Welcome to Foundation Stage One at DESS

Our School VisionWe nurture independent, confident and resilient learners who respond to challenge and aspire to reach their full potential. We aim to develop self-worth, mutual respect and enjoyment in the process of learning. These qualities are vital in preparing our learners for the diverse challenges of tomorrow.

Meet the teamAssistant HeadMiss Rebecca Eldred

Phase LeaderMiss Liz Miller

TeachersMrs Joanne CampbellMrs Daleen De Beer

Mrs Caroline RedfordMrs Hazel AndrewsMrs Tracey Taylor

Learning Support AssistantsMrs Becky Cox

Mrs Zoe StevensonMrs Becky Wallis

Mrs Sarah TometzkiMrs Vicki Kasparis

Mrs Claire McDonald

Building on SuccessHigh quality provision that has seen outstanding attainment and progress

in all areas of learning and also in the children’s critical and creative thinking skills, social, emotional skills and excitement and motivation to

learn.

We are laying the foundations for future learning, developing skills and engaging all areas of the brain through an active and

fun curriculum.

The curriculum - developing the whole child

We follow the UK EYFS development matters guidance. This can be downloaded from the school website.

The children will learn through a range of exciting, active and thoroughly planned learning experiences both indoors and

outdoors.

Induction Arrangements• Meet the teachers on Thursday 25th May. Please arrive through

the front main entrance of school and then gather in Latifa hall. Don’t forget your ID!

• Children will be starting in small groups in September to allow adults and children the time to begin to form positive relationships.

Sunday 10th, Monday 11th, Tuesday 12th September½ class, 8 – 9.30am, ½ class 10.30am – 12 midday

Wednesday 13th September onwardsAll FS1 children in full time, 7.45 – 12.30pm

How will we help your child settle into their new setting?

• We will be aware of each individual child’s needs. Activities will be planned that focus on the children’s interests (using the home information sheets).

• All adults will help the children to feel safe, secure and cared for.

• The learning environment will be fun and exciting. • Routines will be established.

Specialist Lessons

• Swimming

• P.E.

• Music

• Dance

How can you help your child to settle?

• Talk about school in an enthusiastic and positive manner.

• Try not to be late at drop off or pick up!• Ensure that your child has food in their lunchbox that

they enjoy!• Practise dressing and undressing at home and

encourage your child to begin to take some responsibility for their belongings.

• Help your child to be able to use the toilet independently.

• Follow us on twitter!

Attendance

Attendance is important.

As a school we are expected to track attendance and lates for all children.

Figures have to be reported to the KHDA.

We will monitor each child’s attendance throughout the year.

Snack Times

• Children will need enough food for 1 snack time and a water bottle.

• Healthy choices are positively encouraged by the school following extensive research on the effects of poor diet on performance.

• No nut and no pork policy.

• We do not have facilities to

heat food.

Uniform

• DESS Shop Located at DESS

Campus

• Uniform Guide on the website

and will be e-mailed.

We hope your children enjoy a happy healthy education with us.

What we offer

• First aid and emergency treatment.

• Evaluation and recommendations of routine vaccinations.

• Booster vaccinations of tetanus, diphtheria and MMR.

• Advice on a wide range of health related issues.

• Medications in school.

• Health records and care plans.

Infection Control

Please do not send your child to school with:-

∙ A fever, not to return to school for 24 hours after the last temperature of 38 degrees C (100 F)∙ Vomiting, not to return to school for 24 hours after

the last episode of vomiting∙ Diarrhoea, not to return to school for 24 hours after

the last episode of diarrhoea. ∙ Red, watery infected eyes (conjunctivitis)

Thank you

Notices and Communication

• Watch the notice boards and classroom doors for information

• Look in your child’s bag and read any letters or notes• Parent portal• Weekly blogs on the website• Weekly open sessions• Write in the Communication Diary• If in doubt – ask the Staff!• There will be an information evening in September to

give further information about the Foundation Stage Curriculum and how your children will be learning in their first year at school.

Thank you for choosing DESS