Apple Class

 FOUNDATION  STAGE

In the Foundation Stage we aim to provide a child centred environment in which the children can gain in confidence and make an enjoyable start to their school life.

All children are members of a pastoral group under the care of one of our members of staff.  The children meet in these pastoral groups every day, throughout the year, to share a snack and their news together.

Much of our work is child initiated, with the children choosing areas of the setting in which to concentrate their energies.  However, they are assigned to a working group and will be called upon at regular intervals to take part in focus activities which are adult led.  We also take part in whole class activities to begin our day, attend worship and share class physical education sessions in the hall.

The children are all given a book bag when they begin at school and are invited to choose a book to take home daily.  They will also be given a short homework task each week to share with the adults at home.  We ask that the bags are brought into school each Tuesday morning, for new homework, and we will return them to the children each Thursday.

The staff in the Foundation Stage feel that the education of the children is a shared responsibility with the adults at home and we welcome your contributions and concerns.  We are always appreciative of the support and encouragement we receive from home.

Our latest curriculum letter:

Dear Parents/Carers

Thank you for your support with the Teddy bear picnic.  We had a fun time together and used our ‘speaking and listening’ skills in our games.

Our picnic was the introduction to our theme of ‘Traditional tales’.  Over the term we will be looking at many versions of these tales and making up some of our own.  We would love you to share in this by sharing tales with your child at home.  We will also welcome your child bringing some of their books from home to share with their friends in school.

May I again remind you that children are able to change their ‘red spot’ books each day.

We ask that you ensure that your child brings their book bag into school each Tuesday.  We will endeavour to renew reading books and any homework each Wednesday and return the book bags to you on Thursday.

Once again may I ask you to make sure that everything belonging to your child is named.  Sometimes, written names wash out of clothes – please check that yours are still readable.

If you have any problems or queries for us please do not hesitate to talk to us.  The best time to talk is at 3.15pm as the children leave but if a matter is urgent do talk to us at any time.  We like to solve little problems quickly if we can.

Thank you, as always, for your support.

Mrs. Appleyard and the team.