Welcome to DUCKS An introduction for parents 2022

Welcome to DUCKS An introduction for parents

Flowers

Contents

1. Welcome

• Welcome from the Acting Head of DUCKS

Page 3

2. The School

• Contacting DUCKS

Page 4 Page 5 Page 6

• School Hours

• Parent Complaints Procedure

3. DUCKS A to Z

Page 8

4. Welcome to the Early Years Foundation Stage

Page 32

5. Welcome to Key Stage 1

Page 46

Welcome from the Head of DUCKS

Dear Parents

It is with immense pleasure that I welcome you and your family to our outstanding school. At DUCKS we look forward to working with you to ensure your child’s educational learning journey is one of engagement, excitement and full of awe & wonder. DUCKS is extremely close to my heart. I began teaching at the Infants’ School in 2010 and joined the senior management team two years later, whilst continuing to teach in Key Stage 1. For the past 10 years I have been the Deputy Head of DUCKS and relish the opportunity of becoming Acting Head from September. This is a role I shall take on with determination and confidence, ensuring our school will continue to thrive and provide children with the best possible learning experience, accompanied with pastoral support and care. It is my firm believe that all children need to feel happy, safe and supported with a strong feeling of belonging. The pastoral care and emotional support we give all our children at DUCKS is at the heart of all we do and is just one of the aspects that make our school the ‘gem on the hill.’ Confident children will be willing to try new things, engage in their learning and achieve high academic success. As one of the five schools of Dulwich College we benefit from a huge amount of space which we take full advantage of. At DUCKS we provide excellent sporting, academic and creative facilities. Weekly swimming lessons at the College Sports Centre, opportunities to visit science labs and performing in the Edward Alleyn theatre are just some examples of the wider facilities on offer. At DUCKS, all children benefit from our outdoor Forest School sessions, developing and mastering skills whilst showing curiosity for the world around them. Our dedicated team of skilled teachers and qualified practitioners ensure our outstanding Early Years and Key Stage One curriculum is one that offers opportunity for each child to explore, enquire and be motivated in their learning. All children will collaborate with their peers, ask searching questions, learn to take risks and challenges whilst problem solving and preparing for the next steps in their learning journey. Our creative curriculum offers a wealth of experiences and learning opportunities for children to have a deeper understanding, to engage and be inspired. As our children develop at DUCKS they choose to take on greater responsibility in their chosen leadership roles. Year 2 pupils lead the school in Assemblies, connect with the wider community and inspire our younger learners. They respond well to challenge and develop in confidence. The communication and partnership between home and school is fundamental for helping all families to feel safe, secure and connected. Parent evenings, school events, formal reports, morning conversations, meeting face to face and/or online along with our daily communication home-link book, illustrate the importance we place on the support and wellbeing of each child. I am delighted that you have chosen DUCKS and I look forward to working together with you as your child takes their next steps in their learning journey.

With best wishes

Joanne Parker Acting Head of DUCKS

Contacting DUCKS

School Address DUCKS

87 College Road London SE21 7HH 020 8693 1538

School Office Miss Emily Lynch

lynche @ dulwich.org.uk

Personal Assistant to Mrs Parker Miss Jenna Begum

begumj @ dulwich.org.uk

School Administrator

Mrs Emma Millett School Registrar

millette @ dulwich.org.uk

School hours

Kindergarten The children can attend the Kindergarten for the following sessions:

Full day

8.00 am to 5.00 pm

School day

8.45 am to 3.30 pm

Morning session

8.45 am to 11.45 am

Infants’ School Early Years

The school day begins at 8.45 am and finishes at 3.30 pm. It is usually divided into three sessions, although the specific times of morning break may vary according to timetable commitments.

Morning session

8.45 am to 11.45 am (Pre-Reception) 8.45 am to 11.45 am (Reception) 11.45 am – 1.00 pm (Pre-Reception) 11.45 am – 1.00 pm (Reception)

Lunch and playtime

Afternoon session

1.00 pm – 3.30 pm

Key Stage 1

The school day begins at 8.45 am and the day finishes at 3.30 pm. It is usually divided into three sessions:

Session 1

8.45 am – 10.30 am

Playtime

10.30 am – 11.00 am

Session 2

11.00 am – 12.30 pm

Lunch and playtime

12.30 pm – 1.30 pm

Session 3

1.30 pm – 3.30 pm

Wrap Around Care (available for an additional charge).

Before School Care is from 8.00 am - 8.45 am

After School Care runs until 5.00 pm

Parent Complaints Procedure

Introduction DUCKS is one of the five schools of Dulwich College and has long prided itself on the quality of the teaching and pastoral care provided to its pupils. However, if parents do have a complaint, they can expect it to be treated by the College in accordance with this Procedure. Parents can be assured that all concerns and complaints will be treated seriously and confidentially. Documentation and Record-keeping A copy of this procedure can be found on the College website and is available to parents, pupils and staff. Correspondence, statements and records relating to individual complaints will be kept confidential except to the extent required by paragraph 6(3)(f) of the Education (Independent Schools Standards) (England) Regulations 2015 (as subsequently amended), by the Secretary of State or where disclosure is required by the Independent Schools Inspectorate under Section 162A of the Education Act 2002 (as amended), or under other legal authority. The College maintains a record of all parent complaints for regular review by senior management and for inspection purposes. The record states whether the complaint was resolved at the preliminary stages or proceeded to a panel hearing. In the case of a complaint relating to a child in the EYFS the record will state the action taken as a result of the complaint. The College will provide ISI or Ofsted, on request, with a written record of all complaints made during any specified period and the action taken as a result of each complaint. Complaints by EYFS Parents Parents of children in the EYFS may complain to the ISI and/or Ofsted: • ISI, CAP House, 9-12 Long Lane, London EC1A 9HA (telephone 020 76000 100). • Ofsted, Piccadilly Gate, Store Street, Manchester M1 2WD (telephone 0300 123 1231). The College must investigate a written complaint relating to its fulfillment of the EYFS requirements and notify complainants of the outcome of the investigation within 28 days of having received the complaint. The time limits specified in Part B of the Procedure (held on the web site www.dulwich.org.uk shall be adapted by the College in relation to such a complaint in order to comply with this requirement.

Safegaurding

Safeguarding Everyone at DUCKS works together to ensure that we are all kept safe. The lead members of the DUCKS team for safeguarding are Mrs Joanne Parker (Head of DUCKS), Mrs Lucy Shaw (Deputy Head of DUCKS). If you have any concerns in respect of safeguarding they can be contacted on 020 8693 1538. Contact Telephone Numbers for Southwark Safeguarding officers; • Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) (020 7525 3297) • Early Help Service (EHS) (020 7525 2714) • The LA Schools Safeguarding Coordinator is: Mr Apo Çağirici (020 7525 2715) • Ofsted (0300 123 1231) Our full safeguarding policy is available throughout DUCKS and on our website. Policys The following policys that relate to safegaurding can be found on the Dulwich College website.

• Safeguarding policy

• Code of conduct

• Medication policy

• Behaviour Policy

• Health and safety policy

• Missing child policy

• Supervision of pupils policy

An introduction for parents DUCKS A to Z

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An A to Z of DUCKS

Arrangement of DUCKS’ classes Kindergarten: 6 months to rising 3 years, part of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Maximum class sizes in the Kindergarten are Babies 6, Toddlers 14 and Ducklings 24. Infants’ School: 3 to 7 years, covering the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) from 3 to 5 years and Key Stage 1 (KS1) from 5 to 7 years. There are five Early Years (EY) classes, two Pre-Reception and three Reception

and six KS1 classes, three Year 1 and three Year 2. In the Infants’ School the maximum class size is 22. Access to your Child’s Records

Parents/carers who wish to view their child’s personal file must request this in writing to the Head of DUCKS. In providing access, DUCKS has regard to data protection legislation and the General Data Protection Regulations and in particular will take measures to safeguard records which refer to other pupils or third parties. Allergies and Medical Requirements If your child has any specific medical requirements, we ask that you give full details of these needs on the Entry Profile before your child starts at DUCKS. Any requirements can also be discussed during a home visit or at our New Parents’ Event. This will ensure that any adaptations to meal times or your child’s day to day requirements are in place ahead of them starting with us. We have a number of measures in place to ensure that medical and dietary needs are met, including: training on EpiPen use, allergy and medical alert information and a complete allergy plan with access to the Dulwich College Medical Centre staff for specific advice and support in meeting individual children’s needs. Please see page 17 for food allergen information. Arrival and Departure Staff will not hand a child over to anyone other than the known parent or carer. Parents/carers must fill out the Alternative Collection Arrangements Form prior to a child being collected by a different adult. We will accept email notification of a different person collecting your child if your arrangements change during the day. This email must be from a parent.

We would like to have a photograph and mobile phone number for anyone who regularly collects your child. Please bring a photograph of the nominated adult(s) with you on the first day of your child’s attendance.

An A to Z of DUCKS

Attendance If your child is away from school due to illness we request that you inform us by email on DUCKSabsence @ dulwich.org.uk on the first day of non- attendance and keep us informed as to when your child will be returning to school. If you are unable to email, please phone the DUCKS Office on 020 8693 1538 to confirm the absence. If you wish to take your child out of school during the term for any other reason than illness, you must submit your request in writing to the Head of DUCKS beforehand. We strongly recommend that parents avoid taking their children out of school during term time, even at the beginning or end of term as these few days are important in settling the children or rounding off a term together as a school community. Assessment and Record Keeping To support our planning of a rich and varied curriculum that reflects the children’s interests and learning, we carry out the following assessment and record keeping on Tapestry , our online record: • Observations of learning • Photographs that evidence learning This is available to parents via a secure login. Between the age of 24 and 36 months a report on the prime areas of development will be written and discussed with the parents. At the end of Reception, the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile is completed and shows each child’s progress in the seven areas of learning. This document ensures the teacher’s planning meets each child’s needs and that progress is monitored.

Other assessments and records include: • Work samples • Baseline assessment • Formative assessments • Reports • Standardised reading and maths assessments

Parents are welcome to make an appointment to view their child’s profile folder, assessment records or work books via their child’s key person or class teacher.

An A to Z of DUCKS

Bed Time All the children have a very busy day and so an early bedtime is strongly recommended to ensure a positive day for your child at DUCKS. Birthdays Due to an increase in allergies we do not recommend bringing food or cakes but please rest assured we celebrate together. Community Action and Prefects At the College prefects are voted into their posts every year. There is a DUCKS prefect who liaises with DUCKS ensuring prefect support is avalible for leading assemblies, supporting our Sports Festival, helping at DUCKS and working with the children and adults during the school day. At the beginning of the academic year, Dulwich College boys from Year 10 upwards can volunteer for Community Action. This is a fantastic opportunity for them to work in the wider community and develop skills beyond those taught in a classroom and they are excellent role models to our children here at DUCKS. Curriculum The curriculum offered at DUCKS provides the children with a solid foundation for all future learning through a focus on characteristics of effective learning throughout the EYFS and a skills based curriculum covering the National Curriculum subjects. Our environment further supports the curriculum with enriched opportunities to learn through our Forest School provision, a strong Wellbeing programme and preparation for life based on British values through age appropriate activities. Positive relationships are nurtured and valued from the start of each child’s time at DUCKS creating a well-supported teaching and learning environment. Curriculum Evening At the beginning of every year we welcome all parents/carers to a Curriculum Evening. This offers you the opportunity to see the classrooms and meet the staff. You will also find out about the teaching and learning and organisational routines your child will follow during the year. Attending this evening is an essential part of your child entering their new school or class as every child’s journey is different, even if older siblings have previously been a member of the school.

An A to Z of DUCKS

Data Protection In order to carry out its ordinary duties to pupils and parents, DUCKS (and Dulwich College) uses and handles the personal information (or data) of current, prospective and former Kindergarten and Infants’ school children and their parents/carers. At all times this is done in accordance with data protection legislation and the General Data Protection Regulations. Detail on how your data is used and safeguarded is set out in the DUCKS Data Protection Privacy Notice and other policies referred to in that notice a copy of which is available on the DUCKS website dulwich.org.uk/ducks or can be obtained from the School office. DUCKSPost We use DUCKSPost, an electronic mailing system, to send all communications including: the weekly newsletter, questionnaires, class trip information and permission slips, academic and pastoral reminders, club information and invoices, Friends of DUCKS messages and circulars. Posts are sent via the email addresses recorded on your child’s Entry Profile so please ensure that these are accounts you access regularly. You can add email addresses, e.g. of an au pair or nanny or a work email account, via the mail box settings on DUCKSPost. When you join DUCKS we will send you an email with a link to a secure personal online ‘mailbox’. This is where you can view all the messages received from DUCKS, including any attached documents. By default you will not need your password to access your mailbox in this way, although you can request it at any time by going to duckspost.dulwich.org.uk . In an emergency situation, such as the school being closed due to snow, we use the same system to send text messages to the mobile phone numbers we hold for you. These will be automatically sent by email as well and will also be recorded in your online mailbox. Entry Profile We have a detailed electronic Entry Profile document which we ask you to complete prior to your child starting at DUCKS. The Entry Profile provides you with the opportunity to give us a fully comprehensive picture of your child and their development and learning to date as well as anything that you feel is important for us to know before they start at DUCKS. The Entry Profile is emailed to parents/carers prior to there child starting at DUCKS, we request it is returned as soon as possible. This ensures all relevant information is shared with the appropriate staff enabling your child’s successful start at DUCKS.

An A to Z of DUCKS

First Aid Most accidents involving children at DUCKS need minor first aid combined with TLC and reassurance. A number of staff hold Paediatric First Aid certificates. If a child has an accident of a more serious nature, a First Aider will assess the situation and ensure the injury is treated appropriately. If your child has an accident whilst at school, this will be recorded on an accident form. We will inform you about the accident verbally or by email. We have procedures for emergency first aid as well as a procedure for transporting children to the Dulwich College Medical Centre (where trained nurses and doctors are available) or, if required, to hospital.

Golden Rules The Golden Rules underpin our values.

We believe the Golden Rules create a positive approach to developing the correct behaviour and attitudes to school life. We are gentle We are kind and helpful We look after property We listen We are honest We work hard The Golden Rules are displayed throughout DUCKS, they are discussed and modelled during school assemblies, taken with us whenever we are away from DUCKS and explored during class Circle Time in the Infants’ School. Lost Property Please label all items of clothing to help the staff return the correct uniform, clothing and belongings to the correct child. During the school day, children have many situations when they are taking off layers of clothing, e.g. to engage in water play, clothing being washed after a very messy activity, at playtime, PE, swimming or going for a sleep. If all items of clothing are labelled it ensures that we are able to quickly and efficiently return clothes to the correct child.

An A to Z of DUCKS

Home School Links • Curriculum and Pastoral Information

You will receive an overview of Pre-Reception and Reception learning and activities at the end of every week through Tapestry. All Infants’ School children will receive a copy of the class timetable and Golden Rules at the beginning of each academic year. • DUCK of the week Each week in the Infants’ School a learner is chosen to be the DUCK of the Week. This gives every child in each class the opportunity to be complimented by their peers about aspects of their learning, their skills and their personality. This way of celebrating each and every learner helps to reinforce our wellbeing focus and our firm belief in improving children’s self-esteem. • Home-Link Books Home-Link Books are used in EY and KS1 to record comments about your child’s reading and to exchange short messages regarding academic or pastoral queries. Please ensure that this book is in your child’s book bag every day. Home-Link Books are an excellent way to organise a meeting with a teacher. • Online Learning Platforms We use the following online learning platforms across DUCKS, Tapestry in Kindergarten and Early Years progressing to Active Learn, Purple Mash and Teams in Year 2. • Show and Tell Every child enjoys bringing in artefacts, photographs or other mementos of a special time or significant importance to them. Class teachers will find time in the school day or week to ensure all children have the opportunity to share their “Show and Tell” object with the class. • WOW Boards and WOW Trees At DUCKS we really value the important role you play in your child’s education and how much you know about them. This information in invaluable when assessing your child’s development. Throughout the EYFS we encourage you to help us celebrate your child’s WOW moments by recording significant achievements on our WOW boards or trees such as getting dressed by themselves or sharing toys with a sibling.

An A to Z of DUCKS

Illness It is preferable for children to be at home when they are unwell. Staying at home helps to speed up recovery and supports the school community in reducing cross infection between the other children and staff. If your child becomes unwell whilst at DUCKS i.e. has a high temperature or shows other signs of infection for example vomiting, diarrhoea or developing a rash, we will contact you and ask for them to be collected as soon as possible. If we cannot contact you, we will telephone your emergency contacts, as given on the Entry Profile, and ask them to collect your child. It is essential that your emergency contacts are aware of their responsibilities in respect of this.

Minimum exclusion periods for common illnesses are:

Infection

Exclusion period and/or treatment

COVID-19

Children and young people who are unwell and have a high temperature should stay at home and avoid contact with other people. They can go back to school or childcare when they no longer have a high temperature and they are well enough to attend. NICE guidelines July 2020 An infant or child is generally considered to have a fever if their temperature is 38�C or higher. Until vesicles have crusted over but a minimum of 5 days from the onset of the rash. Return when able to cope with a full day at DUCKS N o exclusion period necessary unless eyes are sore and weepy, however, antibiotic eye drops must be provided 48 hours from last episode of diarrhoea and/or vomiting, having eaten properly and having had a normal stool. Return to school only after 24 hours without a fever. When well enough to cope with a busy day at DUCKS

Chickenpox

Conjunctivitis

Diarrhoea and/or vomiting

Fever

Hand, foot and mouth

None

Impetigo

Until lesions are crusted and healed, or 48 hours after commencing antibiotic treatment

Measles

4 days from onset of rash

Mumps

5 days from onset of swollen glands

Ringworm

Treatment required but exclusion not usually required

An A to Z of DUCKS

Rubella

4 days from onset of rash

Whooping Cough

48 hours from commencing antibiotic treatment or 21 days from onset of illness if no antibiotic treatment Covered in swimming pools, gymnasiums and changing rooms. Please inform your class teacher.

Verruca

All of these exclusion periods are the suggested minimum by Public Health Engaland (PHE). If children remain unwell and unable to cope with a busy day at DUCKS, it may be necessary for them to have a longer period of time off school. This can be discussed with the key person or class teacher. Head Lice Anyone can get head lice no matter how clean and careful they are and we ask that you check your child’s hair regularly. If you find head lice you must treat them promptly and inform us immediately so we can alert other parents. Once lice infestation starts, it can spread rapidly. There is no need for your child to miss time at school; as soon as they have been treated they can return to their class. Jewellery Jewellery may not be worn except for watches, studs for pierced ears or jewellery relating to specific religious beliefs. Late Collection and Non-collection In the instance of a child not being collected from DUCKS after a reasonable amount of time, the following procedure will be initiated by staff: • inform the senior member of staff on duty if a child has not been collected • the office will again check for any information regarding changes to normal routines, parents work patterns or general information. If there is no information recorded, the parents/carers will be contacted on the numbers provided for their home or work. If this fails, the emergency contacts will then be contacted as per the child’s records; • the senior member of staff on duty and one other member of staff must stay behind with the child (if it falls outside normal operating hours). • if the parents/carers still have not collected the child, the senior member of staff on duty will telephone all contact numbers available every 10 minutes until contact is made. These calls will be logged on the full incident record; • in the event of no contact being made by 6pm, the person in charge will ring the Social Services Emergency Duty Team 020 7525 2696 for advice and Ofsted 0300 123 1231 to advise them of the situation; • two members of staff will remain in the building until suitable arrangements have been made for the collection of the child. The child’s welfare and needs will be met at all times.

An A to Z of DUCKS

Lunch and Snacks DUCKS is committed to offering children healthy, nutritious and balanced meals and snacks which meet the individual needs and requirements of each child. All food allergies or special dietary requirements will be taken into account and, in discussion with the parents/carers, catered for. Please do not provide your child with additional snacks or drinks as these may pose a risk to any children with allergies. Please speak to any member of staff about the ingredients in any meal if you need any further information about allergens. During the school day, all children are offered a mid-morning and afternoon snack and access to water at all times. We ask that all Infants’ School children bring a named, filled water bottle with them each day. In the Kindergarten, children attending for a full day are offered breakfast and afternoon tea. In the Infants’ School, children booked into Before School Care are offered breakfast and for all children an afternoon snack is provided. Lunch is a two course meal and is provided on site by our own chef and kitchen assistant. We offer halal and vegetarian options and do not serve any nut products. The lunch menu is attached to the weekly newsletter, available on the school website. Mealtimes are a happy, social occasion for staff and children to eat together in each of the rooms. Positive interactions are shared and enjoyed at these times.

An A to Z of DUCKS

Medication If your child needs to have prescribed medicine administered whilst at DUCKS, the Medication Request Form must be completed. This is available from the Kindergarten rooms, or Infants’ School foyer. Medication given at DUCKS must be prescribed and the prescribing label must state the child’s name and date of birth. We remind parents/carers that DUCKS staff take on the additional responsibility of administering medication on a goodwill basis and will do their best to ensure that medicine is given when a parent/ carer has requested. However, there may be instances where events beyond staffs’ control means that this is not possible. If you want or need to guarantee that medicine will be administered at an exact time then we request that you come and administer the medicine yourself. Paracetamol or ibuprofen medication NICE guidelines July 2020 An infant or child is generally considered to have a fever if their temperature is 38�C or higher. If a child has a raised temperature when at DUCKS, we will take the following measures based on our knowledge of your child and how we observe them to be at that time. For a temperature up to 38�C, current medical advice is not to give paracetamol or ibuprofen. We will, however, closely monitor any child who does have a mild temperature. We would be more concerned if a child also appears unwell and fractious. If a child is suffering from a temperature of more than 38�C before 12 noon, we will contact you before administering any medication. After 12 noon we will check that you have given us permission to administer paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce the temperature, especially if they appear to be unwell and are fractious. In general, if a child quickly recovers with paracetamol or ibuprofen, it is fine for them to stay at DUCKS, however, if a child remains unwell, develops other symptoms or is very lethargic, we feel the best place for them is at home. Our decision will be based on our knowledge of the individual child. Mobile Phones and Cameras At DUCKS we do not allow the use of mobile phones and cameras beyond the front door and we would ask parents/carers not to use their phones when they are on the DUCKS site, whether inside or outside. Staff only use their mobile phones at the times and in the areas designated by the Mobile Phone Policy. Newsletter Each week we publish a newsletter via DUCKSPost. Our newsletter keeps parents/carers informed about the weeks’ events, as well as special features such as DUCK of the Week in the Infants’ School, important dates, and Friends of DUCKS information. The newsletter covers the whole of the week at DUCKS in the Kindergarten and Infants’ School.

An A to Z of DUCKS

Online Safety At DUCKS, we acknowledge the huge importance and positive opportunities that computing provides the children as learners and that increasing numbers of digital devices will be part of children and young people’s lives in the future. DUCKS staff are well placed to help establish boundaries and good practice guidance, in partnership with parents. Our commitment is to provide children with an excellent education extending to the digital environment. Our DUCKS ICT Acceptable Use Policy is available on the website. Our acceptable use policy for the children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 at DUCKS is as follows; • I will look after property, laptops, mice, headphones, cameras, tablets and all other equipment and when turning the computer on and off • I will share equipment • I will use kind language when talking to others through the computer • I will only use websites or play games which my teacher/parent/carers have allowed me to use • I will tell my teacher/parent/carers if anything or anyone makes me feel uncomfortable or if there is a problem • I will remember to leave mobile phones and tablets at home • I will remember not everything I read on the internet may be true • I will remember that sometimes attachments can contain viruses so I will only open attachments from people I know • I will not give out my personal details, such as my name, address or school on the internet • When joining DUCKS you have access to the Safer Schools App. The Safer Schools app focuses on safeguarding particularly in the online world and also provides information and messaging on a full range of safeguarding and child protection issues. This App will give you access to up-to-date age-appropriate guidance on staying safe both on and offline. You can download straight from the App Store or Google Play by searching ‘Safer Schools’.

1. Select our school. DUCKS Kindergarten & Infants’ from the drop down menu and click ‘continue’.

2. Enter the four digit entry code 7440

An A to Z of DUCKS

Outdoor Activity As you know, DUCKS is situated in a wonderful location, with a variety of outdoor spaces on our doorstep. Staff plan activities and lessons to incorporate these into the curriculum as well as using them for daily routines. The spaces we use regularly are: • The Kindergarten garden for daily outdoor opportunities • The Early Years and Key Stage 1 playgrounds for free flow learning, play times and clubs • The Eller Bank fields (at the front of the school) are used for clubs, We are delighted how this area of the school has grown and as a learning environment it is an area we continue to develop. Outings All the pupils at DUCKS will go on outings related to a topic, a story theme or a place to enjoy at no extra cost. At the beginning of each academic year you will be contacted via DUCKSPost and your permission requested for your child’s attendance on trips/outings. Any photographs will be published in the weekly newsletter and displayed on the foyer screen. These outings range from a walk to the College, a half day visit to a nearby place of interest or a full day outing. College mini buses, hired coaches and on some occasions public transport may be used. Every trip is risk assessed and the trip leader will organise the correct ratios of adults to pupils. Parents will be informed if we require extra adult supervision. Sports Day, nature walks and outdoor PE in summer • The orchard is used for Forest School for all ages. Parents and Carers Week Parents and Carers Week is an annual event at DUCKS. This is an opportunity for you to participate in school life and special events including: • stay and play classroom sessions • joining in Forest School sessions • open classrooms • shared reading We hope you can join us during this fabulous week and experience learning with your child/ren.

An A to Z of DUCKS

Parents’ Meetings In the Kindergarten, parents/carers are invited in to meet their child’s key person to discuss their child’s progress either face to face or online. In this meeting we look at each child’s learning journey and discuss their development and learning. In the Infants’ School, parents’ evenings are a time when you can meet the class teacher to discuss your child’s progress and attainment. The specialist teachers are also available to talk to Infants’ School parents/ carers during these evenings. The dates and appointment request forms will be sent out via DUCKSPost. The dates and appointment slots are bookable via Schoolcloud. Policies DUCKS and Dulwich College have policies and procedures that cover all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1. Some of our policies are available on the DUCKS website www.dulwich.org.uk/ducks and you are welcome to request a paper copy from the School Office. In addition to our policies we also have the following forms: • Medication Request Form • Alternative Collection Arrangements Form These are available from the office or Kindergarten and Infants’ School foyer. Reporting Timetable In the Kindergarten each child receives an end of year report. Access to each child’s learning journey is available through Tapestry – our online learning journal. In the Infants’ School your child will receive a written report each term following the schedule set out below. The end of year report is a summative celebration of your child’s learning journey over the academic year.

Michaelmas

Lent

Summer

Pre-Re- ception

Pastoral ‘Settling in’ Report. Progress Meeting

Progress Meeting

End of Year Report

Reception Pastoral ‘Settling in’ Report. Progress Meeting

Progress Meeting

End of Year Report Parent ELG Meeting

Year 1

Pastoral Report. Progress Meeting

Progress Meeting

Parents Transition Meeting. End of Year Report End of Year Report

Year 2

Pastoral Report. Progress Meeting

Progress Meeting

An A to Z of DUCKS

Security We take the security and safety of the school community at DUCKS very seriously. We work hard to maintain a welcoming environment for everyone who comes to our school. DUCKS has a robust visitor procedure to ensure we know who is on site at all times. This is essential, in case of fire, for example. These measures include; • All staff wear ID badges on black staff lanyards • All visitors sign the visitors book and wear a visitors badge with a red lanyard • We always politely challenge anyone not wearing a visible ID card • Asking parents to use the correct entry and exit points to our school at all times To maintain the security of our buildings and site it is very important that only DUCKS staff open the main entrance doors and gates to the buildings. This ensures that visitors are welcomed by DUCKS staff and they are directed appropriately. If you see anyone acting suspiciously on site, please inform the School Office immediately. Kindergarten Entry to the Kindergarten is by video entry phone and we ask that parents do not let other people ’tail gate’ when they come into the building. Internally, the door is kept locked throughout the day. If your child attends the Baby Room, please use the Baby Room entrance to the right hand side of the building. Both doors will be opened at 8 am when the rooms are ready for the start of the day. Infants’ School All visitors will be signed in and issued with a visitor’s badge on a red lanyard by the School Office staff, this must be worn visibly. Entry to the Infants’ School during the day is through the video entry gateway.

An A to Z of DUCKS

Safer Recruitment We operate the following procedures to ensure the safeguarding of children at DUCKS: • we provide adequate and appropriate staffing resources to meet the needs of children • applicants for posts at DUCKS are clearly informed that the positions are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Candidates are informed that appropriate checks will be carried out before posts can be confirmed. Where applications are rejected because of information that has been disclosed, applicants have the right to know and to challenge incorrect information. • we abide by Ofsted and ISI requirements in respect of references and police checks for staff and volunteers, to ensure that no disqualified person or unfit person works at DUCKS or has access to the children. One person on every interview panel has completed safer recruitment training. • volunteers, including students, do not work unsupervised • we abide by the Protection of Children Act 1999 requirements in respect of any person who is dismissed from our employment, or resigns in circumstances that would otherwise have led to dismissal for reasons of child protection concern • we have procedures for recording the details of visitors to DUCKS and take security steps to ensure that we have control over who comes into DUCKS, so that no unauthorised person has unsupervised access to the children. All visitors must wear a visitor’s badge on a red lanyard. • the deployment of staff within the setting allows for constant supervision. Where children need to spend time away from the rest of the group, any intervening doors will be left ajar. Social Networking Sites At DUCKS we are aware of how social networking sites allow you to share messages, images and videos instantly after an event and that many of our families have friends and relatives across the world with whom they want to share their child’s school achievements. However, we need to ensure our Safeguarding Policy and procedures are upheld. We request that any messaging, images or videos that you want to share with friends is done through a social networking site that is password protected such as flickr. Please do not post any DUCKS messages, images or videos on websites such as Facebook that have privacy settings but are not password protected. We ask that you do not share any photographs or recordings of children other than your own on social media unless you have each parents’ permission.

An A to Z of DUCKS

Special Events At DUCKS we share the children’s achievements and reflect on events and festivals through performance and experiences in the school and wider community. You will be invited to attend many of these events and we hope you can join us to support and celebrate the children’s achievements. Children will take part in a Christmas party, an Easter celebration and Fun Day. Ducklings will also join the Sports Festival and have a celebration of learning at the end of the Summer Term when the children showcase their achievements made during the year. All children are also involved in focused weeks such as Book Week and STEAM Week. Each year the children in the Infants’ School will present a class celebration of learning based on their current learning. In the Summer Term Year 2 use the Edward Alleyn Theatre for their final play and also present their Leavers Assembly to parents/carers. These are fantastic opportunities for the children to develop the confidence required to express themselves to an audience. The children also participate in the following events, to which parents/ carers are invited: • Harvest Festival celebration at St Stephen’s Church • Christmas celebration at DUCKS • Easter celebration at St Stephen’s Church • Inter-school swimming galas • Inter-school sports days • String and piano concerts • Class Celebrations of Learning Full details of all event will be communicated via the newsletter sent by DUCKSPost on a Friday.

An A to Z of DUCKS

Transition Through DUCKS We believe that all children should feel comfortable and as emotionally secure as possible when entering a new phase or year group at DUCKS. All staff aim to build on the work of the family and take steps to ensure that the child is valued as an individual within the setting. We understand that children enter school from a variety of backgrounds and settings and with a range of experiences. We welcome all children as individuals and will meet their needs accordingly. We value close links between practitioners and families as this ensures that children and their families know what to expect when starting a new phase. We aim for smooth transitions for each child from their home into DUCKS, between each room and moving into and throughout the Infants’ School. This is achieved through clear communication and information sharing during handover meetings and settling in visits. In addition home visits enable your child to begin to develop a relationship with their key person. Throughout the EYFS, information about a child’s learning journey is available to the staff in the next room or class and then later to KS 1 teachers. This ensures continuity in your child’s progress and supports smooth transitions. Transition from Baby Room through to the Pre-Reception Class In the Baby Room we plan the settling in to be flexible and responsive to the individual baby and their parents/carers. When moving to the Toddler Room parents/carers will be formally introduced to the room and to their new key person. Children generall y move from the Toddler Room to the Duckling Room with the same staff team so they maintain the relationship with their key person through their time in these rooms. The journey from the Duckling Room to the Pre-Reception classes is a significant transition as the children are moving to ‘big school’. We aim for the children to have a gentle introduction to their new Pre-Reception class through visits in small groups during the Summer Term. This allows each child the opportunity to play in their new environment and become familiar with the Pre-Reception. The Duckling Room children have sessions with the Infants’ school PE and music teachers and visit the school library. They have other visits during the year to use the outside space and join in assemblies and productions. Pre-Reception class teachers visit the Duckling Room to see children within the Kindergarten setting during the Summer Term and we also meet as a staff team to discuss the children’s individual needs. Parents/ carers are sent letters informing them of which class their child will join in the Summer Term. Parents/carers and children are invited to a New Children’s Afternoon in the Infants’ School in the Summer Term. All of the above helps introduce children to the staff, the environment and bridges the transition facilitating a smooth settling in.

An A to Z of DUCKS

Transition from Pre-Reception to Reception to Year 1 and Year 2 (Key Stage 1) The transition from Pre-Reception to Reception and Year 1 is a process rather than an event. Reception children visit the Key Stage 1 classes and playground weekly during the last half of the Summer Term and meet their new teachers. Parents are invited to meet their new teacher in the Summer Term. Transition from Year 2 to Year 3 DUCKS children go on to join a variety of local independent and state schools for Year 3, and we have excellent relationships with all those schools to ensure that transition at the end of DUCKS is a positive experience for the children. Each Junior School is different and our aim is to find the right next school for each child. We will work with you in preparation for the 7+ assessments and help you to choose your child’s next school based on academic ability, personality and interests. Children are prepared for 7+ throughout their time at DUCKS and parents are guided through the process, from a 7+ talk in the Lent term hosting a schools’ fair, specific parents’ meetings with Head of DUCKS in Year 1 and 2, and visiting Heads of local Junior Schools. Once schools for Year 3 are determined, smooth transition is supported through a mixture of school taster days and visits from Year 3 teachers to DUCKS to see the children and talk with their teachers.

An A to Z of DUCKS

Travelling to DUCKS DUCKS is involved in a number of local initiatives to support safe and sustainable travel to school. We are active members of the Dulwich and Herne Hill Safe Routes to School group and our Travel Plan is Gold Accredited by TfL. Walking, cycling or scooting to school We actively encourage sustainable travel to DUCKS. If you walk, cycle or scoot, please use the marked pathway to either the Kindergarten or Infants’ School. We have bike and scooter racks avalaible and a shed to store prams and buggies. Please ensure that all items are clearly labelled. Items left in the scooter or bike racks and shed are left at your own risk. We would also ask that parents do not park illegally on the zig zag lines by the zebra crossing or the double yellow lines by the school gates, and that parents respect all private residents’ parking. The safety of your children is paramount and we urge you to drive safely and park legally and considerately. Anti idling When parked, please turn off your engine - we have young lungs at work.

An A to Z of DUCKS

Uniform Children in the Kindergarten do not wear a uniform. We do suggest the following considerations to be made in respect of what your child wears when they are at the Kindergarten. By the nature of our curriculum, many of the Kindergarten activities include a degree of mess and although we do provide and encourage children to use aprons, these do not always protect their clothes fully, especially when they are deeply engaged in play. We actively encourage children to explore everything we offer them. Please dress your children in clothes that allow them to explore the environment and do not matter if they become stained and are easy to wash. The Kindergarten is more high-street than high end-fashion! Outdoor Wear Children will be encouraged to make full use of the outdoor areas all year round. We would ask that you provide wellington boots and a waterproof coat. We supply warm, all-in-one suits, sun hats and sun cream. We will inform you of the particular brand of suncream that we will be using. If you wish to use your own sun cream, please label your bottle carefully and leave with your child’s class teacher/key person. Winter clothing The following winter clothing is required from the beginning of the Michaelmas Term through to the end of Lent Term: • wellington boots • gloves attached to ribbon • warm coat/rain coat • hat We also hope to encourage your children to develop independence skills and these can be very well supported by ensuring your child is wearing clothes suitable to their stage of development; for example, shoes that fasten with Velcro are more suitable than shoes with laces; trousers with an elasticated waistband are more suitable than those with belts, buttons and/or zips. All children in the Infants’ School wear a smart comfortable uniform, the crested items of which are available from the Commissariat (Comm) at Dulwich College. Please ensure that all items of clothing are named, using a label or an indelible pen. When children join the Infants’ School, they are provided with a DUCKS book bag, which we use daily.

An A to Z of DUCKS

DUCKS Uniform Requirements:

Uniform

Pre-Re- ception

Reception Year 1 Year 2

Crested DUCKS Blue Sweatshirt * Crested DUCKS Blue Cardigan * Plain Navy Trousers Plain Navy Shorts Navy pinafore or skirt Gingham or Striped Blue & White Summer Dress White Plain Short Sleeved Polo Shirt Navy/Black Sock Navy Tights / White Ankle Socks with Summer Dress Black or Navy Shoes with Velcro Fastening Waterproof Raincoat with a Hood Warm Winter Coat Wellington Boots or Snow Boots Black, Navy or White Closed Toe Sandals Warm Hat, Scarf and Gloves Sun Hat (to cover back of neck)

PE, Games and Sport

Pre-Re- ception

Reception Year 1 Year 2

Crested T-shirt * Crested Shorts *

Crested Tracksuit Jacket * Crested Tracksuit Bottoms * Trainers with Velcro Fastening DUCKS Swimming Trunks/Swimsuit * DUCKS Swim Cap * DUCKS Yellow Backpack (for swimming) * Swimming Goggles DUCKS Blue PE Backpack *

* Only available at the Commissariat

Pupil must have this item

Dulwich College Commissariat Tel: 020 8299 5343

E-mail: the.commissariat@dulwich.org.uk www.dulwich.org.uk/about/school-shop

An A to Z of DUCKS

Website Our website provides you with a wealth of information both on the main web site and the password protected Parents’ Portal.

Main web site • News • Term dates • Policies

Parents’ Portal (password protected) • Photographs of events • Medication request form • Alternative collection arrangements DUCKS Website: www.dulwich.org.uk/ducks

Wellbeing The wellbeing of our children and parents is considered at every step of the way at DUCKS and we aim to build emotional intelligence and resilience through six strands: emotional health, spiritual health, physical health, living in a community, healthy living and preparation for the future. Each of these strands is integral to our day to day work with the children throughout the academic year. From settling in and transition visits to our key person system, assemblies, the use of class wellbeing books and sticker reward books. Our focus on the children’s wellbeing is paramount and underpins all aspects of the curriculum. Wellbeing is further supported throughout DUCKS by our Golden Rules, our behaviour policy and in the Infants’ School during Circle time sessions covering topics such as getting to know you, choices and consequences and managing feelings. We offer a 4 and10 week parenting course providing parents with positive behavior management strategies based on those studied by the children.

This is scaffolded by four constructs: • Self-awareness and self esteem • Appropriate expectations • Empathy • Positive discipline

RULER At DUCKS we follow the RULER programme for explicitly teaching emotional literacy. Borne out of research from the Yale Centre for Emotional Intelligence, the programme teaches children the language they need to be able to Recognise, Understand, Label, Express and Regulate (RULER) their emotions.

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