Laleham Lea School Preparatory School Surrey

The letter below is included here as it summarises much of the general information we supply parents in order to ensure both the smooth running of the school and the health and safety of the children.

September 2006

Dear Parents,

Welcome back to our new academic year.

In order to ensure the smooth running of the school and the health and safety of the children, I would like to draw your attention to the following:

School Hours

The school day begins at 8.55am (9am for Nursery) and ends at 3pm for Nursery, 3.10pm for Reception, Lower Transition and Upper Transition, 3.15pm for Pre-Prep and Lower and 3.20pm for Middle and Upper.

Dropping Children Off in the Morning

In the interest of your child's safety, please do not drop him/her off before 8.30am since playground supervision will not begin until that time and the doors will not be open. Children however should be in the playground at least five minutes before the bell rings. They should not arrive at school late. This practice interrupts lessons, assemblies and gives the children involved an unsettled start to the day, disrupts both his/her education and that of his/her peers. All outside doors will be locked at 9am. Latecomers should come to the front door. For safety and security reasons fire doors and other exits should not be used after they have been locked. Should you require entry, please ring the bell. To exit, please ask a member of staff to lock the front door after you.

Collecting Children After School

Again in the interests of safety, please collect your child at the times above since there will be no playground supervision after school. If children are involved in after school activities they should be collected promptly at 4.30pm. or when clubs finish. If either before or after school care is required, telephone numbers of registered childminders are available on our website.

Uniform

The correct school uniform should be worn at all times and is available only from Cladish of Wallington. A uniform list is available on request from school and also from Cladish. All items of uniform, including games kit, bags and lunch boxes should be clearly labelled. Shoes should be suitable for school. Fashion shoes are not appropriate. Girls should wear only navy or royal blue hair accessories. Jewellery is not allowed except for a watch. Girls who have their ears pierced are only allowed small plain gold studs. Those who represent the school in sporting competitions must remove their earrings before matches. No girl in the school is allowed to wear nail polish. Hair gel should not be worn and extremes of hair styles discouraged.

Illness

In the case of illness, please notify the school by telephone on the first morning of the absence. Parents should request leave of absence for any special reason in writing in advance, including doctors' appointments etc. If your child needs medicine administered during school time, please ask for a Medicine Consent Form. Should your child have an accident during the school day, you may be required to sign the Accident Book.

Lunches

I would ask parents to continue to provide a healthy, balanced lunch. Please try to avoid or limit crisps, sweets, fizzy drinks etc since all reliable research points to these foods having an adverse effect on children's behaviour and on their ability to concentrate. Please also continue to include at least one piece of fruit for snack time at 10.30am. Savoury or sweet items of food may only be eaten by the children after their lunch.

As parents were informed last term, it is advisable for all children to bring their packed lunches to school in insulated/cool bags or boxes with reusable ice packs to maintain a safe temperature. The bags should be labelled with the child's name.

I would also ask parents, for obvious reasons, not to include glass bottles and large plastic bags at any time. Water is available throughout the day for all the children.

Term Time Holidays

Term time holidays devalue and disrupt your child's education. I encourage you please to take holidays only when the school is closed.

Permission for Off-Site Activities

Children are involved in supervised, extra-curricular activities away from the school, on a day-to-day basis i.e. Mass, swimming, games, outings etc. A form is enclosed requesting your consent for your child to take part in these off-site activities. Please sign and return to the class teacher.

Contact numbers

It is essential that we are kept up to date with contact details, i.e. mobile telephone, work numbers etc. Should your child become ill at school, we will need to contact you promptly. A form is enclosed for you to complete and return to the class teacher. If any of these details change during the year please advise us as soon as possible.

We have the best interests of the children in mind at all times and these guidelines above are intended only to ensure their health, safety and happiness. I would ask for your support in making sure that they are closely adhered to.

Consideration of Complaints

It is recommended that any cause for concern is discussed with the class teacher and/or the Head Teacher on an informal basis as soon as possible. Normally this is all that is needed to resolve a problem. However, should this informal approach be unsuccessful, the matter should be raised formally with the Headteacher.

We have the best interests of the children in mind at all times and the guidelines above are intended only to ensure their health, safety and happiness. I would ask for your support in making sure that they are followed.

Yours sincerely,

J. Power
Head Teacher

Foundation Stage: Early Years at Laleham Lea

An Introduction to the Foundation Stage

The Foundation Stage is the period of a child's education from the age of 3 to 5 years. At Laleham Lea this time is spent in the Nursery and Reception classes. It is called the Foundation Stage because it gives children secure foundations for later learning. Early experiences affect children's attitude to learning and create a basis for later learning in school and beyond. Children learn best from experiences that are suitable to their stage of development.

The Foundation Stage is defined by the Early Learning Goals, which most children should be able to reach by the end of the Reception year.

The Early Learning Goals

From the beginning great emphasis is placed on music and sport. Children in the Foundation Stage take part in singing, percussion, music and movement and games lessons. They also join with Years 1 and 2 in music and drama productions at least twice a year and take part in Sports Day in the summer term. Parents are invited to attend these very enjoyable occasions.

Welcome to the Early Years at Laleham Lea

Before your child starts at Laleham Lea:

After you have returned a completed application form to the school, your child will be invited for a short visit during the term prior to admission to meet his/her new teacher and the other children.

Preparing your Child to Start School

The Nursery Class

The Nursery Class is open Monday to Friday during every school term and follows the school holiday calendar.

The maximum number of children attending per session is sixteen. The day is divided into two sessions: -

A child can be enrolled for any number and combination of morning and afternoon sessions, subject to availability. An adult must accompany all children into the Nursery Classroom at the beginning of each session.

Prompt collection of children is requested to enable staff to prepare for the next session. Please notify staff in advance, in writing when another adult is to collect your child, other than the named authorised adult.

The Nursery Class aims to offer a safe, friendly and stimulating environment. A partnership with parents is promoted and the Nursery Teacher is available before or after each session to talk with parents.

A questionnaire is provided - please return this form to the Nursery Teacher before your child commences his/her first nursery session.

Nursery Fees

Fees are payable in advance at the beginning of every term and are charged at a rate of £11.00 per morning and £9.00 per afternoon. 'Early Birds' fees are £3.00 per session.

Regrettably, fees cannot be refunded for absences or sessions granted in lieu. A term's notice in writing is required. In the event of this not being received, a full term's fees will be charged.

Outings

During the Foundation Stage, children are taken to a number of interesting and exciting places. Details of each outing will be issued in advance in writing.

2007 ISI Inspection Report

Prospectus

A Nursery (Foundation Stage) Prospectus and a Main School Prospectus are available by phoning the school or submitting the form in the Contact Us section.

House System

A system of 4 houses operates in the school:

A large number of House activities are held including competitions in all the major sports. House points are also awarded for good behaviour, effort and academic achievement. House captains are appointed from pupils in Year 6 and cups and shields for a variety of activities are awarded each year.

Montage

School Montage by Ivel Muller

Ivel Muller, the Argentinian artist, was commissioned to paint a special watercolour of Laleham Lea School. This currently hangs in permanent display within the school.

General Information

September 2008 Letter to Parents