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Welcome to Kingfishers
We recognise that choosing a school for your child, especially at such a young age, is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. After all, the first few years of school are the start of the person your son or daughter will become. They have to be right and they have to be one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences in your small child’s life.
Our small, nurturing classes ensure that your child will be known and cared for individually, while our focus on happiness and fun ensures that he or she will develop a genuine enthusiasm for learning, whatever his or her interest.
We passionately believe that Kingfishers, our Pre-Prep, is the closest a school can get to offering the comfort of a home within the supportive structure of education. With children joining us from age three, it is a place where the timid can find their feet and the confident can spread their wings.
We promise to help your child to be the best – and happiest – that he or she can be. And as a parent, you can rest assured that you will be given every opportunity not only to be part of your child’s learning journey, but to be part of our community too.
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‘ Kingfishers is a very nice place and I’ve made lots of new friends.’ Elijah, age 4
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Life in KingďŹ shers KingďŹ shers is the Pre-Prep department of Cheltenham College Preparatory School, welcoming children from age three up to age seven. While the majority of children join us the term after their third birthday, we welcome others throughout the year and at different ages. The youngest children join our Cottage, a unique safe haven that offers a gentle introduction to Foundation Stage 1. At age four to five, children move into Reception, followed by Year 1. By the time they reach the end of Year 2 at seven years old, all our children are ready to take the next step into Lower School with confidence. Throughout their time in Kingfishers, children will develop into independent and inquisitive learners who are confident both in themselves and their environment. We operate small classes with an average ratio of one teacher to every eight children, ensuring the highest possible level of individual care. We pride ourselves on being able to find and develop the strengths of every child, both inside and outside the classroom.
Celebrating achievement and rewarding effort are important to us, but so too is instilling values and encouraging children to take responsibility for their own learning and behaviour. Our doors are always open to parents. In the mornings we operate a flexible drop off, giving your child precious time to settle and you the chance to talk to our staff about any concerns you may have. We also ensure that timetables and information boards about what the children are learning are on display outside each classroom. Regular coffee mornings give you an opportunity to meet other parents and our curriculum workshops are a unique way of helping you understand what is being taught in the classroom and how to reinforce it at home.
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’ I love Forest School. It’s nice to explore outside. Last week we learnt about leaves and toasted marshmallows with Miss Matthews.’ Tom, age 5
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Developing the whole child We believe that an excellent education should never just be about academic success. Our children are given the freedom and opportunity to excel in every capacity and we cherish the development of wider interests and skills. Personal development is crucial to this. Teaching children to respect, play and interact with other children (and adults) is as important to us as developing literacy and maths skills. Our staff are not just committed to bringing out the best in your child, they are passionate about understanding what it is that motivates him or her. Our curriculum is traditional but our approach is modern, with classroom teachers and subject specialists working together to provide the best possible all-round education. In addition to lessons, structured play, Music, PE, Dance, Drama, Language and Culture all help open minds and develop physical characteristics.
Our Golden Rules Be gentle Be kind and helpful Work hard Look after property Listen to people Be honest
We run a range of lunchtime activities for all ages and for older children there are numerous after-school clubs to encourage independence and foster curiosity. ICT is also integrated across the year groups, with digital equipment and computers being used to enhance the curriculum. All children within Kingfishers attend our Forest School, giving them an opportunity to develop skills such as decision-making, teamwork and problem-solving in a specially designated woodland environment. Many of the activities are led by the children themselves, increasing both independence and self esteem.
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The Foundation Stage At the age of three, children are welcomed into our Cottage, a unique, informal and self-contained environment that they can treat as a home from home.
For many children, this will be their first separation from their parents and our priority is to ensure that this transition is as smooth and positive as possible. Children can attend for a minimum of two days a week and can either stay a full day or be picked up at lunchtime. Parents are always welcome and we make sure to keep you fully informed on your child’s progress and activities. Importantly, our class sizes are small, with teachers easily able to pick up on your child’s moods, interests and needs. The emphasis is on fun, practical learning, preparing children to fly at reading and writing once in Reception.
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The curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework, including emphasis on phonics, but with an individual approach to each child. By the time a child leaves the Cottage, he or she will have developed the fine and gross motor skills needed to move onto the next level. Children, do, of course, develop at different rates, both in terms of ability and confidence. Those who are ready to take the next step up can do so at any time. Children therefore get the best of both worlds; a comforting base in a small, homely environment and experience of the other parts of the school and grounds when they are ready.
Reception By the time children move up into Reception, the second year of the Foundation Stage, the classrooms and teachers will already be familiar to them and they will be ready to take their learning forward. Throughout the year we operate Highscope, an approach which enables teachers and children to work together to plan, do and review. This helps give children control over aspects of their learning and to practise decision-making. It also helps engender a sense of responsibility for their work and the materials they use. At this stage, every child has an individual target to work towards, which is shared with parents. Effort and achievements are celebrated both individually and collectively, encouraging children to be proud
not only of themselves but also of each other. The day’s timetable is set out informally for children to follow, helping them to get used to the structure of a school day. It is within this Reception year that your child will start making leaps and bounds with reading and writing. Confidence is crucial and our continued small classes help ensure that no child is either left behind or just as importantly, left in front. Fun and enjoyment are key, as is involvement in the broad range of activities on offer, such as Swimming, PE, Drama and Music.
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‘ I like learning to swim because it’s really fun in the pool.’ Harry, age 6
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Years 1 & 2 By now, your child will be used to the structure of a school day and will be ready to progress beyond basic numeracy and literacy. of scientific concepts. At this level, it is just as important to teach skills as it is knowledge; children should move on to Lower School knowing how to research, how to present information and not being afraid to ask if they don’t know. Classes remain small and individual, with children encouraged to apply the concepts they learn in class to independent and creative work. Each child has personal achievement targets which are set in negotiation with his or her teacher and shared with parents. These two years provide crucial preparation for entry into Lower School and will see children develop greatly in their understanding of the world around them and in their awareness of others. Our creative curriculum expands to include subject specific topic work covering Geography, History and RE, while weekly Science lessons help children gain hands-on experience
Work is completed in line with the National Curriculum, but many children will go beyond this, deepening their knowledge and skills. We place no ceiling on learning; we simply ensure that every single child is working at the highest level for his or her ability, whilst reaching the minimum standards needed to be able to move up to the next stage of school.
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‘ I like going to big school because you get to do activity week.’ Laura, age 6
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Flying into Year 3 Throughout Year 2, pupils are gently prepared for the next phase in their academic life. They gradually spend more time working independently and for longer periods. They mix more and more with Lower School pupils, not just through taster lessons but also in clubs and activities. By the time children reach the summer of Year 2, they have developed into confident young learners and are excited about making the step up to ‘big school’. As a parent, you will also experience a sense of progression. Your child will have a more structured day and be increasingly confident about knowing where to go and when. Many children now start to
assert their independence, whether that be carrying their own bags or wanting to enter the classroom on their own. While this may feel strange at first, it is perfectly normal and an important step change in your child’s school career. As your child does move on, you should have every confidence that he or she has received the best possible educational foundation. Above all however, we hope that your child will leave Kingfishers with the kind of grounding and self confidence that makes you proud to be a parent.
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Safe under our wing What if my child cries when I leave? Some children do cry and this is quite normal. It varies hugely but it is always manageable. We make sure that plenty of staff are on hand, especially at the beginning of the day, so that your child can be given individual attention if upset and then integrated back into the class. You will also find our flexible drop off time helpful as it gives both you and your child valuable settling in time before the school day starts. In terms of school itself, there is always something to entice the child into school in the morning and we can always call you later in the morning to give you an update if you are concerned.
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What if my child won’t eat? Children get very hungry very quickly in school! They also tend to copy other children and soon become keen to eat their lunch and try new foods. Our catering team does an excellent job of providing nutritious and healthy food in the right portions for small children and allergies are always catered for. During lunchtimes themselves, staff eat with the children, enabling them not only to monitor what is being eaten but to teach table manners and how to hold cutlery. We also believe in encouraging children to try new foods; if they don’t like something, that’s absolutely fine but at least they will have tasted it. We also ensure they drink plenty of water. Of course, it’s not just about lunch – a wide range of snacks, including fruit, are available throughout the day. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask us for updates; we’re always happy to let concerned parents know daily what their child has eaten and we will always raise any concerns we have with you.
What if I am late to pick my child up?
How is my child occupied at playtime? We always make sure that children can play in an environment that they feel safe in – whether that be within the protected garden of the Cottage or within the bigger grounds of the school. We also encourage them to go outside so that they get plenty of fresh air. Kingfishers play times are in purpose-built and well resourced areas, ensuring that the younger children do not get intimidated by the older ones. Staff are always on hand to supervise and buddy up children if anyone looks left out. We also believe in teaching a range of traditional playground games as well as providing a wide range of both indoor and outdoor toys.
You will find that we are very flexible with pick ups and drop offs in Kingfishers. The normal school day finishes at 3.30pm but we operate a Kingfishers Late Club which is open until 6pm every evening. This can include tea, depending on how late your child needs to stay. If exceptional circumstances mean that you are going to be even later than this, our Boarding House can look after your child until you arrive.
What if my child is ill or has a medical condition? As a school offering boarding, we are lucky to have an onsite medical centre, with nurses and doctors available throughout the day. Within Kingfishers itself, there are always staff available who are trained both in first aid and in using EpiPens. Bruises and cuts can happen as part of school life and we will always let you know at pick up if your child has hurt him or herself, no matter how minor. Anything bigger and we will call you during the day so it is essential that we have your current contact details, especially mobile numbers. We are very used to allergies and special dietary requirements; for example our kitchen staff know exactly which children can’t eat certain foods and will always offer alternatives.
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