2005 / 2006
“Children ... make rapid progress in all areas of learning because of the very good introduction they have to the school through the highly skilled support of adults who work with them. They achieve very well in all areas of learning” Ofsted
Dear Parent / Carer,
Welcome to Cale Green Primary School. For those of you new to the school we have been looking forward to meeting you and your children, who we hope will settle happily into the Reception class and enjoy their first experience of school. For those of you who already attend our school we will ensure that your child's positive experiences in Nursery will be continued in our Reception class.
Reception class activities are underpinned by sound educational theory and we follow the Foundation Stage Curriculum. The Reception staff, led by Miss Nobes, are very professional and experienced in Early Years education and care. They are always happy to talk with you should any queries or problems arise. Our aim is for your child to acquire the initial skills necessary for them to succeed in our school.
The Reception class is very much a full part of the school and, as such, operates under all of the school policies and procedures. We do require children to attend the sessions punctually as this ensures an orderly start. The children wear the school uniform which makes the children feel 'special' and that they belong to our school. Some of the activities in Reception can also sometimes be a bit messy and the clothes all wash well. It also stops you worrying about what they are going to wear!
We have a gradual admission procedure during which we will be working very closely with you to ensure a smooth and happy start to your child's education.
The Foundation Stage staff are all aware of the crucial role they play in developing learning. We recognise that children learn in many different ways and we draw on a range of teaching strategies and knowledge of child development. We encourage the children to play, talk, observe, test, plan, question and reflect on their experiences.
Finally, thank you again for your interest in our school . We hope that this is the start (or the continuation) of a long and happy association between your family and our school. If you require any further information then please do not hesitate to contact Miss Nobes or myself.
This reception Handbook is a shortened version of the whole school handbook, a copy of which will be available in September.
Yours sincerely,
Mr. D.Marshall.
Head teacher
Welcome to Cale Green Reception! We will work hard to ensure that your child settles quickly into school life and has a happy start to their education.
The Reception staff are:
| Teacher: |
Miss E. Nobes |
| Part-time Teaching Assistant: |
Mrs J. Baldwin |
| Part-time Teaching Assistant: |
Mrs A. Kennedy |
The Reception class is full time. The day is split into four sessions:
| am |
pm |
| 8.50 - 10.45 |
1.00 - 2.15 |
| 11.00 - 12.00 |
2.30 - 3.10 |
An Act of Collective Worship is held each day. On Friday many parents join their children for a 'Family Assembly' at 9.00am.
Children should not be sent to school much before the prescribed starting time in the morning. Supervision in the playground can only take place if the child arrives after 8.40am. Children who do not stay in the school for their lunch should not be sent back to school before 12.50pm, unless they are to take part in some activity arranged and supervised by, a member of staff.
Breakfast Club starts at 8.00am and there is an after school club , 'Fun Zone'.
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Children enter the school having had a range of different experiences. They have already learned a great deal, especially from their families, and have varied interests and skills. Young children constantly encounter new experiences and they try to understand them in order to make sense of the world around them.
We work hard to extend their skills, develop their confidence and build on what they already know.
Before starting Reception, you will be invited to an introductory meeting, more information will be given on your child's starting date. It is important that you and your child feel welcome and secure in the new environment.
At Cale Green we split the class into 2 groups for the first 2 weeks and your child will be admitted as part of a small group. This is an important time for children, parents and staff. We feel that small groups ensure a confident and a quality start. Attendance time is built up gradually until at the end of second week the children feel secure enough to stay for the full session (and lunch!).
Should you have any queries or concerns about this process or your child's starting date please do not hesitate to contact any of the Reception staff.
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We aim for our Reception to be a warm, pleasant and stimulating environment with lots of interaction and positive social contact. We believe the education of your child is a joint venture between parents and staff, and when we work together the results have a positive impact on the child's development and learning. A successful partnership is vital and you are actively encouraged to participate in school life.
You can help on school trips and visits or in the classroom where you can share your experience and expertise in a number of ways. These are not the only ways to be involved: showing interest in your child's learning and open communication with the staff is just as important. We believe a successful partnership needs a two-way flow of information, knowledge and expertise.
We welcome you to our Reception class and we encourage you to let us know if you have any questions or queries. There will always be a member of the staff willing to talk to you should you have any worries about your child's education or welfare.
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The Reception curriculum is broadly based, following the Foundation Stage Early Learning Goals, and is formulated according to the age and ability of individuals. The curriculum takes into account the stated aims of the school and is subject to constant review.
The Foundation Stage Curriculum has six areas of learning and provides a solid foundation for later achievement in the National Curriculum. These areas are:
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
This focuses on the child learning to work, develop confidence, play, co-operate and respond positively to others in a group beyond the family.
Communication, Language and Literacy
This focuses on important aspects of language development and provides a foundation for literacy. We foster the children's developing competence in talking and listening and in becoming readers and writers.
Mathematical Development
This covers important aspects of mathematical understanding as well as providing the foundation for numeracy. The emphasis is on achievement through practical activities and in using and understanding mathematical language.
Knowledge and Understanding of the World
This area focuses on the children's developing knowledge and understanding of their environment, other people and features of the natural and man- made world. It provides a foundation for historical, geographical, scientific and technological learning. We want the children to develop positive attitudes to discovery and experimentation and to develop the ability to predict, observe and communicate their observations, solve problems and explore the world around them.
Physical Development
This focuses on the child developing physical control on both a small and large scale, awareness of space and manipulative skills in indoor and outdoor environments. A positive attitude towards a healthy and active way of life is also emphasised.
Creative Development
This focuses on the development of the child's imagination and their ability to express ideas and communicate feelings in creative ways. This expression is encouraged through art, music, dance, stories and imaginative play.
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Early years record-keeping recognises children as individuals and reflects their development as a whole. Children arrive in school with differing levels of confidence and competence and the staff take note of this and work alongside your child's needs. Assessment is continuous and ongoing and much of it is informal.
Baseline assessments are carried out on a one-to-one, non threatening basis with the Reception teacher during your child's first term at school. This assessment is undertaken informally and provides information on what your child can do, which is the basis for appropriate future planning. An informal Parent's Evening takes place each term to discuss how your child has settled and adjusted, how successfully they have built up relationships with their peers and the adults who care for them and the progress they are making.
We plan for each child's individual learning requirements, including those children who need additional support or who have specific needs or disabilities. Any child who is identified as having special educational needs is supported, and time to work alongside parents is made available so that we can develop effective strategies to meet these needs.
Reports to parents are provided at the end of your child's time in Reception. A selection of your child's work is kept and mounted into class books , which are then passed onto you at the end of the year. All assessments are sent onto your child's Year 1 teacher to provide continuity and progression.
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We have staff qualified in First-Aid who are able to deal with most of the minor injuries that occur in school. Sometimes we do have more serious accidents, and in these circumstances we will make every effort to contact parents or carers. However, the welfare of the child is our first concern and it may well be necessary to seek immediate hospital treatment, whilst at the same time, attempting to contact you.
Therefore, it is vital that we are kept informed of where you can be contacted in an emergency, especially if you go out to work during the day. Please inform the school immediately of any changes that effect this information. One day you may be needed urgently. Other up-to-date contact names and telephone numbers are also important.
Please do not bring your child to school if he/she is already feeling unwell or showing signs of physical upset. Invariably these children need to be sent home for his or her sake, or the sake of the other children. If there is any doubt in your mind about your child's health, it is far better to keep him/her at home for a while, or visit your doctor. It is often the case too that some children return to school before they are really fully well. This often means they have to have further time off, which can be disruptive for you and your child.
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As a general rule medicines are not administered to children on the school premises by the staff. This is in line with the Department for Education and Skills and Stockport LEA's guidelines. However, it is appreciated that sometimes a child is perfectly well enough to attend school but is following a course of medicine prescribed by a doctor that needs to be administered during the school day. In such cases if the school staff (both teaching and non-teaching) are to be asked to administer medicine, they are only allowed to do so with written authority from parents and the consent of the head teacher. Forms for this purpose are available from the school secretary.
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If you find, or suspect that your child has head lice (or the eggs, often known as 'nits') please let the Reception staff know. Be assured that anyone can catch head lice and it has nothing to do with 'dirty hair'. In fact, head lice prefer clean hair (but they don't like combs!)
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We have a small selection of books available on loan, which are kept in the cloakroom for easy access. We encourage you to help your child select a book to take home and share with you regularly. This helps to foster an enjoyment and appreciation of books, and develops your child's concentration, and well as language and literacy skills. The Friends of Cale Green (FROGs) give each child a book bag, which ensures books remain in good condition. Unfortunately books or book bags which are unreasonably damaged or lost must be paid for.
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All parents, carers, governors, teachers and ancillary staff at Cale Green are automatically members of the 'Friends of Cale Green'. The aim of the 'FROGs' is to 'advance' the education of children in the school. It is committed to achieving this in a number of ways. These include developing relationships between all those involved with the school and raising money to assist with the provision of resources for the school and the children. We have a small but very committed group of parents who are always looking for others to join them.
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The school should be informed as soon as possible, usually by telephone, the reason for a child's absence. Please send a note on your child's return. Government regulations require every absence to be explained, preferably by a note/letter from the parent or guardian. The Education Welfare Officer and the Learning Mentor regularly monitor attendance and will contact parents if necessary. The Learning Mentor, Mrs Eyre, will contact you if there is an unexplained absence.
Each teacher is concerned with the well-being and happiness of the children in his/her charge. Please inform us of anything which may be distressing your child, for example the death of a relative, death of a pet or absence of a parent (hospital, working away, etc).
Whenever possible, dental or medical appointments should be made outside school hours.
Children are not allowed to leave school during the day unless a parent / carer comes into school to collect the child after seeing the head teacher or a member of staff.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL A CHILD BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE THE SCHOOL PREMISES ON THE STRENGTH OF A VERBAL REQUEST ALONE OR WITH ANOTHER MINOR.
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If a child arrives, or is brought to school, after 8.50am, she/he is late and must report to Mrs Lowe / Mrs Eyre before going to the classroom. This is important so that the attendance registers can be kept accurately. A record is made of late arrival and if the problem persists then parents will be contacted by the headteacher or the Educational Welfare Officer.
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As already stated the school should be informed, as soon as possible, of the reason for any absence. If no reason is given, the absence is classed as 'unauthorised'. In addition, certain absences may be classed as 'unauthorised', even if a message has been received. This is if the absence was not for an authorised or justifiable reason such as shopping.
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One big change for your child this year will be staying at school for their lunch. Some children choose to bring a packed lunch but the majority choose a school dinner.
School meals cost Ł1. 45 each day. Children from families in receipt of Income Support / Income Based Jobseekers Allowance or Child Tax Credit (but not Working Tax Credit) and whose annual income (as assessed by the Inland Revenue) does not exceed Ł13,910 are eligible for free school meals. Application forms and further details are available from the Education Divisions Welfare Benefits Team (0161 474 3878) or any of the Authority's Information Offices.
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Parents are requested to dress their children in school uniform. The basic colours are green, grey and white and it consists of:
white shirt or polo shirt
grey / black trousers / skirt / pinafore dress (no jeans or tracksuits)
green sweatshirt / cardigan / jumper
green fleece
sensible black shoes (no boots please)
The school provides a wide range of uniform items.
As well as a school sweatshirt and polo-shirt we also have a fleece, a crew-necked t-shirt, a book bag, a baseball cap and a 'beanie' hat. All of these have the school logo printed or embroidered on.
Due to the demand for these items we would be grateful if you buy or order uniform at the school office on Wednesday mornings when we have a Uniform Shop.
All the items are competitively priced:
| Sweatshirt |
Ł6.25 - Ł7.25 depending on size |
| Polo-shirts |
Ł5.95 |
| T-shirt |
Ł4.00 |
| Fleece |
Ł9.95 |
| Book bag |
Ł2.50 |
| Cap |
Ł3.00 |
| 'Beanie' hat |
Ł3.00 |
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plain white t-shirt / polo-shirt
black / white sports shorts
PE kit should be kept in school in a named PE bag as opportunities for PE often arise at short notice.School PE kit must be worn.
School is able to take orders for embroidered polo shirts, fleeces, printed sweatshirts and T-shirts. Please mark all your child's clothing with his/her name. We can also take orders for a showerproof jacket, homework/reading book bag, a school baseball cap and a 'beanie' hat.
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The majority of concerns expressed by parents are dealt with on an informal basis within the school itself. Only when this avenue is exhausted would the complaints procedure established by the LEA come into effect. A complainant who was still not satisfied after 'full, fair and speedy' consideration of the complaint at every level would have the opportunity to make the complaint directly to the Secretary of State.
The full details of the Complaints Procedure, including the scope of the arrangements and the rights and roles of all concerned, the role of the Governing Body, LEA and the Secretary of State are available from school.
All complaints will be taken seriously and treated with care and sensitivity.
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Medical screening takes place for children in the Reception age group. Each child is routinely seen for a hearing test. In addition, some children may have their vision, height and weight checked at school if it is deemed necessary. The children are examined by the school doctor and parents are invited to be present.
The school nurse is Madeline Brunton, who is based at Heaton Norris Health Centre, and she carries out the Screening Programme. A dental inspection is also held annually. Parents are informed by the school dentist if any treatment is required.
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The following documents are available in school on a reference basis, and can be made available to any parent, during school time.
- L.E.A.'s Curriculum Policy Statement
- Various Statutory Instruments, Circulars and Administrative Memoranda sent to schools by the Department for Education and Skills
- National Curriculum documents
- Stockport LEA Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education
- School based Schemes of Work
- L.E.A.'s Procedure for Complaints
- The School Prospectus
- The Governing Body's Annual Report to Parents
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“Cale Green is a very effective school, with many outstanding features. The excellent leadership of the headteacher has established an outstanding ethos for learning. Teaching is very good and pupils achieve very well. Taking into account the standards the school achieves and the very high quality provision it makes for pupils, it gives very good value for money.”
“Children make a very good start to their education in the Nursery. Provision for the Foundation Stage is very good.”
“Most significantly the parents have regained their confidence in the school and numbers are beginning to rise in the Nursery and Reception classes.”
“In the Nursery and the Reception class children's achievement is very good. Children learn quickly because of the very good teaching they receive. The vast majority are on course to reach the expected learning goals by the end of Reception.”
“In the Foundation Stage classes, teachers and teaching assistants have a very good understanding of the needs of young children and they plan very well for these. The result is that young children settle very quickly and are able to learn at a very good rate from the exciting activities provided.”
“The curriculum is good overall. In the Foundation Stage it is very good because teachers plan a very rich curriculum from which children learn.”
“The very high quality of leadership together with the high commitment of staff place the school in a very strong position to continue to improve.”
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We hope that you have found this Reception Handbook informative. If you wish to discuss anything concerning the school, please do not hesitate to contact us.
| D. Marshall |
E.Nobes |
| Headteacher |
Reception Teacher | | 