Uffington C of E Primary School
Broad Street
Uffington
Oxfordshire
SN7 7RA
Telephone: 01367 820296
Office email: [email protected]
Website: www.uffington.oxon.sch.uk
Headteacher: Mrs Lisa Bradbury
Welcome to the Uffington Foundation Stage
(White Horse Class)
Introduction
We believe that the Early Years Foundation Stage is vitally important in its own right as it
creates solid foundations for lifelong learning. Uffington Foundation Stage Class, also
known as White Horse Class, provides a nurturing and stimulating learning environment
where children experience a rich and varied curriculum that supports and extends the
abilities of each individual child.
We are fortunate at Uffington Primary School to have our Nursery integrated into our
Foundation Stage Classroom. This provides for seamless transition from Nursery into
Reception and full time education. The children are supported by experienced
Class Teachers and a well qualified Support Worker and Teaching Assistant who work
together to plan and deliver meaningful and exciting learning opportunities. It is a unique
setting that fosters happy and confident learners from an early age.
Aims

To provide high quality care and education for children up to and including the year
of their 5th birthday

To work in partnership with parents to help children to learn and develop

To provide a safe, supportive and stimulating learning environment where the
contribution of all children is valued

To encourage children to communicate and talk about their learning, and to develop
independence and self-management 

To use a wide range of teaching strategies based on the children’s learning needs

To guide the children’s development through warm, positive interaction

To plan exciting opportunities, both indoors and outdoor, that build upon and extend
the children’s knowledge

To add to the life and well-being of the local community

To offer children and their parents a service that promotes equality and values
diversity
Children
We aim to ensure that each child:

is in a safe and stimulating environment

has lots of care and attention, because of our ratio of qualified staff to children

is helped to take forward her/his learning and development by being helped to build
on what she/he already knows and can do

has a personal key person who makes sure each child fulfils his/her potential

is in a setting that sees parents as partners in helping each child to learn and
develop

has the chance to join with other children and adults to live, play, work and learn
together
N.B. For organisational purposes we refer to:
Nursery children as children from two and a half years old to the academic year in which
they turn 4.
Reception children as children from 4 years old who will turn 5 during that academic year.
Staff:
Headteacher
Mrs Lisa Bradbury
Early Years Foundation Stage Co-ordinator & EYFS Teacher Mrs Amanda Slater
Early Years Foundation Stage Teacher
Mrs Cheryl Marsh
Early Years Foundation Stage Support Worker
Miss Jo Barber
Early Years Foundation Stage Teaching Assistant
Miss Sherrie Drew
Finance Officer & Senior Administrator
Mrs Lucy Palmer
Administrator
Mrs Melissa Danby (T W Th)
Parents
Parents are regarded as members of our setting who have full participatory rights. These
include a right to be:

valued and respected

kept informed

consulted

involved and included at all levels
How parents can contribute to the setting
Uffington Foundation Stage Class recognises parents as the first and most important
educators of their children. All of the staff see themselves as partners with parents in
providing care and education for their child. There are many ways in which parents can be
involved in their child’s early education including the opportunity to:

exchange knowledge about their child’s needs, activities, interests and progress with
the staff

volunteer to help for part of the day

share their own special interests with the children

help provide, make and look after the equipment and materials used in the children's
play activities

be a School Governor or member of the PTA

take part in events and informal discussions about the activities and curriculum
provided by the setting

join in community activities in which the setting takes part

build supportive friendships with other families in the setting
Parents are welcome to visit the setting to see it at work or to speak with the staff. Please
speak to a member of staff to arrange a convenient time.
Key Persons and your child
Our setting uses a key person approach. This means that each member of staff has a
group of children for whom she/he is particularly responsible. A child's key person will be
the adult who works with the family, to make sure we provide what is right for the child's
particular needs and interests. When a child first starts at the setting, the key person will
help the child to settle and ensure the child continues to benefit from the setting's activities.
In addition to the child’s key person, all staff have a good working knowledge of the children
and are able to support their individual needs.
Transition
When your child first joins the setting, we will work with you to help make the transition as
smooth as possible for your child. For children who are two and a half years old or those
who are older but have not previously been at a setting, we recommend that they begin with
two afternoon sessions per week. Our afternoon sessions are generally quieter and less
formal, allowing the child’s key person more time to help your child settle into the
Foundation Stage Class.
We have a great deal of contact with the rest of the school. The children have opportunities
to use the school hall to explore the PE apparatus, engage in music from around the world
and develop movement through a writing programme called ‘Write Dance’. The school field
is used to extend their knowledge and understanding of the world, further their ball skills
and other physical movements. The Reception children also attend whole school
assemblies, share some playtimes and take part in special activities with the KS1 and KS2
pupils. In doing all of this the children become familiar with the staff, pupils and routines of
the rest of the school.
The Early Years Foundation Stage
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage, which is a statutory framework that sets
standards for development, learning and care of children from birth to five.
Four guiding principles shape our practice in the early years. These are:
 Every child is a unique child, who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable,
confident and self-assured;
 Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships;
 Children learn and develop well in enabling environments, in which their experiences
respond to their individual needs and there is strong partnership between practitioners and
parents.
 Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates. The curriculum covers
the education and care of all children in the early years provision, including children with
special educational needs and disabilities.
There are seven areas of learning and development, three prime areas and four specific
areas:
Three Prime Areas:
 Personal, Social and Emotional Development
 Communication and Language
 Physical Development
Four Specific Areas:
 Literacy
 Mathematics
 Understanding the World
 Expressive Arts and Design
In each area there are Early Learning Goals (EYFS) that define the expectations for
most children to reach at the end of the academic year in which they turn five.
In addition, there are three different characteristics of learning that run through and
underpin all seven areas of learning and development.
The characteristics of effective learning are:

Playing and exploring – children investigate and experience things and ‘have a go’

Active learning – children concentrate and keep on trying if they encounter difficulties,
and enjoy achievements

Creating and thinking critically – children have and develop their own ideas,
make links between ideas and develop strategies for doing things.
Each area of learning and development is implemented through planned, purposeful play
and through a mix of adult-led and child-initiated activities, both indoors and outdoors. In
their play children learn at their highest level. Play is essential for children’s development,
building their confidence as they learn to explore, to think about problems, and relate to
others
We organise our time and resources so that the children can choose from, and work at, a
range of play based activities. Therefore, the children build up their ability to select and
work through a task to its completion. The children are also encouraged to take part in
adult-led, small and large group activities which introduce them to new experiences and
help them to gain new skills and how to work with others. For example, the children’s
mathematical skills are developed through practical activities such as cooking, making
models and playing games. Nursery children take part in daily ‘letters and sounds’ activities
whilst the reception children take part in daily phonic sessions.
The setting also takes account of the children's changing energy levels and caters for their
individual needs for rest and quiet activities during the day. Outdoor activities contribute to
children's physical health and wellbeing, along with all areas of development.
Forest School
Forest School is a unique educational experience and process that offers Foundation
children the opportunity to succeed and develop confidence and self- esteem through
hands - on learning experiences in a woodland environment.
Children engage in motivating and achievable tasks and activities throughout the year and
in almost all weathers. Children will work with tools, play, learn boundaries of behaviour
both physical and social, grow in confidence, self- esteem and motivation whilst developing
an understanding of the natural world.
Forest school sessions are available for Reception and Nursery children. They are run by a
fully qualified forest school leader and take place either on the school site or in a privately
owned woodland environment in Baulking to which the children and staff travel by mini bus.
All vehicles and drivers are adequately insured. Please ensure your child has a pair of
wellingtons in school and wears a sensible coat. Waterproof trousers are provided.
Meals and snacks
Lunch
The Nursery and Reception children eat their lunch in the school hall. They are well
supervised with an EYFS qualified member of staff present. Parents can choose from a
healthy, balanced packed lunch which the children bring in themselves or pay for a school
hot meal at a cost of £2.10 each. School lunches are free for all Reception children. Menus
are available from the school office and are displayed in the Foundation Stage Classroom.
We ask that in the lunch box that they do not have sweets, chocolate or fizzy drinks and
that biscuits and sweet treats are kept to a minimum. All grapes and cherry tomatoes must
be cut in half to minimise the risk of choking. If your child has any food allergies please fill
in a dietary information form available from the school office. We have a strict NO NUTS
policy so please check the ingredients on products such as cereal bars.
Snack
We plan healthy and nutritious snacks and address individual children’s dietary needs.
Snack time varies from ‘café style’ where children are able to help themselves, to eating in
small groups or whole class celebrations. Fresh drinking water is available for the children
to help themselves throughout the day. Please let us know if you would like your child to be
registered for free school milk.
Assessment
Ongoing assessment plays an important part in helping our parents, carers and
practitioners to recognise children’s progress, understand their needs and to plan the child’s
‘Next Steps’ through relevant activities and support.
This begins by practitioners observing the children and assessing their interests,
development and learning, before planning differentiated activities and experiences to
extend the children’s learning and development.
Records of Achievement
The setting keeps a profile for each child. We use an interactive on-line profile and collate
evidence of the children’s work. At certain times of the year the portal will be open for
parents to view their child’s progress and achievements. Staff and parents working
together on their child’s profile is one of the ways in which the key person and parents work
in partnership. The child's record of achievement helps us to celebrate together her/his
achievements and to work together to provide what they need for her/his well-being and to
make progress.
General Information
School Day for Reception Children
The day starts at 9am and finishes at 3pm.
Lunch time is from 12 noon -1:00pm
Absences – should your child be unwell, please ensure you call the school office on 01367
820296 to report their absence by 9.30am. You will be able to leave a message if you
select option 1. Please ensure you give your child’s name, class and description of illness.
Please note: If a child has vomited or has diarrhoea at school or home they are not allowed
to return to school untill 48 hours after the last time they were sick.
Communication
A weekly update is sent to parents via email every Thursday to keep them up to date with
news and events
Contact details – please can you ensure that if you change any of your contact details you
inform the school office so we can keep our records up to date and contact you easily in the
case of an emergency.
Funding
Nursery children are eligible for Local Authority Funding for 15 hours per week from the
start of the full term immediately following their 3rd birthday. Some 2 year olds are also
entitled to free early education. To check if you might qualify see:
www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/twoyearoldfunding
Nursery Sessions
Mornings
Lunch Session
Afternoons
Afternoon sessions for 2
year olds on Monday &
Thursday
9:00am – 12 noon
12 noon – 1:00pm
1:00pm – 3:00pm
1:00pm – 3:00pm
Nursery Fees
Nursery fees are £3.40 an hour for any sessions booked (beyond any funded hours your
child receives – up to 15 hours). All sessions must be paid for regardless of non-attendance
due to sickness or other reasons.
Early Years Pupil Premium
Please can all parents/carers complete an Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) form on
admission. This will help us to provide the best education and support for your child by
making sure that if your child is eligible for the EYPP we receive this funding. High quality
early education can influence how well a child does at both primary and secondary school
so we really want to make the most of this additional funding.
School Dinners
School dinners are £2.10 each for each nursery child – menus are available from the school
office. Reception children are entitled to free school meals.
Payment for nursery fees and dinners are made via schoolmoney either via the
schoolmoney website or directly to the school office (cash/cheque only). Parents are sent a
weekly reminder to settle their accounts and swift payment is very much appreciated.
Uffington Primary School reserves the right to refuse the booking of school dinners and/or
nursery sessions in the event that the amount owed on account is greater than £50.
Please do not hesitate to contact the school office if you have any questions or concerns.
Admissions process
For Nursery children we organise our waiting list in birth order. In addition we may also
consider the following:
 Educational or Social Needs
 Siblings already attending the setting
 Vicinity of the home to the setting
If you wish to enrol your child, please complete the attached enrolment form and return it to
the school office.
Reception children - This involves parents making an application for a school place from
Oxfordshire County Council during the Autumn Term, the year before they start school.
Children are admitted to school in the September following their fifth birthday.
Our school complies with the Local Authority Admissions policy.
Please visit their website at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/ or if you have any further queries
about the schools admissions process please contact: Sarah Duke on 01865 815175 or
email:[email protected]
Having a place as a nursery child at Uffington does not guarantee a place as a
Reception pupil at Uffington CE Primary School, you must apply to Oxfordshire
County Council. Mrs Palmer in the school office can advise you about this process.
Clothing / School Uniform
The school website has information on the school uniform required for Reception children
only.
All children need a warm waterproof coat and a pair of Wellington Boots to be kept in
school.
Although we do try to use aprons and also, roll up sleeves etc the children have regular
access to paint, water, sand and the ‘Mud Kitchen’, so please avoid very expensive
personal coats, shoes etc.
We also require all items of clothing to be clearly named.
Community Coffee Mornings:
The coffee mornings are organised by the school and village community groups. They are
advertised in advance.
Complaints Procedure
If you need to make a formal complaint that cannot be resolved in the classroom, there are
forms available in the foyer.
English as a second language
For children whose home language is not English, we take reasonable steps to provide
opportunities for children to develop and use their home language in play and learning,
supporting their language development at home. We ensure that children have sufficient
opportunities to learn and reach a good standard in English language during the EYFS
Home School Worker:
Mrs Suzanne Clarke is our Home School Worker. Her role is to assist the school
community by offering support to parents, carers and children, where issues are affecting
children and their performance at school.
Policies
Copies of all the setting's policies and procedures can be viewed on the school website or
from the school office directly.
Safeguarding and Welfare
The safeguarding and welfare requirements as stated in the Early Years Foundation
Statutory Framework (2012) cover the steps that we take to keep our children safe and
promote their welfare at all times.
The school takes seriously its responsibility to protect and safeguard the welfare of the
children and young people in its care. Please see the policy in the School Office or on the
School Website for further details.
Special needs:
As part of the setting's policy to make sure that its provision meets the needs of each
individual child, we take account of any additional needs a child may have. The setting has
regard to the new statutory ‘SEND code of practice: 0 to 25 years’, which came into force
on 1 September 2014.
School Website:
www.uffington.oxon.sch.uk
This provides information about the school and consists of weekly emails and lots of other
relevant information.