foundation stage - bangkok patana school

Foundation Stage A Centre of Excellence

Bangkok Patana is an IB World School, accredited by CIS and NEASC

Welcome to the Foundation Stage

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We play, we think, we learn.

Our mission is to ensure students of different nationalities grow to their full potential as

in a caring British international community.


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I n the Bangkok Patana School Foundation Stage, a centre of excellence, we aim to provide a varied, balanced and exciting curriculum, enriched with practical experiences and matched to the needs of each child.

This booklet contains the basic information needed prior to starting Foundation Stage. If you require any further information, please feel free to ask.

Please note that we no longer use the names K1 and K2 for Year groups. We use the labels FS1 and FS2 respectively and we continue to use Nursery for our youngest Year group.


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P arents have a special role to play in their child’s early education and we recognise the need for teachers and parents to work in partnership through continual communication.

Effective communication and home/school links are encouraged through:

Class Books, which are sent home on a regular basis

Email and SMS

Our red Contact Book, which is checked on a daily basis

Regular Open Mornings

Continuous online access to your child’s Learning Journey via ILD (Interactive Learning Diary)

Daily contact

Weekly newsletters

Bangkok Patana School website and Parents’ Gateway

Our class blogs

Parent—Teacher Conferences (also see section on Focus Children page 17)

A t Bangkok Patana School, we are committed to encouraging children to become independent learners. Using the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum as a guideline, the adults in the

Foundation Stage observe the students closely and work with parents to note each child’s ongoing interests and learning needs. The teachers use the information collected to tailor appropriate learning experiences to support each child’s individual development.

Our children explore and learn through play, allowing them opportunities to take risks in a safe environment. The opportunities for individual exploration and use of imagination allow our children to develop the characteristics needed to become effective, life-long learners.


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Self-confident, independent children become competent learners

To help us help your child you can:

Label all your children’s belongings with their name and picture where appropriate.

Indelible markers are available from the School Shop for labelling school uniforms and other possessions.


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Please note: 1. Children attending Nursery are encouraged to be toilet trained, however this is not essential. 2. Children in FS1 and FS2 should be able to use the toilet independently. 3. Please keep one complete uniform, including underwear, in your child’s bag at all times. 4. Personal toys and jewellery are discouraged in the Foundation Stage. * Closed toe, Velcro fastened sandals, as pictured above, and worn without socks, are our preferred style for

all Foundation Stage children. * Nursery children only are permitted to wear sandals in this style but with an open toe. * Children in FS2 can also wear black, conservative leather (or simulated leather) shoes with an enclosed toe,

Velcro strap and low heel. Black shoes should be worn with white socks. * Please note that flip flops/thongs and ‘Crocs’ style shoes must only be worn for swimming.

In Nursery and FS1 you will need:

UNIFORM SUN HAT

SCHOOL BAG BOOK BAG PE BAG

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CLOSED TOE, VELCRO FASTENED SANDALS IN A

DARK COLOUR *


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In FS2 you will need:

Uniform

For PE you will need:

School PE Kit

Trainers that can be fastened independently.

PE Bag

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*

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* All of these items are available to purchase at the School Shop.

CLOSED TOE, VELCRO FASTENED SANDALS IN A DARK COLOUR

Please see the note about shoe styles at the bottom of page 7.


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For Swimming, all Foundation Stage children will need:

Swimming suit

Sun shirt

Towel

Slippers

PE Bag

Goggles

* All of these items are available to purchase at the School Shop.

A spare set of clothes (Ideally a spare uniform or PE kit)

One plastic cup with handle (not a water bottle)

Many thanks for your support with preparing the things your child will need for their time in Foundation Stage.

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*

*

Please also provide:


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We start the day at 7.30am.

Lunch Time: Please inform us if your child has any special dietary needs or allergies.

A snack and milk are provided during the morning.

Home Time: If you are taking your child home, please arrive in the outdoor shaded area at 11.45 am

Bus Service: For information regarding buses please contact [email protected]


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‘Our Soft Start’ We actively encourage you to accompany your child into the Foundation Stage area for the first part of their day, to share in their learning in our stimulating and interactive learning environment.

7.30 am - 8.00am

A balance of teacher initiated and child initiated learning (including specialist lessons) A healthy snack is available throughout the morning. This includes plain milk (soya milk is also available on request) and fruit or a snack item.

8.00am - 11.30am

Lunch

11.25am

End of the day for FS1 You can collect your child from the Foundation Stage outdoor shaded area. There is a bus service available. For more information please contact [email protected]

11.50am

FS2 Only—A balance of teacher initiated and child initiated learning (including specialist lessons)

12.30pm - 1.50pm

End of the day for FS2 There is a bus service available. For more information please contact [email protected]

1.50pm

I t is wonderful for children to share their birthday celebrations with the class. However, please note that the teacher should always be consulted to arrange a mutually convenient time to share a cake and

greetings. Please provide individual cup cakes, if possible, as they are easier to distribute and there is less waste. Also, please bring candles, matches and a sharp knife, if you need them. No nuts please as we have children with severe nut allergies.

NB: It is school policy that teaching staff can-not distribute any party bags or gifts on your child’s birthday or other celebration days.

FS1 Beginning of the Year As part of the settling in process, there will be a staggered intake during the first week of term.


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Children make positive choices with their behaviour when:

They are happy and settled at school

They are helped to develop high self esteem, self control and empathy for others

They clearly understand the school’s expectations of behaviour At Bangkok Patana School we:

Recognise and encourage positive behaviour Encourage respect for others

Expect children to take responsibility for their own actions

Promote the education of the whole child emphasising intellectual, personal, social and emotional growth, underpinned by the International Baccalaureate (IB) Learner Profile

In the Foundation Stage we focus on the five attributes of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Learner Profile shown below:

Details of the full IB learner Profile and further explanation are available on the official IB website: http://www.ibo.org/programmes/profile/documents/Learnerprofileguide.pdf:


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T he Foundation Stage is the first step in your family’s learning partnership with Bangkok Patana

School. A successful start on this journey is very important and

has major benefits for your child’s subsequent schooling. Settling your child into school can be a very stressful time

for you both. Please be assured that we will work together with you to make this process as smooth as possible.

Bangkok Patana staff have many years of experience in settling young children at school and this has helped us develop a routine that we feel works best. In Nursery and FS1 children are given different starting dates, this is to ensure that each child and family receives the attention they need and deserve during their first weeks in school.

The First Day

O n the first day of school, parents or a familiar adult are encouraged to stay with the child to allow the

child to become familiar with the staff and the environment.

Children travelling on the bus for the first time are also encouraged to have an adult stay with them until they are used to the routine.

The First Week

O n the second day, and for the rest of the first week, parents can stay with their child for the first hour of

the morning. After the first hour, we will encourage you to leave the

area but stay within the larger school environment for ease of contact. The PTG room (near the Primary Hall) is available with tea and coffee making facilities for your convenience. In addition, drinks can be purchased at the Primary School Canteen or from True Café.

Please do not worry if we phone you within half an

hour, this is quite normal for a young child. Please be assured that we will not allow your child to be

upset for longer than twenty minutes and will phone you immediately if this is the case.


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The Second Week Onwards

F rom this point, the settling in routine will depend entirely on your child. We will observe your child very closely to decide on the ‘next

step’. We may recommend that your child has a short morning initially. All our decisions will depend on your child and we will keep in close contact to let you know our plans.

During the Separation Process We Have Found That:

A quick goodbye is better than a prolonged good bye.

You should never leave without saying goodbye, as although this seems like a good idea, it may cause long term settling in problems.

Large numbers of adults accompanying a child to school and all saying goodbye at the same time can be very distressing, therefore we recommend that only one adult accompanies any child to school at this early stage.

Please be aware that all children settle very differently and some children will appear to settle very quickly

but may then get upset at a later date. This is also quite normal, do not worry if this occurs we will talk to you and find a positive solution to help you and your child.

Separation and Well–being

T he Foundation Stage curriculum focuses on a child’s well-being first and foremost. Learning to communicate ensures that children feel happy, settled and secure during their time in the Foundation

Stage. Consequently, we value and encourage the children to communicate in their home language and support them in this endeavour as far as possible. This is in keeping with the school Home Language Policy. Please let us know if you would like more information on this.

Please note: Children joining Nursery are not assessed for English as an Additional Language (EAL) support as their language skills are still in the early development stage. Please be advised however that assessment of language acquisition will be carried out during their time in Nursery and at the end of Nursery it will be determined whether the children will need EAL support to both access the FS1 curriculum successfully and further enhance their English language development. Please note that fees for EAL are in addition to school fees.


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I n the Foundation Stage each child has a special online learning portfolio (ILD), which reflects their skills development, attitudes and dispositions, and celebrates their achievements in all areas of

learning and life. The evidence includes videos and photographs highlighting significant steps in learning. There is also an opportunity for parents to contribute; sharing your child’s learning experiences, special events and achievements at home via the Parent Portal (ILD).

W e follow the English EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) curriculum. The programme is divided into the following areas:

Playing and exploring Active learning Characteristics of Effective Learning Creating and thinking critically Personal, Social and Emotional Development Physical Development Prime Areas of Learning Communication and Language (These prime areas of learning underpin the learning in the four specific areas below) Literacy Mathematics Specific Areas Understanding the World Expressive Arts and Design

You can find more information at: www.foundationyears.org.uk This website provides more information about the curriculum and in addition, there will be opportunities to find out more and to ask questions at our curriculum mornings and parent-teacher conferences.

http://www.foundationyears.org.uk/wp-content/.../EYFS_Parents_Guide.doc%20C:/Users/chre/Documents/Custom%20Office%20Templates


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W e aim to provide the utmost care for your child, both in educational standards and in nurturing your child as an

individual. We hope that you have found this booklet helpful and we look forward to working together with you and your child. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

W hen students enter the Foundation Stage, they are carefully assessed and organised into ‘focus groups’ of four or five children. The focus groups are rotated on a four-week cycle throughout the

school year. On your child’s focus week, the teacher will identify your child’s ‘next steps’ and, alongside the other adults in the learning zone, will plan specific learning experiences to support your child’s progress towards these goals. All the adults in your child’s learning zone will closely observe and track individual progress throughout the focus week, meeting on a daily basis to share observations and discuss ways forward.

Please note that when your child is not a focus child, they are still monitored very closely and supported in all their needs. Once every half term, you will be invited in for a conference, where the teacher will share your child’s learning journey with you, celebrating achievements and identifying their next learning goals. We will also ask you for input on your child’s interests and development at home and this information will then feed into the teachers’ planning, securing an important three-way-partnership in your child’s education.

PLEASE NOTE: The content of this booklet was accurate at the time of publication (May 2016) Any amendments will be communicated to parents through the regular Year group newsletters.