EarlyYearsHandbook2025/2026
Welcome to Sherfield Early Years’ Handbook. This document is intended to be the go-to guide for Parents with children in Caterpillars, Ladybirds, Butterflies or PreReception.
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 Early Years. 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 Sherfield EarlyYears.
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. As your children move through the school, your children will learn fundamental skills to ensure they are ready to be pioneers of themselves!
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 led by out dedicated outdoor learning lead.
Additionally, our resident pets, Biscoff and Chubbles, our beloved guinea pigs, and home-bred chickens are cared for by the children, fostering a sense of responsibility and nurturing.
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
The Role ofYour Key Person
At Sherfield Early Years, we believe that every child deserves to feel known, understood, and safe. Your child’s Key Person plays a vital role in creating this nurturing environment. They help your little one feel secure and confident, forming strong attachments that are essential for their growth and exploration.
BuildingTrust and Emotional Safety
Your Key Person fosters a trusting relationship, ensuring that your child feels emotionally safe while encouraging exploration and learning. By understanding your child's unique needs, preferences, and behaviors, the Key Person helps promote healthy attachments, confidence, and a sense of belonging. This strong foundation allows children to feel secure as they explore the world around them and build new friendships.
Support for Families
The Key Person also serves as a reassuring point of contact for you as a parent. Their presence provides consistency of care, helping your child feel secure when they are away from home. This relationship is built on open communication, allowing you to share important information about your child’s care preferences, likes, dislikes, and feelings about being away from home.
We encourage you to share any thoughts about your child’s feelings or development, which is recorded in an "All About Me" document before your child starts.
Transition Support
Your Key Person plays an important role during transitions, both within Sherfield Early Years and beyond. They work closely with other staff to ensure your child experiences a smooth transition as they grow.
ACollaborative Relationship
The relationship between you, your child, and the Key Person is reciprocal. While the Key Person may not always be with your child, they will always be there to support and nurture their development.
This approach is a key part of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), ensuring that every child receives the care and attention they need.
ROOMS IN SHERFIELD EARLY YEARS
From 30 months 1:5 PreReception From the September before Reception class 1:8
Reception From the September before entering Year 1 1:15
OURAPPROACH TO LEARNING
Children’s learning in Sherfield EarlyYears is based upon the EarlyYears 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.
Approximate Timings of the day
7:30 Breakfast Buddies (Bookable)
8:00
Morning Session - Parents invited to bring their children in and settle them with their Key Person
11:30am Lunch served in rooms.
13:00
13:00
13:15
End of Morning Session - Parents are invited to collect their children and to have verbal handover from care diary.
Afternoon Session Starts- Parents invited to bring their children in and settle them with their Key Person
Afternoon Sleep time for children who have been in the morning.
16:30 Afternoon Tea served in rooms
17:30 Story Time
18:00
End of Afternoon Session - Parents are invited to collect their children and to have verbal handover from care diary.
In addition to self-directed play, we incorporate structured adultled 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.
LIFE IN OURCATERPILLARROOM
At Sherfield EarlyYears, life for our youngest members, aged three months to eighteen or nineteen months, is filled with warmth, exploration, and nurturing care. Our dedicated space allows babies to move freely between various areas, fostering curiosity and independence under the attentive support of their Key Person. We believe that the child’s experience must always be central to the thinking of every practitioner.
Babies and toddlers thrive when they are loved and well cared for, and our commitment to high-quality, consistent care ensures that every practitioner enjoys spending time with young children.
Our caregivers are responsive, noticing when a baby looks towards them and gurgles, responding with genuine pleasure. They understand that toddlers are learning to be independent, which can sometimes lead to frustration. This empathy helps create a supportive atmosphere where children feel understood and valued.
Outdoor learning is an integral part of our program, allowing babies and toddlers to engage with nature and be fascinated by changes in their environment. Whether it’s observing the transformation of leaves in autumn, feeling the chill of ice or snow, or exploring textures and sounds outdoors, these experiences enrich their development and curiosity.
We also recognize that starting school and navigating other transitions in the early years are significant steps for small children. With this in mind, we partner closely with parents to ensure that each baby thrives in our setting. For fully funded sessions, we take care of all essentials, including nappies, wipes, and nutritious food, making the transition seamless for both babies and parents. Prior to your baby's start, we collaborate with you to agree on diet and care routines, ensuring your little one feels comfortable and secure.
Additionally, we accommodate breast milk and provide a calm space for breastfeeding if you wish to feed your child before leaving. At Sherfield Early Years, we create a supportive environment where your baby can flourish, play, and explore their world with confidence.
LIFE IN OURLADYBIRDS ROOM
At Sherfield EarlyYears, life for our Ladybirds—aged nineteen to thirty months—is filled with warmth, exploration, and nurturing care. Our dedicated space allows children to move freely between various areas, fostering curiosity and independence under the attentive support of their Key Person.
We believe that the child’s experience must always be central to the thinking of every practitioner. Young children thrive when they are loved and well cared for, and our commitment to high-quality, consistent care ensures that every practitioner enjoys spending time with them.
Our caregivers are attentive, recognizing when a child seeks their attention and communicates, and responding with genuine enthusiasm. They understand that toddlers are learning to be independent and are increasingly willing to take risks in their learning, which can sometimes lead to frustration. This empathy helps create a supportive atmosphere where children feel understood and valued.
Children are supported to manage their emotions and develop a positive sense of self. We encourage them to set simple goals, build confidence in their abilities, and learn to persist in waiting for what they want while directing their attention as necessary. Through adult modeling and guidance, they learn how to take care of their bodies, including healthy eating, and begin to show an awareness of their personal needs.
Outdoor learning is an integral part of our program, allowing Ladybirds to engage with nature and explore a variety of experiences, such as planting seeds, observing insects, and playing in the mud.
Through supported play with other children, they begin to share, take turns, and enjoy each other's company. These early interactions help them develop social skills and a sense of belonging, laying the groundwork for positive relationships as they grow.
We also recognise that starting school and navigating other transitions in the early years are significant steps for young children. With this in mind, we partner closely with parents to ensure that each child thrives in our setting.
For fully funded sessions, we take care of all essentials, including nappies, wipes, and nutritious food, making the transition seamless for both children and parents. Prior to your child's start, we collaborate with you to agree on diet and care routines, ensuring your little one feels comfortable and secure.
At Sherfield Early Years, we foster a nurturing atmosphere that allows your Ladybird to thrive, engage in play, and confidently discover their surroundings.
LIFE IN OURBUTTERFLIES ROOM
At Sherfield Early Years, life for our children, aged two to three years, is vibrant and full of opportunities for growth. After their two-year progress check, these children become increasingly independent and are eager to explore their surroundings. They spend most of their day outdoors in our garden and extensive grounds, where they engage in self-initiated play and learn essential life skills.
As children develop their independence, we support them in practical tasks such as putting on their wellington boots, coats, and playsuits for outdoor adventures, as well as using a fork and spoon to eat their food. This fosters a sense of accomplishment and confidence in their abilities.
We also implement a rolling snack program, where children learn to choose their own snacks and prepare them. Under the careful guidance of our caring and encouraging practitioners, they practice pouring their own drinks, which further enhances their independence and self-help skills.
Friendship becomes a vital part of their daily experiences. Through play and interaction, children begin to form connections with their peers, learning to collaborate, negotiate, and resolve conflicts. These early social interactions help them develop essential skills for building positive relationships as they grow.
We place a strong emphasis on personal development, mathematical understanding, and communication and language. Through carefully planned provocations, children are encouraged to explore concepts such as counting, sorting, and measuring during their play. They learn to express their thoughts and feelings and respond to each other, enhancing their communication skills and emotional awareness.
Outdoor learning remains a vital part of our program, enabling children to engage with nature through activities like den building , creating their own obstacle courses, play on the rope swing, climb on the purpose-built climbing frame, and rolling down our hill.
In addition to outdoor play, we enjoy weekly visits to the Prep School Library, where children are introduced to a variety of stories and books that spark their imagination and love for reading. Our trips to the woodland classroom area allow them to explore a natural setting, encouraging curiosity about the environment while fostering a deeper connection with nature.
For fully funded sessions, we take care of all essentials, including nappies, wipes, and nutritious food, making the transition seamless for both children and parents. Prior to your child's start, we collaborate with you to agree on diet and care routines, ensuring your little one feels comfortable and secure.
At Sherfield Early Years, we foster a nurturing atmosphere that allows your child to thrive, engage in imaginative play, and confidently explore their world.
LIFE IN OURPRE-RECEPTION ROOM
At Sherfield EarlyYears, our Pre-Reception children, aged three to four year, are embarking on an exciting journey towards school readiness. As they grow, they engage in early phonics and number sessions with their Key Person, laying the foundation for their future learning.
In our nurturing environment, children mix freely in the shared space with Reception, fostering social connections and collaborative play. They participate in weekly language sessions and musical movement activities, enhancing their communication skills and confidence through fun and engaging experiences.
Our dedicated space features various zones designed to support the development of gross motor skills. Children have access to the main school field, allowing for outdoor play and exploration as needed. This blend of structured and unstructured activities encourages physical development and fosters a love for movement.
Throughout the day, we offer rolling snack choices, allowing children to select their own healthy snacks whenever they feel hungry. This promotes independence and helps them develop decisionmaking skills about their food choices.
Lunchtime is a special experience for our children as they enjoy meals in the main school restaurant. Here, they become more independent in their choices, learning to select their food and dessert, which further enhances their self-sufficiency.
At Sherfield Early Years, we are committed to providing a rich and supportive environment that prepares your child for the next stages of their educational journey, helping them thrive and grow as confident learners.
CELEBRATINGACHIEVEMENTS
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.
At Sherfield Early Years, we focus 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.
PROGRESS CHECKATTHEAGE OFTWO
At Sherfield Early Years, we create a warm and welcoming environment for children aged three months to four years, focusing on their growth and readiness for school. One important part of our approach is the progress check, especially around age two. This check has three key goals:
Working with Parents: We believe that teaming up with parents is essential. When we all work together, we can better support each child’s development.
Action for Every Child: It’s not just about writing reports; we actively listen to children and share ideas to ensure every child gets the help they need.
Early Identification: The progress check helps us spot any areas where a child might need extra support, like with their communication skills. Early help can make a big difference as children grow rapidly during this time.
In the months leading up to your child’s second birthday, you’ll be invited to a special celebration. This is a chance to recognize your child's progress and achievements. We might also invite other caregivers involved in your child's care to share their thoughts. After the celebration, you’ll receive a written report summarizing what we discussed, highlighting your child's strengths and any areas to focus on in the coming weeks.
The progress check helps us review development, celebrate successes, and address any concerns. This process helps parents understand their child's needs and encourages you to share your unique insights about your child and family. By collaborating closely with parents, we can celebrate the diverse backgrounds of all our children.
Your child’s Key Person will lead the progress check, using their observations and professional judgment. We always consider the child's voice and input from parents and any relevant professionals, ensuring every child feels valued and heard.
PROGRESS CHECKATTHEAGE OFTWO
As children move from infancy to toddlerhood, we keep an eye on key milestones. By age two, children start to see themselves as individuals, making choices about play and what they like. By age three, they usually become more social, wanting to play with friends and join group activities.
In our setting, we have plenty of fun activities to support their physical skills. From tummy time for our littlest ones to climbing and balancing for older toddlers, we offer a mix of indoor and outdoor play. Activities like sensory exploration, arts and crafts, and small-world play help develop their coordination and early literacy skills.
We also have rolling snack choices throughout the day, so children can pick healthy snacks and practice their independence. Lunchtime is a special time in the main school restaurant, where they learn to choose their meals and desserts.
At Sherfield Early Years, we focus on communication and emotional development too. Our practitioners help children express their feelings and understand others. We create a supportive environment where kids can manage their emotions and learn patience through routines and sharing.
Our friendly approach ensures that each child is supported on their unique journey, helping them grow physically, emotionally, and socially as they get ready for the next steps in their education.
ENRICHMENT PROGRAMME
FOR THE EARLY YEARS COMMUNITY
When your family joins Sherfield Early Years, you become part of a vibrant and supportive whole-school community. Beyond providing your child with the opportunity to stay at Sherfield until they are 18, we offer a rich calendar of events that bring families together, fostering connections and shared experiences.
Throughout the year, you’ll have the chance to get involved in a variety of exciting events, including:
Parents' Coffee and Information Sessions
World Book Day Dress-Up
Tea Parties
Family Fun Day
Professional Photography Session
Paddington Picnic
Children in Need / Red Nose Day
Fireworks Spectacular
Breakfast with Santa
Christmas Fair and Market
Christmas Lunch
These events are just a glimpse of the many opportunities for families to come together, celebrate, and create lasting memories as part of our Sherfield community.
The uniform for Sherfield can be found on this link and these are the only items pupil’s should wear when on school grounds.
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 Pre-Reception 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
Plain, Dark, Velcro Plimsolls – for in the classroom
Navy, All-In-One Waterproof – thicker material needed for winter months
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 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 Chapel Auditorium.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.
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 risktaking, helping children develop essential skills that support their overall growth and development.
BEHAVIOURPOLICY
At Sherfield, we know that young children are growing and learning every day! As they make new friends and explore their world, it’s important to remember that everyone makes mistakes sometimes. That’s how we learn! We work closely with parents to help children through these moments, focusing on understanding and growth instead of blame.
If you have anyworries about howyour child is behaving or getting along with others, please talk to your Key Person.We are here to help andwant to make sure everychild feels safe and supported.
CommunicationandLanguageDevelopment
We encourage our little ones to use their words to share their feelings and express their likes and dislikes. Communication is a vital skill at this age, and when children struggle to articulate what they want or need, it can lead to frustration.This is whywe focus on helping them develop their language skills, so theycan express themselves more easily.
By fostering open conversations and providing plenty of opportunities for language-rich interactions, we help children learn to express their emotions and resolve conflicts in a constructive way.We use storytelling, songs, and play to encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings, making it easier for them to connect with theirpeers.
Supporting Friendships and Relationships
When it comes to bullying, we pay close attention to the relationships between children. Our staff can spot patterns where a baby or toddler may become upset, allowing us to step in and provide support. We use our knowledge of your child to help them make positive choices and build mutual friendships, ensuring they feel happy and connected.
Our core values are Kindness, Courage, and Respect. We ask parents to help us keep these values alive at home, too, by praising positive behaviors. We love celebrating achievements and efforts with lots of verbal praise and comments in Tapestry, creating a warm and caring environment where every child feels special.
ADMISSION AND CONTACT DETAILS
When your child joins our school, we kindly ask you to provide important details, including:
Contact Information: Your home and work numbers.
Emergency Contacts: Who to reach out to in case of an emergency.
Authorised Collectors: Names of adults who are permitted to pick up your child.
It’s crucial to keep this list updated, so please include any family members, friends, or childminders you wish to authorise. If you need to make any changes to who can collect your child, please let us know in writing or via email. We understand that sometimes plans change unexpectedly, and while we prefer written notifications, we can accept urgent phone calls as long as we can verify the situation.
Legal Restrictions
If there are any legal restrictions regarding access to your child, please inform us so we can keep your child safe.
Not at Home? Just Let Us Know!
If you won’t be at home or your usual workplace, just drop us a quick email or note to inform the class teacher or school office. This helps us keep everything organized and your child secure.
What Happens IfYour Child Isn’t Collected?
In the rare event that your child isn’t picked up by an authorized adult at the end of the day, we have caring procedures in place. Our priority is to ensure your child is safe and looked after by a qualified staff member they know. If a child isn’t collected within 15 minutes after their session ends, we will check all the usual collection details and reach out to you using the contact information you ’ ve provided.
If we can’t reach you, we’ll try to contact the next person on your list. To help us manage late collections, a late charge of £10.00 per 15 minutes will apply for any persistent late pickups after discussing the matter with the EarlyYears Manager.
Uncollected Children Procedures
If we ’ re unable to connect with you or your designated contacts after an hour, we have protocols to follow, ensuring your child is safe:
The child will stay with two staff members, one typically from our management team. We will contact Hampshire Children’s Services to help locate parents or relatives if necessary. Our staff will not take the child home or search for parents outside of school.
We aim to handle such situations with care and compassion, ensuring minimal distress for your child. A full report of any incident will be documented, and if required, Ofsted will be informed.
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 in the newly created spaces 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.
ENTERINGANDLEAVINGTHESCHOOLGROUNDS
Even at low speed, a car can do a lot of damage to a child. Please do not exceed the 10mph speed limit and beverywatchfulwhen drivingon the school site. When exiting the school, during busy times, please ensure that you turn left onto the A33 and use the Sherfield Parkroundabout to change direction if necessary.
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.
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
Head of School
Head of Prep and EYFS
Early Years Manager
Deputy Early Years Manager
Caterpillars Room Leader
Ladybirds Room Leader
Butterflies Room Leader
Pre-Reception Teacher
Pre-Reception Room Leader
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Director of Student Services
Name
Ms C. Taylor
Contact Details
hmpa@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Miss K. Dillon hppa@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Miss L. Welch
Miss M. Walker
l.welch@sherfieldschool.co.uk
m.walker@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Miss L. Welch (covering Hannah Lake) l.welch@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Miss M. Walker
Mrs. J. Harding
Miss L. Davies
Mrs. M. Kidgell
m.walker@sherfieldschool.co.uk
j.harding@sherfieldschool.co.uk
l.davies@sherfieldschool.co.uk
m.kidgell@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Mr D. Page d.page@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Mrs K. Walsh
k.walsh@sherfieldschool.co.uk
School Nurse nurses@sherfieldschool.co.uk
School Counsellor
Main Reception
Head of Prep and EYFS PA
Mrs F. Smith f.smith@sherfieldschool.co.uk
N/A info@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Mrs E. Daly hppa@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Role Name
Hannah Lake
Gemma Lewis
Louise Lewenden
Caterpillars Key People
Ladybirds Key People
Butterflies Key People
Pre- Reception Key People
Sue Ash
Amy Jeffreys
Eli Clark
Alexandra Martinez Solis
Kelly Summer
Maria Parratt
Julia Harding
Lorraine Perry
Rebecca Munro
Maria Alexandra
Phi Thomas - Also our Lead for Outdoor Learning
Monika Kidgell
Carmen Blatch
Lucy Davies
Breda Miles
Support Staff- fundamental to the smooth running of our Early Years Contact Details
House Keeper
Catering Team
Head of Finance
Head of Admissions, Marketing and Communication
School Bursar
Estates and Facilities Manager
Mrs. R. Varley hppa@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Mr. A. Blake catering@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Mrs. K. Humpreys finance@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Mrs. Y. Smith y.smith@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Mr. S. Walker s.walker@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Mr. M. French m.french@sherfieldschool.co.uk
CLASSROOM ESSENTIALS FOR PRE-RECEPTION
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
OUTDOOR LEARNING
We are extremely fortunate to have such amazing grounds and woodland environments on our school site, and our children’s learning experiences can be enhanced by maximising the potential of the outdoors.
All children need to bring appropriate clothes for outdoor learning which may consist of a warm layers, wellies and waterproof puddle suits.
HEALTHY MINDS AND HEALTHY LEARNING
Children’s health and wellbeing is at the core of Sherfield Early Years.
We work closely with Thomas Franks, our catering contractors, to ensure that our youngest children have healthy food, either in their rooms or in the dedicated Sherfield dining area.
Cooking and preparing their own food is an important learning activity for our young children, whether they prepare their own snacks or cook in the dedicated children’s kitchen in the reception space.
Chefs from Thomas Franks lead ‘Masterclasses’, where the chef cooks with the children. The chefs model, and the children roll their sleeves up and engage in activities such as baking bread, creating their own pizzas, or making soup, always using healthy, fresh ingredients.
From the age of 3, your child will have the chance to eat in the dining room, choosing healthy options for breakfast and lunch and taking responsibility for clearing away their own eating utensils.
We celebrate diversity in our community, and Thomas Franks work with us to ensure we authentically celebrate food from around the world through daily menus or the celebration of days such as Diwali and the Lunar New Year. It is really important that children are encouraged to become culturally aware and enjoy the explosion of tastes on offer!
From Reception onwards children can apply to become ‘Master Tasters’, trying new food that our chefs want to place on the menu.
PARENT INFORMATION
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 findyourchild’s timetable, conduct notifications, andviewreports at the end of each half term. Please useyourusual parent portal password. Otherkeyitems 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 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/sherfield-school/id6743377548
Google playstore: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details? id=com.schoolwindow.sherfield&pli=1
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
38 and 48Weeks:Term starts Monday1st September
38Weeks: Half term holiday27 - 31 October th st
38Weeks:Term ends Friday19 December th
48weeks:Term ends Monday23 December rd SpringTerm2026
38 and 48Weeks:Term starts Monday5 January
38Weeks: Half term holiday16 - 20 February th th
38Weeks:Term ends Friday27 March th
48Weeks:Term endsTuesday21stApril SummerTerm2026
38 and 48Weeks:Term StartsThursday23rdApril
38Weeks: Half term holiday25 - 29 May th th
38Weeks:Term endsThursday23rd July
48Weeks:Term endsThursday20 August th 27
NB Optional fees pay for consumables and food during the morning session. These include nappies, wipes, suncream, a cooked two-course lunch and snack. Parents who wish to opt out of this daily charge, will need to provide these for their child each day, and notify us of this choice when signing up.
*Split funded session cost applies when standard 15 hours per week funding for 38 weeks is stretched over 48 weeks of the year, meaning 11.875 hours of funding available each week. Split sessions only available in the mornings.
FEES SCHEDULE – SESSION CONSIDERATIONS
· Bookings should be for the same session(s) each week and one month’s notice must be provided for any changes to selected sessions. Changes will be accommodated based on availability of alternative sessions.
· For Term Time pupils additional sessions may be added subject to availability. Requests for holiday sessions should be made to the Early Years Manager at the earliest opportunity. If there are places available, they will be offered on a first come, first requested basis. The fees will then be charged for each session booked.
· Terms and Conditions applicable to Sherfield Early Years are contain in the School Terms and Conditions document.
· Limited wrap around breakfast care (Breakfast Buddies) is available from 7.30am on a first come first served basis. Booking requests can be made via hppa@sherfieldschool.co.uk and once confirmed in writing, bookings are subject to standard Early years notice periods. Fees for this will be invoiced with standard EarlyYears fees.
· Optional fees pay for consumables during the morning session. These include nappies, wipes, suncream, a cooked two-course lunch and snack. Parents who wish to opt out of this daily charge, will need to provide these for their child each day.
They will also need to provide a cold lunch and snack for their child each day in a named lunchbox. Nut products sent in will be removed and disposed of. We do not have facilities to warm up food.
· Fees for Early Years are continually reviewed and any changes will be publicised with a term’s notice before implementation.
· A late charge of £10.00 per 15 mins will apply for any persistent late collections after discussion with the EarlyYears Manager.
· Room transition – movement between rooms is at the discretion of the Early Years Manager, Key Person and Room Leader in conjunction with parents, based on the developmental stage of each individual child.
· Deposits are payable for non-funded hours. This is refundable when children leave the setting.
· A registration fee is charged for non-funded hours.
FEES SCHEDULE – EARLYEDUCATION FUNDING
· Sherfield EarlyYears Centre participates in the government EarlyYears Education Funding (EYEF). This entitles all children aged 3-5 years to a standard 15 hours of funded provision.
Children become entitled to funding from the term following their 3rd birthday until the term during their 5th birthday.
· Sherfield EarlyYears Centre also participates in the EYEF scheme of 15 hours per week for eligible parents of 2-year-old children and for eligible parents of children from the term after they are 9 months old to 2 years.
· Entitlement to EYEF starts in the funding period following the child’s eligible birthday, 1 January, 1 April, and 1 September and does not follow the academic year.
· Fees are chargeable for the hours beyond 15 hours EYEF and the funding is deducted prior to the invoice being issued.
· Parents are invoiced monthly and fees are payable in advance.
· Parents must have completed and signed an EYEF Declaration form for each year or the EYEF will not be deducted from the fee.
· Further information on EYEF can be found on the local authority website.
