Langley Park Primary School Langley Park Co. Durham DH7 9XN 24th June 2020 Head Teacher Mr D Walton Tel: 0191 3731398 Fax: 01913737270 langleypark@durhamlearning.net

Dear Parent/ Carer,

Firstly, thank you for choosing Langley Park Primary School for your child to attend. I cannot wait to welcome you properly into Reception Class and hope the children are just as excited as I am!

My name is Miss Kelly and I have worked at Langley Park School for almost three years now; nearly two years in Year 2 and the last year in Reception Class. I fell in love with the children and the school when I walked through the doors on my very first day. Mr Walton champions a loving and caring approach throughout the school and the children’s level of happiness can be measured by this. It really is a happy and caring place to be!

My passion lies within Early Years, as I believe that this is where the magic really starts to happen! In Reception Class we encourage learning through play. This involves child initiated play balanced with adult-led directed play. Both have equal importance in order to nurture and support the development of your child, ensuring that they have the necessary foundations in place, to shine throughout their academic life.

Your child starting school is a monumental time, not only in their lives but also in yours too! I remember when my son, Daniel, started school, I was a wreck! Lot’s of worries and concerns. I completely understand if you are feeling worried, especially after them being absent from nursery for so long. Please let me reassure you that when we welcome your child into school, they will be treated with the highest level of care and understanding. For the first few weeks we will be allowing them to find their feet, explore and play with their friends. We will get to know each other, and build upon a lasting trust that is crucial to support their happiness and subsequent development. I encourage on-going communication with home and school, so that we can work together and get everything just perfect for your child.

To help me to understand your child better and to help with a smoother transition, it would be really helpful if you could complete the enclosed form ‘All About Me’. You know your child the best and this will give me a head start to put things in place, that really matter to your child. I would also be grateful if you could send me by email a picture of your child’s family and a baby photograph of your child. I want to make the classroom feel like their own when they walk in on their first day. I would appreciate it if you could get these to me by Friday 10th July.

Ordinarily, we would have had the opportunity to meet before September but due to the current events and restrictions that are out of our control, sadly this is unable to happen. However, should you have any concerns please do not hesitate to contact us by email or telephone.

I have put together a PowerPoint on the school website that I thought would be helpful for you to go through with your child. It shows some photographs of the classroom and some of the current Reception Class children having fun. I hope it helps.

These are also some useful links that you may want to take a look at:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/collections/starting-primary-school/1

https://www.pacey.org.uk/working-in-childcare/spotlight-on/being-school-ready/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b08bzzns/numberblocks-series-1-one

Reception Baseline Assessment – As I mentioned our focus at the beginning of the year will be getting to know your child, helping them to feel settled and helping them to build new friendships. Alongside this, we will be required by the government to carry out a baseline assessment of each child. This is absolutely nothing to worry about. Your child will know nothing about it and we will ensure that it is done in a fun and engaging way. This video, which is produced by the Department for Education (DfE) explains their baseline assessment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFtcBdknyCI

I hope that you all enjoy the Summer and I am beyond excited to welcome your child on their very first day at school. Take good care of each other until then.

Kindest Wishes

Miss Kelly x

Reception Class Teacher