Starting School A guide for parents and children about starting at Anns Grove
Contents Page Page 4 6 8 10 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 Mercia Learning Trust Take a look around Safeguarding and Security Our Values The School Day NHS advice for illness What will my child learn? Speaking and Listening Writing Reading Mathematics Give them a helping hand Outdoor Learning Bright Sparks After School Care School Meals Uniform Guide Our Classes Staying Connected
Welcome I’m Ann Farrar, the very proud headteacher of this wonderful school. Anns Grove Primary is a successful and expanding primary school with approximately 400 pupils, serving a fantastic community in Heeley, Sheffield. We are proud to be a part of Mercia Learning Trust. At Anns Grove, our classrooms are led by compassionate, enthusiastic, and highly skilled educators who value the development and wellbeing of each child under their supervision. We cherish and appreciate the distinctiveness of each of our students and strive to assist them in growing confidently and flourishing in their unique identity. Our rich, broad curriculum allows children to develop the necessary knowledge and skills to achieve the best possible outcomes, fulfil their potential and move on to the next phase of their education as successful and ambitious learners. All of this is built on the strong foundations of experiencing positive and caring relationships which provide them with a true sense of belonging to the school community. We hope that your children will leave Anns Grove not only having achieved their full potential academically, but also leave prepared to take on responsibility for their own learning and ready to use their talents for the good of others. We Shine Together
Each school in our multi-academy trust has a unique identity, is configured to meet the needs of its community, led by a Headteacher and a Local Governing Body. Nevertheless, we expect each school to share our vision and values, and ensure every child receives an exceptional education. As such we insist each has: • An explicit ethos and culture of high expectations and inclusion • Behaviour of the highest standard • A meticulously planned curriculum, which is delivered consistently well by teachers every lesson, every day to every child • A robust culture of safeguarding • A thorough and inclusive personal development strategy • Leadership at every level who are focused and driven by the right priorities • Rigorous internal and external quality assurance • A culture of continuous improvement We expect them to relentlessly focus on the components of highly effective schools, to develop and share best practice, to follow agreed Trust quality frameworks (i.e. curriculum, SEN & safeguarding); and engage in partnership and Trust-led improvement strategies. To move towards alignment if this improves quality and effectiveness. 4
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Take a look around... 6
"Take a look around our school, where every corner inspires learning and every moment is an opportunity to grow.” 7
Anns Grove Primary School is committed to safeguarding and the promotion of a safeguarding culture in order to keep children happy, healthy and safe in school, as responsible citizens and online. All staff are trained at regular intervals and are aware of how to keep our pupils safe and what signs to look out for. Our pupils are encouraged to share any concerns and we have robust policies and processes in place that underpin safeguarding. We aspire for our pupils to be confident in understanding how to keep themselves safe and who to tell if they need help. In the interests of security and safety, we do ask that you are punctual for your child's school day. You should arrive at school 8:40am and collect at 3:15pm. If you are early for school, please do not come into the Foundation Stage 2 outdoor area until a member of staff opens the gate. We have had incidents of accidents and damage due to unsupervised children in the yard. If you are late and the gate through to Foundation Stage 2 is closed, then please go to the main school office to drop off your child. You will collect your child at the end of the day via the Foundation Stage playground. Please stand in the Foundation Stage outdoor area, outside your child's classroom door and wait for the teacher to send your child to you. If there are any changes to the usual collection arrangements for your child, please inform a member of staff in the morning. We are unable to let the child go with anyone we haven't seen or had prior warning about. If circumstances change during the day, just give the office a quick call to inform them. Only children over 16 years of age will be allowed to collect your child. Safeguarding and Security Keeping Children Safe 8
Safeguarding Team If you have concerns about a child you can call Sheffield Safeguarding Hub directly on 01142734855. Lines are open 8.45am - 5.15pm Monday to Thursday, and 8.45am - 4.45pm Fridays. If you believe a child is in immediate danger, you must call 999 and inform the police. 9 Steph Weimer: Safeguarding Governor Rachel Lyon: Safeguarding Governor Ann Farrar Headteacher Designated Safeguarding Lead Sarah Webb Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead Nicola Eastburn Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead Adam Hayden Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Share Healthy Inspire Nurture Exceptional Share our cultural backgrounds and develop a strong sense of belonging for all our community. Teach children how to be physically and mentally healthy. Inspire positive and resilient learners who are excited and curious about their learning. Nurture the personal growth of safe, happy and well-rounded citizens. Aim high, dream big and do everything to the best of our ability. S-H-I-N-E At Anns Grove, we shine together... We want all children to leave us well-prepared for the next stage of their learning journey, and developed as responsible, resilient, well-rounded citizens. Anns Grove is a warm and friendly school where a committed staff team go the extra mile for our children every day and is skilled in planning to meet their individual needs, both personally and academically. We believe that strong relationships and wellbeing are crucial to children's development, and we encourage everyone at Anns Grove to build exceptionally positive relationships. Our motto, "We Shine Together" reinforces this belief. We place a strong emphasis on reading and aim for every child to be a fluent reader by the age of seven. If a child is not reading fluently, they are given every opportunity to catch up so that they can access a broad and balanced curriculum. Our inspiring curriculum focuses on building children's subject knowledge in all areas and ensuring that this knowledge is retained and applied to ambitious outcomes Our school is a community which celebrates the uniqueness and diversity of each individual. 10
As a community we depend on each other profoundly. Our aim is that through example as well as by direct teaching we will teach our children that the most effective way of learning is by caring for others, nurturing our own talents, always doing our best and always being there to help others. At Anns Grove, our classrooms are led by compassionate, enthusiastic, and highly skilled educators who value the development and wellbeing of each child under their supervision. We cherish and appreciate the distinctiveness of each of our students and strive to assist them in growing confidently and flourishing in their unique identity. Our rich, broad curriculum allows children to develop the necessary knowledge and skills to achieve the best possible outcomes, fulfil their potential and move on to the next phase of their education as successful and ambitious learners. All of this is built on the strong foundations of experiencing positive and caring relationships which provide them with a true sense of belonging to the school community. At Anns Grove Primary School our vision is to be an outstanding school that provides the highest possible quality of education and personal development for our children. 11
EVERY COUNTS DAY ! 8.40am 12.30pm 8.50am 12.35pm 9.10am 1.00pm 9.15am 1.40pm 10.45am 1.55pm 11.00am 2.30pm 11.20am 2.45pm 11.30am 3.15pm Doors open Registration Doors close, ready to start the day Whole class carpet time - CL/Literacy focus Whole class carpet time, welcome and timetable for the day Learning through play - provision indoors, outdoors and focus groups RWI Phonics teaching or provision time outside Snack and chat - family groups Tidy up time! Learning through play - provision indoors and outdoors Whole class carpet time - Maths focus Tidy up Brush teeth, toilet and wash hands for lunch time Whole class carpet time - story/music/PSHE/golden time Lunch time until 12.30pm Home time 0114 2550398 If your child can't attend school... Please contact the school (before 9am where possible) if your child is unable to attend school for any reason. Continue to keep school informed if your child is going to be off for more than one day. 12 Morning Afternoon The School Day
Chicken Pox d, Foot & Mo n u a th H Scabies Flu onjunc vi C s Impe go carlet Feve S r Headlice hoea & Vom rr i a n i g D r German s o M le e s a a s e le M s apped Chee l k S hreadworms T landular Feve G r Mumps Tonsilli s When all spots have crusted over A er first treatment Un l recovered Children don’t need to be off at all When lesions are crusted & healed or 48 hours a er commencing an bio cs 24 hours a er commencing an bio cs 3 days a er posi ve test result 48 hours from last episode 4 days from onset of rash 5 days from onset of swelling When should my child return to school? Children don’t need to be off at all Children don’t need to be off at all Children don’t need to be off at all Children don’t need to be off at all Children don’t need to be off at all Children don’t need to be off at all 13 Covid 19
Prime Areas Personal, Social and Emotional Development Physical Development Communication and Language Specific Areas Literacy Mathematics Understanding the World Expressive Arts and Design Each area of learning has a number of relevant learning goals. These goals establish expectations for most children to reach by the end of Foundation Stage Two (reception). EARNING L EXPERIEN C E S Learning in the Foundation Stage is based around play experiences and children are encouraged to be active learners, have their own ideas and be willing to 'have a go'. Children are encouraged to build on their interests and previous experiences from home, Early Years Settings and /or nursery. We use a model known as Continuous Provision which allows the children to access their learning at a level and a pace that suits them best. This model consists of 13 areas which are permanently covered by our provision in the base. Our classrooms are designed to allow children to apply their learning and move towards the Early Learning Goals. Therefore they are split into different areas that the children can use to learn in. These are: Writing Area, Reading Area, Mathematical Area, Sand Area, Water Area, Role Play Area, Investigation area, Construction Area, Block Play Area, Workshop Area, Funky Fingers area, Small World Area. We also have an extensive outdoor area where children also have access to: Stage and Music Area, Bike Area, Climbing Wall, Bug Hotel, Climbing Trees, Large Bricks and Loose Parts Play, Water and Sand Area, Mud Kitchen, Small World Play, Gross Motor Play climbing area and resources. Play Experiences Classroom Design Outdoor Areas 14
Construction Area Water Area Climbing Wall Herb Garden 15
16 Speaking and Listening Children listen attentively and respond to what they hear with relevant questions, comments and actions when being read to and during whole class and small group discussions. They hold conversation when engaged in back and forth exchanges with their teachers and peers. They offer explanations for why things happen, making use of recently introduced vocabulary from stories, non-fiction and poems when appropriate. They can express their ideas and feelings about their experiences using full sentences, including use of past, present and future tenses and making use of conjunctions, with modelling and support from their teacher. N YOU HELP A A C T W HO O M H E ? • Listen to and encourage talk – don't jump in too quickly, give them time to process and think about what has been said. • Model good listening – including eye contact. • Extend their talk and enrich their vocabulary during their play. • Use lots of describing words. • Talk about what you can hear. • Sing rhymes and songs together. • Encourage them to make up stories. • Talk about stories, who are the characters, what is going to happen next? EARNING L G Y O L A R L A S E
W 17 riting Children learn to spell words by identifying sounds in them and represent the sounds with a letter or letters. Write recognisable letters, most of which are correctly formed. Write simple phrases and sentences that can be read by others. CAN YOU HELP W AT O H H OM E ? • Undergoing any fine motor activities. • Folding clothes • Wiping up spills • Throwing and catching a ball • Water painting • Threading • Buttons and zips • Weaving • Jigsaws • Sorting small objects • Using tweezers • Using paint brushes • Pegs • Spinning tops • Writing lists, name cards, cards, invitations. EARNING L G Y O L A R L A S E
Reading 18 Children read words consistent with their phonic knowledge by sound blending, read aloud simple sentences and books that are consistent with their phobic knowledge, including some common exception words. They can demonstrate understanding of what has been read to them by retelling stories and narratives using their own words and recently introduced vocabulary. Your child will be given a reading book and reading log. At first the books sent home might be a book without words or has little text, this is because we want the child to use picture cues and develop their vocabulary and story language. Once they are able to read simple words or recognise sounds in words then they will start to be sent home a reading book that is phonetically matched and a text that they have also been reading in school. It is important that they become really confident with the story and are able to fluently read the words. They also need to show their understanding and answer a variety of questions about what they have read. Please make a comment every time you read at home in the reading log. AN YOU HELP C A W T O H H OM E ? • Take an interest in books. Let the children join in with the stories. • Hunting for different letters/words in the home. • Join the local library. • Follow instructions together. • Give you child lots of praise for reading or attempting to read. • 10 minutes a day reading with your child can make all the difference. EARNING L G Y O L A R L A S E
Mathematics 19 Children are expected to have a deep understanding of numbers to 10 and to see that a number is made up of two or more smaller numbers. They will need to be able to recall number bonds to 5 and some number bonds to 10. Verbally count beyond 20 and explore and represent patterns within numbers up to 10, including evens and odds, double facts and how quantities can be distributed equally. N YOU HELP A A C T W H O O H M E ? • Singing number rhymes. • Counting anything and everything. • Recognising numerals when out and about; on buses, houses etc. • Using positional words e.g. behind, in front. • Playing games. Like board games, dominoes, skittles EARNING L G Y O L A R L A S E
Head Boy and Head Girl Teams? School Council? Junior Leadership Team? Reader Leaders? Anything of this sort Use the toilet and remember to flush it. Wash and dry his/her hands. Use a tissue to blow their nose. Dress and undress independently. Share toys and take turns. Tidy away toys when they have finished playing with them. Put on his/her shoes. You can support us by giving your child the best start in school by giving them a helping hand. Before your child starts school, you need to prepare them to be able to... If your child needs support with any of these please let us know so we can support them to learn ASAP. 20
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At our school, we believe that outdoor learning is just as important as the lessons and play that take place inside the classroom. We are proud to offer high-quality outdoor provision where your children will have the opportunity to learn, play, and grow in a natural environment. Our outdoor learning provision is designed to be accessible in all weather conditions, ensuring that children can benefit from fresh air and physical activity year-round. Whether it's rain or shine, our well-prepared outdoor spaces provide a safe and stimulating environment for exploration and discovery. Outdoor learning plays a crucial role in building children's confidence and selfesteem. Many children find themselves more at ease and expressive in outdoor settings. They enjoy the freedom to be louder, more energetic, and less constrained compared to the indoor classroom. This environment allows them to develop a stronger sense of self and to interact with others more comfortably. Additionally, outdoor play offers children more freedom and autonomy. It encourages them to use their imagination, explore their surroundings, and become more independent. This autonomy not only supports their cognitive and social development but also helps them to build resilience and problem-solving skills. 22 oor utd O ing arn Le
“The best classroom and the richest cupboard are roofed only by the sky” Margaret McMillan 23
Our Club aims to be accessible to children and families that attend Anns Grove. Admission to the club is available by booking using the school app and making payment. We require a completed set of registration forms for your child before they can attend the club. This information will be treated as confidential and will be stored appropriately. Re-booking and payment for each half term is required at the end of each half term. We cannot keep a place open for your child unless you make a new online booking. Payment of fees The current fees are £7 and £8 per child per session dependant on which session is chosen. Fees are payable in advance when making a booking, by online payment on school App, or childcare vouchers. The price per session per child applies to all children. This is payable for all booked sessions including when your child is sick, or on holiday (regardless of the amount of notice given). We do not charge for bank holidays and professional training days. No pre-paid fees are returned. Booking Choices Monday – Friday 3.20pm – 5.15pm at a fee of £7.00 or Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 3.20pm – 5.30pm at a fee of £8.00 24
Bright Sparks Our Club is managed by Kirsty Jenkinson and Laura Tankard. In addition, we have volunteer staff. We aim is to provide a smooth transition between school and club. All of our staff have significant experience of working with children and undertake professional development training. All staff members are DBS checked. We maintain a staff/child ratio of 1:8 for children under the age of eight, in line with statutory requirements. If you have a query or concern at any time, please speak to a member of staff at the club when you collect your child. If you prefer to arrange a more convenient time for a meeting please contact the manager Kirsty Jenkinson Bright Sparks Laura Tankard Bright Sparks After School Club 25
Children are provided with fruit for snack each day. School milk is also provided free until your child’s fifth birthday and for children eligible for income based Free School Meals. After this, parents may choose to purchase school milk. This is charged on a termly basis and works out at around 20p per day, paid through the School Gateway app. Snack School Meals Emergency Contact Additional Information All children in EYFS and Key Stage 1, i.e. Reception to Year 2, are eligible for a free school meal. Choices include a meat option, vegetarian option, a jacket potato, or a sandwich. We ask that parents discuss the menu choices for that day with their children before they arrive at school. Children then place their choices with their teacher in the classroom who will then order them on the school SIMS system. Children are able to bring their own packed lunch if they would like. Parents are asked to support our Healthy Schools ethos. Taylor Shaw are the company that provide our school meals. Lunch is eaten in our dining room with our lovely lunchtime supervisors. Children are encouraged to use their cutlery independently, however adults are always on hand to provide any support needed. After they have eaten their lunch, KS1 pupils then play on the front playground with the other children. Our EYFS children then return to their own section of the playground to play. Please do not send your child to school with sweets or toys from home. Whilst we are pleased to see a new toy or book, it causes untold upset if they are lost or broken. It is extremely important that you keep your contact details up to date with the school. In foundation stage 2 there are many instances when we need to get hold of carers during the day and the consequences of being unable to can be quite serious. If you are unavailable during school hours make sure we have contact details of someone you trust with the care of you child. 26
Medication If your child has been prescribed medication that needs to be administered within the school day, either you can bring it in at the appropriate time and give them the dose yourself, or alternatively bring it in its original, named container with written instructions as to the dosage, complete a form and someone in school will administer the medicine. We cannot stress enough how important it is that you make us aware of any allergies, dietary requirements or ailments your child may have, so we can ensure the best provision is made for them while they are with us. We are unable to give medicine to a child that has not been prescribed by a doctor. If you require your child to have un-prescribed medication then you must to come into school to give it to your child yourself. is a nut ve fre o e r s G c s h n o n o A l 27
The children are allowed access to outdoors for a large proportion of the time in Foundation Stage 2. Although the uniform policy must be adhered to, they need to be dressed appropriately for the weather at all times. Sensible shoes are required as well as Wellies to change into. It would be great if you could provide children with a pair of Wellies to leave at school. They can be hung on their peg and left until needed. An appropriate coat is also a must, water proof and washable if possible, it will probably get dirty with paint or mud at some point, so nothing too expensive. During the warmer months we like the children to be protected from the sun, so we recommend a sun hat and a clearly labelled bottle of sun cream. Children will also require a PE bag consisting of a white t-shirt and black shorts (no pumps) and a bag of spare clothes to leave on their peg is advantageous. Children who join us are just 4 years old, initially they have difficulty looking after their own property and it is impossible for staff to track down 60 jumpers, coats, hats, gloves etc… PLEASE clearly label all of your child's belongings, even socks! If it hasn't got a name on it, it is likely it will be lost quite quickly! 28 Uniform Guide
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Foundation Stage RSERY UN EPTION CER PTION ECE R 30
Year 1 - Year 6 Y2 Y5 Y4 Y5/6 Y2 Y1 SEFF ARI G STA K REE M Y1 Y6 KS1 Y3 Y4 31 Y3
Welcome to our school community! As your child embarks on this exciting journey in Reception, we want to emphasise the crucial role that regular attendance and punctuality play in their educational experience. Why Attendance Matters: Consistent attendance is vital for your child's learning and development. Each school day is filled with valuable lessons, new skills, and opportunities for social growth. By attending school every day, your child can fully benefit from our comprehensive curriculum and the diverse range of activities we offer. Missing school means missing out on these essential learning experiences, which can impact their progress and confidence. Research shows that children who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve higher academic success and develop better social skills. The Role of Punctuality: Arriving on time sets a positive tone for the day and helps your child start their day with a sense of routine and readiness. It ensures they don't miss out on important morning activities, instructions, and the chance to connect with their peers. Punctuality teaches your child the value of responsibility and respect for others' time, skills that are important throughout their educational journey and beyond. Statistics indicate that students who are frequently late are more likely to struggle academically and have difficulty keeping up with their peers. Our Commitment: We understand that there may be unavoidable circumstances that affect attendance and punctuality. Our school is here to support you and your child in any way we can. If you ever have concerns or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we can help your child build a strong foundation for their future by ensuring they are present and prepared to learn each day. Let's work hand-in-hand to make their Reception year a successful and enjoyable one! 32 The Importance of Attendance and Punctuality
33 Q: Can I take my child out on a holiday during term time? A: We strongly discourage taking holidays during term time as it can disrupt your child's learning. In exceptional circumstances, you must request permission from the school principal, and approval will be granted only in rare cases. Q: What should I do if my child is ill and cannot attend school? A: If your child is unwell, please inform the school as soon as possible on the first day of absence. It's important to keep us updated and provide a medical certificate if required. We encourage you to ensure your child returns to school as soon as they are well enough. Q: What time should my child arrive at school? A: The school doors open at 8:40 AM and close at 8:50 AM. Your child should arrive during this time to ensure they have enough time to settle in and be ready for the start of the school day. Arrivals after 8:50 AM are classed as late, which can disrupt your child's routine and the class. Q: What happens if we are running late? A: If you are running late, please inform the school office as soon as possible. Upon arrival, you must sign your child in at the office so that they can be marked present and safely escorted to their classroom. Q: How can I support my child's good attendance? A: Establishing a consistent morning routine, ensuring a good night's sleep, and preparing school items the night before can help. Discuss the importance of school with your child, and encourage them to look forward to their day. We appreciate your cooperation and commitment to your child's education. Together, we can ensure they have a successful and enjoyable time in Reception! FAQs 5 MINUTES 3 DAYS late each day means your child misses approximately of school each year. 10 MINUTES 6.5 DAYS late each day means your child misses approximately of school each year. 20 MINUTES 13 DAYS late each day means your child misses approximately of school each year. Did You Know? 90% 95% 90% attendance means your child misses the equivalent of one half-day every week, amounting to 4 weeks of school lost in a year. Research shows that children with attendance below 95% are less likely to achieve their full potential and more likely to fall behind in their learning.
We understand the importance of keeping parents informed and engaged in their child's education. To ensure you are always up-to-date, we provide a half-termly newsletter that details the topics and activities your child will be learning in school. This newsletter also includes practical ideas for how you can support your child's learning at home. To further support home learning, we use a program called "Learning with Parents." Every two weeks, you will receive home learning ideas that align with what your child is learning in school. This program allows you to be actively involved in your child's education and offers a space for you to comment on the activities and share how your child is progressing. We communicate with parents through multiple channels to ensure you receive all important information. In addition to paper letters, we also send updates via email and text messages. To facilitate this, it is crucial that we have your current contact details at all times. As part of our commitment to efficiency and sustainability, we are a cashless school. All payments and transactions are handled through the "School Gateway App." This app is an essential tool for managing your child's schoolrelated expenses quickly and securely. By staying connected through these various platforms, we aim to create a supportive and collaborative environment for your child's education. NG CONNE I C Y T A E T D S 34
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ANNS GROVE PRIMARY SCHOOL Anns Road, Heeley, Sheffield S2 3DJ / 0114 255 0398 / [email protected]