Welcome to Pre-Reception and Reception
HeadStart:
Ourtwo-yearReceptioncycleexplained
Sherfield School operates a two-year Reception cycle from age 3 to 5 which maximises your child's continuous learning and development during what research shows are the most critical years of a child's education and brain development.
THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR CHILD'S FIRST YEARS AT SCHOOL
Research shows that 90% of a child's brain develops by age 5 and that Reception is the school year with the greatest impact on a child's education. This is the age where they learn foundational literacy and numeracy skills which are used across all subject areas. If you invest in their education early it will help build strong foundations, avoid gaps in their education and they will reap lifelong benefits. You can click here to read more about this research.
We have therefore devised a two-year Reception cycle fwhere we seamlessly progress our children from Pre-Reception to the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in Reception. Everything we do in Pre-Reception aims to prepare the children to maximise their learning during that crucial Reception year. Continuity is vital during this period since the children develop so rapidly.
HOW DO WE MAXIMISE YOUR CHILD'S LEARNING THROUGH CONTINUITY
Pre-Reception and Reception pupils share same area of the school. Their rooms are opposite each other. They each have a separate garden area and outdoor classroom and share the same playground.
Pre-Reception and Reception perform together on the same stage and are involved in the same events and extra-curricular activities. Pre-Reception also use many of the school's facilities and specialist teachers such as our sports hall, our library, outdoor learning classroom and our junior kitchen.
Pre-Reception pupils also eat breakfast and lunch with the Junior Prep pupils and staff in the dining hall.
Through these means and more, by the time Pre-Reception pupils transfer to Reception, in the September following their fourth birthday, they will be known by many teachers in the school and will be fully familiar with the classrooms, facilities and trusted staff and excited to see their friends again. Transition is seamless. They pick up immediately on their learning trajectories without the need for a long settling in process.
OUR APPROACH
Sherfield School’s excellent teachers and early years practitioners ensure that each day is vibrant and stimulating.
Although each day there are planned activities which centre around the seven EYFS learning areas, our teachers and children work together and often the day's learning is moulded around the interests of the children on that day. They guide the children to talk about what they are doing and why, monitor their progress and consider possible next steps.
We offer an education that keeps the children's imagination alive and eager to learn more. This flexible teacher and child-led approach teaches children that their opinions and interests are important and that school is fun!
Click here to view the Head Start programme timeline.
HOW IS OUR PRE-RECEPTION AND RECEPTION EFFECTIVE
Sherfield School’s recent assessment results show that pupils who go through our Pre-Reception and Reception perform extremely well, so we know this two-year cycle is effective. As well as the continuity we provide, what else sets up apart?
Small Class Sizes: Our high staff:pupil ratio means that our staff gain an intimate knowledge of each child's personalities, learning styles and needs. At Sherfield we are able to offer two to three times more qualified teacher time which enables us to teach one-two adult led Maths and Literacy sessions per week compared to the bi-weekly adult led sessions in most state schools.
Parent Partnerships: Our strong partnerships with parents allow us to promote the highest standards for conduct and achievement in and out of school. To achieve a fully rounded education, learning must continue at home and with our regular and open communication with parents we are able to achieve this.
Trips and Visits: Our pupils go on regular trips and have regular visitors, for example, they would have visitors such as a mobile farm, local fire service and drama workshops and trips such as a pantomime and museums. They also get involved with lots of performances throughout the year.
Specialist Teaching and Equipment: in Reception we have specialist teachers and equipment in Modern Foreign Languages and Swimming (lessons start in Reception).
Clubs: Those in Pre-Reception have the option of extended day care. Unlike many schools this doesn't change when they reach Reception as there is the option for Breakfast club and after school clubs and tea. Those in Reception to Year 2 can choose from three types of club each day (movement, chill-out or creative club) and can pick and choose which club they want to go to. Clubs include Languages, Ballet (extra fee), Board Games, Cooking, Cosmic Kids Yoga, Craft/Textiles, Drama and Dance, Maths Activities, Mindfulness Activities, Movement through Music, Storybook, Technology, Tennis and Walk and Talk.
Food and Nutrition: We have a fantastic catering team, on site, and a dedicated newly-refurbished dining hall (seperate to our other halls). The lunch options are extensive and varied and are included in the fees.
Time Saved: Most of our pupils who join us in Pre-Reception and Reception stay at Sherfield to complete their education, so you won't ever have to worry about looking and choosing another school for your child again.
UNIFORM
The Sherfield School Pre-Reception and Reception uniform is available from Stevensons in Reading. You can place telephone, online or email orders. The school has a uniform shop onsite that sells second-hand uniform and is run by parent volunteers from 'Friends of Sherfield'.
Sherfield coat* (no other jackets may be worn)
Named drawstring Sherfield kit bag* (one or two for spare clothes and/or
Outdoor Education waterproofs)
Sherfield tartan tunic* with navy knee high socks or navy tights
Sherfield summer dress* (summer only) with white ankle socks
Grey school trousers with navy ankle socks
Navy Bermuda shorts with Sherfield knee high navy/silver socks*
Sherfield white polo shirt*
Sherfield pullover or cardigan*
Plain black school shoes (velcro, no laces or flashing lights)
Optional additional items
Blazer* (Reception only. Required from Year 1)
Sherfield scarf*
Navy or black hair accessories (no other colour may be worn)
Navy fleece gloves/mitts
Navy or Sherfield sun hat or woolly hat (from the FOS shop)
Sherfield Pre-Reception and Reception
UNIFORM
PE and Outdoor Education Uniform
Sherfield white polo shirt* (same as previous page)
Sherfield Joggers* and Sherfield Sweatshirt*
Navy cotton PE shorts (summer)
White ankle socks
Sherfield coat* and navy waterproof trousers
White/black non-marking trainers (velcro with no flashing lights)
Wellington boots (to be kept at school)
Swimming Kit (Reception only)
Navy swimsuit or jammers/tight fitted swim shorts
Sherfield swimming hat*
Sherfield named kit bag*
Swimming towel (any named towel
For more information on the Sherfie uniform, including photos, please cl
UNIFORM NOTES
Summer uniform is worn during the second half of the summer term by all pupils.
During the first halves of the autumn and summer terms, pupils may wear the uniform appropriate to the weather of the day.
All items of school uniform and school equipment must be clearly & securely named.
Shoes must be black, polishable leather. Patent shoes, trainers, ballet styles shoes, shoes with wedge heels or exceptionally thick soles are not acceptable. Shoes that contain hidden toys or have flashing lights are not permitted. Black trainers should be worn on days where pupils have PE. Wellington boots should be kept at school for Outdoor Education.
Sherfield school provides art, science and cooking overalls for the children to wear during the relevant lessons.
On the days where pupils have PE or Outdoor Education they should come in wearing the appropriate uniform (the same for both - see PE and Outdoor Education uniform above).
Whatelsewillmychildneed
SUNCREAM
We would ask if parents would apply sun cream to their child before coming in.
Please bring in suncream (not Nivea due to the nut contents) and we will reapply as necessary throughout the day. We will assume sun cream has been applied by you in the morning unless we are notified otherwise.
In Pre-Reception they have factor 50 suncream available which they will reapply as necessary so you only have to bring in your own if your child has a particular sensitivity.
WATER BOTTLE
A labelled water bottle to hold wate
NO STATIONARY IS REQU
Sherfield Pre-Reception and Reception
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
Deputy Headteacher
Head of Prep
Deputy Head of Prep
Early Years Centre Manager
Early Years Centre Deputy Manager
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Pre-Reception Staff
Reception Teacher
Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator and Senior Inclusion Lead
School Nurse
School Counsellor
Name
Contact Details
Ms C. Taylor hmpa@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Mr T. Wilde t.wilde@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Miss K.. Dillon hppa@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Mrs M. Dransfield m.dransfield@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Miss S. Percival s.percival@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Miss M. Walker m.walker@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Mr D. Page d.page@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Mrs M. Kidgell
Mrs L. Davies
Mrs L. Perry
Miss C. Banks
Mrs R. Hewlett m.kidgell@sherfieldschool.co.uk l.davies@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Miss R. Hope r.hope@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Mrs K. Walsh k.walsh@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Mrs R. Redbond nurses@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Mrs F. Smith f.smith@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Main Reception N/A info@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Who’sWho
We are proud of our highly experienced and dedicated EYFS team.
For an updated staff list, with photos, for Pre-Reception and Reception, please click here or scan the QR code below:
A pupil’s first point of contact should always be their class teacher/key worker 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 key worker/ 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 is the Head of Prep, Miss Dillon and she is 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 Healthzone for safekeeping.
There is also a telephone at the main reception if pupils need to call home, in extraordinary circumstances.
Sherfield Pre-Reception and Reception
EventsandExtra-Curricular
Below are some examples of Pre-Reception and Reception events that take place throughout the year. All events can be views on the school’s SOCs calendar.
Parents' Coffee Mornings
Valentine's Afternoon Tea and Pink or Red Dress Up
Pancake Day
100 Days of School Celebration (Reception)
World Book Day Dress Up
Mother's Day Tea Party
Easter Egg Hunt
May Play (Reception)
Superhero Dress Up Day (Pre-Reception)
Outdoor Learning Day
Family Fun Day
Sports Day
Armed Forces Dress Up Day (Pre-Reception)
Reception Graduation (Reception)
Jeans for Genes Day
Speech Day (Reception)
Professional Photography Session
Paddington Picnic
Harvest Festival Assembly
Wear It Pink Dress Up Day (Pre-Reception)
Halloween Dress Up and Party
Children In Need/Red Nose Day
Fireworks Spectacular
Nursery Rhyme Dress Up (Pre-Reception)
Christmas Fair and Market
Christmas Production
Christmas Lunch
Christmas Jumper Day
Story with Santa
Green and Red Dress Up (Pre-Reception)
Activity Mornings for Parents and Grandparents (Pre-Reception)
Extra-curricular activity examples include:
'Incredible Eggs' Hatching Chicks (Pre-Reception)
Miller's Ark Mobile Farm Visit
Zoolab Visit (Pre-Reception)
Pantomime Visit (Reception)
Healthy Heroes Workshops (Pre-Reception)
People Who Help Us Talks (Reception)
Fairytale Workshop (Reception)
Communication
PARENTMAIL AND NEWSLETTERS
We use ParentMail to communicate with parents. You can access your account online at: https://pmx.parentmail.co.uk but it is advisable to download the ParentMail App to allow full functionality.
We also send out weekly bulletins and monthly newsletters to the whole school, an EYFS newsletter every half term and a weekly summary email for parents.
TAPESTRY
We share a learning journal through Tapestry, an o photographs and observations of what the children
Parents'EveningsandReports
PARENTS' EVENINGS
We hold parent's evenings twice a year in October and April. These are an opportunity for parent's to visit and meet the staff to ask questions.
REPORTS
There is continuous assessment of each area of development to ensure each child’s steady progress.
We liaise closely with parents and other carers/settings to make sure we have a full and accurate understanding of each child upon entry. We also welcome regular feedback from parents about their child’s progress at home, through discussion, a brief note, email attaching photographs or a video clip.
After careful monitoring we produce an initial, detailed assessment. We then undertake continuous observation and assessment throughout a child’s time in PreReception and Reception, particularly using Tapestry. We post full reports on Tapestry twice a year and carry out a two year check in Pre-Reception. In Reception we post reports three times a year on the iSAMs Parent Portal / iParent App.
TermDates
AUTUMN TERM 2024 (September to December)
Term: Monday 2 September to Friday 13 December
Half Term Wrap Around: Monday 21 October to Friday 1 November*
Christmas Wrap Around: Monday 16 December to Friday 20 December*
Christmas Closure: Monday 23 December to Friday 3 January
SPRING TERM 2025 (January to April)
Term: Monday 6 January to Friday 4 April
Half Term Wrap Around: Monday 17 February to Friday 21 February*
Easter Wrap Around: Monday 7 April to Friday 11 April and Tuesday 22 April to Thursday 24 April*
Easter Closure: Monday 14 April to Monday 21 April and Friday 25 April
SUMMER TERM 2025 (April to July)
Term: Monday 28 April to Friday 4 July
Bank Holiday Closure: Monday 5 and 26 May
Half Term Wrap Around: Tuesday 27 May to Friday 30 May*
Summer Wrap Around: Friday 7 July to Thursday 14 August*
Summer Closure: Friday 15 August to Friday 29 August
All dates are inclusive *Wrap around care for children attending 48 weeks only
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 watchful when driving on the school site.
When exiting the school, during busy times, 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 separate parking also available for Early Years Centre parents. 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.
ABSENCE
Absences should be reported to the main reception or your child's teacher/room leader as soon as possible, ideally by telephone. Contact details can be found at the back of this handbook.
Arrival and Collection
PRE-RECEPTION
If you have booked in for a 'school day' in our Pre-Reception you can drop your child off anytime from 08:30 and collect anytime before 15:30. If you have booked in for a full day you can drop your child off anytime from 07:30 and collect anytime before 18:00.
If you are booked in for a full day and would like your child to have breakfast they must be dropped off at the Dining Hall (or in the Pre-Reception room during wrap-around) at 07:30 and no later than 07:45.
RECEPTION
Drop off is at 08:15 outside the Reception classroom entrance (up the ramp) until the summer term when they they use the main door to the Lydney building. Pick up is at 15:15 from the same place.
If you have booked in for breakfast you'll need to drop off in the Dining Hall at 07:30. If you would like your child to stay for a club, pick up is at 16:15 from the main entrance to the Lydney building. If you would like to them to stay for tea and after-school care, pick up is anytime from 17:00 to 18:00. There is an extra charge for breakfast and afterschool care but not for after-school clubs.
Food
We work with specialist contract catering company Thomas Franks, a leading independent school caterer who make sure that all our food is locally sourced.
We are a nut aware school and cater for children with other allergies and food intolerances. Please let us know if your child has any specific food requirements by stating them on the medical declaration form.
We offer a healthy and varied three week rolling menu which is changed termly. Our menus can be found here - sherfieldschool.co.uk/food-and-nutrition. Click here to read our EYFS Food and Nutrition Policy.
BREAKFAST
If booked in for breakfast, parents have the option of selecting a breakfast for their child from our school dining hall. This includes a choice of a cooked breakfast, pastries, fruit, yoghurt or cereal.
SNACKS
We provide two healthy snacks a day. One at 10:00 and one at 14:00 for Pre-Reception and 10:30 and 14:30 for Reception.
LUNCH
Lunch is served at 11:30 for Pre-Reception and Reception.
TEA
If booked in for tea, this is served at 16:30.
Safeguarding and SEN
SAFEGUARDING
To ensure the safety of your child and all Sherfield pupils, we ask parents do not let anyone into the school at drop off and pick up. All children have a password for collection purposes.
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS (SEN)
Some children may experience difficulties or delays in areas of development. For example, speech and language, social, emotional, behavioural, cognitive and physical difficulties.
Many of these issues will be resolved by parents and carers working with practitioners and teachers to devise appropriate early intervention strategies. We can also make referrals to a range of professionals, including speech and language therapists, educational psychologists and occupational therapists when necessary.
If your child has specific medical needs, we will work with you to ensure they are supported. Our team of experienced teachers and practitioners, led by our highly skilled Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo), work alongside children with special educational needs to ensure they learn and develop at Sherfield School.
Pre-Reception
In Pre-Reception we like to investigate and invent new ideas to ensure we are thriving and flourishing within our learning and development. In Pre-Reception we work alongside Reception to support our Head Start programme.
We aim for children to be in an environment where children can be happy, creative and confident within their community.
Children enter into Pre-Reception the September following their third birthday. They are joined by a few additional new pupils. Two terms before they transition to our Reception class they will have the opportunity to spend time in small groups in our 'booster class' which is next to our Reception classes.
We ask that children are booked in for a minimum of three days per week to ensure they effectively settle. This is even more important when getting them ready to do five full days when they join Reception. You have the option of term time or 48 weeks per year. The school day runs from 8:30am to 3:30pm with the option of booking a full day which runs from 7:30am to 6:00pm and includes breakfast and tea. There is also an option of a holiday club for those aged three and up.
ROUTINE
7:30-8:00am - Breakfast in the Dining Hall
8:00-9:30am - Free flow play in the main room and garden
9:30-10:00am - Registration in colour key groups
10:00-10:30am - Rolling snack
10:30-11:15am - Adult-led / extra-curricular activities
11:15-11:30am - Tidy up and song / story time
11:30am-12:15pm - Lunch in the Dining Hall
12:15-12:40pm - Exploring in the playground
12:40-1:40pm - Adult-led / extra-curricular activities
1:40-2:40pm - Group tme in colour key groups
2:40-3:30pm - Exploring in the playground
3:30-4:15pm - Free flow play in the main room and garden
4:15-4:30pm - Tidy up and song / story time
4:30-5:00pm - Tea
5:00-6:00pm - Child-Initiated Play
Every day
Pre-Reception do phonics and numbertime. Twice a week they have a PE lesson in the sports hall. Once a week they do dance, a trip to the school library, cooking, yoga and outdoor learning. They explore three world languages once a weekFrench, German and Spanish.
YEARLY PLAN 2024-2025
PRE-RECEPTION CURRICULUM
Our Pre-Reception class follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. To find out more about the curriculum we follow, including the 8 subject areas we focus on and what we teach Pre-Reception children to be able to do, please click on this link or scan the QR code below.
TIMETABLE
Click here view a detailed school day timetable for Pre-Reception.
Reception
Pre-Reception children transfer into Reception in the September following their fourth birthday. They are joined by children from other local nurseries or home, whom we are able to settle very quickly as they can readily join in with the children who have come up through Pre-Reception.
Similar to Pre-Reception the curriculum in Reception Class is taught through a mix of means including adult-led, whole class and independent learning. The children are encouraged to learn through exploration, creativity, and active participation. This approach helps to foster a love of learning and sets a strong foundation for future academic success.
Reception attendance is full-time, five days per week. The school day runs from 08:15 to 15:15 with the option of extending the day from 07:30 (which includes breakfast) and up to 16:15 (club) and from 16:15 to 18:00 (tea). There is an extra charge for extended day care (not for clubs). Reception is term time only.
Pre-Reception and Reception are located at ground floor level to enable free-flow access to the outdoor areas.
FIRSTDAYOFSCHOOL
The first day of the new academic year is Monday 2 September; pupils should arrive at school for 8:25am on this morning.
All pupils in the Reception phase, including new pupils, should go to the Prep School Courtyard via the entrance at the side of the Cottage and the class teacher will collect the pupils from there.
The class teacher will take you to your class to register you and will give you your timetable, go through it with you, give you your school log-in details and answer any queries you may have for the first morning.
When you are ready to be collected at either 3:15pm or 5:45pm, please go to the pick-up point where a member of staff will wait with you until you are collected.
TIMETABLE
Click here view an example timetable for Reception or scan the QR code below.
Sherfield Reception
YEARLY PLAN 2024-2025
Topic
Harvest Nursery Rhymes
Winter
Key Texts The Little Red Hen
Rosie's Walk Nursery Rhymes
Father Christmas Needs a Wee Elmer the Nativity Story
Under the sea Pirates
People who help us
Superheroes
Rainbow Fish Commotion in the Ocean Pirates Love Underpants
Non-Fiction Texts
Supertato The Jolly Postman
Easter Story
Fairytales Plants and Animals
The Gingerbread Man Goldilocks
Three Billy Goats Gruff
The Hungry Caterpillar The Ladybird who Never Said a Word The Ugly Duckling
Festivals / Celebrations
Jeans for Genes Day
Halloween
Diwali / Guy Fawkes
Remembrance
Sunday Children in Need
St. Andrew’s Day
First day of Advent
St Nicholas Day
Christmas
Burns Night
RSPB – Big Garden Bird Watch
Chinese New Year
Valentine Day
Easter Shrove
Tuesday Ash
Wednesday
St. David's Day
World Book Day
Holi Festival
Red Nose Day
Mother’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day
St. George’s Day
VE Day
Red Nose Day
June Solstice
Father's Day Languages
AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS
We have a wide range of clubs for pupils in Reception which take place after school. 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 will enter the selection of clubs into the online booking system (SOCS) to reserve their place.
ARRIVING LATE AND LEAVING SITE
Pupils arriving late 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.
The full address of the school is:
Sherfield-on-Loddon, Hook, Hampshire RG27 0HU
Telephone Number: 01256 884 800/818 (Pre-Reception direct line)
Website: sherfieldschool.co.uk
Facebook: /SherfieldSchoolHampshire
LEADERSHIP
Head of School: Ms Caroline Taylor
Head of Prep and EYFS: Miss Kelly Dillon k.dillon@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Early Years Centre Manager: Miss Sophie Perciv s.percival@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Deputy Early Years Centre Manager: Miss Molly m.walker@sherfieldschool.co.uk
SAFEGUARDING CONTACTS
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)- Mr Duncan Page - d.page@sherfieldschool.co.uk
Deputy DSL (DDSL) - Sophie Percival
