as children work towards a number of performances throughout the year.
The thematic topics for this year include:
Autumn Term: Rock of Ages- Stone Age to the Iron Age leading onto Extreme Earth – natural phenomena.
Spring Term: Walk Like an Egyptian – A study of Ancient Egypt.
Summer Term: Chocopocolypse. A study of a contrasting location (Ghana), including the journey of cocoa beans to chocolate. They will also study the Mayans and fair-trade practices.
Year 4:
Year 4 will focus on refining writing for different audiences and mastering multiplication. Choir and instrumental lessons will be part of our increased music provision, and children will begin learning French. Children will build on their understanding of learning from previous years to have a deep understanding of the connection of events over time. We are also excited about our Year 4 STEAM day in December which pulls together Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths in a team project.
The thematic topics for this year include:
Autumn Term: Who let the Gods Out!– A study of the Ancient Greeks.
Spring Term: Rampaging Romans! – A study of the Roman Empire and it’s influence.
Summer Term: Invasions! A study of the Anglo Saxons, Normans and Vikings.
Sherfield Junior Prep
WHO‘S WHO?
There are plenty of people to help pupils at Sherfield and if they are unsure about anything they can always ask someone to help them.
Role Name
Head of School
Head of Prep
Deputy Head of Prep
Deputy Headteacher
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Year 1 Teacher
Year 2 Teacher
Year 3 Teacher
Year 4 Teacher
Director of Student Services
School Nurse
School Counsellor
Main Reception
Head of Prep PA
Head Prefects Sixth Form
Deputy Head Prefects Sixth Form
Head Prefects Year 8
Deputy Head Prefects Year 8
Ms C. Taylor
Miss K. Dillon
Mrs M. Dransfield
Mr T. Wilde
Mr D. Page
Miss B. Cooper
Miss H. Cutler
Miss J. Warren
Mrs M. Dransfield
Mrs K. Walsh
Mrs R. Redbond
Mrs F. Smith
N/A
Mrs E. Daly
hmpa@sherfieldschool.co.uk
hppa@sherfieldschool.co.uk
m.dransfield@sherfieldschool.co.uk
t.wilde@sherfieldschool.co.uk
d.page@sherfieldschool.co.uk
b.cooper@sherfieldschool.co.uk
h.cutler@sherfieldschool.co.uk
j.warren@sherfieldschool.co.uk
m.dransfield@sherfieldschool.co.uk
k.walsh@sherfieldschool.co.uk
nurses@sherfieldschool.co.uk
f.smith@sherfieldschool.co.uk
info@sherfieldschool.co.uk
hppa@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Student Leadership Team 2025/26
Marie Petkova and Tate Wong
Benjamin Long and George Wilde
Maya Walsh and Rufus Emery
Emily Bond and Etuge Ngole
PARTNERINGWITH PARENTS
A pupil’s first point of contact should always be their class teacher who can answer most questions for them. They will also spend time with pupils on the academic and personal elements of life at Sherfield.
A teacher’s role is to monitor overall performance and to nurture, listen, support and encourage all pupils to achieve their best in an atmosphere of positive education.
Next, there are the Head of Prep, Miss Dillon and Deputy Head of Prep, Mrs Dransfield, they are always able to meet with children if they have any concerns.
For pupils who require additional support with lessons, either because they are advanced at something or need extra help, the Inclusion team are here to help with that.
Our School Nurses look after any pupils who are not feeling very well or have had an accident. They also help with the PSHE programme including healthy eating. If pupils have any medication that they need to take through the day, including pain relief, they must be taken to the Health Zone for safekeeping.
There is also a telephone at the main reception if pupils need to call home, in extraordinary circumstances.
CLASSROOM ESSENTIALS
All pupils should bring the following items:
A full water bottle.
A navy Book Bag (Year 1 and 2) or a Sherfield school rucksack (Year 3 and 4)
A Sherfield school coat, hat or suncream depending on the weather.
Outdoor Learning clothing (Welly boots, waterproofs, long sleeve t shirt and long bottoms). These will be left in school.
A pair of trainers to wear at break times. These will be left in school.
Pupils from Year 3 and Year 4 should bring the following items:
A pencil case with a hb pencil, rubber, ruler, sharpener, black gel pen, highlighter and glue stick. You can also bring some colouring pencils if you wish.
OUTDOOR LEARNING
Learning need not take place solely within educational buildings. The outdoor environment has massive potential for learning. We are extremely fortunate to have such amazing grounds and woodland environments on our school site, and our children and young people’s learning experiences can be enhanced by maximising the potential of the outdoors.
Children need to bring appropriate clothes for outdoor learning which may consist of a warm layer, wellies and waterproofs.
VALUABLES INCLUDING ELECTRONIC ITEMS
Pupils should not bring any valuables to school, as the school will not be held responsible for any loss or damage to pupils' property.
Pupils are advised not to bring mobile telephones into school. Please contact your child’s teacher if you would like your child to have a mobile phone when travelling to and from school.
Mobile phones may not be used during the school day. All contact with pupils must be via the main reception.
Children in from Year 5 upwards are required to bring in their own device to use during the school day. This is usually a Chromebook or Laptop and is connected to our web filtering system when first brought into school.
MEALS
All our meals are cooked on the premises in our kitchens and our lunch menus are served on a three-week cycle. We encourage our pupils to develop a positive, healthy and active approach to life and learning.
Fruit is on offer at break time and we provide healthy, balanced school meals. Lunch is compulsory for all pupils and special diets are catered for (breakfast and tea can be ordered and paid for separately). Pupils are not allowed to bring meals, drinks or snacks from home.
preceding term and are sent home to parents to help pupils choose.
The clubs run from the first day of each term until the last day of each term, unless advised otherwise. They run from 3:15pm to 4:15pm (Year 1 and Year 2) and 4:30pm to 5:45pm (Year 3 and Year 4).
For Year 1 and 2 children: Parents do not need to book clubs if they wish to access our club provision between 3:15 - 4:15pm. Children will have a co-curriculum offer each day in their classes. For this year, these include: Music and Movement, Craft, Sustainability, Mutli-sports and Live Worldwise. An alternative club, ran by external provider, are available each day at an additional cost: Fencing, Football, Art with Louise Hight, Tennis and Ballet. These need to be booked via the parent portal and paid for each term. A separate email will be sent to parents with more information.
Sherfield Junior Prep
houseeventswhichtakeplaceeachterm,thesearenormallyadvertisedinhouseassembliesand on the house noticeboards. Pupils can help win points for their house by taking part in or supportingtheseevents.
Pupils can also win house points for good pieces of work, improvement in lessons, good effort, acts of courtesy, positive contribution to school life, service in a school event, as well as other things. Allpupilsshouldtrytogetasmanyastheycanbecause,attheendoftheyear,theyare totalledtogethertowinthecovetedHouseCup!
ASSEMBLIES
Junior Prep Assemblies take place once a week and, if in Year 3 and above, pupils will normally attend another assembly with other pupils each week; such as a house assembly. A celebration assembly also takes place each week where we celebrate achievements outside of school. We encourageparentstosendinanyachievementsforexample,gradings,examsandsportsawards.
RECOGNISINGACHIEVEMENT
StarAwards(Year1-3)arespecialawardsusedtorewardAchievement,ConsistencyandEffortand aregivenforgoingaboveandbeyond.Eachpupil’sreadingjournalhas40circlesin,andeachset oftencirclesgivesapupilanaward.ItgoesfromBronzetoPlatinumAwardsfortheyear.
ThereisaweeklyRoleModelforeachclass.
TheHead’sAwardisgiventopupilsforexceptionalworkandcontributiontotheschool.
Anyachievementscanalwaysbesenttoyourchild’sclassteacherandMrs.Dransfieldinorderfor ustocelebrateandshareonseesaw.
TheSherfieldApp
Ourschool app is the gatewayto all the informationyouwill need.
One-StopAccess:All the functionalityof the different platformswe use nowunderone roof.
● Parent Portal: Located at the bottom of the app, hereyou can findyour child’s timetable, conduct notifications, andviewreports at the end of each half term. Please useyourusual parent portal password. Otherkey items located on the parent portal home page are the Parent Information Hub and access to the Clubs/Enrichment platform.
● Useful Links: FoS, SeeSaw, Sports Fixtures,AfterSchool Club Booking, Parents Evening, ParentMail, Food Menus, HolidayCamp Booking, Make aPayment,Term Dates, Music Lesson Bookings, School Calendarand ourSchool Socials.
● School News: Stayupdatedwith the latest from ourschool, drawn directlyfrom oursocial mediapages.
Download the app todayfrom the Google PlayortheApp Store. Apple store: https://apps.apple.com/ru/app/sherfieldschool/id6743377548
Google playstore: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details? id=com.schoolwindow.sherfield&pli=1
Planned absence
If absence is known in advance, parents/guardians/carers should request absence promptly by sending one email to the Head of Prep, copying in the Class Teacher and the Reception team’s email address.
On the day of absence
Should a student be ill or there be an emergency that means they cannot attend school, please either: send an email to the Head of Prep, copying in the Class Teacher and the Main Reception email OR call the school absence line on 01256 884800 OR use Parentmail to report the absence. This can be found in the main menu on the APP. Please click on the absence and ‘add absence’. Please add as much information as possible.
If possible, an email is the preferred method of absence reporting as this allows all stakeholders to be aware of a pupil’s absence in the most efficient manner.
Finally, please note that all absence requests and notifications must be made by a parent, guardian or carer.
TermDates2025-2026
AutumnTerm2025
Term Starts Monday1st September
HalfTerm Monday19 October– Friday 31 October
Term Ends Friday12 December t
SpringTerm2026
Term Starts Monday5 January
HalfTerm Monday16 February– Friday20 February
Term EndsWednesday1 April st
SummerTerm2026
Term StartsThursday23April
HalfTerm Monday25 May- Friday29 June
Term EndsThursday3 July
