Welcome
Lindsey Welch
Early Years Manager
“WelcometoanewandexcitingyearatSherfieldSchool!Whetheryouarejoiningusforthefirsttimeor returningaspartofourcherishedcommunity,wearethrilledtohaveyouandyourchildrenwithusinPreReceptionandReception.
AtSherfield,webelieveininspiringhappy,kind,andbravechildrenfrombirthtofive,wherecuriositythrives, friendshipsgrow,andalovefortheoutdoorsblossoms Ourcorevalues-Kindness,Courage,andRespect-are notjustwords;theyaretheprinciplesthatguideourinteractionsandshapeourenvironment Byfostering kindness,wecreateasupportiveatmospherewhereeverychildfeelsvalued Courageencouragesourchildren totakerisksandstepoutsidetheircomfortzones,whilerespectensuresthatwehonoureachother’sdifferences andperspectives Together,thesevalueshelpourchildrenlearn,grow,andtrulybelong
Ourschoolmotto,AdVitamParamus,whichtranslatesto"PrepareforLife,"encapsulatesourmission Weaimto provideaneducationthatnotonlychallengesyourchildrenbutalsopreparesthemforthefuture Ourgoalisto ensurethateachchildisequippedtoachievetheiraspirations,fosteringresilienceandadaptabilitythatwill servethemthroughouttheirlives
Wildflowers:TheAtelierApproach
FromSeptember2026,childrenaged3-5willenjoyourWildflowers(Pre-ReceptionandReception)learning spaces Throughouttheweek,teacherswillleadsmallgroups,supportingchildreninpractisingandmastering keyskills,includingphonicsandmaths Alongsidethis,childrenwillhaveextendedperiodsofDiscoveryTime, duringwhichtheywillfree-flowandexploretheexcitingenvironmentsonoffer
Thankyouforbeinganintegralpartofourcommunity Together,let’sembarkonthisjourneytoempowerour childrentothriveandsucceed!
App
The Atelier Approach originated from the world-renowned Reggio Emilia in Italy This was developed in the 1950s by a group of parents working with famous educationalist Loris Malaguzzi In the aftermath of World War 2, they set out to redesign Early Years education across their town, creating inspirational settings that educators from around the world still visit for professional development.
The Reggio Emilia approach is based on the premise that children are competent and capable, the only limit to what they can do is what they experience Loris Malaguzzi talked about ‘the hundred languages of children’; a metaphor for the many ways children can express their creativity. Children become designers alongside their teachers, setting out to achieve anything they can imagine with teachers supporting to provide the tools and skills they need.
Across the EiM group, we have been inspired by Loris Malaguzzi and Reggio Emilia for years. One of the core pillars of our group is the Pioneering Spirit that both he, and our children, show In 2014, a group of educators from across the group began integrating aspects into their classrooms, introducing sewing machines, woodwork areas, pottery wheels and more From the nursery children at Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi who make the paper they use each week, to Reception children in Suzhou who have been making clothes for their dolls for years, we have been amazed by what our children can and do achieve We are excited to bring this approach to Sherfield with the creation of The Pavilion, a studio space for creativity.
E ts
The Classroom
Designed to meet the needs of young children, our Wildflowers classroom features a kitchen with counters at child-height so they can enjoy tea in their own space (additional charge and booking apply for Reception children), prepare their own snacks, and cook each week
Teachers adapt the space each week, so that it is set up with activities and experiences that extend and develop each child. They use the EYFS to ensure that every child reaches a good level of development, preparing them for the next stage in their education.
There will be areas available for small group work and multiple meeting spaces for each class to gather with their teacher.
Desks for Reception group work and focused writing and maths
Reading zone
Carpet Time
Registration time
Pavilion
The Pavilion is our atelier, which is a studio or workshop used by an artist or designer Our atelier will enable our budding artists and designers to create anything they can think of Equipped with areas for woodwork, textiles (featuring a sewing machine and loom), construction (with big blocks), art (including a pottery wheel) and photography (including projectors to allow children to see their designs and projections in large scale)
TheOutdoors
This exciting space supports children to connect with nature, take risks and develop their incredibly important gross motor skills From tree climbing to riding bikes, imaginative play to practising key skills, children have access to the outdoors in all weathers for the majority of the day
Challenge and Stetch
Pre-ReceptionandReceptionchildrenwillhavetheopportunitytolearnandplayinmixed-agedgroupsduring:
DiscoveryTime
Breakfast,snack,lunchandteatime
Storytime
Library
Languages
ShowandTell
ChoirwithMrsJones
Sometaughtsessions,ifappropriatefortheirstageofdevelopmentandmore!
Supporting
Reception-agedchildrenareassessedagainsttheEarlyLearningGoalsattheendoftheirEarlyYearsjourney Tosupporttheirprogress,theywillbenefitfrom:
Taughtsessions,appropriatelyplannedanddifferentiatedtomeettheEarlyLearningGoals Interventions,ifchildrenarefoundnottobeontracktomeettheEarlyLearningGoals Dailyphonicssessions,whicharestreamedacrossReception,Year1and2classes Weekly1:1readingwithateacher
Computing
R-2clubsbetween3:15-4:15pm
SwimmingintheSummerTerm
Anout-of-schooltripintheSummerTerm
Vision, MissionValuesand
Wecreatealearningenvironmentthatnurtures,inspiresandchallenges,preparingeveryoneforlifeinaglobalsociety
Vision
Ourstudentscreateapositiveimpact,inspiringchangeandabetterfuture
Values
Respect–ValueEveryVoice Courage–DotheRightThing Kindness–ActwithEmpathy
Thesevaluesdefinewhoweare–thebeliefsthatguideouractionsandbehaviours Theyinfluencethewaythewholeschool communityworkswitheachother,andtheyarethefoundationofthequalityoftheeducationweprovide
Thishandbookcontainsinformationaboutthefollowingandshouldanswermostofyourquestions;howeverpleaseask yourclassteacherifyouhaveanyotherquestions
DressCode
Dress Code
All pupils may wear plain metal stud earrings No other jewellery is allowed to be worn
Hairmustbeneatandtidy Iftiedback,hairshouldbesecuredwithnavyorblackties
Extreme fashion styles, cuts or ostentatious use of hair products are not allowed Pupils shouldnotdyetheirhair
Nail Varnish should not be worn to school, and you will be asked to remove it at the nurse ’ s office should it be worn to school
Pre-Reception and Reception
Formal Uniform
Sherfield Book Bag (provided)
Sherfield white or navy polo top
Sherfield tartan tunic with Sherfield navy knee-high socks or navy opaque tights
Sherfield summer dress with white ankle socks (summer only)
Grey trousers with dark coloured ankle socks or Navy Bermuda shorts with Sherfield knee-high navy/silver socks
Sherfield pullover or cardigan
School DaySchool Grounds and
Structure of theSchool Day
Each day has been carefully designed to maximise the time children have to explore and create, while also balancing adult-led time to ensure that all children make exceptional progress across all areas of the curriculum
Pre-Reception
Children will have short sessions focusing on Fine Motor Development, Communication and Language, Maths, and Understanding the World every day Children will also benefit from an Outdoor Adventures session daily - a dedicated time to make the most of the wider school grounds.
Before School Provision
Breakfast is available for Pre-reception children from 7:30am - 8:00am at an additional cost
Sherfield Drop-Off
Registration for Pre-Reception children begins at 8:00am for the full day and morning session and 1:00pm for the afternoon session, at the designated classroom entrance
End of day/session
Pre-Reception’s morning session finishes at 1:00pm and the full day/afternoon session finishes anytime before 6:00pm At the end of the day/session, children in Pre-Reception should be collected from their classroom entrance/exit
After4:15pm,Pre-ReceptionandReceptionshiftsintoCosyTime-thisincludesteaataround 4:30pm ThisispartofthePre-Receptionsessioncost Duringthistime,thefocusisonwinding downintotheevening Thechildrenparticipatefullyinpreparingtheirteabeforemovinginto calmingactivities,finishingtheirdayrelaxedandhappy
Reception
Children will have taught sessions for Phonics, Maths and Shared Reading and Writing every day Children will also benefit from small group work and one-to-one reading throughout the week Children will enjoy an Outdoor Adventures session each day, a dedicated time to make use of the wider school grounds
Before School Provision
Sherfield Rise and Dine Club for Reception
When: Daily from 7:30 am to 8:25 am
What: Breakfast is available from 7:30am in the children’s familiar classroom.
Drop-off Location: Parents will drop off at the usual classroom entrance. Breakfast includes a range of cereals, toast and fruit.
Booking: Please book at least a 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.
Sherfield Drop Off
Registration for Reception is at 8:25am but children can be dropped off from 8:15am Parents may drop their child off between 8:15am and 825am at the designated classroom entrance Children must not be left unattended before 8:15am
Pupils arriving late (after 8:25 when the doors close) must first report to Main Reception, so that the registers may be corrected
After School Provision
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
At3:15pm,childrenarethenwelcometostayforaco-curricularactivityuntil4:15pm ThesecocurricularactivitiesexposeReceptionchildrentoarangeofnewskills,includinggardening,dance, languages,andsports Thereareadditionaloptionsthatcanbebookedandpaidforifparentswish theirchildrentotakepart
From4:15pmto6:00pm,ReceptionshiftsintoCosyTime,whichincludesteaaround4:30pm For Receptionchildren,thiscarriesanadditionalcostasoutlinedbelow:
Pickupby5pm-£680
Pickupby5:30pm-£980
Pickupby6pm-£1180
Latefee-£10
Pre-Reception
Reception Timetable
First Day of the School Year
Arriving Late and Leaving Site
Pupilsarrivinglate(after8:25)mustfirstreporttoMainReceptionsothattheregistersmaybecorrected.
Pupilsmustnotleavethesiteatanytimewithoutanadult.Iftheyneedtoleavetheschoolduringthedayfor thingssuchasamedicalordentalappointment,thishastobeauthorisedbytheEYManageratleast48hoursin advance.
ParentsmustpickpupilsupandreturnthemtoandfromtheMainReception,wheretheymustsigninandoutof school Parentsshouldnotattempttoaccessteachingareasthemselvesatanytime Wewouldpreferchildrento becollectedeitherattheendoftheirschooldayorattheendoftheirclubtoavoiddisruptiontotherunningof theclub
Entering and Leaving the School Grounds by car
Evenatlowspeedacarcandoalotofdamagetoachild Pleasedonotexceedthe10mphspeedlimitandbevery watchfulwhendrivingontheschoolsite
Whenexitingtheschool,duringbusytimes,pleaseensurethatyouturnleftontotheA33andusetheSherfield Parkroundabouttochangedirectionifnecessary
School Car Park
Wehaveseveralschoolcarparksonsite Thefirstareaontherightasyouarrivealongthedrivewayisforstaffcars ThelargecarparkafterdrivingpastBuckfieldHouseandbetweentheEarlyYearsCentreandTheCottageisfor parentsandvisitors Parkingisalsoavailableforparentsinthespacescreatedalongthedriveway Thereis overflowcarparkingonthedrivewayoppositeArchersLodgeasyoudriveoutofthesiteandparkingalongthe treelineasyouheadtowardstheexit
Pleaserefrainfromparkingontheotherareasofgrassunlessinstructedtodosobyamemberofschoolstaff Otherareasoftheschoolgroundsandthedrivewayshouldnotbeusedforparkingoraswaitingareas
Key PeopleContacts and
Key Staff & Student Contacts
Apupil’sfirstpointofcontactshouldalwaysbetheirclassteacher,whocananswermostquestionsforthem. TheywillalsospendtimewithpupilsontheacademicandpersonalelementsoflifeatSherfield.
ThenextstepistomakecontactwiththeEYManagersLindseyWelchl.welch@sherfieldschool.co.ukand ChantelleGriggc.grigg@sherfieldschool.co.ukortheDeputyEYManagerMollyWalker mwalker@sherfieldschoolcouk Theyarealwaysabletomeetwithpupilsiftheyhaveanyconcerns
Forallpupilswhorequireanyadditionalsupportwiththeirlessons,eitherbecausetheyaregoodatsomething orneedalittleextrahelp,MrsWalshandherStudentServicesteamareheretohelpyou
OurSchoolNursesarehereifpupilsarenotfeelingverywellorhaveanaccident Ifyouarenotfeelingwellat breakorlunchtime,youmaygotoseethemintheHealthzoneimmediately,ratherthanwaitinguntilyour lessonsstart Ifyouhaveanymedicationthatyouneedtotakethroughouttheday,includingpainrelief,it mustbetakentotheHealthZoneforsafekeeping
Head of School
Deputy Headteacher
Designated Safeguarding Lead
EY Manager
EY Manager
Deputy EY Manager
Head of Prep PA
Director of Student Services
School Nurse
School Counsellor
Ms C Taylor
hmpa@sherfieldschoolcouk
Mr T Wilde twilde@sherfieldschoolcouk
Mrs Z Neville-Harris zneville@sherfieldschoolcouk
Ms. L. Welch l.welch@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Mrs C Grigg cgrigg@sherfieldschoolcouk
Ms M Walker mwalker@sherfieldschoolcouk
Mrs E Daly hppa@sherfieldschoolcouk
Mrs K. Walsh k.walsh@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Mrs A Bailey, Mrs D Adams, Mrs J Martin nurses@sherfieldschoolcouk
Mrs F Smith fsmith@sherfieldschoolcouk Main Reception
Term & Key Dates 26-27
Term Dates 2026/27
01 02 03
Autumm Term
Thursday 3
September to Friday 11 December rd th
Half Term and WrapAround Care:
Monday 19 OctoberFriday 30 October th th
Christmas WrapAround Care:
Monday 14 December - Friday 18 December th th
Christmas Closure:
Monday 21 December - Monday 4 January st th
Spring Term
Tuesday 5 JanuaryThursday 25 March th th
Half Term and WrapAround Care: Monday 15 February - Friday 19 February th th
Easter Wrap-Around Care: Tuesday 30 March - Wednesday 14 April th th
Easter Closure: Friday 26 March - Monday 29 March and Thursday 15 to Friday 16 March th th th th
Summer Term
Monday 19 AprilFriday 9th July th
Half Term and WrapAround Care: Monday 31 May to Friday 4 June st th
Bank Holiday: Monday 3rd May
Summer WrapAround Care: Monday 12 July - Thursday 19 August th th
Summer Closure: Friday 20 AugustWednesday 1 September th st
PracticalInformation
Trips
TripsandexcursionsareorganisedattheendoftheyearforReceptionchildren.Theseserveto enhanceandenrichthecurriculuminmanyways.
Youareexpectedtobehaveinthesamemannerasyouwouldifyouwereinschool,whilstyouare outontrips,includingsportsfixtures.
Meals
Allourmealsarecookedonthepremisesinourkitchensandourlunchmenusareservedona three-weekcycle Weencourageourpupilstodevelopapositive,healthyandactiveapproachtolife andlearning
Weprovidehealthy,balancedschoolmeals Lunchiscompulsoryforallpupilsandspecialdietsare cateredfor(breakfastcanbeorderedandpaidforseparately) Childrenareofferedhealthysnacks mid-morningandmid-afternoon Pre-Receptionchildrenreceiveacoldteaat4:30pm,thisis availableforReceptionchildrenbyorderandpaidforseparately Pupilsarenotallowedtobring meals,drinksorsnacksfromhome
Valuables Communication
Weexpectthatvaluablesareleftathomeratherthanbroughtintoschool Ifthereareextreme circumstanceswherevaluablesneedtobebroughtintoschool,theseshouldbegiventoyourclass teacherforsafekeeping Theschoolwillnotbeheldaccountableifanyvaluablesarelostormislaid unlesstheyarehandedtoyourclassteacherforsafekeeping
Weuseseveralwaystoletyouknowwhatishappeningwithinschool Theseincludeyourclass teacher,Tapestry,assemblies,noticeboards,includingthehousenoticeboards,andinformation senthometoparents.
Behaviour Policy
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 Teachers will take the opportunity informally to pass on positive feedback throughout the year
Anti-Bullying Policy
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 member of staff if someone is making them unhappy or worried An important part of being at school is building relationships and learning to handle 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 class teacher if anything is making your child unhappy
Reporting & Requesting Absence
Planned absence
If absence is known in advance, parents/guardians/carers should request absence promptly by sending one email to the EY Manager - Lindsey Welch - lwelch@sherfieldschoolcouk, copying in the Class Teacher and absence@sherfieldschoolcouk
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 EY Manager - Lindsey Welch - lwelch@sherfieldschoolcouk, copying in the Class Teacher and absence@sherfieldschoolcouk OR call the school absence line on 01256 884800
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
Parent Information
The Sherfield App
Our school app is the gateway to all the information you will need
One-Stop Access: All the functionality of the different platforms we use now under one roof.
Parent Portal: Located at the bottom of the app, here you can find your child’s timetable, conduct notifications, and view reports at the end of each half term Please use your usual parent portal password Other key 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, After School Club Booking, Parents Evening, ParentMail, Food Menus, Holiday Camp Booking, Make a Payment, Term Dates, Music Lesson Bookings, School Calendar and our School Socials.
School News: Stay updated with the latest from our school, drawn directly from our social media pages
Download the app today from the Google Play or the App Store
