St Andrew's Prep - Pre-Prep Parent Information Booklet 2023-2024

WelCome

An introduction from the Headmaster

I would like to begin by welcoming you and all your family to St Andrew’s Pre-Prep.

When starting a new school many thoughts and questions arise. Reading this information booklet will give you a sense of what we will aim to achieve for your child in their time in the Pre-Prep.

At the heart of we all do is for your child to be happy, feel secure and succeed in every area of their life. Not only do we focus on the academic side, we also nurture their personal, health and social development. We aim for each and every child to leave the Pre-Prep confident, independent learners equipped with a variety of strategies to tackle any challenge set before them in the Prep school and beyond.

St Andrew’s Prep is hugely privileged to be in such a lovely part of the country, surrounded by the Sussex Downs and a stone’s throw from the beach. We make the most of the great outdoors, big open spaces, and visit our own Woodland Classroom regularly.

For your child to maximise their potential, two way communication is essential, as is working together with you and your child as a team. Your first port of call will be your child’s class teacher who can help or answer any questions or queries you may have. The Head of Prep-Prep is also available should you need. A quick chat can be had at the beginning and end of each day; if a longer conversation is needed, it is best to arrange a specific meeting time. The Friends of St Andrew’s, a group of existing parents, welcome new parents and will gladly answer any additional questions, as will the school office.

Throughout the year, there are a range of events, hosted by the school and by the Friends, to which you will be most welcome. These include bonfire night festivities, nativities, Easter service, sports day and summer concerts.

I hope that reading this booklet will be just the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership between your family, St Andrew’s Prep and the wider community.

I look forward to meeting you and your child.

Mrs Lisa Tarrant Head of Pre-Prep

Pre-PreP sC hool ContaC ts

Headmaster

Tom Gregory BA (Hons), PGCE tbgregory@standrewsprep.co.uk

Head of Pre-Prep

Lisa Tarrant BA Hons, PGCE, CertSPLD ltarrant@standrewsprep.co.uk 01323 733203/01323 745000

Assistant Head of Pre-Prep

Trudy Tomsett BA Hons in Education

ttomsett@standrewsprep.co.uk 01323 733203/01323 745000

Headmaster’s PA

Annette Adams

Iachadams@standrewsprep.co.uk 01323 733203

Absences and Medical Issues absence@standrewsprep.co.uk medical@standrewsprep.co.uk 01323 744834

Transport Queries

David Laird bussing@eastbourne-college.co.uk 01323 451925

Financial Matters

Louise Maryan (based at Eastbourne College finance@eastbourne-college.co.uk 01323 452237

Catering Manager

James Hillman jahillman@standrewsprep.co.uk 01323 744826

Contact the School Office for: General enquiries, appointments with the Headmaster, contacting staff members

Contact the School Nurse for: Health and medical issues

Contact Louise Maryan at Eastbourne College for: Financial matters

Visit the ‘parents only’ section of the website at ww.standrewsprep.co.uk for: Parent information, circulars, letters etc (password protected)

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St Andrew’s Prep is a co-educational independent day and boarding school for children ages 9 months to 13 years old

The school years explained

for Day Children

* 7.30am is early drop off to the Prep School library but only for Reception age upwards and 8.00am is direct to the classroom.

** By prior arrangement

a t y Pi C al Day in the Pre-PreP

The Pre-Prep department is open from 8.00am each day. Registration takes place at 8.40am. If care is required before 8.00am, children may go to the Prep School library at 7.30am where they will be supervised by a member of staff then escorted to their classrooms at 8.00am.

The Pre-Prep staff and children meet for assembly in the Close Hall three days a week at 8.45am. The Headmaster attends one assembly each week. Years 1 and 2 join Years 3 and 4 for a Chapel service in the School Chapel once a week. Reception and Nursery have their own EYFS assembly once a week.

Following assembly the children return to their classrooms and lessons continue until break time at 10.15am. During break all children are offered a drink of milk or water, breadsticks and fruit. Lessons resume at 10.40am.

Lunch times are slightly staggered to ensure the children have enough time to eat a healthy and balanced meal. Reception leave class for lunch at 11.40am, Year 1 at 11.45am and Year 2 at 11.50am. They are provided with a healthy and balanced meal (all dietary needs are met). The children are all served at the table by the Pre-Prep staff.

All the children have a break from 1.00pm to 1.25pm which is supervised by members of staff. On fine days this takes place outside where they can enjoy the Nursery and Pre-Prep playground specifically designed for younger children. During inclement weather the break is supervised inside the Pre-Prep building.

Communi C ation W ith Parents

The whole family is welcomed into the school community. It is very important that we all get to know each other well and we particularly stress the value of meeting regularly face to face. Throughout a child’s time at St Andrew’s Prep we welcome close links. We encourage communication between teachers and parents and the staff are happy to have an informal chat at drop off or pick up. Appointments can also be made with your class teacher. We are a social centre working with parents and with the wider community beyond St Andrew’s Prep. As a school we are dedicated to the education of the whole child in close partnership with parents.

Parents Evenings and Reports

At the start of the school year parents are invited to an informal meeting with all the Pre-Prep staff to meet their child’s new teacher and to hear about the expectations and challenges of the curriculum for the year ahead. Parents are provided with their child’s timetable, curriculum letters/guides on topics and key objectives. Written reports are sent home at the end of the autumn and summer terms.

Those parents with children in Reception will be invited to attend a parent consultation evening at the end of the academic year to share their child’s EYFS profile results with their child’s class teacher. Parents are welcome to a ‘Celebration of Work’ event in the Spring term to view their child’s work with their child. Once a week on a Friday morning between 8.00am and 8.30am, ‘Open Fridays’ are held when parents are welcome to come into the classrooms to look at their child’s work. Please note this is not a consultation time, merely a sharing time.

Reading Record and Teams

All children keep a Reading Record Book which parents are asked to sign each evening after reading with their child. All parents are also added to Microsoft Teams to aid smooth communication.

Telephone

The school office (01323 733203) is open from 8.00am to 6.00pm on weekdays. Out of these hours there is an answerphone to take your message. During the holidays the office is open for reduced hours.

Calendar

The school calendar for next term is available through the school website by selecting ‘ what’s on’ and then ‘ school calendar ’ or by following the link – calendar. standrewsprep.co.uk/. It is then possible to synchronise this calendar with your computer or phone as follows:

Click on ‘ Calendar Sync ’. Select either ’ Synchronize Filtered Calendar ’ (if you wish to just select certain categories of events) or ‘ Synchronize Entire Calendar ’ The events should then appear on your own personal calendar.

The calendar provides you with information of events, matches etc, for the whole school. Some dates may not be relevant to your child, but we do welcome you to any events, whether it is the school play, a music concert or a Friends of St Andrew’s event.

E Bulletin

The Andro Bulletin is sent to parents each Friday. It contains vital information including important dates, notices, details of parents evenings, sports results, and much more.

Website

On our website – www.standrewsprep.co.uk – we have a ‘Parents Portal’ which is accessible by password (this will supplied to you when your child starts at St Andrew’s Prep).

The parent section includes:

• The weekly Andro Bulletin (published each Friday)

• Academic curriculum and revision guides posted by year group heads and the Deputy Head (Academic)

Communication

We communicate with parents via email and if necessary SMS. In order to communicate with parents effectively, it is vital that contact details are up to date, including parent email addresses and primary mobile number. Please inform the school office of any changes to your contact details by emailing office@standrewsprep.co.uk.

ISAMS – Parent Portal

You will receive an invitation to join the ISAMS parent portal in the weeks leading up to your child joining St Andrew’s Prep. ISAMS will enable you to access various information, including your child’s/children’s timetable/s.

Parent Contact Details

From time to time we issue contact lists to current parents within a child’s year group. Parents find this useful for arranging children’s parties, school events, pick-ups after school, etc. There is no obligation to agree to your telephone numbers and email addresses being divulged to other parents but parents sign up to this when signing the guaranteed place form. If parents do not wish to divulge their contact details, then this should be put in writing to the Registrar.

Complaints Procedure

St Andrew’s Prep has long prided itself on the quality of the teaching and pastoral care provided for its pupils. However, if parents do have a complaint, they can expect it to be treated by the school in accordance with our complaints policy which is available on our website or from the school office.

health anD C are

Pastoral Care

Children’s early learning experiences are crucial in determining their future development. We strive to ensure that they are happy, supported in their learning and sufficiently challenged by their work. Children are encouraged and helped to give of their best within a structured framework of friendly discipline.

The focal person for each child and parent is the class teacher who teaches the children most subjects and who also takes the leading pastoral role. Progress and well-being are carefully monitored and the class teacher works closely with the head of department.

Privilege Time

The children’s achievements in the week are not only recognised by the awarding of stars, but also by their participation once a week in Privilege Time. Each child has the opportunity to earn 20 minutes of Privilege Time through demonstrating excellent behaviour. If, however, they choose to misbehave (ie in contravention of the school’s aims and values with which they are all familiar), they will receive a warning thus giving them a chance to self-correct their behaviour. If they do not correct their behaviour they will lose one minute of Privilege Time. No more than one warning and one minute is incurred for each misdemeanour. However, repeated bad behaviour can swiftly lead to the loss of a significant amount of Privilege Time. As this time is not too long it is valued, so the impact of the loss even of one minute should not be undervalued.

Class teachers keep a record of the amount of Privilege

Time each child loses. Parents of children who lose a significant amount of time during a term will be contacted by their class teacher to discuss the best way forward. During Privilege Time, the children can bring in a toy from home to share with others. Please note that this does not include electrical devices.

a ims anD values

Breadth, Excellence and Integrity

We strive for a culture of acknowledgement rather than judgement, in which each child is valued for what they can offer. By treating children as individuals with particular needs, interests and strengths, not only do the pupils gain personal success but they learn to be open, honest, reflective and willing to give things a go without the fear of failure.

The primary aim of St Andrew’s Prep is to equip the children to lead happy, fulfilled lives in a safe and healthy environment. We provide a broad education that provides opportunities for every pupil in all aspects of school life: academic, sport, performing and creative arts and social.

Class Charts

Class Charts is a system whereby children can gain points/stars, which also go towards their allocated house. Stars can be gained in all areas of the curriculum, and are added to the online system by staff, with a comment explaining the reward. Rewards can also be given for acts of kindness, teamwork and Magnificent Moments (Super Andro Awards). Staff can also record a negative point if they feel the child is deserving of this. At the end of each term the children’s points will be added up. They will then receive a certificate; Bronze, Silver or Gold, and a badge, depending on the number of stars they have accumulated. Their stars will also go towards their allocated House. The winning House will receive a reward suitable for their age group.

Moral character

At St Andrew’s Prep we work with the parents to develop pupils of strong character who are confident yet not arrogant; pupils who are comfortable with formality and informality; who celebrate the successes of others, as well as being proud of their own achievements; and who are ready to extend courtesy and kindness to those about them. The Prep School Council of Pupils discussed the traits needed to produce such morally aware characters and we chose the following as values for all Androvians to possess:

• Honesty

• Kindness

• Respect

• Gratitude

• Courage

These values are promoted through our rewards and sanctions policies, assemblies, Chapel services, PSHE (personal, social and health education) and, most importantly, the human relationships and partnerships that are nurtured between the children, staff and parents.

Intellectual character

Alongside a strong moral code, we strive to equip our pupils with the intellectual character to be effective thinkers and learners. Our approach is to embed the principles of ‘growth mindset’ so that every individual sees their intelligence as something which will grow through the adoption of the correct attitude, skills, knowledge and values.

From the earliest stages of learning, pupils are encouraged to recognise the requirements needed to tackle certain tasks. This will ensure they understand the processes as well as the outcomes. Curriculum tasks are set to develop the following intellectual character traits in all Androvians:

• Adaptability

• Collaboration

• Curiosity

• Reflectiveness

• Ambition

• Creativity

• Initiative

• Resilience

Children have the chance to discover their own strengths and passions, to make mistakes in safety, to show ambition and take risks. We allow our children to be children but a ‘growth mindset’ approach prepares them for the realities of the world beyond the school.

Our children leave us with an education in the true sense of the word. Their broad academic grounding is the perfect foundation from which to specialise at senior school and the range of sports and non-academic pursuits provides the counterbalance.

Pre-Prep Values

In positively encouraging the keeping of the values, the Pre-Prep department uses the same values as the Nursery and Prep departments. These values reflect the moral code that will inform and develop the culture of the classroom and consequently the Pre-Prep department. They are:

• Honesty

• Kindness

• Respect

• Gratitude

• Courage

Magnificent Moment Awards

Magnificent Moment Awards (MMAs) are presented, when merited, to the children. These are awarded when they display exceptional use of the following learning powers in any area of school life:

• Adaptability

• Collaboration

• Curiosity

• Reflectiveness

• Ambition

• Creativity

• Initiative

• Resilience

Stars (for excellent work) and patches (for being helpful) will continue to be earned by children for their respective houses.

The total number of stars collected for each house during the previous week together with the names of the children receiving MMAs will be announced each week in a celebration assembly.

PSHE

The staff endeavour to motivate the children by promoting praise. Children are rewarded for a wide variety of reasons including effort, thoughtfulness and kindness.

During PSHE the children talk about positive and negative actions and they are encouraged to discuss times when or how someone failing to keep these rules has affected them. We encourage the children to let staff know if someone is failing to observe the Pre-Prep values.

Medical provision

St Andrew’s Prep medical centre is located on the edge of the playing fields and is staffed by qualified registered nurses from 8.00am until 6.00pm Monday to Friday. The senior sister is resident on site within the boarding house to ensure all medical needs of the boarders are met. She also provides medical cover for those children who choose to come in to take part in the school activity programme on a Saturday morning. In addition, there are many staff who are trained first aiders and numerous first aid kits are located around the school site, including two AEDs (automated external defibrillators).

When joining the school, parents/guardians are asked to complete a medical and dietary questionnaire for their child and we ask that these forms be filled in as comprehensively as possible, to ensure the school nurses are fully informed of any medical and dietary needs. Any relevant information can then be passed on to appropriate staff, such as catering staff, as required. It is essential the school is informed of any additional medical needs that may arise with a child during their time at St Andrew’s Prep, so their school records can be kept fully up to date.

Children’s medication

All medication brought into the Pre-Prep must be in its original packaging, with the expiry date clearly visible. All labelling must be in English and the child’s name clearly written. Medication must be handed to the child’s teacher on arrival and the parent/guardian will be asked to complete and sign a medication administration record form, giving consent, full details on the medication and instructions for its administration. Medication will only be administered by those staff in the Pre-Prep who have completed their Administration of Medication in Schools certified training. If staff have any queries or concerns about any medication, they will also refer to the duty nurse for guidance.

Asthma inhalers if children are prescribed an inhaler, we ask that two be provided to be kept on the school site. This ensures one is always kept close to hand at all times in the child’s classroom and a second can be kept as a spare in the sports office for when the child takes part in physical activity. The medical centre keeps a generic inhaler and single use spacers, which can be used in the event of an emergency. The school nurses, will keep a record of expiry dates and inform parents when the inhalers need replacing.

Adrenalin auto-injectors (Epipens/Jext/Emerade pens) if a child carries an adrenalin auto-injector for anaphylaxis, it is essential that at least two be provided for the child, to be kept on the school site. The details of the emergency pens will be recorded and parents informed when they need replacing.

Care of sick/injured pupils

If a child from the Pre-Prep becomes unwell during the school day, a familiar member of staff, such as their teacher, will make an initial assessment and if there are any concerns, they will contact the duty nurse for support and guidance. If it is felt the child needs to go home, where possible, the younger children are kept in their familiar surroundings with staff they know, to reduce any anxiety, while they wait to be collected by their parents/guardians. Pre-Prep staff are first aid-trained and most everyday cuts, grazes, bumps and bruises are managed by them. The duty nurse is always on hand to assist and will always manage any significant injuries.

The school encourages parents to ensure routine healthcare appointments, such as with dentists and opticians, are arranged during the school holidays, but in the event of an emergency they can arrange for a child to be seen if necessary.

Infectious diseases

All children are prone to common infectious diseases and unfortunately schools are an ideal environment for these infections to spread. It is extremely important parents inform the school if their child is unwell with details of the illness, so if necessary other parents and staff can be informed of any identified infectious diseases. We have some children and staff in school, who, due to medical conditions are immunecompromised and it is important they are kept informed

of any illnesses circulating. It is essential children do not come in to school when they are unwell and there are some illnesses that require them to be kept off school for a set length of time to prevent other children being infected:

Raised temperature above 37.5 degrees following a child being unwell with a raised temperature of above 37.5 degrees, they must not return to school until they have had a normal temperature below 37.5 degrees, for at least 24 hours, without the need to use any Calpol (paracetamol)/ibuprofen medication to keep it down.

For other common childhood infectious diseases, including chicken pox, impetigo, hand, foot and mouth, slapped cheek and conjunctivitis, parents are encouraged to use the NHS website for current guidelines and advice:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/ infectious-illnesses-children/

If a child needs to be excused from games, parents are asked to advise the child’s form tutor via email or by sending in a signed and dated note, explaining the reason.

Sun Awareness

The staff have a duty of care to protect the children from the harmful effects of exposure to the sun whilst allowing them to enjoy the benefits of playing and working outside. Staff agree to work together with parents and children to ensure that everyone is adequately protected when outside.

The children are taught the importance of keeping themselves safe in the sun through role play and stories and understand that the sun can damage their skin. Parents will be kept fully informed of any changes to this policy.

Pre-Prep parents must apply a high factor sun cream (minimum SPF 30+) to their child before leaving for school or upon arrival in school (please see the Pre-Prep sun policy for further information). Parents are asked to sign a form to consent to staff assisting their child in the application of sun cream during the day. They should also have a named maroon Pre-Prep legionnaire-style sun hat (available online from SchoolBlazer) with them each day as this offers additional protection to their neck area.

Please supply children with a named water bottle (not single-use bottles please).

Food

For children, the importance of healthy meals can’t be overstated; be it the occasional piece of comfort food, or fuel for academic or sporting endeavour as they go about their day.

Eating with friends and enjoying home cooked meals has opened many children’s eyes to the pleasure of good food. The food served at St Andrew’s Prep is prepared from fresh ingredients, by highly trained chefs who keep menus relevant and appropriate for each age group. The children sit at the tables and are served by the Pre-Prep staff who know them and their eating habits.

Our lunch offers traditional main courses and vegetarian meals followed with healthy but tempting desserts. Fruit is also available. We cater for most dietary requirements. Weekly menus are available on our website in the ‘About Us/Catering’ section and are emailed to parents.

Absence

The safety of all children is paramount and the school should be made aware as soon as possible, when a child will not be attending. Parents are asked to email and/or call the school office and your child’s class teacher first thing in the morning, to advise staff that their child will not be in school and the reason why.

Email: absence@standrewsprep.co.uk

It is important children do not miss school unnecessarily. They should only be absent when unwell and if they have to attend specialist appointments that cannot be made during out of school time/in the holidays. In some circumstances, such as visits to proposed senior schools and significant family events such as weddings, days off school will be permitted. Parents are asked to contact the Headmaster in exceptional circumstances.

Chapel

The school’s own Chapel is situated on site. Chapel services are held at harvest festival time and at Christmas, Easter and and also on Remembrance Day to which families are most welcome. Children visit the Chapel for other assemblies too and as part of the TPR syllabus.

a Broa D anD Balan C eD Curri Culum

St Andrew’s Pre-Prep department believes in providing quality education for all the children in its care. This is achieved through a team of dedicated professionals who nurture the educational, social and pastoral needs of each and every child in a happy, bright and colourful environment

By offering the children a wide variety of learning experiences they quickly begin to develop spiritually, morally, culturally and socially whilst enhancing their creative talents. It is through living and working in a confident and creative atmosphere that children learn to feel very confident about themselves and their surroundings.

The staff seek to promote a measure of self-confidence and independence in the children and aim that, by the time they leave the Pre-Prep, they will have acquired an enthusiasm for learning, gained some awareness of the needs of those around them and developed an ability to make friends.

Whole class teaching and group work form the basis of our classroom organisation. The children are encouraged to begin to develop the skills necessary to promote independence both in and out of the classroom.

The aim of the department is to be a happy and friendly one that strives to bring out the very best in everyone. Staff are dedicated to giving the children a firm basis of knowledge and skills so that they are able to work flexibly and think clearly. The Pre-Prep department is committed to providing a stimulating and interesting environment which is both bright and exciting as well as welcoming and well-equipped.

The children are encouraged to develop first-class computing skills and make good use of the extensively equipped ICT suite, where they have access to the very latest technology and software. Each classroom has its own computers too, as well as an interactive whiteboard. French is taught from Year 1 by a specialist fluent French teacher who uses games and music to help develop a love of foreign language. Other lessons taught by specialists include music, PE, dance, drama, games and swimming.

Throughout their time in the Pre-Prep the children are set appropriate yet challenging work which is carefully delivered, monitored and appraised to ensure that each child reaches their full potential. All the staff understand the importance of an effective early years education and firmly believe that the Pre-Prep is the foundation for future development and the beginning of a learning journey that will benefit them throughout their life.

Music

Music is an important part of the school curriculum at St Andrew’s Prep and is taught by specialist teachers. Nursery and Pre-Prep children have two music lessons a week which includes the use of instruments and singing. Year 2 are also given the opportunity to learn the piano, violin or cello free of charge for one term to enable them to experience an instrument at an early age. All children join in the Christmas musical performances, concerts and musical workshops during Arts Week. There is also an Easter service and summer concert each year.

Sport

PE and games, also specialist taught subjects, are an integral part of the curriculum in the Nursery and Pre-Prep, as they encourage the children to improve their gross motor skills, co-ordination, skill level and confidence. The PE staff aim to encourage the children so they not only reach their full potential but develop a love of physical activity. A broad range of activities is offered which introduce the skills necessary for playing hockey, netball, football, rugby, gymnastics and tennis.

Swimming

Children in Reception take part in a 30-minute swimming lesson each week, rising to 45 minutes a week in Years 1 and 2. The aim of the early years swimming is to build confidence in the water with fun lessons and to develop swimming skills.

In the summer term the Pre-Prep children take part in internal swimming galas. Parents are welcome to come and watch their children in the galas.

Dance

Dance is part of the curriculum and all children in the Pre-Prep take part in weekly classes.

The Woodland Classroom

The Woodland Classroom is located opposite the main site of the school. Children spend at least one morning or one afternoon a week at the Woodland Classroom and virtually all curriculum subjects can be taught during this time. The children have opportunities to learn new skills such as whittling, cookery and shelter building using different tools and equipment. The Woodland Classroom also enhances the children’s learning experience and consolidates their classroom learning.

Outdoor Classrooms

Children have free-flow access to areas within the grounds of the school. Here they can work, investigate and experiment outside the normal indoor environment.

Extra Support Lessons

A qualified and experienced team of learning support and extra English teachers are on hand to help children who need assistance with language, literacy and numeracy skills. This tuition is charged as an extra and will be discussed with parents by the class teacher, head of learning support and head of EAL.

Library

The Pre-Prep has its own library situated in the Casson Building. Every week each class visits the library with their teacher for a library lesson. During this time the children may select a new book to take home. They will also learn about the layout of the library and the resources that it has to offer.

Moving on up through the school

In the final weeks of the summer term the children visit the year group that they will be moving to and meet the teachers working there. These sessions give opportunities for everyone to get to know each other and to experience their new environment. Parents of Year 2 are also invited to visit the Junior Department towards the end of the summer term. This allows them to see the children’s new location for themselves and understand how the transition from Pre-Prep to the Prep School takes place. It also gives opportunities for parents to learn about any expectations and experiences that the new school year will offer the children.

After-school Clubs and Activities

There is a well developed programme of activities available to all children in the Pre-Prep between 3.35pm and 4.15pm. With the exception of martial arts, tennis and rainbows all activities are included in the fees.

After 4.15pm children may stay for supper until 6.00pm but this must be booked in advance. For the price of tea, please refer to our scale of charges, which can be found on our website or you can pick up a hard copy from the school office.

There is no provision of after school care or activities during the first day of each term, the last two days of each term or the last week of the summer term.

After-school activities include*

• Busy Builders

• Busy Butterflies

• Computing

• Drama, Music and Movement

• Football

• Gymnastics

• Martial Arts

• Multi Skills

• Netball

• Rainbows

• Rugby

• Spanish for fun

• Tennis and Netball

*Please note that activities vary from term to term

General information Collection

There is a password system in place. Anyone collecting a child other than the parent will be required to give a pre-organised password to the duty member of staff.

Friends of St Andrew’s

The Friends of St Andrew’s is a group of parents who support and enhance the children’s education by organising activities for children, parents and staff, as well as raising funds for the benefit of everyone in the school. They assist by providing voluntary help, encouraging

cooperation and good relations between parents, staff, present and past pupils and local residents, thereby strengthening the links between the school and the local community. Some of the events include: Bonfire Night, Advent Fair, Quiz Night and the summer fair.

The Friends welcome any help with functions and events; please contact the school office if you would like to be involved. There is a Friends representative for each year group who welcomes parents new to the school and they will contact you to help with any day-to-day questions you may have.

Houses

On joining the Pre-Prep, children are placed into houses in which they stay throughout their time at the school. Family connection with a particular house is taken into account. The houses compete for a cup awarded at the end of each term to the house achieving the highest number of stars and points on sports day and in other competitive house events.

Lost Property

Please ensure that all items of clothing and property are clearly named. Anything that is named is always returned to the owner as quickly as possible. Any unnamed property is placed in the lost property basket in the Pre-Prep cloakroom of the Casson Building and the Close Building cloakroom. Please check your child’s clothing each weekend to make sure they have their own belongings – anyone else’s please return to school.

Outings

A number of well supervised visits and activities linked with the curriculum are arranged during the year. Parents will receive advanced notification about these visits from their child’s class teacher. Recent trips have included: Drusillas, Herstmonceux Science Centre, Lewes Castle, Meads Village, Blue Reef Aquarium Hastings and Towner Art Gallery. The majority of school trips are included in the fees.

Purchasing School uniform

All children at St Andrew’s Prep wear a uniform and children in Reception to Year 2 will also require a Woodland Classroom uniform. All uniform can be purchased online from our two suppliers, School Blazer and Player Layer. The online service offers parents the flexibility to purchase children’s top quality, durable

ethically-sourced uniform and sportswear at their convenience. School Blazer supply day uniform and some sportswear accessories while Player Layer supply all sportswear. Both web sites are accessible via the St Andrew’s Prep website. In addition, The Friends of St Andrew’s run a second hand uniform shop on site, details and opening times for this can also be found on the St Andrew’s Prep website.

The average cost of fitting out a pupil in the Pre-Prep is £420 but this can be reduced by purchasing second hand uniform (subject to availability).

School Policies

Copies of our policies including behaviour and discipline, bullying, child protection, sun protection and mobile devices can all be found on our website. Copies of academic policies are available from the Head of PrePrep.

Special Events

Throughout the year the Pre-Prep Department, in conjunction with specialist teachers, organises a number of concerts and events including: year group Christmas entertainment, musical performances, end of year summer concert, harvest festival, carol service, Easter service, Sports Day and swimming gala. The school also supports various charity days throughout the year, including Children in Need Day, Red Nose Day and Odd Socks Day (Down’s syndrome awareness day).

A number of focus weeks are organised for the children during the year including arts, science and maths weeks. During these weeks, the children have a specially planned timetable where all the usual subjects are given the chosen focus. Specialists, including authors, illustrators and those with specific professional expertise, are invited to visit the school and share their enthusiasm for their subject with the children. Activities are planned to develop the children‘s knowledge and understanding, as well as to provide enjoyment for all.

Transport

Please refer to our online minibus booklet for full details of our routes and fleet or email bussing@eastbournecollege.co.uk with any queries.

sC hool uniform requirements

Online supplier – Schoolblazer

www.schoolblazer.com Item

Prep stormproof coat

note, children do not have to have a coat but, if they do wish to wear a coat, it must be the school coat)

Navy

1, 2

PE, Games and Activities

Navy St Andrew’s Prep tracksuit bottoms Compulsory All year round Reception, 1, 2 PE, Games and Activities

Navy swim jammers (boys) Compulsory All year round Reception, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Swimming

Navy swimming costume or black jammer suit (girls) Compulsory All year round Reception, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Swimming

Navy St Andrew’s Prep swimming backpack Compulsory All year round Reception, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Swimming St Andrew’s Prep swimming cap Compulsory All year round Reception, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

• Children may wear summer uniform or their grey uniform during the summer term.

• Please ensure that everything sent to school is clearly marked.

• Clothing should be marked with a sewn-on/iron-on/stick-on name tape.

• Watches should be engraved please.

• Shoes should be named in indelible ink or have a name tape stuck inside.

• It is especially important to check that pens, calculators, hockey sticks, tennis rackets etc are all named clearly.

• Please see website for the updated appearance policy.

• Small earring studs are allowed but not hoops please.

Online supplier – Playerlayer

www.playerlayer.com Item

per website)

Supplier of your choice (but most items are also available on Playerlayer and Schoolblazer) Item Compulsory or Optional? Term required Which year groups? When will I wear this?

Black shoes

Grey trousers or shorts (boarders require two) boys or girls

Grey socks (boarders require four pairs) to be worn with trousers and skirts

Maroon socks or maroon tights (boarders require three pairs) to be worn with skirts and dresses

Compulsory All year round Reception to Year 8 All year round

Compulsory All year round Reception to Year 8 All year round

Compulsory All year round Reception to Year 8 All year round

Compulsory All year round Reception to Year 8 All year round

Mid-Grey Pinafore Compulsory All year round Reception, 1, 2 All year round

Pleated grey skirt (knee length) (boarders require two) Compulsory All year round 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 All year round

Plain short white socks (boarders require four pairs) Compulsory All year round Reception to Year 8 All year round

White shirt or blouse, long or short sleeve (boarders require four) Compulsory All year round Reception to Year 8 All year round

Water bottle Compulsory All year round Reception to Year 8 All year round

Maroon fleece scarf / grey fleece gloves Optional Winter term Reception to Year 8 Winter term

Thick walking socks Compulsory All year round Reception to Year 8 Woodland/Beach School

Wellingtons Compulsory All year round Reception to Year 8 Outdoor activity

Trainers – two pairs, one indoor and one outdoor Compulsory All year round Reception to Year 8 PE, Games and Activities

can have a pair of specific rugby boots

Football boots with moulded safety studs –can be worn for Rugby also

Towel

All year round Reception to Year 8

All year round Reception to Year 8 Swimming

For more information or to request a prospectus, please contact Admissions on 01323 733203 or email admissions@standrewsprep.co.uk St Andrew’s Prep, Meads, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN20 7RP