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This Information Guide is designed to give a brief introduction to the essential ingredients of life at St. Edmund’s and parents are asked to take note of and comply with the guidance, recommendations and regulations contained in this booklet.

Dr AJ Walliker

Headmaster Headmaster’s

Mrs J Wilcox hmpa@saintedmunds.co.uk

Deputy Head

Mr S Barnes s.barnes@saintedmunds.co.uk

Bursar

and Clerk to the Governors

Mrs JM Beeston bursar@saintedmunds.co.uk

Deputy Head (Lead DSL) and Director of Digital Learning Head of Academic Support

Mrs A-M Burke amb@saintedmunds.co.uk

School Office

Mrs S Wassell schoolsecretary@saintedmunds.co.uk

Mrs L King admin@saintedmunds.co.uk

Minibus Enquiries

minibus@saintedmunds.co.uk

Dr J Carlin jc@saintedmunds.co.uk

Health Centre

Mrs S Moxley

Mrs S Elston

Mrs J Johnston healthcentre@saintedmunds.co.uk

Telephone: 01428 604808

Website: www.saintedmunds.co.uk

Address: St. Edmund’s School, Portsmouth Road, Hindhead, Surrey GU26 6BH

General Information

Absences: If your child is unable to come to School, please let the School Office know. Children arriving after 8.30am must report to the School Office before they go to their Form rooms. Advance requests for permission to be absent from School during term time must be made in good time to the Deputy Head, Mr S Barnes.

Academic Support: The Academic Support Department operates an open door policy for all the staff and frequently visit classes to observe children and/or to offer advice. We are always ready to work together with professionals from other agencies to identify needs and provide the best learning opportunities for children.

Please note, individual academic support lessons are an additional cost and fees can be found listed on the website.

Calendar: The School Calendar is distributed before the start of every term.

Parents are warmly invited to attend all events marked with an asterisk in the Calendar.

Chapel: St. Edmund’s has its own Chapel where regular visitors from different denominations talk to the pupils. Our Christmas Carol services are usually held at St. Luke’s Church, Grayshott.

Daily Routine: Please see individual school sections.

Divisional System: There are four Divisions (Houses) at St. Edmund’s: Arrow (Yellow), Wolf (Red), Crown (Blue) and Martyr (Green). Each term a cup and a party are awarded to the winning Division.

Dogs: Parents are presently allowed to bring dogs onto the school grounds on condition that:

a) the dog is kept on a lead;

b) the dog is super vised by an adult and not by a child;

c) that any mess made by the dog is cleared up;

d) dogs are not allowed inside any school buildings.

Food: The School caterers produce freshly prepared well balanced meals for pupils on a three week rotation which changes each term. During the mid-morning break pupils are offered sandwiches or a home baked biscuit or cake, fresh fruit and a drink. During the afternoon break they are offered fresh fruit and a drink. It is the School’s policy that pupils are not allowed to bring food into School, not even items such as birthday cakes due to the risk of allergic reactions. The School operates a ‘nut free’ policy.

If you have any queries, please contact the Health Centre.

Holiday Club: Reception (from age 5) to Form 9. Provider

Ultimate Activities provides fantastic programmes at St. Edmund’s during the holidays. Visit our website for more information and to book: St. Edmund’s School – Holiday Camp Provision

Lost Property: Please do ensure that all items are named clearly. If you have any concerns about lost property, please contact the School Office.

Medical Matters: The Health Centre is located opposite the Dining Hall. Parents are informed of any accidents that occur and/or any treatment given. The Health Centre is responsible for the storage and administration of medicines and we ask that medication of any type is handed in for safe keeping. The Health Centre is open during School hours and the nurses can be contacted via email or Tel: 01428 604808 – Option 3.

Off Games: If your child needs to be off games for medical reasons, please email offgames@saintedmunds.co.uk before the start of the school day so that the games staff can be informed.

Parent Portal: The Parent Portal is accessible via the School Website Parent Area St. Edmund’s School - Secure Area and you will be given a log in and instructions on how to use it from the School Office in the holidays prior to your child joining St. Edmund’s. All co-curricular, minibus, school trips and ad-hoc events are booked on the Parent Portal. Useful documents and notices are also uploaded for parents to access.

Policies and Inspection Report: There are a number of policies available for parents to access, either via the School Website, the School Office or the Parent Portal.

School Trips: Parental permission via the Parent Portal is sought for children to take part in outings with the exception of local walks.

School Uniform: All items of School uniform can be purchased online from our suppliers, Stevensons (www.stevensons.co.uk). Please note the Guildford Store is currently closed. The uniform lists can be found on the Parent Area of the website, and for new parents, the lists are included in the joiner literature.

Second-hand Uniform: We are grateful to our parents who run the St. Ed’s School Uniform Buy and Sell Facebook page where second hand uniform is sold. Search Facebook for St. Ed’s Uniform Buy and Sell.

Security: All visitors to the School are required to report to the School Office on arrival.

Sports Clothes: All sports clothing relevant to the term should be brought in clean on a Monday morning – this includes swimming kit. Gum-shields are compulsory for pupils playing rugby and hockey, and shin pads are compulsory for football and hockey. Please refer to the uniform list for the appropriate match kit for your child’s sporting activity.

Sports Equipment: These may be brought into school and rooms are set aside for their storage. Please make sure items are clearly named.

Social Media and the Arrow: The School Newsletter ‘The Arrow’ is issued online each term. St. Edmund’s also has its own Facebook page, Instagram and LinkedIn account so you can keep up to date with everything that is going on in School. Find us at:

Instagram: @stedmundsschoolhindhead

Facebook: stedmundshindhead

LinkedIn: stedmundsschool

Travel, Pick-up & Drop-off: The main entrance to the School is from the A333 Portsmouth Road which may be used to enter the School site. A one way system operates and the exit from the School site is via Crossways Road when departing the School. Drivers are requested to ensure that they maintain a slow and safe speed when driving on School property.

Website: The School website is regularly updated with photographs and news reports relating to the pupils activities and is located at www.saintedmunds.co.uk

Little Ed’s Nursery

at St. Edmund’s in Nursery.

Absences: If your child is unable to come to school, or will be late, please let the Nursery know directly on 01428 772351. If your child is going to be away from Nursery for a holiday, please give advance notice to Mrs K Bailey, Head of EYFS.

Admissions: Once a child has enrolled for Nursery, they are automatically enrolled for a place in the school.

A notice period of a term is required if you intend to remove your child from the Nursery or school.

If you would like to reduce your sessions at Nursery, then a notice period of 4 weeks is applicable.

After School Care: Children may stay for our After School Clubs, including “Stay and Play” until 4:30pm (Mon-Fri) and “Little Ed’s Picnic Club” until 5:30pm (Mon-Thurs). Those that stay until 5.30pm are given a picnic supper. We maintain a 1:6 ratio. For details of After School care charges/booking please see Fees information on our website.

Classes: Our classes are arranged as follows: Nursery 1: 2-3 years Nursery 2: 3-4 years

Movement between the Nursery classes is dependent upon both the children’s ages and their general development. As the year progresses, more children stay for full day sessions thus benefiting from the full range of activities on offer. In Nursery 1 (2-3yrs) we maintain a 1:4 adult to child ratio. In Nursery 2 (3-4yrs) we maintain a 1:8 adult to child ratio.

Communication: The Nursery teachers are always ready to discuss individual children’s progress and the provision that we offer. Parents are able to log in online to view their child’s learning journey and photos via a secure system.

Regular emails and newsletters will also come from the Nursery to keep parents up to date and informed.

OUR AIMS FOR THE EYFS

Our Mission statement: Children who attend Little Ed’s are given the confidence to make the most of their abilities, to be independent learners, to have the opportunity to develop their skills within a nurturing environment and the expectation that everything and anything is possible with the right encouragement and support.

WITHIN

THE EYFS AT ST. EDMUND’S

SCHOOL OUR AIM IS TO PROVIDE CHILDREN WITH:

A secure, welcoming and friendly environment with a variety of challenges and experiences each day. Opportunities to be independent and make choices in their own learning and play.

Providing the best opportunities to gain the early skills that are necessary to build their foundations to learn.

Opportunities to explore their surroundings and to learn in the great outdoors.

An introduction to and securing values such as being kind, being helpful, listening to each other, sharing and looking after their environment.

Provision of a platform to enable them to develop at their own pace and level. A setting where the children feel respected, valued and where their voice is heard.

Outstanding staff who are positive role models, who know the children well and are familiar with their individual needs.

An environment providing the children with a sense of belonging.

HEAD OF EYFS

Mrs K Bailey kb@saintedmunds.co.uk

Curriculum: We follow the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) framework, that allows the children in Nursery to develop confidence, become independent learners, enjoy their school life and acquire skills to allow smooth transition to the next stage of their education. The provision for our Nursery classes incorporates the seven areas of learning:

Personal Social and Emotional Development Literacy

Communication and Language Mathematics

Physical Development

Understanding the World Expressive Arts and Design

We believe that young children should learn through their play thus enabling pupils to practise, consolidate and extend their previous learning and experiences. Our planning is ‘child led’, focusing on children’s current interests and allowing for flexibility.

Daily Routine: Our Nursery children are welcomed into their classrooms from 8.00am.

The Nursery day begins at 8.15am with morning sessions ending at 12.30pm, after lunch. Afternoon sessions begin at 12.30pm and end at 3.15pm.

A full day session starts at 8.15am and finishes at 3.15pm.

Our After School Clubs allow children to stay at Little Ed’s until 5:30pm (Mon-Thurs) and 4:30pm (Mon-Fri).

Food: The School caterers produce well balanced meals with the choice of vegetarian and fresh fruit on offer every day. Healthy snacks or fruit are provided mid-morning and midafternoon. We also offer toast to the children that arrive early in the morning.

Forest School: Children in the EYFS department have their very own dedicated Forest School area within the school grounds and the children access this area regularly throughout the week, whatever the weather. Sessions with a specialist forest school leader are provided half termly.

Grounds: Children at Little Ed’s benefit from their own specifically designed garden area – and they also enjoy regular use of all the school grounds. EYFS children also have their own dedicated Forest School within our school grounds.

Holiday Club: Little Ed’s Holiday Club is available for parents to book throughout most of the school holidays. The day runs from 9.00am to 4.00pm.

Medical Matters: All Key staff in the EYFS hold their paediatric first aid qualification and are able to administer prescribed and emergency medicines in the absence of surgery staff.

Online Learning Journey Software: On-going informal recording of celebrations and achievements are part of our provision and may be recorded online via a secure software system specifically for our Early Years children across Nursery and Reception. Parents also receive a login for the online system, and we welcome photos and input from home.

Outings: EYFS children are regularly out in the school grounds and woods. We maintain strict staff ratios whilst out and have a mobile phone to take with us in case of emergency.

Policies: We have specific EYFS policies and procedures that we will make parents aware of as your child starts with us.

Reporting to Parents: We host a parent’s evening in the Lent term for a thorough update on each child’s development. A written summary report is provided in the Michaelmas and Summer term via the online software system for EYFS. To ensure continuity, a designated member of our Little Ed’s team becomes each child’s key worker who will interact and relate with them every day.

Throughout the year EYFS children also enjoy visits from external providers including an annual farm visit, Zoolab, Fire Brigade, Forest School, Music sessions and craft activities.

Swimming: Swimming lessons are available outside of Nursery hours for Nursery children. Please contact the School Office for details.

Teaching Staff: Key Nursery staff hold a minimum Level 3 childcare qualification and hold a paediatric first aid certificate. In addition to the nursery team, children are taught by a variety of subject specialists from the Prep School.

Travel and Parking: Nursery and Reception parents have a dedicated EYFS parking area located directly in front of the Nursery building.

Well Child Procedure: Children should only be kept off school if they are unwell.

Security: All visitors to the school are required to report to the School Office. Parents are required to let EYFS staff know who is collecting their child each day from Nursery. We ask that anyone other than a parent collecting a child is given a secure password – previously agreed with us by the parent.

Settling In: We will offer at least three settling in visits for your Nursery child, and these can be increased according to individual needs. We also ask you to complete an ‘All About Me’ information sheet for your child so that we know as much about them and their home life before they start.

Social Media: As well as the school Instagram and Facebook page, we have a Nursery and Facebook page where we post news and developments. Media sharing permission is sought from all parents.

Sport and Timetabled Activities:

As well as benefitting from a weekly sport session with sports staff, Nursery 2 children enjoy a weekly French lesson with a specialist language teacher.

All Nursery children have a weekly music lesson with one of our music teachers and weekly dance workshops with an external dance teacher, as well as enjoy a weekly “Stretch n’ Grow” fun exercise session specific to their age group.

Definition of a well child

• A child who is not reliant on Calpol or similar medication

• A child who is not running a temperature of over 38 degrees

• A child who is well enough to participate normally in all areas of nursery and school activities

• A child who has their normal bowel functions

• A child who does not require a one to one ratio with staff

• A child with their normal appetite

What you need to provide for Nursery:

• We ask you to provide a clearly named water bottle for your child to keep at Nursery.

• A Nursery bag containing a full set of spare clothes.

• Wellies – clearly named please! We use our wellies a lot at Nursery.

• Nappies and wipes that you child may need.

• Sun cream if your child requires a specific one to be used.

• A named Nursery sun hat and winter hat depending on the term.

• All uniform clearly named with labels.

• Your completed ‘All About Me’ form prior to your child starting with us.

We look forward to welcoming you to Little Eds!

Reception

This section is designed to give a brief introduction to the essential ingredients of life at St. Edmund’s in Reception.

After School Clubs: Children in Reception can stay with us for longer than 3.15pm by joining our after-school clubs. A healthy snack and drink is provided at 3.30pm, and optional pick up times are available. There is a small extra charge for Little Ed’s Picnic Club which is added to your school invoice.

Fun for Free: 3.15pm to 4.30pm (Mon-Fri)

Little Ed’s Picnic Club: 4.30pm to 5.30pm (Mon-Thurs)

Assemblies: We appreciate prompt arrival at 8.15am on the days where Reception have an assembly.

Books: Children in Reception take their reading books home daily and we ask that parents or another adult hear the children read most nights. The children are also encouraged to choose and take home books from our library during weekly library sessions.

Communication: The Reception teacher is always ready to discuss individual children’s progress and the provision that we offer. Appointments can be easily arranged after school directly with the teachers. Parents are also able to log in online to view their child’s learning journey and photos.

Regular emails and newsletters will also come from the Reception teacher, Mrs D Cozens and Head of EYFS, Mrs K Bailey to keep parents up to date and informed.

Curriculum: Small teaching groups mean that our staff develop a close working relationship with our pupils. The EYFS curriculum is designed to allow children to be independent in their learning and we adopt a child led, individual approach to our planning and the environment. Each day resources and opportunities are provided for the children across the seven areas of learning:

Personal Social and Emotional Development

Literacy

Communication and Language

Mathematics

Physical Development

Understanding the World

Expressive Arts and Design

Phonics is also included in the daily routine, as well as some teacher guided learning in areas such as numeracy, art and

OUR AIMS FOR THE EYFS

Our Mission statement: Children who attend our Reception class are given the confidence to make the most of their abilities, to be independent learners, to have the opportunity to develop their skills within a nurturing environment and the expectation that everything and anything is possible with the right encouragement and support.

WITHIN THE EYFS AT ST. EDMUND’S SCHOOL OUR AIM IS TO PROVIDE CHILDREN WITH:

A secure, welcoming and friendly environment with a variety of challenges and experiences each day. Opportunities to be independent and make choices in their own learning and play.

Providing the best opportunities to gain the early skills that are necessary to build their foundations to learn. Opportunities to explore their surroundings and to learn in the great outdoors.

An introduction to and securing values such as being kind, being helpful, listening to each other, sharing and looking after their environment.

Provision of a platform to enable them to develop at their own pace and level.

A setting where the children feel respected, valued and where their voice is heard.

Outstanding staff who are positive role models, who know the children well and are familiar with their individual needs.

An environment providing the children with a sense of belonging.

HEAD OF EYFS

Mrs K Bailey kb@saintedmunds.co.uk

craft and ICT (using the interactive whiteboard). Reception children also benefit from additional activities on their timetable which include: French, swimming, sport, dance and music. The Reception children also benefit from regular outdoor learning opportunities by accessing our school grounds and woods –plus the use of their own decking area outside.

The School also has an EYFS Curriculum Policy which is available upon request from the Head of EYFS, Mrs K Bailey.

Daily Routine: Children can arrive at school from 7.45am, with all form groups welcomed into their classrooms at 8.15am with registration promptly at 8.20am. Children who arrive in school before 8.15am are expected to wait in the Aliss Library where they will be supervised prior to a member of staff taking them to their classroom. The Reception day ends at 3.15pm but may be extended to 4.30pm by participation in after school activities.

Forest School: Children in the EYFS department have their very own dedicated Forest school area within the school grounds. All Nursery and Reception children access this area regularly throughout the week with the nursery staff, whatever the weather. Sessions with a specialist forest school leader are provided half termly.

Games and Activities: We are fortunate to have an indoor heated pool where children in Reception have weekly timetabled swimming lessons. Reception have weekly PE lessons with our specialist sport teachers, a dance lesson with an external dance teacher and a swimming lesson. As they progress through the school they have the opportunity to develop their skills in a wide range of sports.

Weekly music lessons are also part of the timetable. Reception are part of an annual showcase performance with Forms 1 and 2.

Haircuts & Jewellery: Latest fashions, hair in the eyes, shaved or very close cropped cuts, spiked or dyed hair are not allowed. For boys, hair should be cut above the eyebrows, ears and collars. Girls must keep their hair tied/clipped back if it reaches their shoulders. Hair ties/ribbons should be simple and navy.

If in doubt, please refer to the Headmaster prior to obtaining a particular hairstyle. Pupils are not allowed to wear jewellery, nor hair products such as gel or wax.

Handwriting: The children are initially taught to write in print and a handwriting guide is sent home with Reception children who may wish to practice their letter formation at home.

Holiday Club: Open for a further 13 weeks during the year for all Reception children.

Online Learning Journey Software: We use ‘Tapestry’ as an on-going informal recording of celebrations and achievements within our EYFS provision. Parents also receive a login for our online system specifically for our Early Years, and we welcome photos and input from home.

Policies: In addition to the various policies available to parents via the Parent Portal we have specific EYFS policies and procedures that we will make parents aware of as your child starts with us.

Reporting to Parents: Parents are invited to meet with the Reception teacher in the Michaelmas term while at the end of the Lent term, parents will receive a written report. A separate meeting is held at the end of the Summer term to feedback the Early Learning Goal achievements.

School Trips: Reception children enjoy a school outing during the Lent and Summer terms to local places of interest.

Security: We ask that anyone other than a parent collecting a child is given a secure password previously agreed with us by the parent at the start of the academic year.

Sports Clothes: All sports clothing, including swimming kit should be brought in clean on a Monday morning and hung outside the classroom.

We request jogging bottoms are provided all year round for use in Forest School.

Travel, Pick-up & Drop-off:

EYFS Carpark: Reception Drop-off and 3.15pm and 4.30pm Pick-up is at the Reception decking gate.

Nursery Building: Collection at 5.30pm.

Stationery: All pupils in each year group use a St. Edmund’s school bag for their books and stationery which can be purchased from Stevensons, our uniform supplier.

The school provides all necessary stationery with reading, spelling and library books kept in School book bags.