Term 1 - Past FS1 Notices

Phonics
In Phonics this week, the children have been having fun exploring the world of instrumental sounds. They have been introduced to a variety of instruments, learning their names and exploring the different sounds they make. We experimented with playing them both quietly and loudly, and then compared this with how we can use our own voices to make sounds that are soft or strong. This playful exploration is helping the children tune into the concept of sound variation and supports their ability to listen carefully and respond to what they hear.

Mathematics
In Maths, our focus has been on sequencing and using the special words First, Next, and Last. We used our story of the week, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, to help us practise these words. The children enjoyed using a story map to retell the events in the correct order, which also supported their memory and storytelling skills. Alongside sequencing, we have been practising counting skills using real objects, which makes the learning practical and meaningful. We also had great fun joining in with number rhymes such as Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed. These activities are helping the children not only develop their mathematical understanding but also grow in confidence when using mathematical language in everyday contexts.

Cooking
This week we enjoyed cooking porridge together. The children practised important skills such as cutting ingredients and stirring the mixture. We also had rich discussions about healthy food choices and thought carefully about which toppings we would like to add to our porridge. The activity was not only lots of fun but also a valuable way to build independence, develop fine motor skills, and learn more about making healthy choices.

Play and Exploration
Our playtimes have been filled with meaningful experiences too. The children continue to love spending time in the garden, where they feed and care for our tortoise, and they also help to look after Snowy, our school rabbit. These daily routines are wonderful opportunities for children to learn about responsibility, empathy, and how to care for living things. They take great pride in these tasks and love sharing what they have learned with one another.

Arabic
In Arabic lessons, we have been working carefully through our workbooks, which the children will soon bring home for you to see. These show some of the progress they are making and give you a glimpse of their learning. This week we have been practising greetings, learning the names of animals, and talking about the names of some family members. The children have really enjoyed these sessions, which have been interactive, engaging, and lots of fun!

Music
In Music, we have been developing rhythm and listening skills. The children used a drum to tap out the syllables in their names, which is a brilliant way to combine musical learning with phonics skills. We also sang our Welcome to Music song, listening carefully to Mrs O’Brien’s singing and repeating it back. The children loved singing the Walking Song again, which involved following instructions and performing actions at the right time – this required careful listening, concentration, and lots of energy!

Gate opening times

Please note that the Blue EYFS Gate opens at 7:10 am and closes promptly at 7:30 am. Punctuality is very important, as FS2 children begin structured phonics and maths sessions during this time.

We are always available at the gate for quick questions or to hear any information you would like to share about your child. Please speak to us if you have anything important to let us know.

Focus Parent Meetings

Please remember to complete the questionnaire form and return it to your class teacher. These meetings give us a valuable opportunity to speak with you in more detail about your child’s progress, well-being, and learning journey. You will also receive an email from the Primary Office with the date and time of your meeting, which will take place on Sundays after school. Your child will also bring home a sheet to complete with you before the meeting to help guide our discussion.

• Library: Our library sessions will take place on Tuesdays. Please ensure that books are returned on Tuesday mornings so your child can borrow a new one. 

• Please note that we promote healthy eating, it is important that snack boxes contain healthy food and perhaps a small ‘treat.’ 

• Correct uniform is to be worn by the children, please check the school website if you are unsure. FS1 children do not need a PE uniform. 

• We do require a change of clothes in a labeled bag in case of any accidents. This will remain in school instead of being sent home each day.

• Please do not hesitate to contact the Primary Office if you have any questions or queries. 

In Phonics this week, the children have been exploring environmental sounds. Together, we thought about the different sounds we hear around the house during the day and at night. We also listened carefully to the sounds of transport, comparing how different vehicles make different noises. The children enjoyed playing listening games and had lots of fun developing their early phonics skills.

In Maths, we have been learning about size. Using our focus story Goldilocks and the Three Bears, the children compared objects and practised using vocabulary such as large/big, medium, and small. They particularly enjoyed linking this to the bears’ bowls, chairs, and beds, and then applying the language to objects around the classroom. We also introduced the concepts of tall, taller, tallest, short, shorter, and shortest.

This week, we also had a visit from the school nurse, who measured the children’s height and weight. The children loved talking about who was the tallest and who was the shortest in the class, linking this learning to their maths vocabulary.

In addition, we have been practising our counting skills by counting real objects and joining in with favourite number rhymes such as Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed. These activities are not only building the children’s mathematical understanding but also helping them to grow in confidence when using mathematical language.

In our library session this week, Ms Qasim shared the story Gigantic by Rob Biddulph. The children were captivated by this beautifully illustrated book, which tells the tale of a small blue whale who doesn’t quite live up to his grand name. Through the story, the children explored themes of self-confidence, friendship, and celebrating our own unique qualities. They particularly enjoyed talking about the contrast between the whale’s name and his actual size, and many of them were eager to share their own ideas about what makes someone or something “gigantic.”

In Music this week, the children have been learning a range of energetic action songs, including the Stomping Song and the Dancing Song. These songs gave the children the chance to combine rhythm, movement, and language, helping them to develop coordination as well as their listening and memory skills. They loved following the actions, joining in with the beat, and expressing themselves through movement. The session was filled with laughter, energy, and lots of enthusiastic stomping, jumping, and dancing, as the children grew in confidence and joyfully shared music together.

Gate opening times

Please note that the Blue EYFS Gate opens at 7:10 am and closes promptly at 7:30 am. Punctuality is very important, as FS2 children begin structured phonics and maths sessions during this time.

We are always available at the gate for quick questions or to hear any information you would like to share about your child. 

Focus Parent Meetings

Focus Parent Meetings will begin next week, please remember to fill in the form and return to the class teacher.  These meetings will give us the opportunity to speak in more detail about your child’s progress, well-being, and to answer any further questions you may have. 

• Library: Our library sessions will take place on Tuesdays. Please ensure that books are returned on Tuesday mornings so your child can borrow a new one. 

• Please note that we promote healthy eating, it is important that snack boxes contain healthy food and perhaps a small ‘treat.’ 

• Correct uniform is to be worn by the children, please check the school website if you are unsure. FS1 children do not need a PE uniform. We do require a change of clothes in a labeled bag in case of any accidents. This will remain in school instead of being sent home each day.

• Please do not hesitate to contact the Primary Office if you have any questions or queries. 

In our Phonics sessions this week, the children went on a Listening Walk around the school. At first, many of them said they couldn’t hear anything at all, but with a little encouragement to ‘switch on’ their listening ears, they soon began to notice a wide variety of sounds all around them. From footsteps in the corridor to voices and ringing telephones, the children were excited to discover just how much there is to hear in our environment.

We have also been helping Cool Blue, one of the Monster Phonics characters, to identify different sounds on the farm. The children really enjoyed this activity and it gave them lots of opportunities to practise their careful listening skills in a fun and imaginative way.

In Maths this week, the children have been exploring the concept of size. Using our focus story Goldilocks and the Three Bears, they compared objects and practised using the vocabulary large/big, medium, and small. The children enjoyed relating this to the bears’ bowls, chairs, and beds, and then applying the language to everyday classroom objects.

We have also been practising our counting skills by counting real objects and joining in with favourite number rhymes such as “1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Once I Caught a Fish Alive.” These activities are helping the children to develop both their mathematical understanding and their confidence in using mathematical language.

Miss Suad was very pleased with how the children are picking up greetings in Arabic, they have also learned to introduce themselves and have started to count in Arabic. 

In Music this week, the children have been learning two new songs – the Welcome Song and the Walking Song. They had great fun marching along to the beat, and also explored moving their bodies in different ways by jumping, stomping, and dancing. These activities not only helped them to enjoy making music together but also supported their listening, rhythm, and coordination skills.

Please note that the Blue EYFS Gate opens at 7:10 am and closes promptly at 7:30 am. Punctuality is very important, as FS2 children begin structured phonics and maths sessions during this time.

We are always available at the gate for quick questions or to hear any information you would like to share about your child. Focus Parent Meetings will begin in a few weeks, once the children are fully settled and the structured curriculum is underway. These meetings will give us the opportunity to speak in more detail about your child’s progress, well-being, and to answer any further questions you may have.

Thanks to those who attended the EYFS Learning Ladders presentation on Tuesday this week. We will share the slides with you soon.  All new parents will have received their log in details (to the parent email). 

Language for Learning

The Language for Learning team would like to welcome you back to the new school year. 

We are looking forward to supporting your children’s language learning this term. We have several groups taking place this term to support children with language acquisition which included: Speaking and Listening, Reading, Writing and Vocabulary. Should your child be invited to a small group intervention you will be notified via the Primary Office.

Alongside small, regular groups, in some year groups the team will be supporting children with their curriculum for a unit of work or specific activity. This work will usually be completed in class, however sometimes work may lend itself to being completed out of the classroom, in order to support further with a specific language focus. 

We also have a website with Tips and Tricks for you and your children to use at home. Click here for the Language for Learning website. 

Should you have any questions about the support your child is being offered please do contact the Language for Learning team.

• Library: Our library sessions will take place on Tuesdays. Please ensure that books are returned on Tuesday mornings so your child can borrow a new one. 

• Please note that we promote healthy eating, it is important that snack boxes contain healthy food and perhaps a small ‘treat.’ 

• Correct uniform is to be worn by the children, please check the school website if you are unsure. FS1 children do not need a PE uniform. We do require a change of clothes in a labeled bag in case of any accidents. This will remain in school instead of being sent home each day.

• Please do not hesitate to contact the Primary Office if you have any questions or queries. 

We hope you all enjoyed the long weekend — the children have been very excited to share their adventures with us, and it has been wonderful hearing about the special things they did with their families.

It was lovely to see so many of you at the Meet and Greet sessions  this week. Thank you for taking the time to come along and learn more about life in FS1. If you have any further questions or comments, please do not hesitate to come and speak to us — we are always happy to chat.

This week, we began our Monster Phonics programme. The children were introduced to the friendly Monster character and had great fun using musical instruments to help explore sounds. They were very engaged and are already beginning to recognise how sounds play an important part in language learning.

In the library, we read a story that highlighted the importance of good manners. The children then enjoyed learning and singing the “Please and Thank You” song together in class. This has been a lovely way to reinforce polite language in everyday routines.

During Music, the children explored rhythm by drumming out the syllables in their own names. They especially loved visiting Mrs. O’Brien in the Circus Room, which is quickly becoming one of their favourite spaces in school.

Please note that the Blue EYFS Gate opens at 7:10 am and closes promptly at 7:30 am. Punctuality is very important, as FS2 children begin structured phonics and maths sessions during this time.

We are always available at the gate for quick questions or to hear any information you would like to share about your child. Focus Parent Meetings will begin in a few weeks, once the children are fully settled and the structured curriculum is underway. These meetings will give us the opportunity to speak in more detail about your child’s progress, well-being, and to answer any further questions you may have.

If you are still experiencing problems logging onto the Google Classroom please let the Primary Office know and we will endeavour to support you.

The FS1 timetable is uploaded into a folder on the Google Classroom.

We will use the Google Classroom for extra messages from class teachers and upload photographs of special occasions for you to enjoy.

During the course of the year, we will also upload optional activity packs and resources to use at home.  Should school close for any reason, you will also need to join the classroom with your child. 

Learning Ladders at Home presentation

Tuesday 16 September, 7.40 am, Primary Multi Purpose Room.

Please enter school via main reception and you will be directed to the location. You will receive an individual login to our Learning Ladders assessment program which will enable you to look at all the weekly observations on your child.

• Library: Our library sessions will take place on Tuesdays. Please ensure that books are returned on Tuesday mornings so your child can borrow a new one. 

• Please note that we promote healthy eating, it is important that snack boxes contain healthy food and perhaps a small ‘treat.’ 

• Correct uniform is to be worn by the children, please check the school website if you are unsure. FS1 children do not need a PE uniform. We do require a change of clothes in a labeled bag in case of any accidents. This will remain in school instead of being sent home each day.

The children have loved being in school these last two weeks, and it is a joy to be greeted each morning by their warm smiles. They are all getting used to the routines and expectations. Thank you for all your support. 

This week, the children enjoyed their first music session with Mrs. O’Brien, their first library visit with Miss Qasim, and they also had a taster session of Arabic!

Please note that the Blue EYFS Gate opens at 7:10 am and closes promptly at 7:30 am. Punctuality is very important, as FS2 children begin structured phonics and maths sessions during this time.

We are always available at the gate for quick questions or to hear any information you would like to share about your child. Focus Parent Meetings will begin in a few weeks, once the children are fully settled and the structured curriculum is underway. These meetings will give us the opportunity to speak in more detail about your child’s progress, well-being, and to answer any further questions you may have.

EYFS Meet and Greet

Monday 8 September, 3.30 pm

We look forward to meeting our parents in the FS2 classrooms and then across in the Oryx theatre to  share  information, routines and expectations. Please enter school via main reception. 

Learning Ladders at Home presentation

Tuesday 16 September, 7.45 am, Oryx Theatre.

Please enter school via main reception.
You will receive an individual login to our Learning Ladders assessment  program which will enable you to look at all the weekly observations on your child.  More details at the presentation above.

Google Classroom

You have been sent Google Classroom invitations to your child's school email account.  This will provide you with the class timetable and class list of names. We will be uploading photographs and activities during the course of the year - so please join the classroom as soon as possible. 

FS1 Google Classroom code:   kk6cecy

• Library: Our library sessions will take place on Tuesdays. Please ensure that books are returned on Tuesday mornings so your child can borrow a new one. 

• Please note that we promote healthy eating, it is important that snack boxes contain healthy food and perhaps a small ‘treat.’ 

• Correct uniform is to be worn by the children, please check the school website if you are unsure. FS1 children do not need a PE uniform. We do require a change of clothes in a labeled bag in case of any accidents. This will remain in school instead of being sent home each day.

Dear Parents 

We have had a wonderful start to the year! We have loved meeting you and your children over the staggered start sessions please be reminded we will have one more staggered start session on Thursday 28th August and then we will be in full time from Sunday 31st August (7.30-12.30).

Our team; Miss Kaila, Miss Afrah and Mrs Al Busaidi are so impressed with how the children have started their FS1 journey.

They are settling well into their new classroom environments and loving the indoor and outdoor provision. 

Please note that the Blue EYFS Gate opens at 7.10 am and will close at 7.30 am. Being punctual is essential each day as the FS2 children do structured phonics and maths sessions at this time.

We are available at the gate to answer any quick questions or listen to any information regarding your child. Focus Parent Meetings will begin in a few weeks after the children are settled and the structured curriculum has started. These meetings are a chance to speak in more detail about how your child is settling in and to ask/ answer any further questions.

Meet and Greet Event

We look forward to meeting parents at our Meet and Greet event which will be on Monday 8 September at 3.30pm. Please park at the top car park and make your way to the FS1 classrooms.  After a presentation in the classrooms by the teachers there will be a further EYFS information session in the Oryx Theatre. 

Google Classroom

You have been sent Google Classroom invitations to your child's school email account.  This will provide you with the class timetable and class list of names. We will be uploading photographs and activities during the course of the year - so please join the classroom as soon as possible. 

Library: Library will be on TUESDAYS. 

Please note that we promote healthy eating, it is important that snack boxes contain healthy food and perhaps a small ‘treat.’ Correct uniform is to be worn by the children, please check the school website if you are unsure.

FS1 children do not need a PE uniform.

We do require a change of clothes in a labeled bag in case of any accidents. This will remain in school instead of being sent home each day.

Big trolley bags on wheels are not appropriate for our setting due to the number of steps. If your child wishes to bring a bag - a small rucksack is sufficient.