Nursery
Welcome to Yew class.
Every day in Yew class you will find us busy! We love learning and playing and spend our days doing just that.
There are lessons every day which focus on one of the seven areas of development from the EYFS curriculum, led by a qualified teacher.
Yew class are taught Phase One Phonics daily.
Learning takes place both indoors and out.
Admissions
Nursery Tours
If you would like to look around Yew class please do contact the school office to arrange a tour.
Age for Admission
Nursery is open to children in the September after their third birthday.
Parents are required to complete a St Andrew’s Nursery Application Form. Those applying for a Foundation Nursery place should get the Minister’s Reference form (Part B) completed by their Minister and return to the school, along with Part A.
Casual admissions throughout the year will be subject to the same admissions criteria found within the Admissions’ Policy.
Session Times
Doors open at 8:40am and the sessions finish at 11:45am, 2:40pm or 3:15pm.
15 and 30 hours free Childcare
All 3 and 4 year olds children are entitled to 15 universal hours of free education, we do offer part-time sessions Monday to Friday 8.40am to 11.45am for this. Children eligible for the 30 hours free childcare can be stay up to 2:40pm free of charge and up to 3:15pm paying a small supplementary fee. Children only entitled to 15 hours can also stay in school till 2:40pm or 3:15pm paying an additional daily charge. You can check your eligibility for 30hrs childcare on here: https://www.gov.uk/30-hours-free-childcare?utm_source=childcarechoices&utm_medium=microsite
Payments are made through ParentPay portal, we also accept payments through childcare vouchers and Tax Free Childcare scheme. Please for more info contact our school office.
Admissions Policy
Please see our Admissions’ Policy here. Please note that admission to the Nursery does not guarantee a place in the Reception class and parents with children in the school must not assume younger siblings will automatically gain a place. The school may be oversubscribed and parents and carers are advised to look carefully at the Admissions’ Policy and seek advice to ensure that forms are correctly and fully completed.
Please contact the school office to enquire about places in our Nursery.
Joining Nursery
If you are a new parent or carer to our Nursery – WELCOME! We hope that you and your child will enjoy being part of our community. We want to work closely with you during your child’s time with us.
Induction for new Nursery Children
We aim to ensure that all children settle quickly and happily into the Nursery. Our induction programme provides several opportunities for you and your child to share information with our staff and get to know them:
- Taking part in a formal tour or informal visit;
- Children and parents stay and play session;
- Home visits;
- Children will be given a transition book with simple pictures and information about nursery, to help them feel at home when they arrive.
During the induction, parents can share information with staff such as medical issues, special educational needs and disabilities or concerns. If you would like to arrange to meet with staff to discuss any particular needs in addition to this then please let us know.
Settling in
Our staff have plenty of experience to help your child come happily to school. Some children find it difficult to settle into Nursery at the beginning of the day, particularly when they are new. This is perfectly normal so try not to worry about this. Initially parents/carers of Nursery children are welcome to come in and help children hang up their coats and book bags. As children grow in confidence they will be encouraged to become more independent.
Children usually settle very quickly when their parent has left. We will let you know if your child does not settle and you can always ring up the office to check.
What Should my Child Wear?
Pupils in Nursery wear a school uniform similar to the rest of the school. They wear a white polo shirt and a navy school jumper or cardigan with grey school trousers, shorts or skirts. In the summer months children can wear blue summer dresses. Pupils are required to wear black school shoes, not trainers.
Uniform displaying the school logo can be purchased from our uniform supplier and trousers, skirts and shorts are sold widely. More information about our uniform can be found here.
What Do I Need to Bring?
Your child will need to bring the following:
- Named water bottle
- Named lunchbox (if staying all day) – please do not send in any food containing chocolate or nuts due to severe allergies
- Bag with a complete change of clothes to be left on your child’s peg
A healthy snack will be provided by Nursery each day – children will be offered a choice of fruit.
Communication
We use Class Dojo to support communication between parents/carers and adults within the Nursery. Your Induction pack will have all the essential information regarding this.
All parents receive a weekly Newsletter giving information about important dates and activities taking place across the school.
How do I know what my child is doing and learning at Nursery?
Each half term, you will receive a Curriculum Map detailing the topic that your child is learning. It will give details about learning from the key aspects of The Early Years Framework. In addition, Class Dojo will be used to share what the children are learning on a daily basis.
Twice a year the school conducts Parents’ Evenings at which time you will be able to discuss your child’s progress and see some of their work. Additionally, appointments can be made with the Class Teacher at a mutually convenient time.
At the end of the year, you will receive a written report detailing your child’s progress throughout the year.
Collective Worship
Collective Worship is an important part of our school life.
Nursery have collective worship in the classroom where they focus on one value each half term: honesty, resilience, responsibility, self-control, empathy and equity. Collective worship helps us to understand these values.
When pupils are ready, they will start to join the whole school for Collective Worship.
Nursery also learn the school prayer and say it every day.
