KGPS Digital Information Booklet

KEW GREEN PREPARATORY SCHOOL
NEW STARTER INFORMATION PACK

CONTENTS
HEAD'S WELCOME
Dear Parents,
Head's Welcome 3
Meet the Team 4
Uniform Advice 5
Example Week in Reception 6
Important Dates 10
Tapestry Online Journal 12
Environment and Community Policy 16
Photo & Video Permissions 20
Communication 22
A very warm welcome to Kew Green Preparatory School.
This digital booklet will provide important information to support you as you begin your journey with
us. In addition to this booklet, please make use of our ‘open door’ policy for parents and reach out
directly if you would like to talk further about any aspect of your child’s transition to Kew Green.
At Kew Green, your child is at the heart of all we do. We focus on providing the very best education for your child,
championing them as an individual and ensuring they achieve their potential. In February 2023, Kew Green achieved the
highest grading in all areas in our ISI full inspection; an accurate reflection of our pupils, our outcomes and the provision
at Kew Green.
Importantly, my staff and I will always work hard to ensure that Kew Green is a vibrant, inspiring and happy school, full
of active, resilient and ambitious learners set within a strong and engaging community. I assure you that we will spare no
effort to ensure your child’s years at Kew Green are both fulfilling and successful.
I look forward to welcoming you through the gates and for your journey to start with us at Kew Green Preparatory School.
Warmest Wishes,
Sasha Davies, Headteacher
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OUR TEAM
UNIFORM ADVICE
Perry are the online uniform supplier for Kew Green Preparatory School. You can purchase everything you need online
with delivery direct to your home.
In the Summer Term, Mrs Heaton will be in touch regarding how many items of clothing need to be purchased and
further advice regarding uniform.
Click here to begin shopping
Sasha Davies
Headteacher
Rowena Heaton
Head of Early Years
Kathryn Loh
Head of Year 1 & 2
Bachelor of Arts;
PGCE with Qualified Teacher
Status
Bachelor of Science (Hons);
PGCE Primary Education
Bachelor of Education;
Early Childhood Education 0-12
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Winter Uniform PE Kit Summer Uniform
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EXAMPLE WEEK IN RECEPTION
EXAMPLE TIMETABLE
On the opposite page is an example of what the Reception timetable will look like in the Autumn Term. Drop-off is
between 8:20 - 8:30am. Registration is between 8:30 - 8:40am and lessons start at 8:45am. The school day finishes at
3:15pm. Reception pupils can stay for After-Care in the Autumn Term. From the Summer Term, Reception pupils can
choose to join a range of extra-curricular clubs which finish at 4:30pm.
08:30 - 08:40
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Registration Registration Registration Registration Registration
09:00 Maths Maths Topic French Maths
10:00
Snack/ Break Snack/ Break Snack/ Break Snack/ Break Snack/ Break
Singing Phonics Topic Phonics Merit Assembly
11:00
Circle Time
(PSED / PSHEE)
Literacy
Phonics
Circle Time
(PSED / PSHEE)
Music
12:00 Lunch/ Playtime Lunch/ Playtime Lunch/ Playtime Lunch/ Playtime Lunch/ Playtime
13:00 Phonics Games Art Maths Games
14:00
Computing Literacy Dance Circle Time with Free Flow/
Reading Show and Tell Reading
Mrs Davies Golden Time
15:00 Story and Pack up Story and Pack up Story and Pack up Story and Pack up Story and Pack up
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EXAMPLE MENU
FOOD ALLERGENS
Main
Course
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
BBQ Chicken
Drumsticks
(V) Halloumi
Kebabs
Roasted Gammon
with Pineapple
(V) Vegetable
Frittata
Jacket Potatoes
Lasagne
(V) Spinach and
Squash Lasagne
Traditional Fish
(V) Fishless Fish
Fingers
We are a nut-free school. Some of our menus may contain any of the 14 major allergens. We understand the dangers of
those with severe allergies and, with this in mind, please speak to our office staff who will be able to help you with any
concerns you have over the allergens in our menus.
Sides
Savoury Rice and
Sweetcorn
Crushed Potatoes,
Peas & Cauliflower
Cheese
Baked Beans,
Cheese, Tuna
Mayo, Salad
Selection
Greek Salad
Chips, Peas and
Tartare Sauce
Dessert
Fresh Fruit Salad
Raspberry Cake
with a Lemon
Drizzle/
Fresh Fruit Salad
Eton Mess/
Fresh Fruit Salad
Greek Yoghurt
with Fruit Coulis
and Granola/
Fresh Fruit Salad
Rock Cakes/
Fresh Fruit Salad
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IMPORTANT DATES
Please find below details of important dates to add to your diaries for September 2023.
Thursday 7 th September, 8:30am – 12:15pm
First day of school and Reception Coffee Morning at The Willow Cafe
Following our 'open door' policy, you are always welcome to drop your child at the classroom door. Please can children
wear summer uniform, blazers and school hats. Staff will be available to take a photo of you with your child as they arrive.
Thursday 7th September and Friday 8th September are compulsory half days finishing at 12:15pm.
Monday 11 th of September – 6:00pm
Reception Curriculum Evening for Parents
This event is an opportunity to meet with the Reception team and is intended to inform parents about life in Reception
and the curriculum.
Friday 22 nd September, 6pm onwards
New Parents Drinks followed by Kewchella
This is an opportunity to meet with other new parents and school staff over a glass (or two) of wine!
Monday 25 th September, 3:30pm - 7:00pm
Reception Parents' Evening
10 minute parents meetings, held in the classroom, are scheduled with your Class Teacher to inform you on how your
child has settled into school life and learning at Kew Green. It also provides a time for you to ask the team any questions.
Wednesday 27 th September, 8:45am – 9:30am in the School Hall
Reception Phonics Workshop
This workshop is to help parents understand how we teach phonics at school and how you can support this at home
through reading and writing.
Autumn Term half-day Fridays for all Reception children
To support the transition for Reception pupils, many schools stagger the start date for Reception children over a period
of weeks. However, we do not stagger start dates. Instead, should it be needed to support the transition, we provide the
option for the children in Reception to be collected at 12:15pm (attending for half of the day) on Fridays through the
Autumn Term.
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ONLINE JOURNAL
FAQS
In Reception, as part of the Early Year’s assessment criteria, we maintain Learning Journals for each child. At Kew Green,
we use a system called ‘Tapestry’. Tapestry allows us to instantly upload photos, videos and observations of your child.
You can log on and view what your child has been up to.
An advantage of this system is that you can instantly add your own comments to entries as well as add observations
from home. You can show and celebrate your child’s online journal to members of the family. It is a secure and exciting
system to keep track of your child’s development and their time with us.
The safeguarding of our children is very important to us. Everything that is added to Tapestry will be added to our
school account and can only be viewed by school staff that use the system, and yourself, using your personal login. You
will only have access to your child’s journal and this cannot be seen by other parents. It is crucial that you do not share
photos or videos from your child’s journal on social media or through other online platforms.
If you would like you to find out more about Tapestry, you can visit their website here.
Why use an online system?
Photos and videos can be instantly uploaded and this increases the time that staff can spend with your child,
supporting and stretching their learning. Parents can instantly see what their child has been up to and can also share it
with family members such as grandparents.
How do I get onto the system?
If you consent to us using Tapestry for your child, school will set up an account for you and provide you with log on
details. Tapestry can be accessed here.
It is available as a free app from the Apple Store and also on Android devices. We will ask you to provide us with an
email address so that we can set up your personal account. This will be a secure way of logging in.
I don’t have a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone. How can I access Tapestry?
If you are unable to access the Internet on any device at home, then you will still be able to access your child’s journal
by arranging a mutually convenient time with your child’s teacher to come into school. You will be provided with access
to your child’s account and support if needed.
I am not very confident with computers or the Internet.
One of the reasons for us choosing Tapestry was ease of use. It is a very easy system to use, but should you have any
problems, a member of the Early Years Team will be happy to support you.
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FAQS
TAPESTRY PERMISSION SLIP
Why do you need my email address?
Your email address is required in order to set up your access to your child’s account. It is to ensure security on the site
and alert you when a new entry has been added for your child.
Please sign the agreement overleaf to show that you understand and agree with ours and Tapestry’s guidelines.
Please complete and return this slip via email as soon as possible to rowena.heaton@kgps.co.uk
Child’s Name: ______________________________________________________________
Class (please circle):
RK / RG
• I do/ do not give permission for an online Tapestry Learning Journey to be created and maintained for my child.
• I do/ do not give permission for my child’s photo to appear in any group photos used in Learning Journeys.
• I agree not to electronically share, by social media or other platforms, any part of my child’s Learning Journey.
The email address I wish to use for my Tapestry account is: (Please write using print)
____________________________________________________________________
Please use __________________________________________________ (first and surname) as my username.
Parent/Carer signature: _____________________________
Date:____________________
Please return this slip via email as soon as possible to rowena.heaton@kgps.co.uk
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ENVIRONMENT & COMMUNITY POLICY
We are committed to caring for our environment and the people within it. It is our duty to promote community
cohesion, which lies at the heart of what makes a strong and safe community for our children.
The purpose of this contract is to:
a) Outline parents’ responsibilities with regard to travelling to and from school and parking.
b) Raise awareness of the affect and impact the school has on the local area.
c) Ensure all members of the school community respect the local environment.
Who should be part of this contract?
Everyone at Kew Green Preparatory School must be aware of and understand the effects of their actions upon the
environment in which they live, learn, work and relax. We must work together to take responsibility for our actions.
Parents, children and staff need to have a sense of duty and care for our local community and our environment.
The aim of this contract
Our aim is to promote good community relations through championing respect, a core value at Kew Green:
This extends beyond the school gate, respecting the local environment and community. Always treat others as you
would like them to treat you and treat everybody with respect and courtesy.
1. The Green
Kew Green is common land and should be left in the condition we would like to find it. Our use of the Green has an
associated impact, particularly during the school day and directly after school hours. The school community is asked to
adhere to the following set of conditions:
• Remove all litter;
• Treat all local apparatus with respect: e.g. Benches, fences, Cricket club equipment (Covers, screens, practice nets,
the pitch and outfield);
• Use the footpath if walking across the Green;
• Avoid playing in areas of the Green where no grass is growing to allow it re-establish itself;
• Be aware and respectful of others using The Green – it is public land which we pay to use. It does not belong to the
school.
2. St Anne’s Church & surrounding area
The church is used by the school on many occasions throughout the school year and we have a good relationship with
the Vicar and the church wardens at St Anne’s. We ask for our school community to remember the building is a place of
worship by adhering to the following:
• Do not take food or drinks into the church;
• Leave the church clean and tidy – putting prayer cushions back and leaving the donation envelopes & pens in place
unless used appropriately;
• Turn off mobile phones;
• Respect the Graveyard, do not allow your child/ren to climb over the gravestones or the church wall;
• Park carefully if using the church car park. Please do not mount the flagstones to the front of the church or the
donation bricks edging The Green.
3. The area immediately outside the school
We are building an excellent relationship with our neighbours and would ask that you:
• Avoid leaving your dog tied to neighbours railings or drainpipes. (Please note that dogs are not allowed on school
premises);
• Avoid dropping litter;
• Respect the plants and fences that belong to our neighbours;
• Be polite and courteous to our neighbours.
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Road Safety
Kew Green Preparatory School is committed to minimising traffic congestion outside school and around the Green. This
is also crucial for the safety of our children and the rest of the school community.
1. Transport
To prevent congestion by the school run and to support our ‘Green Transport Policy’, parents, pupils and staff are
strongly encouraged to come to school either by bicycle, public transport, scooter, walking or by using the school bus
service. If the use of the car is unavoidable, car sharing is promoted.
Adhering to our ‘Green Transport Policy’ forms part of our terms and conditions of acceptance of a place at the school.
2. Parking
It is an offence to park in local residential parking bays without the correct permit.
As drivers, parents/carers should be aware of the severe consequences of illegal parking causing road safety hazards to
more vulnerable road users – your children. This also includes impairing visibility for pedestrians seeking to cross the
road or enter the school driveway. Road safety is of paramount importance.
Parents/carers are asked to be courteous to our neighbours and other road users, displaying the good character
promoted by the school. Please do not block driveways, access to emergency services and please do not park on the
pavements or in residential bays.
The school is totally committed to road safety and drivers identified as consistently not adhering to the above will be
contacted by the Headteacher.
Please note, all these points are included amongst our ‘Terms and Conditions of Acceptance’, Code of Conduct, Parent
Handbook and Driving Laws.
In order to fulfil our obligations to the local community and the environment, we need your co-operation and support.
It is important we, Kew Green Preparatory School, maintains a courteous and constructive relationship with our
neighbours, community members and each other at all times.
ENVIRONMENT CONTRACT
Child’s Name: ______________________________________________________________
Class (please circle):
RK / RG
I confirm that I have read the Kew Green Preparatory School Environment and Community Policy and
acknowledge my responsibility to uphold the items within it.
Parent/Carer signature: _____________________________
Date:___________________
Please return this slip via email as soon as possible to rowena.heaton@kgps.co.uk
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PHOTOGRAPHS & VIDEOGRAPHY:
PARENT CONSENT
MEDIA PERMISSION SLIP
Occasionally, the Gardener Schools Group may take photographs or video of our pupils to record events such school
plays, sports days, annual presentation evenings and school trips, so that we can celebrate these exciting occasions.
The resulting images will be used around the school itself, but may also be used in other ways:
• in our school prospectus;
• the end of term newsletter;
• other printed publications;
• on our school website;
• on school social media.
We will not use any personal details or full names of any child.
To protect our pupils and parents’ interests and to comply with the Data Protection Act, on entry to the school parents
and carers are asked to give consent for the use of photographs and videos of their child.
Child’s Name: ______________________________________________________________
PLEASE CIRCLE YOUR ANSWER:
I would like to celebrate my child’s achievements on the KGPS social media channels, in-print and online*
YES / NO
*Whole School videos, online productions, prospectus, newsletter and KGPS website
Please note, schools under the Gardener Schools Group may come together for joint events which will include
Pupils being photographed and videoed together. Please write to the school if you wish to withdraw consent at any
time.
Parent/Carer signature: _____________________________
Date:___________________
You can view our Online Safety Policy here
Please complete and return the permission slip via email as soon as possible to rowena.heaton@kgps.co.uk
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COMMUNICATION
ISI INSPECTION
The following communication is in place for parents at Kew Green.
Emails
- Individual emails between KGPS staff and parents
- End of week emails from the Headteacher, Mrs Davies, and your
child's Class Teacher
My School Portal
- A communication platform for parents and the school
- All school information documents, including the school calendar,
are saved on My School Portal for parents to view at any time
Tapestry: Reception year only
(see page 12 in this booklet for more information)
Friends of Kew Green
Every year the Friends of KGPS make a great contribution to our school, and as a parent of a child attending our school,
you are automatically a valued member of the Friends community. Please see the Friends Handbook here.
We were pleased to welcome a team of Independent
Schools Inspectors (ISI) in February 2023, who ran a full
statutory inspection.
KGPS achieved the highest ISI grade possible:
• Excellent in pupils’ academic and other
achievements
• Excellent in pupils’ personal development
The inspection team’s findings were extremely
positive and we are delighted to have received these
comments:
"Pupils approach their studies with highly positive
attitudes and an evident desire to succeed."
"Pupils are self-confident and self-disciplined;
demonstrating resilience and perseverance to improve
their learning."
"Pupils demonstrate a mature moral awareness and
take responsibility for their own behaviour."
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Kew Green Prep School
Layton House, Ferry Lane
Kew Green
TW9 3AF
@kewgreenprep