Parent Handbook

Developing children through positive

learning experiences

Parent

Handbook

Ashgrove Prospectus_2017_18_NEW.indd 1 05/06/2017 09:25:58

Governance:

Principal and Secretary to the Board:

Mrs J Barr

Governors:

Parent Representatives:

Mr M Shannon (Chairperson)

Mrs K Kidd

DE Representatives:

Vacancies

Education Authority

Representatives:

Mrs A Macfarlane and Mrs D Williams

Teacher Representative:

Mrs G Parkinson

At this stage Governance is being

reconstituted. Details above are as

May 2018.

contents and contacts

Contents

3 Foreword

4 Welcome to

Your Nursery

5 MeettheSta

6 Learning at Ashgrove

7 Starting Nursery School

17 Key Points

18 Nursery Calendar

19 Transferring to

Primary School

20 Contact Details

Ashgrove Prospectus_2017_18_NEW.indd 2 05/06/2017 09:25:59

Governance:

Principal and Secretary to the Board:

Mrs J Barr

Governors:

Parent Representatives:

Mr M Shannon (Chairperson)

Mrs K Kidd

DE Representatives:

Mrs H Bowman (Vice Chairperson)

Education Authority

Representatives:

Mrs A Macfarlane, & Mrs D Williams and

Mrs M Jamison

Teacher Representative:

Mrs G Parkinson

Foreword

Dear Parent

Welcome to Ashgrove Nursery School.

As your little one begins their lifelong educational

journey, it’s a nervous and exciting time for both parent

and child. We aim to help compose those nerves by delivering exciting and

stimulating learning opportunities for all. Our commitment as Governors,

teachersandallothernurserysta,isthatthechildrenareplacedatthe

very centre of everything we do. With a focus on high quality teaching and

learning, we work hard to ensure all children achieve their full potential.

We want our children to enjoy learning new things and we achieve this by

providing vibrant, interactive environments that provide creative, supportive

and fun experiences for everyone who attends our school.

The school team, led by Mrs Barr, delivers a well structured curriculum of

progressive learning throughout each school term.

The Board of Governors meets regularly. We welcome any ideas, suggestions

or topics for discussion which might help improve or enhance our school, so

please do not hesitate to contact me using the school’s contact details on the

back of this booklet.

Good luck and enjoy the year ahead!

Michael Shannon

Chairman of the Board of Governors

Ashgrove Prospectus_2017_18_NEW.indd 3 05/06/2017 09:26:00

Welcome to Your Nursery

www.ashgrovenurseryschool.co.uk

Ashgrove Nursery School opened in

September 1980 and currently caters for

up to 78 children in their pre-school year.

The policy of our Nursery School is to

share positively with parents in creating a

safe and caring environment where each

child may, through play, develop their full

potential in every aspect of growth.

Thechildrencomerst,nottheactivity

or what has to be done.

Attendance at Nursery School

Although Nursery School is not

compulsory, we do expect your child to

attend every day.

If any child is found to be abusing

their place at Nursery through frequent

absenteeism, we do reserve the right to

take their place away. For that reason

it is important to contact the school as

soon as possible if your child is ill.

Often when children begin Nursery, they

catchcoughs,u,chickenpox,etc.

If your child has been up all night, or has

been prescribed medication, they often

need time at home . . . even though

they might still want to come to school!

Infection can spread very quickly with

young children.

It is Nursery Policy that any child who

has been prescribed an

antibiotic should stay

oschoolforatleast

48 hours.

Times of Sessions:

Full Time 9.00 am until 1.30 pm

Morning 9.00 am until 11.30 am

Afternoon 12.15 pm until 2.45 pm

ATTENDANCE:

Children must attend every school day. If

your child is sick, please phone the Nursery

School, and keep your child at home.

Ashgrove Prospectus_2017_18_NEW.indd 4 05/06/2017 09:26:00

Our school is run on an ‘open plan’ basis

which means the children have access to

all areas of the Nursery and our wealth

of resources.

Allstaworktogethertoplanactivities

for all of the children, so your child will

probably mention all of us!!

On occasions we employ additional

classroom assistants who can provide

extra adult support for children

with Special or Additional

Educational Needs.

We also offer placements to students

who are studying for a qualification in

child care/education.

OurschoolwasthefirstNurserySchool

in Northern Ireland to be

awarded Investors in People

and we are committed to

ensuringstatrainingneedsare

identiedandmet.Notonly

does this increase personal

professional development, it

enhances the quality of the

education your child receives.

Meet the Staff

Mrs Boal Mrs Doak

MRS BARR

B.ED, Principal AND

TEACHER - FUll-TIME

CLASS

Mrs Compton

Mrs Kyle

Mrs Agnew

Mrs Parkinson

B.ED, TEACHER -

PART-TIME CLASSES

Mrs Manger

www.ashgrovenurseryschool.co.uk

ATTENDANCE:

Children must attend every school day. If

your child is sick, please phone the Nursery

School, and keep your child at home.

OUR TEACHERS

OUR NURSERY ASSISTANTS

CLERICAL

OFFICER

Ashgrove Prospectus_2017_18_NEW.indd 5 05/06/2017 09:26:06

Learning at Ashgrove

It is now widely recognised that Nursery education is of great value. The professionally

trainedteachersandfullyqualiedNurseryAssistantsprovideopportunitiesforthe

intellectual, emotional, physical and social development of each child who enters the

Nursery.Weoeryourchild:

A safe, secure, healthy and

stimulating environment where there

is a wealth of good quality resources

and equipment to support and extend

learning.

Opportunities to investigate, satisfy

curiosity, explore the environment

both inside and outside, extend a

sense of wonder, experience success

and develop a positive attitude

towards learning.

www.ashgrovenurseryschool.co.uk www.ashgrovenurseryschool.co.uk

Time for learning through

sustained involvement in play.

Interaction with sensitive and

understanding adults who will

treat children as individuals and

participate in their play.

And, of course, more importantly, the

opportunity to discover that learning

is fun!!!

The curriculum,

is carefully

planned,

delivered and

evaluated by

thesta.It

is based on

the

Curricular

Guidance for

Pre-School

Education, CCEA, 2006

The curriculum is broad and

balanced, allowing children to

make choices and providing them

with opportunities through play

and other experiences, to develop

their learning.

The

curriculum is

made up of

six parts

Personal,

Social and

Emotional

Development

Language

Development

Physical

Development

and Movement

The Arts

(Arts, Drama,

Music, etc)

Early

Mathematical

Experiences

The World

Around Us

(inc. science

and IT)

Ashgrove Prospectus_2017_18_NEW.indd 6 05/06/2017 09:26:08

All children will have the opportunity to

share in the Nursery experience during

the month of June, prior to starting

school. Our Admissions procedure then

continues with the use of a Summer

Sharing Booklet and a short Home Visit

at the end of August.

Rather than then having a prolonged

‘phased’ intake, with children being

admitted from the beginning of

September until late October, we

operate a process which means every

child can start school on the same day!

We base decisions made after that on

how well your child is adjusting to their

time at Nursery School. In order for the

intake to run smoothly we ask for your

co-operation over this period.

Further details will be found in your

information pack.

Clothes

In order for the children to become

independent and enjoy all of our

Nursery experiences, it is best to send

them to school in clothes that are not

brand new, are comfortable and can be

easily managed (especially with toileting

in mind!).

Although it is not compulsory, we do

have a range of school wear, which some

parents like to purchase.

It consists

of a jade

sweatshirt (£12),

a red polo shirt

(£8) and

a waterproof coat (£17), all of which

have an embroidered school logo. All

items should be clearly named to

avoid confusion or children going

home with the wrong piece of clothing.

What does my

child need to bring

to school?

Children will be

given a ‘back pack’

whenstacome

to visit at the end

of August. They

should bring this

to school every day

to keep their belongings safe! Notes

and art work will also be sent home via

this backpack.

(see over)

Starting Nursery School

www.ashgrovenurseryschool.co.uk www.ashgrovenurseryschool.co.uk

Language

Development

Physical

Development

and Movement

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FUND = FOOD, FUN AND FIXING

School Fund

is £5.00 per

week, £50.00

per term or a

single payment

of £120 can be

made at the

beginning of the school year.

All monies collected by the school are

open to an external audit. If you do not

intend to pay School Fund, it must be put

in writing to the Principal.

We would also appreciate it if you kept a

change of clothes here too, in case your

child is sick or has a ‘little accident’. In

the event of a mishap, a plastic bag with

the soiled clothes will be

left on your child’s peg

for collection. The clothes

should be replaced when

your child subsequently

returns to school.

We also ask parents to provide a box of

tissuesontherstdayofschool.Thisis

not your child’s unique box – but rather

a means for us to keep enough tissues

to last for the whole class throughout

the year.

Charging and

Remissions

Policy

As a school, we

ask for a voluntary

contribution to our

School Fund. This

not only pays for a

healthy snack each day but

also gives us the resources

to buy baking ingredients,

for ongoing repairs to

bikes and trikes, to

purchase art and craft

equipment, etc.

Starting Nursery School

Dinners are available for full-time children

Menus available in the School Entrance Hall

Dinners cost £12.50 per week

School Fund is £1 per day.

We use this wisely to provide:

• A daily snack

• Buy ingredients

• Make repairs

• Buy art and craft supplies

Ashgrove Prospectus_2017_18_NEW.indd 8 05/06/2017 09:26:16

Dinners

The full-time children must be well

settled into school life before we

introduce the experience of eating

dinners in school . . . this is generally at

theendoftherstmonth.

Our meals are transported from the

local Primary School and are prepared

on a daily basis. Copies of the menu

are available for parents in the Nursery

School Entrance Hall.

Thestahavetheirmealswiththe

children in a ‘family’ type environment

and are there to help

and encourage

the children.

If your child

does not

enjoy this

experience, they can transfer to the

morning session or alternatives can be

considered. Please speak to the Class

Teacher if your child has any allergies or

dietary requirements.

Dinner Money

The current cost of school meals is

around £12.50 per week unless your

child is entitled to a free school meal.

This money should be put in an envelope

and given to the School Secretary every

Monday morning. Should your child be

absent for any reason the dinner

money will be carried

forward . . . don’t

panic . . . we keep

very careful records!

Starting Nursery School

Dinners are available for full-time children

Menus available in the School Entrance Hall

Dinners cost £12.50 per week

Ashgrove Prospectus_2017_18_NEW.indd 9 05/06/2017 09:26:24

RECORDS

Record Keeping

Staareconstantlyobserving,recording

and evaluating the children as they play.

We welcome input from parents. If there

are any problems at home that might

aectyourchild’sabilityandfocusat

school, we would appreciate you sharing

themwithusincondence.

You are welcome to ask your child’s

teacher at any time for information on

your child’s development

at Nursery.

Health Issues

It is essential that parents complete the

relevant sheets in the information pack

provided.Allinformationiscondential.

If your child has a medical condition or

suersallergicreactions,itisimperative

that the school is informed.

Ashgrove Nursery is a Health Promoting

School. We are committed to the

importance of healthy lifestyles,

exercise, nutritious food and personal

well-being! The children have access to

water all day. We also have a number of

staffonhandwithadviceforanyparent

who wishes it.

Starting Nursery School

• Please keep your

child’s records

with us up to date

• Tell us about

health issues and

ask us for advice

• Talk to us about

the records we

keep about your

child at any time

Ashgrove Prospectus_2017_18_NEW.indd 10 05/06/2017 09:26:27

We also hold arranged consultations

with parents in November and March so

that you have the opportunity to discuss

your child’s strengths and areas for

development with the class teacher on

a 1:1basis. We also use the See Saw

app to share the learning taking place

at school.

At the end of the

year a

Transition

Report

will be

given to you and

will also be

forwarded to the

Primary School

your child will be

attending.

You will also be

given a ‘

Journey through my Nursery Year’

containing samples of

your child’s time at

Nursery so that you

have a permanent

record of their

successes and

development.

Policies

Our Nursery has

well thought out policies

on all issues relative to our school.

A wide range of our policies are available

in the front hall of the school

(or in full

fromtheOce)

, along with translated

policy guidelines. See over for some

important snapshots for parents to note.

Starting Nursery School

ETI Inspection Report 2017

Overall Effectiveness High level of capacity for sustained improvement

Outcome for Learners OUTSTANDING

Quality of Provision OUTSTANDING

Leadership & Management OUTSTANDING

Ashgrove Prospectus_2017_18_NEW.indd 11 05/06/2017 09:26:30

Pastoral Care

(including Behaviour Management)

The health and safety of the children is

of paramount importance. In order to

ensurethis:

It is the policy of our Nursery School that

children who are displaying disruptive

behaviour should be channelled and

directed into more constructive and

meaningful play.

We use a positive approach to behaviour

which includes the HighScope approach

toconictresolution.Weencourage

children to resolve any disputes through

negotiation and discussion.

If a child should display

persistent

inappropriate

behaviour, the matter

will be discussed with the

parents to help address the

issue/s. It may be

suggestedthatsta

and parents work out

a behaviour management

programme together so

that approaches at home

are comparable to those

at school.

Equal Opportunities

Ourschoolanditsstaare

committed to helping provide equality

of opportunity and experiences for all

children and their families. All children

will have access to a diverse range of

materials and resources regardless of

gender, disability, race or religion.

Starting Nursery School

Weemploytrainedstaffwho

have had background checks

and who are aware of

the children at all times.

All exterior doors are

locked once the children

have arrived at school so

that the possibility of anyone

entering the school without the

knowledgeofthestaffisminimal.

Parents can be assured that

everyeffortismadetoensurea

safe, clean and healthy

environment in which the children

can play; one where good practice

in hygiene is encouraged.

www.ashgrovenurseryschool.co.uk

“The children are well motivated and eager to learn. Children who

require support with aspects of their learning are supported

effectively to access the curriculum.” ETI Inspection Report 2017

MOTIVATION AND SUPPORT

Ashgrove Prospectus_2017_18_NEW.indd 12 05/06/2017 09:26:31

CHILD PROTECTION PROCEDURES

If you have a concern about a child’s safety

at this school, you are invited to take the

followingcourseofaction:

I have a concern about my/

a child’s safety

I can talk to my child’s class teacher

If I am still concerned, I can talk to the

Designated Teacher for Child Protection

who is Mrs Barr

If I am still concerned I can write/ talk to

the Chairman of the Board of Governors,

Mr Michael Shannon - using the

school’s address listed on the back of this

booklet, or call

(028) 9084 2207

AtanytimeIcantalkto:

The Gateway Team

0300 1234 333

A Social Worker

(028) 9083 1444

The Police Central Referrral Unit

(028) 9025 9299

NI Public Services Ombudsman

0800 343 424

Childline

0800 1111

Or NSPCC

0808 800 5000

Children with Special Needs

Parents are encouraged to inform the

Nursery School at an early stage if their

child has any special educational needs.

The special educational needs of most

childrenaremeteectivelywithinthe

Nursery setting. Other children may have

needs which require specialist advice,

intervention or support.

Somechildrenmaybeidentiedprior

to entry into Nursery School as having

signicantlearning/medicaldiculties

whicharelikelytoaecttheirlearning

development, but for a number of

children with special educational needs

theidenticationwilloccurafterthey

have started school and parents will be

involved at an early stage.

Ifthechild’sdicultiesaresevereor

complex, the Education Authority (EA)

may decide to carry out a full assessment

involving all the agencies concerned.

In these cases, parents will be consulted

and informed throughout the procedure

and asked to take an active role in

the progress of the

educational

programme and

any statement

of their

child’s needs

which may

subsequently

be proposed

by the Education

Authority.

Starting Nursery School

a a

www.ashgrovenurseryschool.co.uk

Ashgrove Prospectus_2017_18_NEW.indd 13 05/06/2017 09:26:32

Starting Nursery School

We would ask that parents of children

with special educational needs would

share any relevant information with the

Principal or class teacher to ensure the

maximum potential of the child’s time at

the Nursery School.

External Agencies

It is our policy that children will not be

referred to the Educational Psychologist,

Speech Therapist, etc without the prior

knowledge and consent of the parents.

Complaints

Procedure

We welcome

constructive

comments and

suggestions from

parents. It is only

through working

in partnership

that your child

cantrulybenet

from time spent at

Nursery School.

We pride ourselves on establishing a

warm and caring environment where

parents feel comfortable in approaching

teachers if they have an area of concern.

We believe that children and parents

are entitled to expect courtesy and

prompt, careful attention to their needs

and wishes. In our experience, most

anxieties which are dealt with at an early

stage can be sorted out quickly before

becoming a bigger issue.

If you, as a parent, have any worries

or concerns about any aspect of our

school’s provision, you should approach

your child’s class teacher or the Principal

to discuss the issue. We will try to

investigate the matter and report back to

you as soon as possible.

In the unlikely event of such discussions

not having a satisfactory outcome, or if

the problem recurs, parents should put

their concerns or complaints in writing for

the attention of our Board of Governors.

Any such complaints will be taken

seriously, dealt with fairly and in a way

whichrespectscondentiality.

News Bulletin

Every month

we produce a

News Bulletin for

parents giving

details of the

curriculum and

forthcoming

events. Please

remember to

read it . . . you

might miss

something

important! These

will be emailed through our

communication system. Your contact

details will be collated before the

beginning of term for this system to

operate. Please inform a member of

staifyourdetailschangeatanystage,

otherwise you will not be kept up to date.

www.ashgrovenurseryschool.co.uk

Ashgrove Prospectus_2017_18_NEW.indd 14 05/06/2017 09:26:34

children to build their physical

skills, getting fit and active.

• Early Maths Kits to develop the

children’s interest and

understanding in this

area.

A selection of these

resources will be sent

home at the weekend for enjoyment

and learning. All resources should be

returned each Monday.

Website

Keep up to date with our latest

news/events by visiting our

website regularly – www.

ashgrovenurseryschool.

co.uk. To access our latest

NewsBulletinsusethepassword:

tennisb@ll or visit our Ashgrove

Nursery School PTA Facebook Page

Starting Nursery School

Parking

It is essential that parents

park their cars in the main

car park at Ashgrove Primary

School and access the Nursery

School grounds on foot. No cars are

allowed inside the Nursery school

grounds unless where there is a disability

issue or with prior arrangement with the

Principal.

Resources to Borrow

Wehaveaterric

selection of items to

borrow in school.

These include:

• Story Sacks and Book

Bags to encourage an

interest in books and

reading

• ‘Let’s Move’ Kits with

equipment and ideas

provided to encourage

www.ashgrovenurseryschool.co.uk

Ashgrove Prospectus_2017_18_NEW.indd 15 05/06/2017 09:26:38

WE LOVE PARENTS TO GET INVOLVED

Starting Nursery School

School Photographs

The Nursery children will all have

individual photographs taken during their

Nursery year. Class group photographs are

generally taken in the last term. There is

no obligation to buy.

Visitors and Educational Trips

We often have people visiting us at the

Nursery, e.g. the Fire Brigade, Police,

Postman, Theatre Groups, etc. Visits are

generally linked to our curricular themes

and we’ll keep you informed of dates and

details through the News Bulletin.

We love to get out and about. Each term

we try to ‘play away’ for at least one day,

and, in the Summer term, we run our

‘beach school’ day once a week.

Activities change on an annual basis

according to the children’s interests and

new ideas provided by yourselves!

How Can Parents Get Involved?

Take an active part in our parents

and friends meetings … these are

generally very informative whilst

also providing you with the

opportunity to meet other parents.

Use your talents in the

classroom . . . if you have an

interest, and some time to spare,

we welcome parents into the

classroom.

• Use your talents

• Join an informal meeting

• Give us your feedback

• Just come and visit

It is well documented that

children whose parents are

involved in school life are happier

and achieve more at school.

Support ventures going on in

the school.

Complete our evaluation

forms. Suggest new

opportunities for the Nursery

School to access!

Ashgrove Prospectus_2017_18_NEW.indd 16 05/06/2017 09:26:39

WE LOVE PARENTS TO GET INVOLVED

KEY POINTS

“There is a high level of condence in the work of the governors. They are well

informed, bring a broad range of relevant skills to their role, and contribute

meaningfully to the school improvement process.” ETI Inspection Report 2017

Please look after our ‘Let’s Move’ kits,

story sacks and maths packs, and

return on Monday intact.

Send your child to school in suitable

clothing – Nursery school clothing,

or something you do not mind

getting dirty, and something they can

manage themselves at the toilet.

Make use of our Parents’ Board and

share information about your child.

Don’t forget to park your car in the

main car park and not in the Nursery

School staff car park.

Unless sick, make sure your child

attends every day.

Contact the school if they are sick.

Always be at school on time to collect

your child.

Check the backpack and take an

interest in the things your child brings

home – it may look like a red blob to

you, but to them it is a masterpiece!

Read your News Bulletins – they are

full of important information about

what your child is doing in school.

Inform us of any changes to your

details and contact information.

Please try to bring your School Fund

(£5) / Dinner Money (£12.50) in on

time.

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Ashgrove Prospectus_2017_18_NEW.indd 17 05/06/2017 09:26:42

NURSERY CALENDAR

MAY

JUNE

AUGUST

NOVEMBER

MARCH

JUNE

Information forms sent

home for completion

and return

Parents’ Induction

Evenings

Children visit School

with their parents

Home visits by

Nursery staff

End of Year

Parent Consultation

Completed forms returned by Parents

Parents receive Handbook and 'My

Journey So Far' booklet

Summer Sharing Booklet to parents

Home visit date and time provided

Nursery School Starting times provided

Nursery Sweatshirts purchased

Children receive school backpack and

symbol for self-registration

Parents provided with further starting

details

Parents provided with date and time

for 1:1 opportunity with Class Teacher

Parents provided with date and time

for 1:1 opportunity with Class Teacher

Parents provided with Journey through

My Nursery Year Booklet

Ashgrove Prospectus_2017_18_NEW.indd 18 05/06/2017 09:26:42

We hope you’ve found

this Handbook useful.

Please feel free to ask

any member of staff

should you have any

further questions or

queries.

TransferRing to

Primary School

Whilst we have a comprehensive

transition process with a range

of local schools, you must

remember that transfer to the various

Primary Schools is not automatic.

You will have to approach

the Primary School of your

choice, pick up or download an

application form and follow the guidance

on how to proceed with the application

through the Open Enrolment process. For

children with Special Educational Needs,

theprocessmaybedierent,andsta

of the Nursery School will be available to

advise you further.

Often we meet with local Primary One

teachers throughout the Nursery School

year, but as a minimum, many of the P1

teachers come to visit the children in the

Nursery during May and June.

Obviously you will also have the

opportunity of taking your child to the

school as well, but the more visits that

are made, the more your child will look

forward to their new school!

“A major strength within the nursery is the effective links with

the parents which involves them in the life of the nursery and in

their child’s learning.” ETI Inspection Report 2017

Parent / SCHOOL RELATIONSHIP

Ashgrove Prospectus_2017_18_NEW.indd 19 05/06/2017 09:26:43

Contact Details

Ashgrove Road, Newtownabbey BT36 6LJ

T: 028 9084 3178

F: 028 9084 9402

E: [email protected]

www.ashgrovenurseryschool.co.uk

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