dean close pre-preparatory school - information

Pre-Prep School Information BookJanuary 2013

DCS PRE-PREP 2013 Information Booklet Adam Master:Layout 1 08/03/2013 14:44

2 l PRE-PREPARATORY SCHOOL INFORMATION BOOK

Dean Close Pre-Preparatory School

Sports Fields


I am delighted to be able to introduce you to Dean Close Pre-Preparatory School, fondly known as the ‘Squirrels’. We areproud to be part of the Dean Close family of schools, providingexcellent education for boys and girls from 2 years 9 months to18 years.

The School is set in 50 acres of beautiful parkland, close to thecentre of Cheltenham, which provides a stimulating environmentfor our pupils. With a modern, purpose built building, we haveexcellent facilities and resources and also benefit from being ableto share in the outstanding Preparatory and Senior Schoolfacilities on site.

The Christian ethos is at the heart of our schools. We believethat each child is a valued and unique member of the communityand is loved by God. In our assemblies and our school life, westrive to develop respect and care for others, a willingness tohelp, and responsibility for our own actions.

At the ‘Squirrels’, a high teacher-to-pupil ratio enables ourdedicated and caring staff to meet each child’s individual needsand provide a safe and happy learning environment. As partnersin your child’s education, we maintain an open door policy at allconvenient times, welcoming you to discuss your child’s progressand day-to-day issues.

We understand that a child’s first experience of school is a vitalstep in their learning journey, developing the knowledge, skillsand self-confidence which lay the foundations for their lives. Ouraim is to provide a broad and exciting, child-centred curriculumwhich will ignite a love of learning, enabling your children todevelop and flourish as they take their next steps in education.

My colleagues and I look forward to welcoming you to the‘Squirrels’ soon.

Dr C A ShelleyHeadmistress

Dean Close is a Christian school and community which aims touphold the Christian faith as a positive force for all, includingthose who do not share this faith. The School seeks to treatevery member of its family as unique and equally valuable. Theethos challenges selfishness and holds community, respect forothers, relationship and service at the heart of the School.

Dean Close welcomes pupils with a broad range of abilities,aiming to give each and every one a well-rounded education,blending good academic performance with real achievement intheir individually-discovered talents. The School encouragesindependent thinking and the self-confidence to challenge thestatus quo.

PRE-PREPARATORY SCHOOL INFORMATION BOOK l 3

ContentsIntroduction 3The Structure within the ‘Squirrels’ 4

- Nursery- Kindergarten- Reception- Year One- Year Two- Part-time/Full-time Attendance

The ‘Squirrels’ Daily Routine 4The ‘Squirrels’ Curriculum 4Nursery, Kindergarten and Reception 4

Years One and Two 5Learning Support 5Extra Curricular Activities 5Communication and Links with parents 6

- Pre-Prep Events- Policy Information available for

Parents upon requestFees 6Staff and Trustees 7Location 8

Introduction

Aims & Ethos

www.deanclose.org.uk


THE STRUCTURE WITHIN THE ‘SQUIRRELS’Classes are organised to provide for each significantly differentstage of pupil development. The timetabled activities for eachage group are carefully and appropriately thought-out, providing avibrant and stimulating wealth of learning opportunities. Thereare two parallel classes in each year group, except the Nursery.

Nursery 2 years 9 months to 3+ years (3rd birthday duringthe term) either part-time or full-time basis.

Kindergarten 3+ to 4+ (4th birthday during the academic year)either part-time or full-time basis.

N.B. Dean Close Pre-Preparatory School is part of the Early YearsPartnership and the Government Nursery Grant Funding Schemefor 3 and 4 year olds.

Reception 4+ to 5+ years (5th birthday during academicyear) full-time attendance only

Year One 5+ to 6+ years (6th birthday during the academic year)

Year Two 6+ to 7+ years (7th birthday during the academic year)

Part-time/Full-time AttendancePart-time attendance sessions are ideally mornings, arrivingbetween 8.15 – 8.45am and departing at approximately 12.30pm(lunch is included in these sessions). Minimum attendance is twosessions per week. These may be increased at any time withprior arrangement with the class teacher.

Full-time attendance is until 3.25pm, with optional after-schoolcrèche attendance, ending at 5.00pm.

N.B. The academic year is taken as 1st September to 31stAugust.

THE ‘SQUIRRELS’ CURRICULUMThe curriculum within the Pre-Preparatory School offers a widerange of learning opportunities, aimed at stimulating andnurturing your child’s development and interest in an intellectual,physical, spiritual, social and emotional sense.

Progress is encouraged through immediate positive praise(stickers) and through certificates celebrating achievements,either academic or personal skills, e.g. being kind or helpful.

n Forest School – All children regularly have opportunities tovisit our Forest School, which extends the curriculum into theoutside environment.

NURSERY, KINDERGARTEN AND RECEPTIONDuring these early years, the curriculum follows the Early Years /Foundation Stage statutory framework across seven key learning goals:

n Personal, Social and Emotional Development –promoting self esteem, social competence and positivedisposition for learning.

n Communication and Language – promoting speaking and listening skills through varied opportunities throughouteach day

n Literacy – reading and writing skills. The Jolly Phonicsscheme is used to help children learn the sounds of theirletters and develop literacy skills.

n Mathematics – promoting key skills in numeracy andmathematical problem solving, initially through language,practical and written activities.

n Understanding the World – promoting crucial knowledge,skills and understanding that help children make sense of theworld. Children in Kindergarten and Reception also havetimetabled sessions of French and ICT each week.

n Physical Development – promoting the growth of co-ordination, control, manipulation and movement, alongsidean understanding of the importance of staying healthy andactive. Children in Reception have a swimming lesson eachweek in the School’s 25m indoor pool, as well as tennislessons, taught in half-termly blocks.

n Expressive Arts & Design – promoting creativity through art and craft activities, music, dance, role play and imaginative play.


THE ‘SQUIRRELS’ DAILY ROUTINE

8.15am Before-school crèche opens

8.45am The School day begins

10.25 – 10.45am Break time (fruit and a snack are provided).

12.00noon Lunch time (Meals are freshly prepared onthe premises, with an emphasis on healthyeating. Special dietary needs are catered for.)

12.30pm Part-time children go home

12.30 – 12.45pm After-lunch story time (a short time to letlunch settle!)

12.45 – 1.15pm Play time(Children enjoy outdoor play in safelyenclosed play areas, equipped with avariety of play equipment and climbingapparatus.)

3.25pm End of School day – Nursery, Kindergartenand Reception

3.30pm End of School day – Years One and Two

3.30 – 5.00pm After-school crèche (Children may be collected at any timebetween 3.30 and 5.00pm. During thecrèche time, children enjoy a drink, fruit anda snack, such as a sandwich.)


YEARS ONE AND TWOThe curriculum offers a broad content of study, using the NationalCurriculum (Key Stage One) as a basic framework. Thecombination of group work activities and high individual attention promotes appropriate learning for all children acrosslevels of ability.

n English – developing concepts and independent skills in‘Speaking and Listening’ (including ‘Drama’), ‘Reading’ and ‘Writing’.

n Mathematics – developing concepts and independent skillsin ‘Using and Applying Mathematics’, ‘Shape, Space andMeasure’ and ‘Number’, through practical and written work.

n Science – activities organised to stimulate children’s curiositythrough opportunities for investigation, discussion, prediction,practical and written work.

n Cross-Curricular Topic-Work – developing andunderstanding of concepts in History, Geography, Art andDesign Technology, through a stimulating, thematicprogramme of study.

n French – taught by specialist teaching staff, incorporating arange of interactive activities, progressing to some writtenwork for the Year Two children.

n Information and Communication Technology – all classeshave computers and IWBs which children use to support theirlearning. Each week the Years One and Two classes have aspecialist lesson in the ICT suite.

n Religious Education – promoting the Christian Foundation ofthe School, as well as promoting cultural understanding, moraland social values.

n Personal, Health, Social and Citizenship Education(PHSCE) – aimed to equip children with the knowledge, skillsand understanding that they need to lead confident, healthyand independent lives.

n Physical Education – developing co-ordination skills,manipulation and movement, through appropriate physicalchallenges, both indoors and outdoors, using a range ofequipment. All children in Years One and Two have aswimming lesson each week in the School’s 25m indoor pooland all classes also receive tennis lessons.

n Music – taught by specialist teaching staff: developingappreciation and enjoyment through a variety of musicalopportunities, e.g. percussion instruments, singing etc.

LEARNING SUPPORTThe curriculum throughout the ‘Squirrels’ is differentiated withinthe classroom to meet individual pupils’ needs. Learning Supportteachers assist in targeting the individual needs that your childmay have, within the boundaries of the Schools’ academicenvironment. This provision ranges from additional small grouptuition, which is fee inclusive for one session per week, toindividual tuition which may carry an additional charge. Classteachers are very happy to support pupils and parents withadditional home activities and strategies, should this be

appropriate.EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIESWithin the ‘Squirrels’ there are a variety of activities, somecharged, in which pupils may participate, enhancing theireducational and recreational development.

n Speech and Drama - developing a child’s individual creativityand imagination, and confidence in speaking and listening

n Dance ballet, modern and tap classes - taught by ‘TheJanet Marshall School of Dancing’ in our School hall

n Tennis - extra tennis lessons taught by experienced tenniscoaches

n Music - individual lessons for piano, violin, viola or cello

n Squirrel Strings - the Pre-Prep ‘orchestra’ for all learningstringed instruments (free of charge)

n Singing Squirrels - the Pre-Prep choir group (free of charge)

n P.E. Club - physical education club encompassing a widerange of skills (free of charge)

n META Club - thinking skills club to challenge and inspire (freeof charge)

n Art & Craft Club - a club to stimulate creativity (free of charge)

SCHOOL POLICIESThe following policies are available to both prospective andcurrent parents upon request. They can either be emailed orposted as a paper copy. Copies are also available for eithercollection or perusal in the School office. Additionally, some ofthese policies are available to download from the website.

n Policy and arrangements for admissions, discipline andexclusions

n Policy for Learning Difficulties and Disabilities (Education andwelfare provision for pupils with statements)

n Policy for English as an Additional Language

n Policy for Curriculum

n Policy for Anti-bullying and Behaviour (including information onrewards and sanctions)

n Policy for Health and Safety on Educational Visits

n Information on academic performance within the Pre-Preparatory School

n Complaints Policy and Procedure

n Child Protection Policy (Safeguarding Children)

n Data Protection Policy




COMMUNICATION AND LINKS WITH PARENTSThe Pre-Preparatory School operates an ‘Open Door’ Policy,whereby parents can approach staff, at convenient times,regarding any aspect of their child’s academic progress orpastoral welfare.

In addition, formal Parents’ Evenings are held in the Michaelmasand Lent Terms and written reports are sent home twice a year.

n End of the Michaelmas Term – Progress report

n Trinity Term – Full Report

Prior to entry, children are invited to spend a ‘taster session’ intheir prospective year group, during which informal assessmentwill take place. This provides an opportunity for the children toget to know their peer group and class teacher. Parents alsoreceive a comprehensive welcome pack, detailing every aspect oflife within the Squirrels.

Two publications are sent home regularly through the Schoolyear, informing parents of the wide variety of activities that pupilswithin our care enjoy.

n Squirrel Snippets – a fortnightly newsletter

n The Youngest Decanian – an end of year School magazine

In addition, a photo and information diary on recent events inSchool can be found on the Pre-Preparatory area of the schoolwebsite together with further information about the School:www.deanclose.org.uk. There is also a Parents’ Extranet sectionwhich provides a wealth of day-to-day information.

A Parents’ Social Group organises various events throughout theSchool year, providing the opportunity to meet other familieswithin our School community. In addition, there are ParentRepresentatives for each year group to co-ordinate activities andwelcome new families.

Pre-Prep EventsEach term, parents are invited to entertainments and eventspresented by the children, including some class assemblies andinformal concerts.

Michaelmas Termn Harvest Festival

n Christmas Performance

n Christingle Service

Lent Termn Spring Festival

n Easter Celebration Service

Trinity Termn Sports’ Day

n Summer Performance

n End of Year Marquee Celebration

FEES 2012/13

Monthly Termly

Kindergarten and Nursery £593 £2,370

Reception £593 £2,370

Year 1 £593 £2,370

Year 2 £613 £2,450

Kindergarten and Nursery (Part time): £43.25 per day, £26.35 per morning, £21.65 per afternoon. (Fees are based on thesessions booked for the month and are invoiced monthly inarrears. Charges will be made for non-attendance due to illnessor other reasons).

Details on paying in monthly instalments and for the capitalpayment for these fees in advance may be obtained from theFinancial Controller, as may details of Kindergarten rates for apart-time basis.

Our fees are all-inclusive, except for extra individual lessons.

1. What is included?n All course text books and stationery

n Games’ equipment not listed as an optional extra

n Entertainments in School

n Travel on strictly educational expeditions

n Lunches for day pupils

n Before and after-school Crèche until 5.00pm

2. What is not included?n All fees for external exams/assessments

n Individual learning support tuition

n Optional extra-curricular activitIes

3. Optional ExtrasPlease note that a full term’s notice is required in writing todiscontinue any optional extra.

a) Music - Charges per termn £180 for individual tuition in any instrument

n £34 for the use of a School instrument

b) Incidentalsn extra private tuition

n visits to plays, concerts, etc outside the curriculum

c) Extra-curricular activitiesn £32 for Speech and Drama per term shared

n £73 for Ballet/Modern Dance/Tap (1 class a week) per termshared



n £109 for Ballet/Modern Dance/Tap (2 classes a week) perterm shared

n £141 for Ballet/Modern Dance/Tap (3 classes a week) perterm shared

n £35.50 for Learning Support per hour

n £56 for Learning Support Assessment

4. Insurancea) Scholars are automatically enrolled in the following insurance

schemes, unless we receive written instructions to thecontrary before the end of the first week of term.

i) The School Fees Refund Scheme (loss of fees throughsickness) at 1% of fees

ii) The School’s group membership of BUPA, at £63 per term

iii) The Pupils’ Personal Accident Insurance Scheme at £3.75per term

iv) Personal Effects Insurance Scheme at £10.00 per term

v) Denplan Scheme (accidents and emergencies) at £3.60 per term

b) The School does not accept liability for the loss (by theft ornegligence), or damage to, pupils’ personal property, orproperty on loan to them.

5. Paymenta) All fees and monies due from parents and guardians of pupils

are required on or before the first day of the relevant term. Ifpayment is late without just cause an administrative charge of£50 will be made, in addition to a monthly late paymentcharge of 2% on the outstanding balance.

b) A charge of £50 will be made for each re-presented cheque orpayment.The Governors reserve the right to request thewithdrawal of a pupil if the bills are not paid on time.

6. Leavinga) A full term’s notice in writing (or a term’s fees in lieu) must be

given by parents or guardians before a pupil is withdrawn.This notice should be received by the Bursar on or before thefirst day of term. This also applies to pupils of DCPPS whoare presumed to be going up to DCPS, unless notice isreceived.

b) The Governors will endeavour to give at least one term’snotice of a rise in fees; however, they reserve the right toimpose a surcharge at any time in the event of a sudden andunpredictable rise in school running costs.

7. School BankHSBC Bank plc, 109 Bath Road, Cheltenham, GL53 7RAAccount: Dean Close SchoolSort Code: 40 17 09Account No: 10292443Swift Code: MIDLGB2125KIBAN: GB76MIDL40170910292443

SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAMHeadmistressDr. C.A. Shelley, PhD (Education), B.Ed (Hons) Exeter 2011

Deputy Head, Years One and Two Co-ordinatorMr J.E. Cowling, B.A. (Hons) (Glos), PGCE 2010

Early Years/Foundation Stage Co-ordinatorMrs. R. Cowling, B.A. (Hons) (Glos), EYPS 2011

Mrs. R. Phillips, Cert. Ed. (Lady Spencer Churchill Oxford) 1992

Mrs. S.J. Holyfield, Teaching Assistant (NNEB) (Cheltenham 1998

Mrs. L. Minchin, Teaching Assistant (NVQ 3) 1999

Dr. M. Collier, B.Ed. (Hons) PhD (Glos) 2002

Mrs. A.L. Leeke, B.A. (Southampton), PGCE, Dip.SpLD 2003

Mrs. A.J.B. Ractliffe, Teaching Assistant (C&G Cert) (NVQ 3) 2003

Miss V. Walker, B.A. (Winchester), PGCE 2003

Mrs. L. Trant, B.Ed. (Hons) (College of St. Paul & St. Mary) 2003

Lady L. Miller, Head’s PA 2003

Mrs. J. Scott, M.A. (Roehampton), PGCE,

B.A. (Leeds), Dip.SpLD 2004

Mrs. J. Baylis, B.Ed. (Hons) (Glos) 2005

Mrs. J. Watkins, Teaching Assistant (B.Tec.Dip) 2005

Mrs. N. Holmes, Teaching Assistant (NVQ 3) 2005

Mrs. S. H. Klemz, Administrative Assistant 2005

Mrs. K. Whitton, Teaching Assistant (NVQ 3) 2006

Miss M. McSorley, Teaching Assistant (NVQ 3) 2007

Mrs. J. Nasralla, B.A. (OU), Teaching Assistant

(Early Years L4) 2007

Mrs. A. Godley, Music Teacher (Years 1 & 2) 2007

Mrs. D. Atwick, B.M. (Southampton), PGCE 2007

Miss L. Scull, B.A. (Hons) (Glos), PGCE 2009

Mrs. J. Preece, Teaching Assistant 2010

Mrs. C. Salisbury, Teaching Assistant 2011

Mrs. M. Von Seckendorff, Teaching Assistant (NVQ 3) 2012

Mrs. R. Gay, Music Teacher (N, Kg, Rec) 2012

A fully updated list of all common room members and governors can be found

on the school website.

Correspondence Address for the Chairman of TrusteesMrs PG Napierc/o The Clerk to the TrusteesDean Close SchoolShelburne RoadCheltenhamGloucestershireGL51 6HE




DEAN CLOSE PRE-PREPARATORY SCHOOLLansdown RoadCheltenhamGloucestershireGL51 6QS

Telephone 01242 258079Email [email protected]


HathaGraphics Ltd. 01558 822433

See website for a fullydownloadable map

Dean Close School is situated in SouthwestEngland in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, in themidst of the picturesque Cotswolds.

It is easily reached from Junction 11 of the M5motorway via the A40, or from the nearbyCheltenham Spa railway station. The School is afive minute taxi ride or a ten minute walk from thestation. Train times can be found onwww.nationalrail.co.uk

The nearest international airports are Birmingham,Bristol and Cardiff which are all about one hour awayby car. There is a local airport at Staverton.

The School sits on the largest plot of privatelyowned land in Cheltenham, just off the outskirts ofthe Regency town. The Pre-prep School is locatedon Lansdown Road, and for SatNav purposes,visitors should enter the postcode GL51 6QS.Visitors should come through the iron gates into ourVisitors’ Car Park located at the front of School. ThePre-preparatory School is on the far right as youenter the car park.

On the School website (www.deanclose.org.uk) youwill find links to Google maps as well as a range ofdownloadable site maps. When on the homepage,go to the section ABOUT US – HOW TO FIND US.

Local Taxi companiesA2B: 01242 580580 727: 01242 523523

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dean close pre-preparatory school - information

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