Pre-School Parents Handbook 2024 - 2025
Welcome
Welcome to Little King’s; the kindergarten for pupils at The King’s School, Gloucester. We are proud of our rich history, the traditions that we uphold and of the all-round education that we provide. We have close links with Gloucester Cathedral, including the education of all choristers. We welcome pupils of all faiths and of none.
Here in Little King’s, we start the journey for your little ones from the ages of three to five. These first years are very important in building the foundations for your child’s future. Our caring and experienced staff will make sure that your child has the very best start possible.
Children come to school with a wealth of learning, which has been acquired during the first three years at home. We aim to build on these foundations, through the provision of a curriculum which is stimulating, structured and balanced; which engages the child physically, intellectually, socially and emotionally; and which develops the child’s skills, concepts and attitudes. We make sure that your child is treated as an individual.
As a result of our very individual curriculum, we produce happy, confident and resilient children who are independent, ready and eager to learn because they have had the very best start.
We can’t wait to get to know you.
Sarah Beard Head of Little King’s
Who we are
Head of Junior School
Head of Little King’s
Pre-School
Reception
Little King’s Staff
Mrs Anne Haas
Mrs Sarah Beard
Mrs Louise Goodall
Mrs Sarah Jelf
Mrs Sarah Beard
Miss Georgia Baldwin
Mr Richard Cooper
Miss Charlotte Barley
School Communication
Open communication between parents and the school is encouraged and is essential to our successful partnership. Your child’s class teacher should be your first point of contact by email, telephone call or via a pre-arranged meeting. Email addresses for all staff can be found on the school website: https://www.thekingsschool.co.uk/parent-information/staff-list
As a guide, if you email during the working week, you should expect a response within 48 hours. This will allow a member of staff to look into your concern. Please remember that our teaching staff are not in school during the holidays, so it is recommended that you contact the main school reception in Paddock House outside of Term time if anything is urgent via office@thekingsschool.co.uk or you can leave a message on the main school number: 01452 337 337.
Junior School Office and Little King’s 01452 337 302
Email junior@thekingsschool.co.uk
Aftercare (3.30pm - 6.00pm) 01452 337 329
Medical Centre 01452 337 318
KingsSchoolGlos
Instagram @KSGJunior
Twitter @KSGJunior
website www.thekingsschool.co.uk
The website, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook will keep you up to date with news, events and photographs of our busy school days.
Changes of any contact details should be given to the Junior School Office.
At King’s we want your children to be happy. No concerns should be allowed to fester and all issues, however small, should be raised between parents and teachers as early as possible.
School Website
As well as a round-up of news, events, photographs and videos on the #SchoolStories pages, the School website contains lots of useful information for parents.
The lock icon on the bottom left corner of each page gives parents quick access to lots of useful information such as term dates, uniform lists, staff contact details and the lunch menus.
How we will contact you
We have the following tools and Apps to ensure you are kept up to date with your child’s progress, events at School and able to communicate with other parents of children in Little King’s. When your child joins Little King’s you will be sent the login details for the Apps listed below.
Tapestry
Online App for all regular communication about your child’s progress and events. More details below.
My School Portal (MSP)
Used as a central point for all forms, letters, your child’s reports, personal information and SOCs sports match information, clubs and activity bookings.
Chatter Letter
Little King’s weekly newsletter sent via MSP on a Friday.
Classlist
All parents are invited to sign up to the Classlist App when their child starts at King’s. Classlist is a parent-to-parent App which helps parents connect with other parents and stay in the loop with what’s happening in School. It is secure, GDPRcompliant, with clear community guidelines.
School Cloud
An online booking system used to book parents’ evening appointments.
Clarion Call
Used to contact groups of parents via text message.
Telephone/Email messages
Will be swiftly attended to by the Junior School administration team. The school has a policy of answering emails within 48 hours of receipt during the working week.
Pick Up/Drop off Routine
Early Morning Routine
We have a choice of two early morning drop offs.
Drop off 8:15am Park Street gate.
Drop off 8:30am At the Junior School Reception.
Late children Will be expected to sign in at Junior School Reception in the foyer. Parents may not take their child directly to their class.
Early Birds Club
This starts promptly at 7.45am and must be pre-booked via My School Portal to ensure staffing is correct. (Late arrivals will have to wait for morning drop-off that commences at 8.15am). Drop off for the Early Birds Club is at the blue gate on Paddock.
Please note, parents may not enter the school building at any time unless accompanied by a member of staff.
Pick Up Routine
12.45pm (Pre-School morning sessions) Children are handed over to parents at the blue gate on Paddock.
3.15pm (Reception and Pre-School full day) Children are handed over to parents at the blue gate on Paddock.
After Care in Little King’s
Various pick up times including 4.00pm, 4.30pm, 5.00pm and 5.30pm
Afterschool Care and Holiday Club
Afterschool care for Little King’s children is run by Little King’s staff from 3.10pm6pm. If you wish to book your child into Aftercare the booking system is accessed through My School Portal in the clubs and activities section.
Sessions need to be booked, at the latest the day before. If a session is needed as an emergency on the day please ring Junior School Reception (01452 337337). If the date you require is not listed then unfortunately, the session is fully booked. Please note if you need to cancel a session, the session will still be charged, unless 24 hours notice has been given.
The booking system is live on the 1st August 2024. Any queries please e-mail s.beard@thekingsschool.co.uk
Holiday Club is provided by Atlas Camps for Little King’s children and runs throughout all the School holidays, including the Half Term holidays. To book a place please visit Atlas Camps website: https://atlascamps.co.uk/asc/kings/index.php.
For any queries please phone Atlas Camps on: 0800 7720743, or email: info@atlascamps.co.uk
Tapestry
Tapestry is an easy-to-use and secure online learning journal, which helps us to build a very special record of your child’s experiences, development and learning journey through their early years and primary education.
Using photos, videos, and diary entries, we, in partnership with you, will ‘weave’ the story of your child and how they are growing and developing. The Tapestry platform then works seamlessly to enable these memories to be kept as a permanent record of each child’s unique journey.
All information held in the platform is stored securely and can be downloaded and shared as required. You are then able to view your child’s progress, the activities provided for them, and how much fun they’re having, whilst also uploading your own comments and media.
The communication between staff and parents that Tapestry enables, helps build a shared understanding of how every child can reach their full potential, from birth to the end of primary school. The Tapestry online learning journal is also available as an easy-to-use, secure app, meaning capturing key learning moments, and videoing milestones are even easier.
Learning at Little King’s
We follow the Foundation Stage curriculum leading to the Early Learning Goals at the end of the Reception year, however, what we offer is so much more. We have an exciting and engaging curriculum which takes into account children’s needs and interests; which is stimulating, structured and balanced; which engages the child physically, intellectually, socially and emotionally; and which develops the child’s skills, concepts and attitudes.
Our curriculum offers opportunities for child centred, first-hand experiences through structured play and activities.
In addition to our experienced Early Years Practitioners in Little King’s, specialist teachers from King’s Junior School deliver an hour per week of Music, Dance, PE and Forest School.
Forest School Activities and Outings
Throughout the year we undertake ‘Forest School’ activities on a weekly basis within the grounds of King’s School, mainly in our ‘Secret Garden’. As part of these ‘Forest School’ experiences we may also take the children out and about, by minibus, to visit the Forest of Dean, Crickley Hill, Robinswood Hill or Colwall Orchard near Malvern. Each time we make these visits, the school will provide lunch and snacks. All dates of intended visits will be advised in advance.
For these weekly activities and trips may we ask that you provide clothing and boots appropriate for the weather and outdoors.
“Outdoor play is an integral part of a child’s learning opportunities and can hugely benefit their mental and physical health and wellbeing”
Health and Well-being at King’s
Food
A healthy snack of fruit will be provided at first break. Children are asked to bring in a reusable, well-labelled water bottle. They are encouraged to drink water regularly to keep hydrated. Drinking water to fill bottles is readily available around the school. Please note that the School has committed to avoiding single use plastics.
All children have a school lunch. Staff and pupils eat together. If a child has a special dietary requirement (eg. as a result of an allergy), parents are asked to inform the school.
The school has a NO NUTS policy. This includes items labelled “may contain nuts” hence home-baking, although lovely, is not permitted as allergens cannot be traced, therefore cakes, sweets and chewing gum are not permitted. For special occasions, Haribo sweets or similar are the best solution but a Halal/Vegan option must also be provided.
Well-being
At King’s, the well-being of our pupils is of utmost importance and we are passionate about every child being able to benefit from support to improve resilience, mental health and self-esteem.
A vital part of our well-being service at King’s also includes our School Nurses: Rachel Griffiths, Clare Balding and Louise Hann who are all trained nurses.
The Welfare Team is here to promote and support physical and mental health and well-being to the whole school community.
Medical
It is essential that we have up to date medical information on all pupils. Parents are asked to update the school with any changes subsequent to the Medical Form completed at Admissions stage. It is helpful if parents discuss individual cases with the Class Teacher.
Medication to be administered after an illness must be handed to Junior School Reception or the Class Teacher with a written explanation of dosage and administration times. Please label all medications and indicate if the medication is to remain in school.
Illness
If a pupil is unwell, he or she should remain at home. Please notify us if you are aware that a child has a contagious illness.
If your child has suffered sickness or diarrhoea please allow 48 hours from the last bout until your child is eating normally before he or she returns to school as it is unfair to expose other children to unnecessary risk of illness.
If a child is absent owing to illness, parents should telephone or email the Junior School Office as soon as possible. Messages may be left on the answer phone. In the case of emergencies arising at school, we will, of course, provide appropriate attention and care from our School Nurses, if required.
Leave of Absence
If you wish to take your child out of school for any reason, please request permission from Mrs Anne Haas, in writing, at least one week in advance before confirming your arrangements.
Please note that parents are not permitted to take their children out of school during term time for holiday purposes as the curriculum at King’s is full and there is very little opportunity to catch up missed work.
Please see the Attendance Policy on the website https://www.thekingsschool.co.uk/parent-information/policies for the regulations to which parents are expected to adhere regarding absences.
King’s SMART
In Little King’s and Junior School we strive to be King’s SMART at all times. This is what we mean by being SMART:
SMILE
Be friendly and considerate
Be helpful or supportive
Think about how our words or action make others feel
MANNERS
Enter and leave classrooms in an orderly manner
Walk, do not run, when inside
Step aside and/or open doors for each other
Stand when visitors enter the classroom
Treat each other and all adults with courtesy
AMBITIOUS ATTITUDE
Arrive on time
Be ready and properly equipped
Listen, focus, think contribute and take turns in discussion
Be co-operative
Take care with our work and appearance
Strive to do our best
RESILIENCE
Overcoming adversity both academically and socially
Embracing challenges
Persisting in the face of setbacks
TEAMWORK
Work together with others
Bringing talents together to reach a goal
“Being King’s SMART forms the basis of our code of conduct and helps to create a considerate learning environment”
Uniform
Before your child’s first day, their teacher will advise you of the timetable for the term and on which days different items of uniform should be worn, such as for Forest School or PE.
School Uniform Suppliers
The King’s School appointed uniform supplier is Stevensons; a family-run, specialist uniform and sportswear provider who currently supply over 550 schools across the UK.
Prior to ordering uniform, we recommend that you refer to the King’s School Uniform Guide to ensure that you are purchasing the correct items for your child. https://issuu.com/thekingsschoolglos/docs/kingsschooluniform2024
By phone
To place orders or for queries. Contact hours: Monday to Saturday: 9am to 5.30pm. Sunday: closed. Tel: 01727 815 700 or email: customerservices@stevensons.co.uk . During the busy summer period their phone lines will be open for longer.
Online
It’s easy to shop at http://www.stevensons.co.uk with low-cost postage and packing and FREE returns.
Please register for an account initially, then search for The King’s School, Gloucester and add our school to your account. You can then see the uniform and sportswear relevant to Little King’s children.
Families can purchase school uniform and sportswear via the Stevensons website, or over the telephone. They offer a 180 day returns policy to exchange unused uniform.
Under the image of the clothing, it clearly identifies which items are compulsory. Please also check the ‘more information’ tab for each garment, where details are given about that item - for example which sports the item is relevant for, whether it can be sourced from other retailers, etc.
King’s Klobber
Second-hand uniform is available from King’s Klobber. The shop is run by parent volunteers and stocks good quality used uniform. King’s Klobber is not open to parents, instead an online shop has been set up. Please go to http://www. kingsklobber.co.uk and place your order.
Payment needs to be made through the website checkout.
Payments are via PayPal. You do not need a PayPal account; you can use your debit card.
Orders placed by midnight Wednesday, will be processed on Thursday and given to your child. If you have a query regarding King’s Klobber, please contact the School’s Main Reception on 01452 337 337 or email kingsklobber@outlook.co.uk . If you wish to send in King’s branded items, you will be given a 25% off coupon for future use at King’s Klobber. You can also sell items through Classlist.
Other items
Children must not bring expensive toys or watches to school as no responsibility can be accepted for their loss or damage. Similarly, watches with step counters may only be worn as long as they cannot send messages or photographs.
Hair
Long hair must be tied back with navy blue accessories. Please avoid close shaven hair styles.
Photography
Parents are asked not to take photographs at events. In many cases an official photographer and/or videographer may be on hand to record the event. In some cases, this may be allocated to a staff member using a school device. In addition, it is stipulated that any photographs purchased may not be shared on any form of social media.
In productions and events that will be photographed or videoed, Junior School staff members will be considering the placement of the children whose parents or guardians have refused permission for images of their children to be used, so they can be edited out if needed. At times these children may stand aside for images that will be used externally but will always be included in photographs just to be used for internal records.
“Throughout the year, we warmly invite parents to attend a variety of events including a Nativity, Easter Bonnet Parade and Sports Day”
How parents can support the school
The KSPA
The King’s School Parents’ Association. This is a group made up of volunteer parents who support the school through fundraising events. The Little King’s children enjoy a wide variety of fun events put on by the KSPA, including a Christmas Fayre, Easter activities, film nights. They also run a monthly 100 Club, please visit their page on the school website for more details: https://www.thekingsschool.co.uk/king-s-community/kspa
New members are always welcome and much appreciated. If you are interested, please contact the Junior School Office, or take a look at their page on the school website: or email kspa@thekingsschool.co.uk
STEAM Group
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths at King’s. This is a group of parents with a background in these disciplines who meet regularly to promote and support the STEAM subjects within the school. Again, newcomers are always welcome - please contact the Junior School Office.
King’s Klobber
Volunteers to assist with the second-hand uniform shop are always sought after. Please contact kingsklobber@outlook.com
King’s Community Choir
This is a friendly group of singing enthusiasts, consisting of parents, staff and former pupils. In the Lent Term they rehearse for a performance in the Lent Term Concert in the Cathedral. Please see their web page for more details: https://www.thekingsschool.co.uk/king-s-community/ community-groups#Community-choir
“We are proud of our strong King’s community and value the partnership between our school and families”
How to help your child settle into Little King’s Pre-School
We are a small Pre-School with excellent staff to pupil ratios. We pride ourselves on providing a caring and nurturing environment while making sure that children achieve and become the best that they can be.
Before we can confirm a place at our Pre-School, children are invited to attend a taster session. Sometimes children need to attend more than one taster session to make sure they are suited to our setting.
Our Stay and Play is a great way to see what we do at Little King’s Pre-School. Children who have attended our stay and play sessions tend to settle much quicker on their taster sessions as they have become familiar with the surroundings and staff.
Here are some helpful tips to make sure your child has the best start possible…
Talk to your child about starting Little King’s in a positive way. Starting any Pre-School is a big step. However, once children have settled, the transition through school becomes a lot easier!
Talk about their teachers, Mrs Goodall and Mrs Jelf. Explain that they are there to help look after them. Both are very experienced Early Years practitioners, who will help you and your child have the best start possible to their early years education.
Encourage your child to have a go at putting on their coat, shoes and wellingtons independently.
Spend time talking, playing games, reading stories and singing songs. Children learn best when they are having fun!
What to bring?
Spare clothing – this does not have to be school uniform.
Outdoor clothing such as warm coat, hats, gloves for the Winter months and a sun hat for the summer months.
Factor 50 sun cream – to be applied before school
Please ensure all of the above are clearly named and spare clothes can be brought in a Tupperware box to be left at school. We will let you know when new clothes are needed.
Checklist
Wellingtons (even if they do not attend a Forest School session)
Black daps for dance session
Spare clothing including spare pants (2 changes)
Warm hat, gloves & coat (Winter only)
Factor 50 sun cream and hat (if warm weather)
Label all clothes and items
Tupperware box to pack items in
Clearly named water bottle – water only, no juice please.
Complete
