Parents - Your Vital Role

A parent is a child's first teacher and will remain so even when the child starts school.  Only a small part of a child's waking hours are spent at school.  If this time is to be effectively used then the school needs your support and involvement.

PARENTS CAN HELP AT HOME
Parents can help prepare their children for school by encouraging independence.  Children will feel confident if they can dress themselves, take their coats on and off and eventually tie their own shoelaces.  They will also find it easier to adapt to classroom routines if they are used to taking turns and are able to share equipment with others.

Parents can show their support to the school by signing the Home – School Agreement

Parents can help with reading by
• visiting the local library with your child
• reading stories to your child every day, even when they are competent readers
• reading the writing on food labels, packages, street signs, buses etc.
• encouraging all your child's attempts at reading and writing and listening regularly to reading

Parents can help with maths by
• teaching number rhymes
• doing lots of counting activities
• playing board and dice games
• helping with coin recognition

Please read the homework policy (see page 16)

PERHAPS YOU CAN HELP IN SCHOOL TOO?
You might have the time to listen to children read, to cover books, to help on a class outing or to run a lunchtime or after-school club. Regular help is greatly appreciated and any time that you are able to commit would be very welcome.

NEWSLETTERS AND CURRICULUM PLANS
Parents are kept informed about what is happening through our weekly newsletter The Sunflower. A copy is sent home every Thursday with your child. Please make it a habit of reading The Sunflower as it will contain vital communication.  In the autumn term , parents and carers will be invited to a welcome meeting for their child’s class. This meeting will focus on expectations for the year group as well as an overview of the concepts to be covered in various subjects.