Induction

We are very proud of our Induction Programme and it is very important to us. The programme spans Summer Term 2 and continues into Autumn Term 1 when we visit the children at home.  The programme provides the opportunity for both parents and children to get to know crucial members of staff and, we hope, to feel happy, confident and welcome, ready to start school in September.

In the first week of June we hold an evening for parents, when we try to provide a flavour of Chew Stoke and the accent essentially is on informality.  The following week there is a ‘picnic’ for the new children and their families in the school grounds during lunchtime.  This is a great opportunity for parents and children to get to know one another. 

Over the next three weeks the ‘new’ children are introduced to the classroom and invited to spend a session each week gradually becoming more independent and familiar with their new surroundings.  There are also weekly invitations to join in Hedgehog Class storytime, at the end of the day, and participate in school activities including Hedgehog class assembly and PTA events, e.g. Summer Fayre and the popular Family Barbecue in July.  We do our best to welcome the whole family.

Towards the end of the summer holidays children will receive a letter written by a member of the current Reception class, welcoming them to Chew Stoke School.  Finally during the first few days of Autumn Term 1, parents are invited to take part in our HomeVisit Scheme. Members of the Foundation staff visit children and their parents informally at home. We strongly believe that this strengthens the team work between home and school. When September arrives children are admitted to school gradually, in small groups, so that they are not overwhelmed by large numbers.  You are welcome to come into the classroom at the start of the day to help settle your child. 

This theme is echoed in reverse when we say goodbye to the children in Year 6 at our Leavers Service, with coffee for parents on return from Church and a Leavers Lunch for Year 6 and ‘invited guests’.

Early Years

The Early Years Foundation Stage is a statutory framework which ‘sets the standards for development, learning and care of children from birth to 5’. 

At Chew Stoke Church School, children in the Foundation Stage benefit from a wide range of practical learning experiences, both indoors and outdoors.  We recognise the value of play.  Through play based activities the children explore, discover and develop interpersonal skills which will prepare them for life.  “Play is the highest form of research” (Einstein). 

Foundation Stage Profile and Learning Logs

During the first year at school we will complete the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile for each child.  The Profile will show your child’s progress over the year, and will be completed as a result of observations.  These observations are ongoing throughout the year;  there are no prescribed ‘tests’.  The Profile will be discussed and shared with you during the year, and you and your child will be invited to make a contribution to it.  You will then receive the Profile as the end of year report in July. The profile is supported by a ‘Learning Log’ for each child. The ‘Learning Log’ contains photographs, observations, work samples and quotes from the children collected during the year. It provides a comprehensive and entertaining record of your child’s first year at school.