“Curiosity is the engine of achievement”
TERRINGTON HALL SCHOOL VISION AND VALUES
OUR VALUES:
Kindness We act with kindness always. It is at the heart of everything we do. We show children the power of kindness, encouraging them to act with empathy for each other, their community and our planet.
Confidence As we take our children on a journey of discovery, we make learning fun and light a spark in hearts and minds. We show how with every small step, we learn and build confidence in our own unique abilities.
Courage It takes courage to do the right thing. We act with integrity, showing the value of honesty and good character. We show how with courage, we can take calculated risks and be willing to have a go without fear of failure.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT:
As the world around us evolves, so do we. We encourage children to expand their minds, life experiences and skills, to build confidence and effect change, and for the future.
INFORMATION
Welcome
Term dates
Pre-Prep Form Tutors and Useful Contacts
Communication and Raising Concerns
Parent Portal and SOCS
Daily Routine, Sign Outs and Exeats
Site Map
Wraparound Care
Buses and Shape of the Day
and Health Matters
Learning
Welcome
A very warm welcome to our Pre-Prep Department! We are delighted to have your child join our vibrant school community, where learning is not only a journey of academic growth but also one of emotional, social, and personal development.
At Terrington Hall, we are committed to providing a nurturing and engaging environment that inspires curiosity and a love of learning. Our approach is childcentred, and we believe every child has unique talents and abilities. Through our child-centred approach, we work closely with each child to ensure they are supported, encouraged, and challenged to reach their full potential, both in the classroom and beyond, and that they feel valued, happy, and excited to learn each day.
We value close partnerships with parents to ensure that each child’s individual needs are met, and welcome open communication. Through parent consultations and weekly assemblies and newsletters, we celebrate the children's progress and unique talents and abilities together.
I hope you find this handbook a useful document as a first point of reference for information about the Pre-Prep and wider school. However, if you have any unanswered questions then please do not hesitate to get in touch. We are excited to be part of your child's journey and to watch them grow and flourish.
Miss Laura Ramli Head of Pre-Prep
TERM DATES
2025—2026
Term dates for 2025 - 2026 are as follows:
Michaelmas term 2025
Term Begins
Exeat
Half Term
Exeat
Term Ends
Lent term 2026
Term Begins
Exeat
Half Term
Exeat
Term Ends
Wednesday 3rd September
Saturday 27th September– Sunday 28th September
Saturday 18th October – Sunday 2nd November
Saturday 22nd November – Sunday 23rd November
Thursday 11th December
Tuesday 6th January
Saturday 24th January – Sunday 25h January
Saturday 14th February– Sunday 22nd February
Saturday 14th March– Sunday 15th March
Friday 27th March
Summer term 2026
Term Begins
Bank Holiday
Half Term
Exeat
Term Ends
Tuesday 21st April
Saturday 2nd May Monday 4th May
Saturday 23rd May Sunday 31st May
Saturday 13th June– Sunday 14th June
Wednesday 1st July
USEFUL CONTACT DETAILS
Miss Laura Ramli
Head of Pre-Prep and Year 2 Class teacher lramli@terringtonhall.com
Mrs Nicola Morrell
Year 1 Class teacher nmorrell@terringtonhall.com
Miss Ellie Atkin
Year 1 Class teacher eatkin@terringtonhall.com
Mrs Nikki Taylor
Reception Class teacher ntaylor@terringtonhall.com
Miss Claire Wainwright
School Office and Head’s PA office@terringtonhall.com
Mr Stuart Keens
Deputy Head Academic (Senior Deputy Head) skeens@terringtonhall.com
Miss Rachel I’Anson Deputy Head Pastoral (Designated Safeguarding Lead) rianson@terringtonhall.com
Mrs Katie Cole
Assistant Head Co-Curricular
Mr Huw Thomas
kcole@terringtonhall.com
Headmaster hthomas@terringtonhall.com
COMMUNICATIONS
We have a genuine Open Door policy at Terrington Hall School and parents are welcome to talk informally to their teacher as and when needed. If a more formal discussion is required with the class teacher, Head of Pre-Prep, Deputy Heads or the Headmaster, a convenient appointment time may be made directly, via email. We do our best to accommodate any requests as soon as possible. To strengthen communication between school and home, a weekly newsletter ‘Terrington Trumpet’ is emailed to parents via the office every Friday giving news of the past week and reminders for the following week.
CONCERNS
Intheevent that aparenthasaconcernor complaint,thefirstlineof contactisthechild’s form tutor.IftheFormTutorcannotresolvethematteralone,TheHeadofPrePrepwillbeconsulted.In theeventthattheproblemcannotbesolvedafterspeakingtotheHeadofPrePrep,shewillthen arrange an appointment for you to speak with the Deputy Head Academic /Pastoral or Headmaster.
WHOTOAPPROACH
Form Tutor– In thefirst instancethisshould be a parents’first port of call for allacademic and pastoralconcerns.
Head of Pre-Prep–ifparents are unable to resolve theirconcernswith formtutors, theyshould contactMissRamli.
DeputyHead Academic(SeniorDeputyHead)–MrKeens shouldbe contacted for allacademic mattersunresolvedbytheformtutor.ForSeniorSchoolentryqueriespleasecontactMrKeens.
DeputyHeadPastoral–MissI’AnsonshouldbecontactedforallpastoralorSafeguardingmatters thatcannotberesolvedbytheformtutor.
AssistantHeadCo-Curricular-MrsColeshouldbecontactedforallco-curricularmattersincluding musicandsportthatcannotberesolvedbytheFormTutororHeadofDepartment
We work with a company called SOCS to provide a school calendar, a sports portal containing information about team selection and fixtures and our enrichment programme.
You can access all of these pages through the Parent Portal.
https://www.terringtonhall.com/about-terrington/parent-portal/
The Parent Portal is the 'Go To' place for key school information.
Password (confidential within the TH community) Terrington1921
Through Parent Portal, parents can access key school information including, the Sports Fixture Portal, SOCS School Calendar Parent Handbooks, Key Information, including uniform lists, the Enrichment programme and copies of Letters Home.
SOCS
The school calendar can be located here, giving you a full overview of events in school https://calendar.terringtonhall.com/week.aspx?ID=1162
The Sports Fixture Portal can be located here https://sport.terringtonhall.com/ This link gives you access to fixture information, including team selection, venue and timings.
How to guides
https://www.terringtonhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Parent-Portal-SOCSCalendar-Sports.pdf
https://www.terringtonhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Guide-to-SOCSsports-portal.pdf
DAILY ROUTINE AND SITE MAP
THE SCHOOL DAY
Children may arrive in Pre-Prep between 08:15-08:30. If arriving before 08:00, children should join breakfast in the dining room. Parents are reminded to park at the front of the school or along the church wall when dropping off and collecting their children. Should you be running late, please contact Pre-Prep on 01653 648227 or email your child’s class teacher.
COLLECTING YOUR CHILD FROM SCHOOL
Parents or carers collecting at 15:30, 16:30 or 17:30 should wait outside the Pre-Prep doors and your child will be brought to you by their class teacher or assistant.
Collection times should be marked in your child’s reading record book daily. Please ensure that your child holds your hand and does not run ahead of you into the car park when leaving. If dropping or collecting your child early/late, please report to the main office where we will bring your child or return them to class.
EXEAT WEEKENDS
Please note an EXEAT is when the school day finishes at 17.30 on a Friday and remains closed until the Monday morning. The May EXEAT also includes the Bank Holiday Monday.
WINTER WEATHER
During periods of extreme winter weather such as snow and ice the school will endeavour to remain open, with any changes to the school day being communicated to parents via email or text message.
PARKING AND TRAFFIC FLOW
Please note there is a 5mph speed limit within the school grounds. Parents are kindly requested to park on the front drive at drop off or collection times. Please ensure that the disabled bays next to the swimming pool are strictly reserved for Blue Badge holders only.
SIGN OUT PROCEDURES
Morning Drop Off
The School gates will be open from 08:10 until 08:30
If you require access to the site beforehand for Breakfast, please liaise directly with Mr Sigsworth
If you require access to the site beforehand for any other reason, please liaise directly with the relevant member of staff or the school office.
SLT to staff both gates on a rota
Afternoon collection times:
The school gates will be open from 15.25 – 15.40 for Pre-Prep collection. PrePrep staff to oversee
The school gates will be open from 16:25-16:40 for Pre-Prep and Lower Prep collection. Duty staff to be allocated. Lower Prepand Upper Prep handover from form teachers in person from September 2025. Please be aware that some form teachers will be leaving promptly to run enrichment sessions at this point in time.
The school gates will be open from 17:25-17:40 for end of school collections.
All 17:30 collections to take place in the square from September 2025. Handover in person from the relevant member of staff who has led the enrichment session.
Climbing frame
Parents will be able to access the site during the highlighted times above.
Families are welcome to stay and play on the climbing frame during September and the Summer term between 15:30 and 17:30.
Refreshments and a first aid bag will be available.
To leave the site during periods when the gates are locked, Families will need to exit via the school office.
Toilets in the main house will be accessible via the school office.
*Access to the site at all other times will need to come through the Main School entrance, via the School Office.
WRAP-AROUND CARE
BREAKFAST
Breakfast is available to all children. Your child may arrive from 07:30 and will have breakfast before the start of the school day. A member of staff has specific responsibility for looking after the children at breakfast and will take them to their classrooms afterwards. For catering purposes, breakfast should be booked in with office@terringtonhall.com with 24 hours notice. Breakfast is charged at £6.60
AFTER SCHOOL CARE
Our after school care is held in the Pre-Prep building and is run by the PrePrep staff. We include a range of age-appropriate toys and activities, as well as much needed rest time. We take a child-led approach with a ‘home from home’ atmosphere to help them relax after their busy school day. During this time, children are offered a substantial snack. After School Care runs from 15:30-17:30 and is charged at £8.00 per hour.
TEA
Parents requiring childcare beyond the school day can make use of the tea service where pupils are welcome to have a freshly prepared tea at 17:30 to 18:00. For catering purposes, tea should be booked in with office@terringtonhall.com with 24 hours notice. Tea is charged at £6.60
NUT FREE
Although we recognise that this cannot be guaranteed, Terrington Hall aims to be a Nut-Free school. Measures in place are to reduce the risk to those children and adults who may suffer an anaphylactic reaction if exposed to nuts to which they are sensitive. The school aims to protect children who have allergies to nuts yet also help them, as they grow up, to take responsibility as to what foods they can eat and to be aware of where they may be put at risk. We do not allow nuts or nut products in school.
MINIBUSES
Pupils from Pre-Prep can use the school’s daily transport if they are independent enough to manage. All of the transport routes use the school’s own minibus fleet and drivers, who are fully DBS checked and employed by the school. Pupils using the buses are dropped off in front of the Main School building on arrival and are collected from staff by the relevant driver before being escorted to their bus at the end of the day. Buses arrive in School at approximately 08:15 and depart at 17:30 Monday to Friday. Transport is charged on a per trip basis. Full details of the bus service, times and costs are available on request from the school office.
Office@terringtonhall.com
SHAPE OF THE DAY
ABSENCE
If your child is unable to attend school due to illness, please inform your child’s class teacher and the school office to ensure that the correct mark is made to the register.
ILLNESS AT SCHOOL
Should your child be taken ill at school, he/she will be cared for and we will make every effort to contact you.
Should your child suffer from sickness or diarrhoea, it is school policy that they do not return to school for at least 48 hours after the last incident. It is very important for you to let us know if you have given your child Calpol or any other medication before coming into school.
If your child bumps their head, they will be checked over by a first aider and you will be notified of treatment given, in addition to a bumped head note. Accidents can happen. Small cuts and bruises will be dealt with directly at school by staff who all hold a current paediatric first aid qualification. In the event of a more serious accident which is likely to require advanced medical care, we shall endeavour to contact parents at work or home. If a parent or family friend (named contact) cannot be contacted, we shall arrange to have your child taken to a local doctor or hospital. In such cases, the child will be accompanied by a member of staff. In an emergency an ambulance will be called.
MEDICINES
Medicines should be administered at home unless there is a special reason why your child may need to take it through the school day. If this is the case, the medicine must be given to a member of the Pre-Prep staff on arrival to school and a medicine consent form signed. Prescription medicine should be in the original packaging with dispensary label attached.
INTIMATE CARE
Even children who are toilet trained may have the occasional accident when they are engrossed in their learning and play. A designated changing facility is located in Pre-Prep. All EYFS children are expected to keep spare underwear in school in the event of soiling. If wetting or soiling occurs frequently, the class teacher will arrange to meet with parents to discuss appropriate strategies to support the child and a ‘Personal Care Management Plan’ will be drawn up. Exchanging information with parents is essential through personal contact, telephone or correspondence. On the rare occasion that a child is soiled to a point where they are unable to clean themselves to a comfortable state, parents will be contacted so that the child can be taken home for bathing. Further details can be found on the schools intimate care policy.
SUN CREAM APPLICATION
During the summer months we like to spend as much time in our outdoor area. We feel that the children’s health is paramount and during the summer we ask that all children have sun cream applied before they attend school, allowing them to safely spend time in the sunshine. Parents will be asked to sign a permission form so that children will be supported in reapplying sun cream supplied by school for afternoon sessions.
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING
At Terrington Hall School, we place positive mental health and wellbeing at the centre of school life. Our values, Kindness, Confidence and Courage, highlights the importance we place on supporting on every child’s wellbeing. We show the power of kindness in everything that we do, build confidence on our unique abilities and show how with courage, we can have a go without the fear of failure.
We aim to ensure positive mental health and well-being for every pupil, parent/carer and staff member. Our positive ethos is based on the understanding that all children need the foundations of positive mental health. As a result of this, we hope children will fulfil their potential academically, socially, emotionally and healthy, helping them to grow in confidence and participate in everything that goes on in the wider community.
Our buddy system helps to promote friendships, better support of learning, behavioural and social needs, and can foster a greater sense of belonging and a more inclusive school community.
The Terrington Hall ambition is to equip young people so they can better deal with difficult circumstances in their lives, preventing them experiencing common emotional and mental health problems.
Wellbeing days are a good opportunity to bring awareness of the importance of mental wellbeing into schools. Classes are encouraged to plan wellbeing days, termly. The Assistant Head of Mental Health and Wellbeing oversees this.
Our peer mentoring has been evidenced as having a positive impact on the emotional health and well-being of children and young people. Peer mentoring can support children and young people by:
•enhancing social competence
•building security within the setting and the wider community by realising their worth as social beings
•improving attendance and educational attainment whilst developing friendship skills in a positive environment
INTERNET ENABLED DEVICES
As staff and parents, we are all becoming increasingly aware of the societal challenges posed by mobile devices and in particular the influences that children are accessing as a result of social media.
As such, the boarding house and school residentials/overseas trips are device –free. We feel that this decision is very much in line with our ethos and values and of course with the changing approach of schools to this challenge.
National guidance is changing, and our amended policy very much considers the following concerns:
• Unnecessary distraction, disruption and diversion
• Online bullying
• Peer pressure and stigma associated with the ownership of expensive devices
• Access to inappropriate internet content.
There are of course significant benefits which includes encouraging the pupils to focus on the trips, activities and events that they are participating in– whether that be during boarding evenings or on residential trips. It will improve the interactions with their peers, and develop valuable, skills like problem-solving, teamwork and importantly independence.
As such, we would be very grateful for your support in ensuring that the pupils do not bring any phone, gaming device, or internet-enabled device including watches with them on trips or to the boarding house. It makesa huge difference to the quality of their experience and will support our ethos of pupils throwing themselves wholeheartedly into the activity on offer.
Visitors and parents/carers within the EYFS (Pre-Prep)
The school will display a notice advising visitors and parents/carers throughout the school that mobile devices are not to be used in the setting. If a visitor or parent/carer is seen using their mobile device, they will be politely reminded of the school policy and that Pre-Prep is a no phone zone. Visual reminders are located in different areas of Pre-Prep both indoors and outdoors. Parents will be politely asked to switch their mobile device off whilst in Pre-Prep. If parents/carers wish to use their device, they will be advised to use this away from the school premises.
TAPESTRY
Children attending Terrington Hall Pre-Prep have a personal online Learning Journal. At Terrington Hall, we use Tapestry, which is a stand-alone application enabling a two way communication between the school and parents.
The benefit to you from Tapestry being online means that you have constant access (via a website that you log into using your email address and password) to access your child’s Learning Journal.
Tapestry records photos, observations and comments in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage in order to build up a record of your child’s experiences during their time with us.
We encourage you to contribute to your child’s progress record on Tapestry and comment on their child’s learning diary
ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING
Our assessments calendar is strategically placed to monitor pupil progress and outcomes and support the programmes of study that are in place.
The reporting cycle is then in sync with this assessment calendar, in order to keep parents informed and up to date of the progress of their child. This is connected to both academic progress and pastoral welfare.
The slight changes to our assessment and reporting cycles will also ensure a more streamlined approach to periods of teaching, assessment and then, in turn, reporting.
We are aiming to provide focussed and target-based feedback to the pupils, via the reporting system, in order to aid understanding and progress.
For additional clarity, we do not specifically report on internal end of unit assessments or standardised assessments, but teachers may discuss these through reports or at parents’ meetings. Exact dates of the parents’ meetings will be shown in the termly calendar and the weekly bulletin.
We encourage regular, ongoing and open dialogue between parents and form teachers regarding academic progress and the pastoral, well-being of the children.
Form tutors are always available to meet with parents to discuss children's progress. Please do not hesitate to contact.
A timeline of key dates is given below, for your information:
Pre-Prep:
October: Parents Evenings
December: End of Term Progress Report
February: Parents Evening
March: Half Term Progress Report (KS1 only)
May: Parents Evening
July: End of Year Full Reports
LEARNING SUPPORT
All pupils at Terrington Hall are taught a wide-ranging curriculum within smaller than average, mainstream classes. Staff deliver high quality teaching with classwork and prep appropriately differentiated. Children are regularly monitored to ensure they are making progress to the best of their ability, and challenged according to their own level to ensure success is within reach. It is sometimes appropriate for children to receive additional support to achieve their full potential. Our learning support resources are centred around “The Hub” . As the base for Learning Support, Wellbeing and our ‘Stretch and Challenge’ programme, The Hub is a bright, warm and welcoming classroom resourced with access to online intervention programmes, classroom support, and small group work. The Learning Support Team work together across the academic departments to provide and plan support for all children. Individual Lessons are by arrangement and in agreement with parents, the SENCO and form teacher.
Learning support is integrated through the school from Nursery to Year 8 with a focus on the child as an individual. We believe in inclusion and seek to provide a broad, balanced and differentiated curriculum that provides equal opportunities for all.
For those children who receive learning support, close communication between school and home is encouraged and parents are invited to a termly meeting to discuss their child’s Individual Learning Plan (ILP) alongside any specific targets.
If parents have a concern regarding their child’s learning, they are encouraged to contact their child’s form teacher in the first instance.
SPECIALIST TEACHING
From Pre-School, we are proud to offer a broad curriculum. Children are taught through exciting and engaging lessons that encourage curiosity, that take into account the needs of individuals. The school also dedicates time for swimming, PE, music and Spanish (French from Reception) taught by our subject specialists in school.
INSTRUMENTAL LESSONS
Tuition is available for a wide range of instruments in Year 1 and 2 with help and consideration given to beginners. Lessons are offered weekly during term time. If your child is interested in learning an instrument, please contact your child’s class teacher in the first instance.
POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR
Ready, Respectful and Safe are the three rules that underpin the behaviour we expect to see in school from all staff and children. We ask our students to embrace our school rules, Ready, Respectful & Safe, at all times
Be kind, polite and respectful
Be responsible, organised and make good decisions
Work hard and try your best
Make the most of opportunities on offer at school
Encourage others and be helpful
Have fun!
We encourage our parent body to Reinforce and support their child in adhering to the principles of Ready, Respectful, Safe
Inform the school of any changes in circumstances that may affect their child’s behaviour
Discuss any behavioural concerns with the class teacher promptly Ensure that their child has good attendance and punctuality Inform staff of any medical or other needs that may hinder their child’s behaviour
Ensure that their child attends school in full uniform Good behaviour requires close collaboration between parents, teachers and children. Parents should discuss the school rules with their child, emphasising that they support the rules. Attending parents’ evenings, parent workshops and developing positive relationships with school, helps to reinforce good behaviour. Teaching and learning cannot take place without sound discipline and parents should recognise that staff will deal with behaviour problems patiently and positively.
At Terrington, we use a system called ‘Class Dojo’ to award your child with good marks and praise. At the start of the school year, each child’s form tutor will email you with a link to the new Class Dojo ‘class’ . It is important that you respond to the link so you can be a part of your child’s class.
Managing Behaviour
Engagement with learning is always our primary aim at Terrington Hall School. For the vast majority of our learners a gentle reminder is all that is needed. Staff will deal with behaviour without delegating. Staff will use the steps in behaviour for dealing with poor conduct following the Positive Behaviour Policy.
HOUSE SYSTEM
All pupils from Reception to Year 8 are welcomed into one of our three Houses - Castle, Forest and Moor. Siblings are always on the same House as each other. The names and crests were chosen to encapsulate our enviable geographical position but also our values of courage, kindness, confidence and consequently, growth. We elect three Heads of School, each year, one from each House
Castle represents the historical significance of the area, with beautiful monuments such as Castle Howard, Sheriff Hutton Castle and York Minster. It also signifies the courageous spirit and resilience which we foster in our pupils.
Forest represents the natural beauty of the area, with lush expansive forests such as Dalby Forest, and of course our hugely popular forest school. It also signifies the nurture and growth of the pupils while they are in our care at Terrington Hall.
Moor represents the breath-taking landscapes, first and foremost from our very own playing fields, but also those of the North Yorkshire Moors. It also signifies expanding of horizons, a mantra firmly at the heart of everything we do, which helps to build our pupils’ confidence.
The House system is a way for us to unite children in different year groups, helping them to have positive relationships with pupils across the school. It is also allows us to encourage friendly competition for all range of events, everything from House sports, bake off, quizzes, debating, essay writing and much more. The House system is celebrated at the start of each academic year with our House Festival and again at the end with Sports Day.
LEARNING THROUGH CONFIDENCE, COURAGE, GROWTH AND
Our aim is to encourage children to think and always question ‘why?’ and ‘what if?’ .
In today’s ever-changing world, it is important that we take time to stop and appreciate all that we have around us. We all lead busy lives and manufacturers are able to produce toys simply to ‘entertain’ . We must however question, Is this allowing my child to think critically? Does it require them to problem solve? Are they actively engaged? This answer usually is NO.
Our shift towards using real life objects and loose parts allows children to demonstrate respectful and careful behaviour towards their learning environment. We carefully choose objects that stimulate their curiosity and allow them to see that magic they are looking for.
Our teaching & learning approach benefits all of our children because they are genuinely cared for by the adults who look after them and help them to learn. Relationships with staff, friends and other children are so important. We encourage our children to be enthusiastic learners who develop a love of learning from the moment they join us. These skills foster an overriding sense of independence, a willingness to have a go and the ability to try again. It allows them to ask questions, seek answers, work successfully as a team and be proud of every achievement. It is our responsibility to help the children as they begin their learning journey and build these important relationships. Their curiosity and creativity are encouraged in a safe, secure and stimulating environment and help them become independent, confident learners who are willing to take risks, make mistakes and build on their learning as they progress through the school.
It is a privilege to be part of your child’s life and education.
THE EARLY YEARS
During structured play sessions, learning is achieved through carefully selected play opportunities. Adult play partners work with groups of children on specific learning targets through games and play-based activities. The children’s personal and social skills are developed at this time as they independently extend their learning, make choices about which experiences to engage in and choose who to play with. The balance between teacher-directed and child-initiated learning is one of the most effective elements of our Reception program. It allows us to formally monitor the children’s progress and meet their needs through our carefully planned curriculum. It also allows children to transfer the skills and knowledge they gain during our morning sessions to their play during the afternoons. Both styles of learning are important, but it is the balance between formalised instruction and play-based learning that allows us to extend our children’s understanding and successfully prepare them for the next stage of their learning.
At Terrington Hall, we are very ‘hands on’ so enjoy taking the children out of the classroom as often as possible, to develop their confidence and let them begin their learning journeys. Our staff work hard to ensure that opportunities inspire young minds to develop their interest in the world around them. We encourage the children to become resilient, open-minded and to spark curiosity as well as be kind and thoughtful to others. This will create long-lasting friendships which will continue to grow as they progress throughout the rest of the school.
LIFELONG LOVE OF READING
At Terrington Hall Pre-Prep, we are very proud to promote our love our reading through ‘Focus Text’ topic learning. Reading is at the heart of the curriculum. We have a structured approach aimed at fostering love of reading. Our curriculum is underpinned by the development of language and vocabulary through story-telling, poems, songs and rhymes. Our children develop language quickly through rich texts, a love of reading, effective catch up and staff expertise in early readiing. We make links to topics through themes and conventions within high quality texts. All of our teaching embeds explicit reading comprehension through prediction and inference. We learn to apply grammar skills purposefully within written work as well as considering purpose and audience.
In the Pre-Prep, children use Ruth Miskin’s, ‘Read Write Inc.’ programme This carefully selected, award-winning scheme is continued through to Year 2 and includes highly structured lessons in phonics and reading. All EYFS children who are learning to read do so on a one-to-one basis daily. This ensures that every child is given an opportunity to meet their full potential. We follow the RWI reading scheme to help pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 develop fluent and confident decoding skills, as well as an understanding of what they are reading. The scheme is linked directly to our Read, Write, Inc phonics scheme and ensures that the books which your child reads at home directly relate to the sounds (phonics) which they learn in class. A member of staff will provide your child with their first Read Write Inc ‘Book Bag Book’ . Please note that not all Reception children will receive books until they are ready for this stage. This will either be a fiction or non-fiction book. They will keep this book until the following Monday and will be expected to read it three times over the week. In order to develop their understanding, there are a couple of questions at the back of each book for you to discuss with your child. Other activities in books include the practice of story words and red words, all of which will support reading fluency.
We believe that mathematics is an essential part of the curriculum. It provides a set of vital, transferrable skills for life. Mathematics helps children to make sense of the world, and to be responsible in the places they live and work. We believe that pupils should develop the mathematical skills necessary for the real world, and be able to critically examine and justify the methods they choose to tackle problems. Numeracy should become just another ‘sense’, that is, instant and automatic. At Terrington Hall, we see the nature of mathematics as a subject that is exciting and enjoyable, full of enrichment, fostering qualities of perseverance, imagination, self management and working skills and, perhaps above all, a confident attitude to life’s many challenges. The Pre- Prep follow White Rose maths, which embeds skills at mastery level.
CLASSROOM EQUIPMENT
Children in Years 1 and 2 are required to bring their own pencil cases and stationery items. All items should be clearly marked and of a suitable size to fit into drawers.
Stationery Required
3 x pencils
1 x ruler
1 x rubber
1 x sharpener
1x glue stick
A set of colouring pencils
As
Scientists we learn to…
Identify and classify
Perform simple tests
Use observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions
Gather and record data to help in answering questions
As Musicians we learn to…
Use our voices expressively
Play tuned and untuned instruments
Listen with concentration
Experiment with, create and select and combine sounds
As Geographers we learn to…
Develop our locational knowledge, locating our local town, naming the four countries of the United Kingdom and the world’s seven continents and five oceans
Develop our place knowledge by looking for similarities and differences of human and physical geography
Develop our human and physical geography by identifying weather patterns and using technical vocabulary to describe physical features
As Historians we learn to…
Think about the past
Understand why things happened and what happened as a result
Explore different ways in which the past is represented
Know where people and events in our topics fit into a chronological timeline
Talk about different types of people, events and beliefs within society
As Users of Technology we learn to…
Use technology safely and respectfully
Create and debug simple programmes
Understand algorithms and how they are used in simple programmes
Recognise common uses of technology beyond school
Identify where to find help when we have concerns about content on the internet
As Artists we learn to…
Use a range of materials to creatively design and make products
Use drawing, painting and sculpture to share our ideas, experiences and imagination
Develop art techniques using colour, pattern, textures, line, shape, form and space
Learn about famous artists
“Every child is an artist”
Watercolour by Willa age 6
RECEPTION
TIMETABLE
Parents will be given a timetable at the start of the year outlining where lessons take place over the week and an overview of learning.
READING RECORD
Children will be given a reading record book at the beginning of the year. This is to be used between home and school as a reading record, but also for parents to confirm pick up times. Please mark books daily 17:30/16:30/17:30/Bus– dependent on your child’s collection time each day.
READING
Your child will initially work on RWi set 1 sounds until secure. You will receive a sounds mat in a learning pack, provided at the beginning of term. Children will also practise ‘red words’ within their reading book. These are high frequency words that cannot be decoded. These should be practiced for 5 minutes each evening.
WRITING
When children progress onto the RWi reading scheme, they will be sent home non compulsory written tasks to be completed alongside.
NUMBER
Your child will be given a set of 0-20 cards. These should remain in bookbags and are intended for use between school and home. Please practice ordering these numbers. When confident they will work on counting on and back from a given number and odd and even numbers before progressing to simple addition and subtraction.
THE RECEPTION CURRICULUM
Continuing on from Pre-School, the Reception year follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
The EYFS is built around three prime areas:
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• Personal and Social Development
Communication and Language
Physical Development
This is combined with four specific areas:
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• Literacy – Reading and Writing
Mathematics – Number, Shape, Space and Measure
Understanding the World
Expressive Art and Design
All learning focuses on the development of key skills and interaction with real experiences. Activities are adapted and extended to meet individual learning needs.
Further information about the EYFS in general can be found online at www.foundationyears.org.uk
Our exciting themes this year!
Journeys
Knowing Yourself Sowing a Seed Pets, Family and Friend Talents and Powers
TRANSITION FROM RECEPTION TO KEY STAGE 1
In Pre-Prep, we transfer from the Early Years Foundation Stage Program to The National Curriculum. This transition process offers children opportunities to further engage in a more formalised style of learning and to explore particular subjects with greater depth. In Pre-Prep, subjects are taught discreetly, though plenty of cross-curricular links are planned. Although in Pre-Prep all learning occurs in a way which is appropriate for the children’s level of maturity and ability, children sometimes find the more formalised structure challenging to become used to.
RECEPTION SUMMER TERM
Reception timetable is altered to include some more formalised elements such as handwriting practise and mental maths.
Activities are planned to give Reception children more exposure to their next teacher allowing them to get to know them in a familiar environment.
We hold a Moving Up Day where all children move up to their next class for a day and learn about what they will be doing the following year
The Pre-Prep teachers hold meetings to discuss strengths and areas for development for each child as well as any relevant pastoral issues, to ensure that the Year 1 teachers can pick up where the Reception teacher left off.
YEAR 1 AUTUMN TERM
Golden Time is kept as in integral part of the curriculum
Lots of practical, hands-on activity-based learning takes place during this time, including opportunities for children to use the Continuous Provision areas independently.
KEY STAGE 1
All children are given equal access to the curriculum, irrespective of level of ability, race, gender, creed or nationality. Mutual respect and tolerance for all cultures are promoted.
During their first three years of school, children learn many of the key social skills they will continue to use and build on throughout their life. These include sharing, taking turns, playing fairly, resolving conflict, negotiating resolutions and talking about what they need and want. We have developed a thorough and consistent approach to supporting children with their social development as they progress through the EYFS and KS1. Teachers establish social expectations early and help children meet these by providing praise, support and encouragement.
At Terrington Hall School, children are expected to be polite and respectful towards others by listening carefully and responding appropriately. They are encouraged to do their best at all times, by taking pride in their work and appearance and sharing their time at school positively with their friends and teachers.
The following subjects are taught: Mathematics, English, Science, ICT, History, Geography, Music, Physical Education, Art, Design Technology, Spanish, RS (Religious Studies) and PSHE (Personal, Social & Health Education). In Key Stage 1 (Year 1 to Year 2), core subjects are taught by a class teacher with input from specialist teachers for other subjects. The development of reading, writing, phonic knowledge and mathematical understanding are given a high priority. The individual reading programme is monitored closely and parental involvement is strongly encouraged.
For children who are deemed most able, most needs are catered for by differentiation within the classroom. Where considered appropriate, children may be grouped by ability for some lessons or receive an additional session of teaching, as part of a small group, on a weekly basis.
YEAR 1 TIMETABLE AND HOMEWORK
TIMETABLE
Parents will be given a timetable at the start of the year outlining where lessons take place over the week. Half termly topic maps will also be sent with an overview of learning for that period.
READING
RECORD
Children will be given a reading record book at the beginning of the year. This is to be used between home and school as a reading record, but also for parents to confirm pick up times. Please mark books daily
3:30/4:30/5:30/Bus– dependent on your child’s collection time each day
READING
Children are encouraged to read to an adult as regularly as possible (ideally 10 minutes daily). Parents should sign communication books when they have read with their child.
WRITING
Children will be given a non compulsory writing task to complete at home each week. This will be linked to their reading book.
SPELLINGS
Children are asked to learn a set of spellings each week from the Lent Term
MATHS
Families are encouraged to download the One Minute maths app for children to spend time on weekly, focusing on basic number skills.
INDEPENDENT LEARNING ACTIVITIES
There may be times in the school year that your child is asked to complete additional home learning. There are generally over the holiday periods and build upon learning in class. Please do not expect this in the first term.
YEAR 1 CURRICULUM
Check out our exciting topic themes this year!
Journeys and Exploration
Heroes and Villains
Similarities and Differences
Nature and Environment
Friendship and Kindness
Imagination and Creativity
YEAR 2 TIMETABLE AND HOMEWORK
TIMETABLE
Parents will be given a timetable at the start of the year outlining where lessons take place over the week. Half termly topic maps will also be sent with an overview of learning for that period.
READING RECORD
Children will be given a reading record book at the beginning of the year. This is to be used between home and school as a reading record, but also for parents to confirm pick up times. Please mark books daily 15:30/16:30/17:30/Bus– dependent on your child’s collection time each day.
READING
Children are encouraged to read to an adult as regularly as possible (ideally 10 minutes daily). Parents should sign communication books when they have read with their child.
Once children have a good reading word level and comprehension, they may complete a reading assessment which then allows them to begin selecting their own texts.
WRITING
Children will be given a non compulsory writing task to complete at home each week. This will be linked to their reading book.
SPELLINGS
Children are asked to learn a set of spellings each week from the Michaelmas Term
YEAR 2 CURRICULUM
MATHS AND TIMES TABLES
In Year 2, we look towards learning the 2x, 5x and 10x tables. Children are given a log in to TT Rockstars which they can access at home. These are practised regularly in class also. Families are encouraged to download the One Minute maths app for children to spend time on weekly, focusing on basic number skills.
INDEPENDENT LEARNING ACTIVITIES
There may be times in the school year that your child is asked to complete additional home learning. There are generally over the holiday periods and build upon learning in class.
Some of our exciting topic themes this year!
A Twist in the Tale
Creation and Conservation
Bravery Vs Fear
Change and Relationships
Fictional Worlds and Fantasy
Urban Metropolis
STAR OF THE WEEK
A special weekly assembly is held each Friday for Pre-Prep and parents are welcome to attend. This celebration assembly shares children’s achievements of the week and is an opportunity for each class teacher to select a ‘Star of the Week’ . Parents will be notified if their child has been selected.
STAY AND PLAY
Stay and Play Sessions are organised and enjoyed termly. These opportunities give parents/carers/grandparents an insight into life in the Pre-Prep. Your child will love showing you round and having you there to play with. The format of these sessions regularly alters, reacting to parental and staff ideas and input. They usually last for around an hour and can involve participation in a music or P.E. session, as well as sharing a story or art activity.
SCHOOL TRIPS
To enhance the curriculum, children are taken on a variety of school trips each year. Trips are published in advance in the termly calendar and additional details are sent nearer to the visit date. Parents are asked to complete a ‘General Consent Form’ each academic year, which gives permission for children to visit the local area at short notice. Whilst the school endeavours to cover the majority of the costs of school visits, we may request parental contribution from time to time.
EVENTS
There are several annual school events which Pre-Prep parents and children are highly encouraged to attend: Harvest Festival, Fireworks, Nativity, Christmas, Main School plays, Easter concerts, Spring Fair and Sports Day. Everyone is invited to attend these events so please do bring along Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and Friends! These events can be found in the termly school calendar.
Uniform is an important part of a school’s identity. It reinforces who we are as a community and helps allow students to feel pride in their school. It also helps prepare students for life after school where many will have to dress smartly for work. All pupils are expected to take a pride in their appearance. They should be always wearing correct uniform. Our expectations for school uniform are nongender specific. Our pupils have the choice of what uniform they want to wear from the list provided and all uniform is available to people of all genders.
To help support our parents/carers, most of our school uniform can now be purchased from www.hardgear.co.uk/terringtonhall
We are keen to minimise expenses and have reviewed our uniform lists, These can be located -https://www.terringtonhall.com/about-terrington/parent-portal/
From September 2025, all pupils must be adopting the new school uniform. We ask that any outgrown uniform is replaced with new kit
Naming Uniform
ALL items of uniform must be clearly named. Details for labelling can be found on the uniform lists. We always endeavor to get the missing kit back to its owner however this is very difficult with unmarked clothing.
Hair, make-up and piercings
• Make up, including nail polish, should not be worn.
• Pupils who have pierced ears may wear a discreet stud in one or both ears. These must be removed during PE lessons for safety reasons.
• Jewellery is not part of our school uniform and therefore should not be worn. Pupils will be asked to remove any items of jewellery and these will be kept safe and sent home at the end of the day.
• Extremes in hairstyle are to be avoided. Hair should not be dyed any non-natural colour, i.e. pink, blue, green etc.
Hair longer than shoulder length must be tied up and fringes should be put of faces.
Footwear- This is an important aspect of our school uniform. Our school allows:
• All black, plain, leather, polishable shoes).
• Plain, black ankle boots (in the Winter). We do NOT allow: • Trainers. • Canvas pumps. • Colored or embroidered fashion shoes.
POLICIES
There is statutory duty for schools to provide certain information to parents of current and prospective pupils. Terrington Hall does so willingly and encourages any parent to contact the school with requests for information or guidance. School documentation, including policies and guidance, are a valuable source of information and we are pleased to make them available, either through the School Office or on the School’s website.
FRIENDS OF TERRINGTON HALL
The Friends of Terrington Hall Fundraising Committee organises social events throughout the school year, primarily to enable parents to meet each other and enjoy themselves. In the process, a profit is usually made and this funds ‘icing on the cake’ for the benefit of the children. The committee is always looking for extra members so please do come forward if you can help in any way.
LOST PROPERTY
All clothing & stationery should be clearly labelled.
Children are taught to take care and responsibility for their items in school and we ask that they are all clearly named. Unfortunately, they can go astray as children move around the school. Therefore, we ask if any items are lost, a note or email is sent to your child’s form tutor who will help to locate the item, looking in the lost property bins in the changing rooms and retracing steps.
