ReceptionHandbook2025/2026
Welcome to Sherfield School’s Reception Handbook. This document is intended to be the go-to guide for Reception specific information.
Should you have any questions about any of the information in the handbook, please email the Head of Prep’s PA.
Dear Parents,
Welcome to a new and exciting year at Sherfield School! Whether you are joining us for the first time or returning as part of our cherished community, we are thrilled to have you and your children with us in Reception.
At Sherfield, we believe in inspiring happy, kind, and brave children from birth to five, where curiosity thrives, friendships grow, and a love for the outdoors blossoms. Our core values—Kindness, Courage, and Respect are not just words; they are the principles that guide our interactions and shape our environment. By fostering kindness, we create a supportive atmosphere where every child feels valued. Courage encourages our children to take risks and step outside their comfort zones, while respect ensures that we honour each other’s differences and perspectives. Together, these values help our children learn, grow, and truly belong.
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 their aspirations, fostering resilience and adaptability that will serve them throughout their lives.
This year, we are excited to focus on outdoor learning, creating links between Learning through Landscapes and our dedicated outdoor leader, who will enrich opportunities in our outdoor spaces. We are also thrilled to offer an enriched program that includes discrete language lessons, music and movement, and swimming in the Summer Term each week
Additionally, our resident pets, Biscoff and Chubbles, our beloved guinea pigs, are cared for by the children, fostering a sense of responsibility and nurturing in our classroom.
At Sherfield, we envision our children as catalysts for positive change, inspiring a better future for themselves and those around them. We are dedicated to creating a learning environment that nurtures, inspires, and challenges every child, preparing them for life in a global society.
Thank you for being an integral part of our community. Together, let’s embark on this journey to empower our children to thrive and succeed!
Miss Kelly DIllon Head of Prep and EYFS
Children’s learning in Sherfield Early Years is based upon the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (EYFS) and Engaging Learning (EiM), a reflective tool for practitioners that transforms learning and embeds child-led practice.
Our well-researched play-based approach focuses on children’s developmental needs and interests. Through Discovery Time, children engage in creative play and exploration, developing essential skills to become confident authors, enthusiastic readers, and creative problem solvers throughout the EYFS
8:25 Registration and Discovery Time
8:40 Phonics session
8:50 Discovery Time with shared writing groups
10:00 Choir session
10:35 Discovery Time with music groups
11:00 Story Time
11:30 Lunch
12:30 Registration and Maths Meeting
12:50 Discovery Time with maths meeting groups
13:50 Library Visit
14:15 Discovery Time with inspired book from library groups
15:15 End of School / Pick Up or Registration for Clubs.
16:15 After School Club Finish/ Pick up.
16:30 - 18:00 Reception to Year 2 Cosy Club (Bookable)
In addition to self-directed play, we incorporate structured adult-led sessions for small groups, ensuring that every child receives targeted support tailored to their individual learning journey. This personalised approach helps each child achieve meaningful outcomes at their own pace, fostering a lifelong love of learning.
We provide a variety of activities and experiences that spark curiosity and interest. Our unique outdoor environment encourages children to connect with nature, allowing them to explore and learn in all weather conditions.
We also value your child's home experiences and partner with you to ensure a shared approach to learning. By working together, we can enhance your child's development and create a supportive community that nurtures their growth.
At Sherfield School, our Reception Class curriculum is designed to provide a rich and engaging learning experience that aligns with the Early Years Framework.
We focus on fostering a love for learning through a blend of free-flow Discovery Time and structured adult-led sessions, ensuring that each child’s individual needs and interests are met.
Free Flow Discovery Time allows children to explore their environment freely, encouraging curiosity and independence. During this time, they can engage in various activities, fostering creativity and social skills.
In addition to Discovery Time, we offer a range of adult-led sessions that enrich our curriculum:
Digital Learning: Children will have the opportunity to explore technology through engaging activities that promote digital literacy.
Languages: Weekly Spanish lessons introduce children to a new language, fostering early linguistic skills and cultural appreciation.
Daily Phonics: Small group sessions focus on phonics, helping children develop essential early reading skills in a supportive environment.
Engaging Story Time: We prioritize reading by incorporating engaging story sessions, including weekly visits to the school library and one-on-one reading with a key adult to enhance literacy development.
RECEPTION CURRICULUM CONTINUED
Weekly Music Sessions: Our music program encourages creativity and self-expression, allowing children to explore rhythm, melody, and movement.
Movement Sessions: These sessions promote physical development and coordination, helping children to stay active and engaged.
Rolling Snack Station: Children learn to make their own snacks, promoting independence and healthy eating habits.
Cooking Sessions with Chef Andy: Hands-on cooking experiences provide opportunities for learning about nutrition, following instructions, and teamwork.
Reception Choir: Participation in the choir fosters a sense of community and teamwork while enhancing musical skills.
Daily Maths Meetings: These sessions focus on building foundational math skills through interactive and practical activities.
Shared Writing Sessions: Collaborative writing experiences encourage creativity and communication, helping children to express their ideas and thoughts.
Through this diverse curriculum, we aim to create a nurturing environment where children can thrive, develop essential skills, and cultivate a lifelong love for learning. At Sherfield, we believe that every child is unique, and we are dedicated to supporting their individual journeys in a fun and engaging way.
After-school activities are chosen in the last few weeks of the 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.
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.
OUR UNIQUE OUTDOORS
The most essential items your child will need in Early Years are a puddle suit and a reliable pair of wellies!
Every day, children spend time in our extensive grounds, where they are encouraged to be independent explorers and confident risk-takers in a safe and nurturing outdoor environment.
In our beautiful forest areas and rolling green spaces, children immerse themselves in nature—building dens, jumping in puddles, and discovering the wonders of the world around them.
We are proud to partner with Learning through Landscapes, an initiative supported by Sir David Attenborough, to enrich all areas of children’s learning. Through this collaboration, our practitioners work closely with experts to maximise outdoor learning opportunities, laying the foundations for a lifelong connection with nature and our planet.
Outdoor play fosters confidence, strengthens relationships, and encourages healthy risk-taking, helping children develop essential skills that support their overall growth and development.
Sherfield Reception
CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS
We believe in the power of partnership when it comes to your child’s learning journey. Through Tapestry, our secure online platform, we regularly share photos and observations of the exciting learning experiences your child is engaged in.
As part of our Spotlighting approach, we dedicate a week to closely reviewing and observing your child’s development in collaboration with you. At the end of the week, we meet with parents to celebrate achievements, reflect on growth, and discuss next steps in their learning journey. This shared approach ensures every child feels valued and supported as they continue to learn and thrive.
MEASURING MILESTONES
As your child approaches the end of Reception, it's important to reflect on the key areas of learning outlined in the Early Years Framework. These areas provide a comprehensive foundation for your child's development and future learning.
Personal, Social, and Emotional Development: Children learn to build positive relationships, manage their feelings, and develop self-confidence. They engage in cooperative play and understand the importance of respecting others.
Communication and Language: This area focuses on developing listening, speaking, and understanding skills. Children are encouraged to express themselves clearly and engage in conversations, fostering their language development.
Physical Development: Children enhance their coordination, movement skills, and overall physical health through various activities. They learn about the importance of staying active and making healthy choices.
Literacy: This area encompasses reading and writing. Children develop their phonics skills, enjoy stories, and begin to write for different purposes, laying the groundwork for literacy.
Mathematics: Children explore numbers, shapes, patterns, and measurements. Through hands-on activities, they develop problem-solving skills and an understanding of basic mathematical concepts. Understanding the World: This area encourages curiosity about the environment, people, and communities. Children learn about different cultures, the natural world, and how things work through exploration and discovery.
Expressive Arts and Design: Children express their creativity through art, music, dance, and imaginative play. This area fosters self-expression and encourages children to explore different mediums and techniques.
As we celebrate your child's progress in these areas, we are excited to see how they will continue to grow and thrive in their educational journey.
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. This has an additional charge of £4.95 per day and includes breakfast.
At the end of the day, children in Reception should be collected from their entrance in the Lydney building. The day finishes at 3:15pm
At 3:15pm, children are thenwelcome to stayfor a cocurricular activity until 4:15pm. There are additional options which can be booked and paid for if parents wish theirchildren to take part in these.
Parents can then make use of the CosyClub provision until 6pm.
COSY CLUB (PREVIOUS R-2 TEA CLUB)
Daily from 4:15 PM to 6:00 PM
Children will be cared for in a dedicated space that includes both indoor and outdoor areas. Activities are designed to ensure that children have a great end to their day, allowing them to stay active and happy. The price includes a light tea, and children will be supervised throughout the session.
Examples of activities include:
Indoor Activities: Board games in the cosy room, LEGO building, puzzles, and a relaxing space for quiet time.
Outdoor Activities: Active ball games on the field, skipping, and other physical games.
Art Activities: Creative projects including colouring, painting, and sewing.
Booking: Please book at least week in advance as spaces are limited to ensure staff ratios are adhered to. This will be available as a product on Parentmail. Ad-hoc sessions may be available but are not guaranteed.
Pick up Location: Parents will pick up at the door around the back of the dining hall next to the fire escape.
Cost of Sessions:
Pick-up by 5:00 PM: £6.80
Pick-up by 5:30 PM: £9.30
Pick-up by 6:00 PM: £11.80
Late Fee: £10 per 15 minutes
RECEPTION UNIFORM
The uniform for Sherfield can be found on this link and these are the only items pupil’s should wear when on school grounds. We request that the uniform is purchased from Stevensons unless using the FOS uniform shop.
Items such as white Sherfield polo shirts, trousers and tartan dresses can still be worn on non-PE days at parent’s discretion for this academic year in PreReception and Reception.
This uniform will also be required for special events, performances, assemblies, school visits and photographs – you will be reminded of these days in advance through the Parent Liaison.
However, we want children to be as active as possible and for that reason, please feel free on most days (including ‘PE’ days) to send children in the following:
Sherfield Navy Polo Shirt
Sherfield Navy Tracksuit Bottoms (or Leggings)
Navy Shorts – for warmer weather
Sherfield Navy Sweatshirt
Plain White or Dark Socks
Navy, All-In-One Waterproof – thicker material needed for winter months
Plain, Dark, Velcro Plimsolls – for in the classroom
Wellington Boots – any colour or pattern
‘Outdoor’ Trainers - any colour or pattern
Sherfield Coat
Plain Hat, Scarf and Gloves
Sunhat
Sherfield Book Bag – provided
Navy Drawstring Bag – for spare clothes
You are alsowelcome tovisit ourschool uniform shopwhich is run byour wonderful Friends of Sherfield parent committee.
ExcitingNews – OurSchool Uniform Shop Has Moved!
We’re thrilled to announce that the School Uniform Shop has abrand new home!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 or preparingfornext 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 Reception, should reach the classroom 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 at the gate to help you find your way to the classroom. st
Miss Hope, the Reception Class Teacher, will be in the classrooms with the children who have arrived. We invite Parents to come and help settle their child for the first few days by coming into the classroom and joining in the activities. After a while, please do tell your child that you will see them later and let an adult know you are leaving.
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.
BEHAVIOURPOLICY
At Sherfield, we understand that children in Reception are at a critical stage of their personal development.As they navigate their social environments, it’s important to remember that making mistakes is a natural part of learning. We partnerwith parents to support their children through these experiences, ensuring that we avoid placingblame and instead focus on growth and understanding.
If you have any concerns about your child’s behaviour or social interactions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Miss Hope. We are here to provide support and work together, ensuring that all children involved feel safe and supported.
We encourage our children to use language to express their feelings, as communication skills can vary greatly at this age. This is often where misunderstandings and conflicts arise. By fostering open communication, we help children learn to articulate theiremotions and resolve issues in aconstructive manner.
Our ethos is grounded in the values of Kindness, Courage, and Respect. We ask parents to join us in maintaining these standards of courtesy and consideration, reinforcing positive behaviours at home. We celebrate achievements and efforts through verbal praise and comments in Tapestry, creating a nurturing environmentwhere children feelvalued.
In terms of ourAnti-Bullying Policy,we are committed to fostering a strong culture that activelyaddresses any concerns. Children are encouraged to share with their teacher or any trusted staff member if they ever feel unhappy or worried. Building relationships and learning to navigate challenges is an essential part of their school experience.
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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
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.
SCHOOL MEALS
We are excited to share the wonderful menu available for our Reception Class students at Sherfield School. Being part of a larger school offers your child a variety of meal options that are both nutritious and delicious.
All our meals are freshly cooked on-site in our kitchens, ensuring quality and taste. We operate on a three-week lunch menu cycle, providing a diverse range of healthy and balanced meals that encourage your child to develop a positive and active approach to life and learning.
To keep our little ones energised throughout the day, we also offer fruit during break time. Please remember that lunch is compulsory for all pupils, and we are happy to accommodate special dietary requirements to ensure every child has an enjoyable meal.
Additionally, breakfast and tea can be ordered and paid for separately in advance. We kindly ask that students do not bring meals, drinks, or snacks from home, as we want to create a consistent dining experience for everyone.
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, ParentMail, Food Menus, HolidayCamp Booking, Make aPayment,Term Dates, Music Lesson Bookings, School Calendar and 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
Dates for Each Term 2025 - 2026
Monday 8th September
Monday 15th and Tuesday 16th September
Friday 10th October
Monday 1st September - Start of Autumn Term 1
Parent workshop 8:30am
What is the EYFS?
Friday 17th October
Friday 14th November
Tuesday 2nd December
Thursday 4th and Friday 5th December
A chance for parents and relatives to ‘Meet the Teachers’
Individual school photos Sibling photos
Open Morning for prospective parents 9:30-11:30am
Harvest Festival 2:00pm
Parents and relatives invited
Children can be collected from the classroom after the performance
Friday 17th October - End of Autumn Term 1
Monday 3rd November – Start of Autumn Term 2
School Closed for Professional Learning
Breakfast with Father Christmas Sign up details to follow
Nativity Performance
Parents and relatives invited
Thursday 9:00am and Friday 2:00pm
Children can be collected from the classroom after the Friday performance
Thursday 11th December Christmas Jumper Day
Friday 12th December
Christmas Disco 2:00-3:00pm Children can be collected from the classroom 3:15pm onwards
Friday 12th December – End of Autumn Term 2
Dates for Each Term 2025 - 2026
Monday 5th January – Start of Spring Term 1
Thursday 12th February
Thursday 5th March
Friday 6th March
TBC
Thursday 12th March
Outdoor Adventure Afternoon 2:00-3:15pm
Parents and relatives invited Children can be collected from the classroom 3:15pm onwards
Friday 13th February – End of Spring Term 1
Monday 23rd February - Start of Spring Term 2
World Book Day
Dress up as your favourite book character
Class book corner unveiling 8:30-9:00am
Parents and relatives invited
Parent Workshop 9:15-10:00am
Encouraging a love of reading with Miss Dillon and Mrs Hewlett
Open Evening 6:30-8:00pm For current and prospective parents
Mother’s Day/Special Person Afternoon 2:153:15pm
Parents and relatives invited Children can be collected from the classroom 3:15pm onwards
Wednesday 1st April - End of Spring Term 2
TBC
Dates for Each Term 2025 - 2026
Thursday 23rd April - Start of Summer Term 1
Swimming lessons begin Reception only
Local Walk into Sherfield-on-Loddon 8:30-10:30am
Monday 11th May
Parents and relatives invited
Friday 22nd May - End of Summer Term 1
Monday 1st June - Start of Summer Term 2
TBC Reception Trip
Reception Stay and Play for current Pre-Reception
children 8:30-10:00am
Wednesday 10th, 17th, 24th June
Thursday 18th June
TBC
Monday 29th June
Wednesday – ‘Meet the Teacher’ for parents and relatives
Father’s Day/Special Person Afternoon 2:15-3:15pm
Parents and relatives invited Children can be collected from the classroom 3:15pm onwards
Sports Day
Parents and relatives invited
Move up morning and Summer Spectacular 1:303:15pm
Parents and relatives invited Children can be collected from the classroom 3:15pm onwards
Friday 3rd July - End of School Year
