Dean Close St John's Pre-Prep Parent Handbook by Dean Close School

Pre-Prep

PARENT HANDBOOK

Dean Close St John’s Values We flourish at St John’s We will always contribute to all aspects of life at St John’s We will love and respect our school and the whole community We will be courageous We will strive to be our best self

DEAN CLOSE ST JOHN’S | PRE-PREPARATORY

Not a minute wasted, not a moment rushed Contents 5

Headmaster's Welcome

The School Day

Class Definitions

The Curriculum

The Seven Key Areas of Learning

Uniform

Medical, Health Information & Absences

Communication and Parental Links

Assessment, Reporting to Parents and Learning Support Information

Policies

DEAN CLOSE ST JOHN’S | PRE-PREPARATORY

Welcome

A VERY WARM WELCOME TO OUR WONDERFUL PRE‑PREP, WHERE THE MAGIC REALLY DOES HAPPEN The warmth, vibrancy and care of this very special part of Dean Close St John’s is evident to all and we think you will love being part of this special community. It is always a delight to welcome our new families and we hope you will soon get to know us. It is so exciting to have the children back in school every September ready to learn and make the most of all that is on offer. We have a wonderful team of dedicated and talented staff who provide outstanding pastoral care and academic challenge to each child. Being a small school means that relationships and really knowing one another is vital to ensuring each child is supported in the best possible way. Our school is a happy one – our values of love, courage and contribution underpin all we do. Pre-Prep is full of excitement every single day and we want to ensure those moments of awe and wonder form a central part of each child’s learning. We know that childhood is the most precious of days and we embrace the outdoors to ensure the experience of childhood at St John’s is the very best. Allowing the children to explore, experiment and make mistakes is so important – we aim to provide a learning environment where the children are supported, stretched and challenged. I do hope a new academic year brings with it all sorts of possibilities for your children and I look forward to an exciting journey together.

Mr Nick Thrower, Headmaster DEAN CLOSE ST JOHN’S | PRE-PREPARATORY

The School Day • ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL

Pre-Prep doors open at 8am with registration at 8.20am. Breakfast is served between 8am and 8.15am in the dining room if required.

• ASSEMBLY TIME

Pre-Prep enjoy their own assemblies as well as joining with the Prep School for whole school assemblies. St John’s encourages pupil participation and these collective events are seen as important – celebrating the new school day with stories, drama and thoughts, supporting our community life and school principles. Assemblies are also an important time to celebrate pupil awards and prizes for effort, attainment and for being a helpful, caring member of our school.

• BREAK TIMES

During the morning and afternoon break, children are supervised by teaching staff and can enjoy the Pre-Prep play area and adventure playground. We encourage children to play games that promote friendship and allow for individual respect. A drink and a snack are provided at this time. Your child may also bring fresh or dried fruit of their choice in for break time. We kindly request that the fruit is prepared ready to eat. It should be in a small, clearly-named container. Please remember that we are a strictly “no nuts and sesame” school.

• LUNCH TIME & NUTRITION

We follow a routine based around the children’s learning and developmental needs, offering a healthy and varied menu which includes vegetarian and vegan options. Our produce is high quality and sourced locally. Please let us know if your child has any dietary requirements so that we can cater for them. A cooked meal is provided in our school dining room between 12 noon and 1pm. We offer family dining and sit with the children to help them eat a balanced meal and learn good table manners.

DEAN CLOSE ST JOHN’S | PRE-PREPARATORY

The School Day • END OF THE DAY

Pre-Prep formally finish the school day at 3.30pm. We are aware that sometimes plans do have to change. If, for any reason, you will not be able to collect your child at the appointed time, or you have had to ask somebody else to collect them, please let your child’s form teacher know by email leave a message with the school office. This means we can reassure your child and, of course, we will not allow any child to go home with anyone other than a parent or nominated guardian without your permission.

• WRAPAROUND CARE

At St John’s we know that working parents may have additional care needs for their children beyond the set school day. With this in mind we are happy to provide the following, free of charge: 8.00am – 8.15am Breakfast in the Dining Hall 3.30pm – 4.15pm Pre-Prep Clubs 3.30pm – 5.30pm Late Stay with a member of Pre-Prep staff Drink and biscuit provided, with bus children escorted to their bus at 4.25pm. Children may join Late Stay after their Club if additional childcare is required. Those clubs that are run by external providers may incur a small fee. 5.30 pm – 6pm Late Stay continues in the Prep School and a cooked tea is provided if previously booked in. An additional charge will be added to the end‑of-term bill. Children await collection from the Prep-School. Please note there is no after-school care from 4.30pm on Exeats and 3.15pm at end of Half Term and end of Term.

• BUSES

The school runs a fleet of minibuses daily (Monday to Friday) to and from St John’s. The exact routes are dependent upon demand and vary from time to time. To find out further details and to book places on the buses, please contact School Reception. Our friendly drivers are all equipped with mobile phones and their contact numbers are provided on request. Please be patient when trying to contact a driver as they may be on the road and unable to take your call until it is safe for to pull off the road and bring the vehicle to a halt.

If you have any questions, concerns or simply need to get in touch about your child’s day, we are available on: Pre-Prep mobile 07471 350 704 (messages only please)

School office 01291 622 045

Head of Pre-Preparatory Department Mrs June Ruddy ruddyj@deanclosestjohns.org.uk

Headmaster Mr Nick Thrower throwern@deanclosestjohns.org.uk DEAN CLOSE ST JOHN’S | PRE-PREPARATORY

Project1_Layout 1 23/05/2022 15:00 Page 1

Pre-Pre Preep C Cllassees KINDERG GAR GARTEN

RECEPTION

3+ years to 4+

4+ years to 5+

(4th birthday during

(5th birthday during

the academic year)

YEAR ONE

YEAR TWO

5+ years to 6+

6+ years to 7+

(6th birthday during

(7th birthday during

the academic year)

INSURANCE

A AVIN VING NOTICE OF LEA

The School has arranged for all pupils to be covered by the Pupil’s

A full term’s notice, in writing, is required of parents’ intention

Personal Accident Insurance Scheme at no additional charge.

to remove a pupil, other wise a term’s fees in lieu of notice

The following pupil insurances are available on an opt-in basis.

will be payable.

a) The School Fees Refund Scheme (loss of fees

N.B.

through sickness) b) Personal Effects Insurance Scheme c) Pupils’ Healthcare Scheme Please note that your son’s/daughter’s personal possessions will not be covered by the School insurance. You may wish to check whether your own insurance covers these or take advantage of the Pupils’ Personal Effects Scheme. The School cannot accept liability for the loss of (by theft or negligence), or damage to, pupils’ personal propertyy, or property on loan to them. 8

DEAN CLOSE ST JOHN’S | PRE-PREP PARA ATORY

The start of the academic year is taken as 1st September. The end of the academic year is taken as August 31st.

Project1_Layout 1 23/05/2022 15:01 Page 2

The Curriculum

DEAN CLOSE ST JOHN’S | PRE-PREPARATORY

FOREST SCHOOL AND OUTDOOR LEARNING Dean Close St John’s has a rich variety of outdoor learning opportunities, both within the beautiful grounds, and throughout the stunning surroundings of the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean. Our children enjoy their on-site Forest School and superb outdoor classroom on a frequent basis. Here they have the freedom to learn through experimentation and discovery, learning about and connecting with the natural world. They also get to enjoy fun and adventurous activities – all of which are incredibly important to a real childhood.

RECEPTION & KINDERGARTEN EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE The three characteristics of effective learning are: • Playing and Exploring

RECEPTION The children have daily maths and literacy lessons, alongside exciting topic work and child-initiated play in their dedicated play areas and playground.

• Active Learning

TOPICS

• Creating & Critical thinking

Our topic-based curriculum offers a wide range of learning

KINDERGARTEN

opportunities aimed at stimulating and nurturing your child’s

As Kindergarten is part of the Early Years Foundation Stage, we broadly follow the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, which sets the standards

three-year rolling programme of topics in the early years in case someone does two years in Kindergarten and, therefore,

for learning, development and care for

won’t repeat topics.

children from birth to five.

Kindergarten and Reception pupils also have swimming, PE,

Every child learns in different ways and

Forest School, music and French lessons, taught by specialist

so we ensure that our activities and

teachers – giving the children an early advantage

environment are tailored to meet each

in experiencing and developing their

and every learning style. Our approach

skills in these subjects.

is topic-based – this means we take the seven areas of learning and development and blend them into a theme that our children can really get stuck into. Early phonics development is encouraged through activities to stimulate early sound recognition and discrimination.

development, interests and natural curiosity. We have a

DEAN CLOSE ST JOHN’S | PRE-PREPARATORY

The Seven Key Areas Of Learning THE SEVEN KEY AREAS OF LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT OR THE EARLY YEARS/FOUNDATION STAGE ARE: 1

PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

For instance, the sound ‘ai’ (rain) is on the Sound Sheet.

This area of learning is about emotional well-being and

The alternatives ‘a-e’ (cake) and ‘ay’ (day) will be taught

promoting self-esteem. It is also about developing respect

later, either as part of our Phonics programme or when an

for others, social competence and a positive disposition

individual child is ready.

for learning.

MATHEMATICS

COMMUNICATION AND LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

Children’s mathematical development arises out of daily

The development of communication and language is at

experiences in a rich and interesting environment. It involves

the heart of young children’s learning. It includes giving

becoming confident and competent in learning key skills in

opportunities for speaking and listening for different

numeracy and simple mathematical problem solving.

purposes; developing children’s confidence and skill in expressing themselves.

UNDERSTANDING THE WORLD In this area of learning, children are developing knowledge,

LITERACY DEVELOPMENT

skills and understanding that help them make sense of the

This involves encouraging children to link sounds and

physical world and their community through opportunities

letters, being read a wide variety of books and beginning

to explore, observe and find information. This forms the

to read and write.

foundation stones for later work in science, design and

PHONICS

technology, history, information and communication

Within the Early Years/ Foundation Stage, letter sounds

technology and geography.

learnt by a method called synthetic phonics, through a variety

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

of activities including Big Cat Phonics, Jolly Phonics and

Physical development in the Early Years/Foundation

Twinkle Phonics. Phonics are the building bricks of all words

Stage is about growth of co-ordination, skills, control,

and will eventually help your child decipher new vocabulary.

manipulation and movement. Two other very important

In Phonics the 42 main sounds of English are taught, not just

aspects are increasing self-confidence in what can be

the alphabet sounds. For each sound there is an action which

achieved and learning about the positive benefits of

helps the children remember the sound associated with the

being healthy and active.

letter, making it multi-sensory.

EXPRESSIVE ARTS AND DESIGN

In Reception, as the letters are taught, they are stuck into a

Creativity is fundamental to successful learning. Being

‘Sound book’ which your child will bring home. The letters

creative enables children to make connections between one

are not introduced in alphabetical order. The first group

area of learning and another. This area of learning involves

‘s, a, t, i, p, n’ has been chosen because they make more

enabling children to explore and play with a wide range of

simple three letter words than any other six letters. Sounds

media and materials and share thoughts, ideas and feelings

with more than one way of being written are first taught in

through art, design technology, music, dance, role play and

one form only.

imaginative play. DEAN CLOSE ST JOHN’S | PRE-PREPARATORY

YEARS 1 & 2

HOMEWORK

Year 1 and 2 have a two-year rolling topic framework,

RECEPTION

within which all of the curriculum subjects are taught.

Reception children have regular homework to complement and support what they are learning in the classroom, such as Sounds, Tricky Words, dictation and reading. YEARS 1 & 2 Homework for Years 1 and 2 mainly focusses on Spelling and Reading.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR INFORMATION MUSIC

EDUCATIONAL VISITS

STAFF RATIOS & RESPONSIBILITY

Music is covered by the weekly

Educational visits are vital to extend

Generous staffing levels, close

curriculum, however pupils can

children’s learning experiences and

supervision and proper protective

also apply for additional peripatetic

are an essential component of our

clothing are essential for even the

instrument and singing lessons.

curriculum, recognising that such

shortest of excursions. For all walks

visits provide a unique opportunity to

within the enclosed school grounds,

enhance the curriculum and to extend

the children are supervised by their

and support the work we do in the

teacher and a teaching assistant.

classroom.

Staff always take a mobile phone

We support and extend our academic

with them.

curriculum with educational trips to

The children are always briefed in

working farms, zoos, forests, museums,

advance about the visit and of the

libraries and other places of interest.

standards of behaviour which we

Educational visits give opportunities

expect. We operate a generous staffing

which cannot be provided on site

ratio for all off-site visits. There is

and can extend the knowledge and

always at least one teacher, who is in

understanding of even our youngest

charge of the visit.

pupils. All of our visits for this age

For educational visits in the Early Years/

group are local and day visits, some

Foundation Stage, one member of

only last half a day. They all make an

staff is qualified in paediatric first aid.

essential contribution to your child’s

The majority of our teaching staff are

development and education in the

qualified first aiders.

CLUBS A letter comes out at the start of each term with a selection of after‑school activities from which to choose.

SPORTS Additional sport tuition, such as tennis lessons, is also available at an additional charge.

broadest sense of the word, and are included in the fees.

DEAN CLOSE ST JOHN’S | PRE-PREPARATORY

Uniform

All pupils start the Michaelmas Term in summer uniform, which is worn for the first half term until the Headmaster notifies parents of the change into winter uniform, dependent on weather conditions. Winter uniform is then worn until the start of Trinity term.

KINDERGARTEN & RECEPTION Please refer to the uniform list on the school website. No ties are worn in Pre-Prep classes.

YEARS 1 & 2 Please refer to the uniform list on the school website. Years 1 & 2 will need blazers, but no ties.

DEAN CLOSE ST JOHN’S | PRE-PREPARATORY

SCHOOL SHOP

SECOND-HAND UNIFORM

The School Shop is a one-stop-shop for uniform, conveniently

There is a limited supply of second hand uniform available to

located on the school grounds.

purchase from which all proceeds are donated to Friends of

The shop is run by the school for the benefit of the pupils and

St John which raises funds for the School.

prices are as competitive as they can possibly be, taking into

Please contact

consideration quality and durability.

FOSJ@deanclosestjohns.org.uk

In order that uniform may be purchased for the new school year, the shop operates a system of personal appointments for

WHAT WILL YOUR CHILD NEED?

both new starters and current pupils, and has regular opening

Please ensure that everything brought into school is clearly

hours during term time that are conveniently scheduled around

labelled with your child’s name. We recommend that your

drop-off and pick-up times.

child comes to school with:

Email Jo Ward

• Sunhat and sun cream for hot weather

shop@deanclosestjohns.org.uk or call on 07785 550911 to make your appointment, or to place an order. The shop holiday opening hours are available on the school website or via the School Reception.

• Any creams they may require (prescribed – please note our onsite Health Care Coordinator oversees all medication) • School book-bag for bringing home their homework • School waterproof coat • A pair of wellies to keep in class • School all-in-one for Forest School • Named water bottle • Each child will have a named peg and tray for their belongings. This helps them become independent and in charge of their own things. We encourage them to empty their bags at the beginning of the day and pack them back up at the end of the day. • PE KIT Navy school t-shirt, navy sports shorts, school tracksuit and trainers in school sports bag • SWIMMING KIT Towel, navy swimming costume/trunks, swimming hat and goggles (if required)

DEAN CLOSE ST JOHN’S | PRE-PREPARATORY

Medical, Health Information Absences

DEAN CLOSE ST JOHN’S | PRE-PREPARATORY

ILLNESS

MEDICATION

HEALTH & SAFETY

Children can suddenly

We are fortunate enough to

As a school we try to be aware of all possible safety hazards.

become ill and therefore it is

have a full-time Health Care

Pre-Prep has an electronic fire alarm system fitted and fire

important that we know we

Coordinator on site. If your

alarm tests are carried out regularly, as are fire drills.

can contact you or another

child needs a prescribed

All exterior doors are fitted with security keypads and the site

adult relative/friend at all

medicine, we’ll ask you to

is monitored by CCTV cameras.

times. Please ensure that

complete a form giving us

the School is kept up to date

permission to administer

with your contact details.

this if appropriate. If you

If your child is unable to

have given paracetamol

attend school due to illness,

or ibuprofen to your child

please telephone us to let

please can you inform us on

On occasions, minibuses may be used for class trips. All are

us know.

arrival at school.

regularly inspected by the minibus officer and are fitted with

In cases of vomiting or

Staff need to be aware

diarrhoea, your child should

of your child’s medical

remain at home until 48

background, in particular,

Children within the Pre-Prep are always closely supervised in

hours have elapsed since

any allergies (e.g. bee

their classrooms, at mealtimes and at playtimes.

the last episode. In all cases

stings, dairy food), any

of contagious diseases, the

dietary restrictions (e.g.

School should be informed

vegetarian or Halal) and any

immediately and medical

medical conditions that are

clearance must be obtained

important for us to know

before your child returns

(e.g. asthma or eczema). The

to school.

Health Care Coordinator will

Please follow government

be in contact with you if we

guidelines if your child

need any clarification.

displays symptoms of Covid 19, keeping the School

A full copy of our First Aid

informed at all times.

policy is available on request

DEAN CLOSE ST JOHN’S | PRE-PREPARATORY

Parents should obey the School site speed limit (5mph) at all times and drive with extreme care around the School. Parents are reminded not to park or wait outside the School Reception in the ‘drop-off’ zone.

adjustable seatbelts. All external coaches are inspected in the first instance by St John's and all coaches have seatbelts.

HOLIDAYS & ABSENCES The School publishes an advance holiday date list and it would be appreciated if children were not taken on holiday during school time. Any request for leave of absence from school during term-time should be made in writing to the Headmaster. If children are taken out of school it means they are missing important lessons and assessments and, although every effort will be made to see that they have the necessary information from missed lessons, this is not a substitute for them being present. Requests for minor absences during the day for medical or dental appointments should be made directly to your child’s form tutor. If you have to take your child out of school during the day for any reason, it is essential that you sign out from the School Reception and sign back in when you return. It is vital that the School is notified of the reason for a child’s absence, as early as possible. Where the reason for a child’s absence is yet to be ascertained, the School Reception staff will endeavour to contact the home of the child. The School Reception staff will try to make contact before morning break.

DEAN CLOSE ST JOHN’S | PRE-PREPARATORY

WHOLE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Communication Parental Links

Dean Close St John’s operates an ‘Open Door’ Policy, whereby parents can approach staff, at convenient times, about queries or problems (no matter how small) concerning your child.

• Mrs J Ruddy Head of Pre-Preparatory Department Reception Class Teacher ruddyj@deanclosestjohns.org.uk • Miss I Hennessey Kindergarten hennesseyi@deanclosestjohns.org.uk • Mrs H Nash Year 1 Teacher nashh@deanclosestjohns.org.uk 18

DEAN CLOSE ST JOHN’S | PRE-PREPARATORY

Pre-Prep pupils are valued members of the wider St John’s family and Pre‑Prep has strong links with the Prep School. The children have regular whole school assemblies with the Headmaster and lessons with Prep staff for Swimming, Music, French, Art & P.E. Pre-Prep pupils also have informal

• Mrs L Marshall Year 2 Teacher marshalll@deanclosestjohns.org.uk

opportunities to meet Prep School

• Mrs L Currey Year 2 Teacher curreyl@deanclosestjohns.org.uk

with the Pre‑Prep children and

• Mrs V Davies Teaching Assistant daviesvi@deanclosestjohns.org.uk

Hall, meaning the Prep School

staff during Flourishing Friday. Years 7 & 8 hold reading sessions all pupils regularly use the Prep library, lunch room and Singleton is familiar to our children when they move up to Year 3.

Project1_Layout 1 23/05/2022 15:02 Page 3

KEEPING IN TOUCH

KEY PERSON

We encourage parents to be active members of the St John’s

The class teacher is the appointed key person for your son’s

community. We like hearing from you and are keen to keep you

or daughter’s pastoral welfare and educational progress.

up to date with your child’s learning.

Teaching assistants support class teachers in this role.

Throughout the year, staff will record your child’s learning in

TAPESTRY (EARLY YEARS ONLY)

books linked to Literacy, Maths and Topic work, and 'Wow'

This is your child’s online learning diary where we regularly

moments are entered in their Topic Book. This will form

share photos and information about your child’s day. You will

a unique record of your child’s learning and development

receive your log-in when your child starts at St John’s.

throughout the year.

PARENT PORTAL

These records enable staff to track your child’s progress and

Here you can access school reports and other key information.

attainment, as well as plan future activities. We also value your

You will receive your log-in when your child starts at St John’s.

comments about your child’s progress and attainment and would encourage you to use the 'Wow' sheets that are available at the start of term. DEAN CLOSE ST JOHN’S | PRE-PREPARATORY

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO

PRE-PREP EVENTS

St John’s will, from time to time, wish to make

Each week you will receive an email from

use of photographic images of pupils in school

the Headmaster giving details of forthcoming

publications, on the school website and for

events. This will include when parents’ evenings,

publicity purposes. For more details, please refer

trips and events will take place.

to the Parent Contract. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT Parents are encouraged to be involved in their child’s education. Parents have a wealth of expertise to offer, whether it be professional, a hobby or cultural experience. Parents also help out with fundraising activities through Friends of St John’s, the School's parents' association.

• WEBSITE deanclosestjohns.org.uk • FACEBOOK facebook.com/deanclosestjohns • LINKEDIN linkedin.com/company/dean-close-st-johns • TWITTER @DCSJ_official • INSTAGRAM dcsj_official

DEAN CLOSE ST JOHN’S | PRE-PREPARATORY

Assessment, Reporting to Parents and Learning Support Information DEAN CLOSE ST JOHN’S | PRE-PREPARATORY

PARENTS’ EVENINGS

REPORTS

There are two parents’ evenings per year group each year.

Reports are sent out three times a year and are available to

Parents are given a 15-minute appointment with their

download on the Parent Portal.

child’s class teacher. The first is in the Michaelmas term, the second is in Trinity term.

ASSESSMENT

There is another opportunity in the Lent term to chat

On entry to Kindergarten and Reception we ask parents to

informally with your child’s teacher and see their books and talk about their progress. Parents are free to look around the department and the classrooms each day at pick-up, where all the children’s work is available. Friendly discussion takes place covering all aspects of the child’s development.

complete a questionnaire which enables staff to get to know your son/daughter, consequently helping them to settle more quickly into School life. We don’t formally assess children, however, teachers track their progress throughout the year. Standardised tests are held once a year to highlight learning strengths and identify where more support may be required. For Reception pupils, we carry out Baseline and Baseline progress tests at the start and end of the year.

DEAN CLOSE ST JOHN’S | PRE-PREPARATORY

POSITIVE PRAISE

EARLY YEARS/FOUNDATION STAGE PROFILE

The importance of immediate, positive praise is

At the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage, all Reception

paramount. Teachers regularly give out stickers

children are assessed under the statutory Early Years Foundation

and certificates to promote children’s self-esteem

Stage Profile, determining progress made through the criteria of

and confidence.

the seven areas of learning and development (see Curriculum).

Each week, awards are given out in assembly,

Information on each child’s profile attainment at the end of

celebrating not just high academic attainment

Reception, will be included in the end of the Trinity Term report.

but also commending community values such as

Parents have free access to their child’s Early Years Foundation

kindness, helpfulness and academic effort.

Stage development portfolio and profile.

DEAN CLOSE ST JOHN’S | PRE-PREPARATORY

LEARNING SUPPORT

as well as significantly enriching each

Individual and Group Education Plans

The Learning Support Department at

child’s development and learning

are devised and reviewed periodically in

St John’s makes provision for pupils who

experience. Specifically, learning support

liaison with all relevant staff and parents,

require additional support to ensure that

staff work closely with teachers to plan

and each child is assessed and monitored

they have full access to the curriculum.

in-class support, pair and small group

throughout the year.

Teachers and learning support staff work

work, as well as 1:1 sessions for those

Parents play a crucial role in their

collaboratively in planning differentiated

children requiring intensive support.

child’s education and overall progress;

learning objectives, teaching methods

The more frequent, tailor-made lessons

therefore they participate fully in all

and access strategies, while catering

in small groups and pairs throughout

discussions and decisions around their

to pupil’s individual learning styles

the week significantly promote peer

child’s needs. Some additional lessons

and needs.

learning, which is a powerful way

may incur a charge.

This integrated, whole-school model

for a child to learn. The School has a

of delivery promotes excellent

clearly defined process for following

communication between parents,

up concerns relating to any form

learning support staff and teachers,

of learning difficulty in a pupil.

DEAN CLOSE ST JOHN’S | PRE-PREPARATORY

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

PUPILS FOR WHOM ENGLISH IS A SECOND LANGUAGE

Promoting equal opportunities is

Dean Close St John’s Pre-Prep aims to fully support those children for whom

fundamental to the aims and ethos

English is not their first language, so that they can fully participate and become active

of Dean Close St John’s. We welcome

within the school community and in due course benefit from the full programme of

applications from pupils from all ethnic

studies available.

groups, backgrounds and creeds and

Each pupil is assessed on admission, and a personal programme of study is developed,

everyone is treated equally. Human rights

based on ability and need. Lessons, individual or in small groups, cover vocabulary,

and freedoms are respected but must be

grammar and pronunciation, in the context of the core linguistic skills of listening,

balanced with the needs and rules of our

speaking, reading and writing.

school community and the rights and freedoms of others. St John’s seeks to provide a welcoming

Support is also given to students across the curriculum. A charge for English as an Additional Language (EAL) lessons and related course books is added to the student’s bill each term. The duration of EAL support is flexible and progress is continually monitored.

atmosphere where all individuals feel valued and can make the most of their abilities, including those with learning difficulties and disabilities, on the proviso that the educational needs of the child can be met within the school’s academic environment.

LEARNING DIFFICULTIES & DISABILITIES St John’s seeks to make adequate

Similarly, if a learning difficulty or

provision for children with disabilities,

disability becomes apparent after

including those with an EHC plan, and

admission, the School will consult

is committed to making reasonable

with the parents about reasonable

adjustments to accommodate their

adjustments that may allow the child to

For more information, please see

needs. The School must, however, be

continue at the School.

our Equal Opportunities policy available

aware of any known disability or learning

on the Dean Close Foundation website.

Parents of disabled or potentially disabled

difficulty which may affect a child’s

children must provide full disclosure of

ability to take full advantage of the

any medical, educational, psychologist

education provided.

or other reports regarding their child’s

Parents of a child who has any disability

disability, medical condition or special

must provide the School with full written

educational needs. In assessing any

details at registration before accepting

pupil or prospective pupil the School

the offer of a place. The School needs

may take such advice and require such

this information so that, in the case of

assessments as it regards as appropriate.

any child with particular needs, we can

Failure by parents to make the necessary

assess those needs and consult with

disclosure of information may prevent the

parents over any reasonable adjustments

School from providing adequate support

that need to be made to cater adequately

and may lead to the removal of the child.

for the child.

DEAN CLOSE ST JOHN’S | PRE-PREPARATORY

Policies

DEAN CLOSE ST JOHN’S | PRE-PREPARATORY

THE FOLLOWING ARE AVAILABLE ON THE FOUNDATION

REWARDING GOOD BEHAVIOUR

WEBSITE AND ARE UPDATED FROM TIME TO TIME

Staff promote good behaviour at all times by:

deanclosefoundation.org.uk/about-us/policiesreports or can be requested from the School office. • Accessibility Policy & Plan • Admissions Policy • Anti-Bullying Policy

• Verbal praise and self-praise • Stickers or certificates • Showing work to other members of staff • Modelling good behaviour

• Behaviour Management Policy

• Writing positive comments on the child’s work

• Complaints Policy & Procedure

• Sending notes home to parents

• Data Protection Policy

• Inviting parents in to see how well their child is doing

• Fee Structure & Supplementary Charge List

• Praising the child for good behaviour in front of parents

• Health and Safety Policy

• Awarding certificates in assembly for both academic and

• Recruitment Selection & Disclosures Policy • Safeguarding Policy • Missing Child Policy

non‑academic achievement and effort • Encouraging fellow peers to praise good behaviour and manners

• Parent Contract

We believe that children feel more secure if they know the

• Privacy Notice

boundaries of acceptable behaviour within school. Pupils also

• Risk Assessment Policy

need to know why they are being reprimanded. The child must

• Safeguarding Policy

be listened to and be given the opportunity to make amends.

• English as an additional Language

Sanctions are rarely, but always, appropriately applied for each age

• Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Policy

group in order for them to understand what they have done wrong

• Curriculum Policy

and how they should have behaved.

• Policy to promote good behaviour sanctions & exclusions

We use a behaviour log to ascertain why something has happened

• First Aid Policy

and to help children see the consequences of their behaviour and

ANTI-BULLYING

reflect on what to do next.

We are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe

SETTING BOUNDARIES

environment for all of our pupils so they can learn in a relaxed

There is always a reason for all behaviour and it is important to

and secure atmosphere. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at

get to the bottom of it – therefore staff verbally go through the

our school. If bullying does occur, incidents will be dealt with

Behaviour Reflection Log with the child.

promptly and effectively.

If a child seriously misbehaves then:

We are a TELLING school, meaning anyone who knows bullying is happening is expected to tell the staff. We welcome feedback on the efficacy of our anti-bullying measures. Our full Anti-Bullying policy can be found here: resources.finalsite.net/images/v1632493493/ deancloseorguk/s49xdlh3zv5fwxpgnczl/W045-WS-

• He/she will be taken to the Head of Pre-Prep. • Parents will be informed of this and be asked to sign the Behaviour Reflection Log.

Anti‑Bullying-Policy-1.pdf DEAN CLOSE ST JOHN’S | PRE-PREPARATORY

Dean Close St John’s Castleford Hill, Tutshill Gloucestershire NP16 7LE 01291 622 045 www.deanclosestjohns.org.uk