Year 3 Parent Information Letter

Year 3 Parent Information Letter
The Year 3 team would like to welcome your child back to school and look forward to another
successful year at Reigate Priory. The following information supplements that available on
www.reigate-priory.co.uk but also adds some year group specific detail that you should be
aware of.
1.
2.
The Year 3 Team
Miss P. Wright
Miss A. Marshall
Mr E. Smith
Miss F. Curtis
Mr D. Bott
Miss R. Peters
3PW
3AM
3ES
3FC
3DB
3RP
Year Leader
Mrs J. Cottrill
Mrs M. Taylor
Mrs J. Ewbank
Year Group Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
Teaching Assistant
SEN Teaching Assistant
Mrs W. Gregory
Mr J. Perfitt
Mr M. Robinson
Year Governors
Access to Staff
Teachers are available for discussion about the children before and after school. However,
we would appreciate a phone call or a letter to arrange a meeting if it is likely to be more than
a quick message or question. Appointments can be arranged through the School Office
either in person, by telephone or by email using info@reigate-priory.surrey.sch.uk.
All Year 3 teachers are available in the playground at 3.30 p.m.
We need to communicate to solve any problems or misunderstandings.
3.
Uniform
School uniform must be worn as detailed below:Boys
Grey trousers/shorts
White shirt
Grey socks
General
Reigate Priory Sweatshirt
Girls
Grey skirt or tunic
White blouse
School summer dress
White socks or black/red/grey tights
Sensible black shoes
Reigate Priory fleece (optional)
Reigate Priory rucksack (optional)
All items must be named.
a)
Trainers may only be worn during break time, games and outdoor
P.E. lessons. School shoes must be worn at all other times, including
to and from school.
b)
Ties must be worn with long sleeved shirts or blouses.
c)
Jewellery and watches are not part of our uniform and are not allowed in
school. Stud earrings are acceptable but must be removed for P.E. (or not
worn on that day as the school cannot take responsibility for lost jewellery).
Surrey County Council guidelines do not allow children to tape over earrings.
d)
An old shirt or something similar is essential for art work.
e)
Coats/waterproofs should be worn to school in appropriate weather to ensure
children are adequately clothed.
f)
During hot weather, children should have a sun hat available.
g)
We recommend that children bring a water bottle into school daily.
Replacement Reigate Priory bottles are available at (£1.00) and lids (20p)
from the office.
We expect parents to help us maintain the high standard of responsibility and
pride in our Reigate Priory uniform.
4.
Curriculum
Our school curriculum comprises everything that we must teach in order for the children to
learn and follows the National Curriculum. To make this accessible to all children we
differentiate the work so children of all abilities can learn at their own level. We aim to
encourage children to work to the best of their ability. In order to ascertain what the children
know, understand and can do, the teachers continually make assessments by asking
questions, giving tests or quizzes, asking children to explain things and checking written
work. Children are also encouraged to self assess and set their own next steps and targets.
The same subjects might be 'revisited' and built upon as the child progresses through the
school. What is known today can be forgotten next year (if not next week!) so our job is not
an easy one!
We have a skill based, topic centred curriculum to foster deeper understanding, more secure
knowledge and further a love of life long learning in our children. By being ‘Topic Centred’ it
brings traditional subject areas together under Areas of Learning. This allows one topic to be
investigated from a variety of angles enabling children to make links, transfer skills and have
a more detailed understanding. Some subjects will still be taught discretely and these
discrete subjects may vary from term to term depending on the topic. We teach English
according to the National Curriculum, however, many activities will be placed in a topic
context.
Mathematical skills and concepts are also taught following the National Curriculum. Children
are grouped according to their needs and abilities to ensure progress and achievement at
their own pace.
All children have a weekly lesson in ICT where they are taught specific and generic ICT
skills. In addition every classroom has its own networked/internet linked computers which
the children use to support their learning in other areas of the curriculum. We also have
presentational technology for interactive whole class teaching across the curriculum.
We encourage high standards of presentation and want the children to enjoy and take a
pride in their work. To achieve this we need you to help, encourage and support us and your
child!
Year 3 topics for this year are:Autumn
Reigate Priory
Then and Now
Spring
Ancient Civilisations
Summer
The World Around Us
A list detailing the work we aim to cover this term is attached. We hope this will help you to
find resources to support your child’s learning and consider appropriate informative visits to
museums and places of interest.
We know all parents want their children to succeed at school as much as we do and if
we can work in partnership, understand and help each other, this is more likely to
happen.
5.
PE and Games
Each class is timetabled to have one lesson per week of Physical Education (P.E.) and one
lesson per week of Games. Although these timetabled slots will remain the same within each
school term, they may change on a termly basis.
P.E. and Games Kit
The following items should be named and kept in a named bag in school everyday:






Plain white t-shirt
Plain red shorts
Plain white sport socks
Trainers
Plain navy or black tracksuit top
Plain navy or black tracksuit bottoms
Children will always wear their white t-shirt, red shorts, white socks and trainers. Where
necessary, such as in particularly cool weather, the navy or black tracksuit top and bottoms
will be worn over the top of this P.E. kit. In the event of high temperatures, children may wear
a plain sun hat (no logos permitted). When kit becomes dirty it will be sent home accordingly
but always at the end of each half term.
Hair that is longer than shoulder length, regardless of gender, must be tied back using a hair
tie and hair clips (plain with no additions e.g. a flower).
Any form of jewellery is not permitted. Piercings cannot be covered by tape to participate,
meaning that the child will not be allowed to take part in the lesson if their piercing cannot be
removed. Please support P.E. and Games at Reigate Priory by ensuring that piercings are
able to be removed. If ear piercings are to take place, please consider having it carried out at
the start of the summer holiday so that they can be removed by the time school resumes in
September.
Outdoor Education and Cooking
To extend our ‘healthy and active’ provision the school is aiming to provide children with at
least two further opportunities to participate in outdoor activities in the park and healthy
eating sessions in the school’s cooking room. This compliments the weekly PE and Games
lessons. Your child will not be required to bring ingredients for the cooking but will need to
bring ‘bonding’ clothes (old outdoor play clothes) for the outdoor, park based sessions. Your
child will be informed in advance of the sessions and messages sent home via their
Homework Diary.
Specific Medical Requirements & Inability to Participate
In the event that your child has a specific medical requirement, parents/carers should please
confirm this with a note. Even though the problem may be obvious to the teacher (e.g. a cast
on a broken arm), they will need confirmation from a parent/carer which includes an
estimation of how long the child will be unable to participate for. The same letter can then be
used until the child is fully recovered rather than requiring a new one each week.
Year 3 P.E. lessons are as follows:Games - Wednesday
PE – Friday
Please help us by ensuring that your child has all their kit at school on the appropriate days.
6.
Extra Curricular Activities - Clubs
At Reigate Priory we have a wide and varied range of extra-curricular opportunities to further
enrich the children’s learning. Attending a club is a great opportunity to meet other children,
learn new skills, be active, explore an interest or even take up a new one.
School clubs can be categorised into two groups:
Teacher Led: These are organised by teaching staff either before school, at lunchtime or
after school. They are available to our pupils free of charge. Last year over 400+ volunteer
hours were dedicated by Reigate Priory staff to provide these opportunities!
Commercial: These are run by external providers/companies. Although recognised by the
school they are entirely separate concerns and therefore require payment. All enquires
regarding these clubs need to be made directly to the organiser of the club and not to the
school.
It is our aim to give all children every opportunity to be involved in the clubs provided. The
emphasis is on skill development, participation and enjoyment, while promoting the many
health, personal and social benefits. To ensure a fun and safe experience, children are
expected to arrive with the correct clothing and equipment. Please support your child in this
matter as if they do not possess the correct kit they may not be allowed to take part.
Due to the number of children participating, attendance does NOT guarantee that any child
will represent the school at events and/or competitions.
Although there is no charge for any teacher-led clubs, children are expected to demonstrate
a commitment to their chosen club.
For further information on Clubs and other Extra Curricular opportunities please see
the termly Clubs Information Letter.
7.
Educational Visits
The school has an exciting programme of educational visits across the whole school and all
children have the opportunity to take part in a residential visit in each year of their junior
school career which is rather unique and something of which we are very proud.
We are convinced of the value of this first hand experience in the learning process. If a visit
supports and enhances the learning in a particular subject we want the children to have that
benefit. Parents are informed about visits and asked to make a voluntary contribution
towards the cost. Our charging and remission policy, in line with the Government directive,
says that families in receipt of Family Credit may claim remission. However, if there is
insufficient funding the visit may not go ahead.
Every year group has a residential educational experience and parents are given full
information about these at a meeting before they are asked to make a commitment.
Year 3 visits planned to date:Term
Autumn
Spring
Summer
Visit
Reigate Castle and grounds
Date
w/b 16 September
Greek Day
Residential. A two-day, one
night stay at High Ashurst, the
Surrey camp site on Box Hill.
Site based activities. Detailed
information available in March.
27th February 2014
19th - 23rd May 2014
th
One day topic related outdoor
visit to Tilgate Park, Crawley.
Education is more than just 'school work'. We want to give our children every
opportunity to develop into well adjusted, caring, informed and happy adults
8.
Homework
Year groups follow a homework timetable appropriate to the age of the child and children are
issued with a homework diary at the start of each academic year. The diary provides a useful
home/school communication link where details of homework and any other important
messages are recorded.
Be sure to monitor your child’s diary to keep up-to-date with their weekly homework tasks
and other information. Please use the diary as one of the ways of communicating with the
class teacher and be sure to sign it weekly.
Writing a positive comment on homework successes is a good way to encourage children
into working well at home. The class teacher will check each diary, sign it and respond when
necessary.
The homework timetable for Year 3 is as follows:
Day Set
Homework
Monday
Numeracy
Monday
Spelling
Reading
Literacy
Friday
Time Allocated
2 weeks
2 x 20 mins.
10 mins. daily
10 mins. daily
20 mins.
Day In
Friday
Test following Monday
Tuesday
Reading is so much more than just fluency and decoding - the skills of comprehension and
inference, deduction, analysis, comparison, considering the effect of the author’s voice as
well as examining word and language choices all make up the complex and wide ranging
skills base that is reading. This is reflected and recognised in the range of reading books
available in our School.
Every child will have a school library book to read from both at home and school but we do
allow the option to have a second book ‘on the go’. This book may be from home or from a
book corner and is a text your child will have chosen to read for enjoyment. Equal time
should be spent reading at home and at school from the school library book and this other
book. If your child chooses to only read from their school library book that is also fine.
Children are expected to read for at least ten minutes daily at home and record a short
summary of key events or character actions read about in that session, in their homework
diary.
There will be a Homework Club available on Monday lunchtime in the Pottery Room to
provide time and additional support to those children who would like it.
Children will be given termly personalised targets in writing, reading and numeracy. Please
discuss these with your children, especially when completing homework tasks. For reading
they will be provided with a special ‘Priory Bookmark’ to help them and you in reading and
exploring the text.
Please establish a time and place for your child to do their homework, show an
interest and 'help' but never do it for them. Let us know through the homework diary if
there is a problem.
9.
Discipline, Rewards and Sanctions
We have high expectations of the standards of behaviour of our children. Rules are for the
smooth and safe running of our school community.
Good behaviour and work are rewarded with verbal praise, house points and 'stickers' in the
classroom and from Mr. Lellman and Mr Moses. Year 3 have a weekly Gold Book assembly
to celebrate positive behaviour and attitudes. Certificates are also presented to encourage
children to collect house points.
Our Code of Behaviour which sets out six statements that encourage self-discipline and
consideration for others is as follows:1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
I will treat everyone with kindness and respect.
I will always tell the truth the first time.
I will learn and play safely.
I will respect my own and other people’s property.
I will stay within set boundaries.
6.
I will listen and respond to instructions the first time from:–
Teachers and other adults in the school.
Lunchtime supervisors.
Year 6 Prefects.
It is the responsibility of all adults to set a good example and ensure acceptable behaviour at
all times.
If children do not comply with our rules there is a set procedure of sanctions. The
Classteacher, Year Leader, Deputy and Headteacher are the 'line of command' for any
behaviour problems. Parents will be contacted should we consider a situation to be of a
serious enough nature, i.e. stealing, swearing, aggressive behaviour, persistently not working
and the offending child may have to complete a misbehaviour form.
The school has an Anti-Bullying Policy which condemns bullying of any kind. We are a
‘TELLING’ school and children must be encouraged to TELL should they be the victim of
verbal or physical bullying.
Praise and encouragement from both parents and teachers are excellent motivators.
10.
Security
a)
The safety and security of the children is a serious issue at Reigate Priory. Because
of our unique site we are most stringent about our supervision. Children should not arrive
before 8.20 a.m. From this time we have four early morning Supervisors Mrs A. Sloane, Mr.
N Thompson, Mrs K. McDonald and Mrs. H. Sinnott on duty in the playground. Once
children have arrived on school premises they must NOT leave the supervised area. We do
not encourage parents to allow children on their own to go into Morrisons, or any other
shops, on the way to school. At playtime we have six adults on duty covering the inside of
the building and the playground. At lunch time our caring and efficient team of mid-day
supervisors look after the children. They are supported by the Leadership Team.
b)
Parents and visitors must report to the school office on arrival. We must know who is
on school premises at all times. Badges and a signing-in book are used for people
remaining in the building.
Our Front Door (next to Mr Lellman’s office) is NOT the way in for pupils in the morning or
out at 3.30 pm. The correct way in and out of school for pupils is via the playground – using
either the North Gate (Morrisons’ side) or the South side Park gates. The front door is for
visitors who need to come to the school office to sign in.
c)
Parents/grandparents who are helping in school need to have DBS (Disclosure
Barring System) clearance applicable to Reigate Priory School. If you can help, please
apply on line for DBS clearance at the following address:https://disclosure.capitarvs.co.uk/babcocksupportservces/
username – 9362457
password – priory1200
d)
Valuables, including watches, jewellery, electronic games and mobile phones, should
not be brought to school.
e)
Our school recognises the many positive benefits of pupils travelling to school without
the use of a car. We therefore encourage children and other family members to travel
together, utilising alternatives including walking, cycling, scootering, etc and public transport.
The decision as to how a child travels to school and whether a child is able to travel
independently to and from school safely, rests entirely with the parents/carer. Parents who
wish their child to travel to school independently, by whatever means MUST advise the
school in writing, in advance using the form available in the school office. If any changes
should occur to the provided details, parents must inform the school in writing as soon as is
possible.
It is not possible for the school to provide confirmation of a child’s arrival or absence.
Where a child travels to school independently, the school would suggest that they:
 Travel with a friend or as part of a group.
 Follow the agreed route that has been identified on the proforma, to the school.
 Where applicable, has undertaken relevant awards and/or certifications to ensure
competence and confidence e.g. Cycling Proficiency Awards.
.
11.
Attendance
Registers of attendance are completed at the beginning of the morning and afternoon
sessions of school. If a child is not on school premises at this time they are marked absent,
late arrivals must report to the office and the registers will be amended to show a 'late mark'.
If this happens regularly the Education Welfare Officer (EWO) will be informed and will
contact/visit parents.
We must be informed about absence due to illness/dental appointments/family problems etc.
Either a phone call (which will be documented and given to the classteacher) an email to
info@reigate-priory.surrey.sch.uk or a note of explanation (which will also be kept to ensure
there are no unexplained or 'unauthorised' absences) is required. The EWO checks absence
marks against this documentation.
Due to recent changes in government legislation, the school has revised its Leave of
Absence Policy. Please read the following so you are aware of the change:
Reigate Priory Junior School firmly believes that all children benefit from regular school attendance.
A full and uninterrupted presence gives children the opportunity to fulfil their academic and social
potential but also contributes significantly to establishing a positive learning and work ethic.
The school recognises the importance of school holidays (12 weeks per year) for children to rest,
recuperate and enjoy spending quality time together as a family. However, term time is for learning
therefore, it is not acceptable for children, regardless of which year group they may be in, to miss
school as a result of holiday.
If a family needs to request absence in term-time then an Application for Leave of Absence
Form(available from the School Office) must be completed at least two weeks before the leave date
and include adequate explanation to why the leave is necessary.
The Headteacher will not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional
circumstances. No leave will be authorised if the child’s attendance is less than 95%. Please note
that absences for events at sibling’s schools, shopping trips or birthdays are not acceptable.
Holidays taken without the permission of the Headteacher and Governing Body may result in legal
actions being taken against each parent.
12.
School Meals
The cost of a school dinner will be £2.05 per day. If your child has school dinners you will
receive your ‘bill’ for a half term and prompt payment is essential. If you wish to pay weekly
then please send in £10.25 each Monday morning. The on-line paying facility is also
available via www.surreycc.gov.uk/schoolmeals. Parents who are eligible for Income
Support, Income Based Job Seeker’s Allowance and Child Tax Credit (not Working Tax
Credit) can claim free school meals. Please contact Mrs. Pledge, in the School Office, if you
wish to apply. If you are eligible for free school meals but do not wish to avail yourself of this
service, could you please advise us as this affects the level of school funding.
All changes to lunch arrangements must be notified, in writing, giving at least one week’s
notice. Without written notification, where children change from school meals to packed
lunches, parents will be charged for the interim period, as meals have to be ordered in
advance from Commercial Services. For children who bring packed lunches, please
encourage them to bring home all packaging and waste food. This helps reduce our rubbish
and stops the squirrels scavenging in our dustbins!!
A reminder that all playtime snacks should be as healthy as possible. NO chocolate,
sweets or crisps – thank you. Also, we are a NUT FREE school due to the increasing
number of children susceptible to allergic reactions.
13.
Further Information
This letter and other correspondence as well as further information on our school is available
at www.reigate-priory.co.uk. It is worth ‘bookmarking’ the ‘Latest Updates’ page!
The monthly newsletter arrives on the first Friday and is the best way to keep you up to date
with all school news, events and reminders about dates.
Reigate Priory uses the Parentmail email information service to distribute the vast majority of
its correspondence. If you haven’t registered for Parentmail please do so via the School
Office as it not only helps us reduce the amount of paper we use but is also the fastest and
most efficient method of communicating with all our families.
PLEASE KEEP THIS INFORMATION FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
Yours sincerely,
N. F. Lellman
Mr. N. F. Lellman
Headteacher