Welcome To John Rankin School - A Place to Learn and Grow

1. Welcome To You All!

2. The Session Ahead • Thank you • An introduction to some of our staff • Some key points • Visit to your child’s classroom

3. Our Wonderful Staff – Who is Who?

4. Our Vision VISION - ‘INSPIRED TO LEARN, CHALLENGED TO ACHIEVE’ Creative High aspirations Independent Lifelong learners Determined to achieve their best Respectful and responsible Engaged in excellence Nurtured VALUES - EQUALITY: TRUST: HONESTY; RESPONSIBILITY; COURAGE; THOUGHTFULNESS

5. Our Environment • We aim to provide a stimulating environment where your child can realise their full potential academically, socially, emotionally and morally. • We want every child in our school to feel secure and happy and to develop as independent and confident learners.

6. Our Golden Rules Be gentle Be kind and helpful Be honest Work hard Look after property Listen to people

7. Our Inclusive school • We have a positive approach towards any pupils with special educational needs. It is essential that the needs of all pupils are met, including those who are more able or gifted in particular areas, as well as those with specific learning difficulties. • At John Rankin children with Special Educational Needs are given every encouragement through skilled teaching, support from outside agencies and classroom assistants to realise their full potential as respected and valued members of the school community.

8. Foundation Stage 2 • There are 3 FS2 classes with a maximum of 30 children in each class. • School hours are as follows: 8.45 am— Children enter school 9.00 am— Registration  11.45–12.45 pm— Lunch break 3.10 pm— School day ends • Please note: we split the three classes at the end of Year 1 and then again at the end of Year 4.

9. Our EYFS Curriculum • Our curriculum is carefully planned for progression, with a balance between teacher-directed and self-chosen tasks. • In Foundation Stage, children learn through a play-based approach which is firmly rooted in the needs of the individual child. • The core subjects of Literacy and Numeracy are each taught every day – initially for 15 to 20 minutes and this is extended as we progress through the year. A 25 minutes session of Phonics is also taught daily.

10. Lunches • ISS Catering offers a broad variety of freshly prepared and nutritious meals at lunchtime. • These can be ordered on line or they can be ordered in the morning in school, up until 10 am. • Since September 2014 all children in Reception and KS1 have been entitled to a free school meal every day. • Alternatively you may provide a healthy packed lunch No nuts or products with nut alert labels are allowed in school.

11. Absence It is very important that your child attends school every day. If your child is absent from school, please telephone the school 0n 01635 42376 before 9.30am, giving the reason for absence. We are now required to check the whereabouts of any child who has not arrived at school.

12. Parent, Teacher and Friends Association (PTFA) • The school is fortunate to have very supportive parents. They organise a variety of fund-raising and social events which bring the community together. • Our “Friends” association is open to all who are involved in the community of the school: parents, governors and staffand always have a warm welcome to new members.

13. Finally….. • There are many questions you might like to ask, some of them probably similar, so…….. • Jot them down on the post-it notes in the classroom • They will be answered at the 2nd visit when you are invited for a cuppa in the hall • If you think of any more questions in the meantime, please email them to the office and we can get back to you.

14. Thank You For Choosing Us • We look forward to working in close partnership with you • Children are at the centre of everything we do, we always have their best interests at heart • THIS IS THE START OF THE ADVENTURE!