How We Learn

Cygnets Nursery

In Cygnets nursery, we work hard to support our children to become independent, confident and enthusiastic learners. Mrs Jackson is the lead in the nursery supported by Miss Bloxham, Mrs Flatters and Miss Aksu. Throughout the year we will focus on a variety of different topics linked to the children’s interests. We plan a range of different activities to help the children reach the next steps on their learning journeys. The children have access to a range of different learning experiences, both inside and outside.

We offer children the opportunity to attend nursery for the term after their third birthday with the offer of 30 hours or 15 hours per week.

Reception - Tadpoles & Newts

In our Reception classes, we have two wonderful groups of children: Tadpoles, taught by Miss Channing, and Newts, taught by Mrs Marsh and our Learning Support Team, Mrs Ladher, Mrs Holloway, and Mrs Clarke.

The classes work in an open environment, where both Tadpoles and Newts share learning zones that support development in all areas of the EYFS curriculum. Children move between continuous provision, enhancements, and focused sessions, allowing them to engage with different aspects of their learning throughout the day. Our aim is to nurture independent, curious learners who challenge themselves and grow their imaginations.

Daily phonics sessions are a key part of our curriculum, helping children develop strong early reading and writing skills. We also have daily maths sessions, where children explore number concepts and shape, space, and measure. Through Mastering Number, children develop a deep understanding of numbers, fostering confidence and fluency in early mathematical skills.

We also provide a range of enrichment activities, such as cooking and Forest School, to give children hands-on, real-world experiences. Our outdoor area offers additional space for learning and exploration, helping children develop their curiosity and creativity.

Storytelling is at the heart of our learning, with books carefully chosen to align with the topics we explore each term. Through regular story sessions, both indoors and outdoors, children are encouraged to develop storytelling language and expand their vocabulary. Familiar books are shared often, helping children build connections between words and ideas. As they engage with stories, they gain confidence in using descriptive language, expressing their thoughts clearly, and developing a rich vocabulary that supports their learning and communication skills.

Year 1 - Frogs & Toads

The Year 1 Teachers are Mrs Elbourn-Holmes (Frogs) and Miss Wilson (Toads). They are supported by Ms Calliste, Miss Day, Ms Jones and Mrs Mensah.

Organisation

Just as in Reception, the children have their own peg to hang their coat and book bag on. Children should bring their planners and reading book into school every day.

Playtimes

Key Stage 1 have their playtime daily at 10:05 and in the afternoon as determined by the class teacher and these last for ten minutes. As the year progresses the afternoon play will be reduced until it is no longer needed. A healthy snack will be provided to the children during the morning play time and they have constant access to water. Milk can also be purchased for your child to have. Lunchtime begins at 12:00pm and ends at 12:50pm.

The School Day

The school gates open at 8.30am for registration and close at 8:50am with registration taken by 8:55am. Children enter school at the Reception and KS1 gate. School finishes at 3.20pm, with gates opening at 3:15pm for you to collect your child from their classroom.

English, Maths and Phonics will continue to be taught daily. Other curriculum areas will be taught throughout the week such as Science, History, Geography, Music, PSHE and RE. PE will be taught twice a week and children attend Forest School as a class on alternate weeks. The children are able to attend school in their PE kit on PE school days.

Home Learning

Children are expected to read at home 3 times a week as well as their challenges set on NumBots and Spelling Shed. There are optional creative challenges which children will be set dependent on the current learning and topic.

Communication

Please contact the main office if you wish to provide us with any information or questions . Your child's class teacher is your first point of contact therefore the office will forward any communication to them should you require any class specific information or discussion.

Please ensure the collect your child from school form is up-to-date. Additional copies of this form are held in the main office.

How you can help at home

Encourage and read with your child, and talk about what they have read. This will help their reading speed, understanding and their writing ability. There is further information in the pupil planner to support you with this.
Discuss the knowledge organisers and learning newsletter that is sent home with your child.
Play board games and turn-taking games to promote conversation and our Lakeview Values.

Year 2 - Butterflies & Dragonflies

The Year 2 Teachers are Mrs. Jordan (Butterflies), Miss Manaher (Dragonflies). The LSA’s who support in Year 2 are Mrs. Kupriene, Mrs. Chand, Mrs. Alexis and Miss Ahmed.

Organisation

All children will be allocated a peg to hang their coat and book bag on. Children should bring their planners and reading book into school every day.

The School Day

The KS1 gates open at 8.30am for our soft start and registration and close at 8.50am with registration taken by 8.55am. Children enter school at the Reception and KS1 gate. Playtime is 10.05am to 10.15am and lunch is from 12.00pm to 12.50pm. School finishes at 3.20pm, with gates opening at 3.15pm for you to collect your child from their classroom.

English, Maths and Phonics will continue to be taught daily. Other curriculum areas will be taught throughout the week such as Science, History, Geography Music and RE. PE will be taught twice a week on a Monday and Tuesday. The children are able to attend school in their PE kit on PE school days.

Home Learning

Children are expected to read at home 3 times a week as well as practising their number bonds and spellings - these can be found at the back of pupil planners. In addition to this, children are set weekly homework challenges through online learning apps, Spelling Shed and Numbots. Children may be set additional home challenges dependent on their current learning.

Communication

Please contact the main office if you wish to provide us with any information, have questions or are having any issues accessing ParentMail. Your child's class teacher is your first point of contact therefore the office will forward any communication to them should you require any class specific information or discussion.

Please ensure the collect your child from school form is up-to-date. Additional copies of this form are held in the main office.

How you can help at home

Encourage and read with your child, and talk about what they have read. This will help their reading speed, understanding and their writing ability. There is further information in the pupil planner to support you with this.
Support your child with their home learning and complete their 'what have I enjoyed this week/what have I found hard' section in their weekly planner.
Discuss the knowledge organisers with your child.

Year 3 - Wagtails & Kingfishers

The Year 3 Teachers are Miss Gibson (Wagtails) and Mrs Storey (Kingfishers).

The School Day

In Year 3, the Key Stage Two gates open at 8.40am and close at 8:50am. Once the gate is closed, entrance will be via the school office where you will be required to sign your child in.

Break time is at 10:05am until 10:15am and children will be able to play with children from their year group and use a variety equipment to make their play more exciting.

Lunchtime is at 12:10pm until 1:00pm.

Children should be collected at their designated collection time from outside of the classroom at the end of the school day.

English and Maths will continue to be taught daily. Other curriculum subjects will be taught throughout the week.

P.E. will be taught twice weekly on Tuesday and Thursday. Your child should come into school in their PE kit on their P.E. days. Due to the changing weather, your child requires kit suitable for both indoor and outdoor lessons. Please ensure that children remove earrings before each P.E. lesson. In Year 3, as part of the National Curriculum, children will go swimming.

Home Learning

The children in Year 3 begin to learn spelling patterns and rules. These will be given on a weekly basis and the children will be tested on a Friday.

We will change the children's reading book every Monday inline with their current reading level. Please continue to read with your child/children during the week and ask them questions to check their understanding of the text (example questions, which are relevant to your child's year group, can be found in the 'Reading Resources' section under the 'Learning' tab on the school website).

Children will read regularly with an adult and this will take the form of either individual or guided reading. We will update their Reading Records on a weekly basis. Children will be expected to bring their reading book and Reading Record in every Friday. The children will continue to progress through the colour coded book banded system and will be assessed regularly to ensure they have a solid understanding of the books they are reading.

Communication

When children are in Year 3, they are no longer eligible for free fruit or vegetables from the government. Therefore, we ask that a healthy snack is sent to school in your child’s book bag or lunch box for break time.

If you wish for your child to continue having milk, please follow ‘Cool Milk’ link – www.coolmilk.com

Your child requires a named water bottle in school everyday.

Due to a number of children with a severe nut allergy, we would really appreciate your co-operation with keeping our school ‘nut free’.

Year 4 - Mallards & Herons

Our Teachers are Miss White (Mallards) and Mrs Bowers (Herons)

The School Day

In Year 4, the Key Stage Two gates open at 8.30am and close at 8:50am. Once the gate is closed, entrance will be via the school office where you will be required to sign your child in.

At break time, the children play on the playground. At lunchtime, all children play on the playground and in the summer term, children have the choice to play on the playground or the field. Lunchtime is at 12:10pm until 1:00pm.

Children should be collected at 3:20pm from outside the classroom. Children from Year 4 are able to walk home from school with parental consent – please ensure you have completed this form if you wish them to walk home.

Our Learning

English and Maths will continue to be taught daily. Other curriculum subjects will be taught throughout the week. P.E. will be taught twice weekly, one indoor and one outdoor. We also do swimming for a half term.

The children in Year 4 are expected to complete homework on TTRockstars and Spelling Shed which is set weekly by the class teacher. They should also be reading at home and recording the reading in their planners.

Food and Drink

We ask that a healthy snack is sent to school in your child’s book bag or lunch box for break time. If you wish for your child to continue having milk, please follow the Cool Milk link – www.coolmilk.com.

Your child requires a named water bottle in school every day. Due to a number of children with a severe nut allergy, we would really appreciate your co-operation with keeping our school ‘nut free’.

Reading

Children will be expected to bring their book bags and reading record to school every day.

Children will read regularly with an adult, this will take the form of either individual or guided reading. Children will also have the opportunity to visit the library most weeks. They will be able to take a book home from the library, but please ensure this book is in school every day.

Communication

Please ensure the collect your child from school form is up to date. Additional copies of this form are held in the main office.

Year 5 - Hawks & Eagles

The Year 5 Teachers are Mrs Golder (Hawks) and Miss Smith (Eagles).

Organisation

As the children start Year 5, they will be given school planners, which will contain their home learning and any other important information we wish to share with you. Please ensure this is signed by yourself on a weekly basis and is brought into school daily. This will help the children to develop their independence skills and build their sense of responsibility. Children should also bring their personal reading book into school every day. They will have the opportunity to select books from their classrooms, the Year 5 and 6 library and the main school library.

Each child will be allocated a numbered locker for all of their belongings.

Playtimes

Children have one break time in the morning. During this break they are welcome to bring in a healthy snack. Due to a number of children with severe nut allergies, we would really appreciate your co-operation with keeping our school ‘nut free’. Children can choose to play on the Trim Trail or the Year 5 and 6 playground. If the weather is suitable, the children will also have the opportunity to use the field at lunchtime.

Timetable

English and Maths will be taught daily in their class groups. Children in Year 6 will also have a weekly Grammar focus which will link to their English lessons. More than this, children will also have Science, Humanities and PE lessons as well as French, Music, RE, PSHE and Computing throughout the week.

The School Day

The Key Stage Two gates open at 8.30am. Gates will be closed at 8:50am in readiness for learning to begin. Once the gate is closed, entrance will be via the school office where you will be required to sign your child in. Children are welcome to bring a mobile phone into school with them, however this must be handed into the class teacher where it will be secured in a locked box.

The children will have two sessions of PE per week and will therefore need their PE kit in school at all times. All children will have the opportunity to represent the school at a tournament at some point throughout the year. Please ensure that the PE kit, as with all uniform, is named or labelled and washed regularly.

Home Learning

Home Learning will be sent home on a Friday. These will include an English and Maths challenge, linked to the learning of that week. All home learning will be due in on a Friday where planners will be checked.

How you can help at home?

Please ensure that the ‘Collect your child from school’and ‘Walking home’ consent forms are up to date. Additional copies of this form are held in the main office.
Continue to practise spellings at home.
Keep reading with your children and talking about the text. This will help their reading speed, understanding and their writing ability.
Practise written and mental methods of calculation to maintain speed and accuracy.
Support your child with their weekly home learning. This will be set electronically on a Friday and due in on the following Friday.

Year 6 - Swans & Cranes

Our Teachers are Miss Dowd (Swans) and Mr Rastrick (Cranes).

Organisation

As in the rest of the school children in Year 6 have school planners which will contain their homework and any other important information we wish to share with you. Please ensure this is signed by yourself on a weekly basis and is brought into school daily as this is a good way for the children to prepare themselves for secondary school. Children should also bring their personal reading book into school every day. They will have the opportunity to select books from their classrooms, the Year 5 and 6 library and the main school library.

Each child will be allocated a storage space for their bags and coats. The allocated space will be 30cmx30cmx35cm, so please ensure that bags are of a suitable size.

Playtimes

Children have one break time in the morning. During this break they are welcome to bring in a healthy snack. Due to a number of children with severe nut allergies, we would really appreciate your co-operation with keeping our school ‘nut free’. As in Year 5, children can choose to play on the Trim Trail or the Year 5 and 6 playground. If the weather is suitable, the children will also have the opportunity to use the field at lunchtime.

Timetable

English and Maths will be taught daily in their class groups. Children in Year 6 will also have a weekly Grammar focus which will link to their English lessons. Year 6 children complete daily arithmetic lessons and weekly short tests in readiness for their SATs test towards the end of the year. Children also take part in Foundation subject lessons throughout the week, these include Geography, Science, History, Art, DT and Music.

The School Day

The Key Stage Two gates open at 8.30am. Gates will be closed at 8:40am in readiness for learning to begin. Once the gate is closed, entrance will be via the school office where you will be required to sign your child in. Children are welcome to bring a mobile phone into school with them, however this must be placed into the phone box, in the classroom, at the start of each day.

The children will have two sessions of PE per week and should come into school in their PE kit on these days. All children will have the opportunity to represent the school at a tournament at some point throughout the year. Please ensure that the PE kit, as with all uniform, is named or labelled and washed regularly. Year 6 also have the opportunity to attend a residential visit where they will stay away from home.

Home Learning

Home Learning is set every Friday. Children are expected to complete TTRockstars and EdShed homework each week. Children should continue to read at home at least 3 times per week. As the year progresses, children will have the opportunity to take home revision guides in preparation for their KS2 SATs. At this time, homework will increase to include a Reading, Maths and Grammar challenge. Revision Guides are due on a Monday, and all other homework will be checked on Friday.

How you can help at home?

Please ensure that the ‘Collect your child from school’ and ‘Walking home’ consent forms are up to date. Additional copies of this form are held in the main office.

Continue to practise spellings at home.
Keep reading with your children and talking about the text. This will help their reading speed, understanding and their writing ability.
Practise written and mental methods of calculation to maintain speed and accuracy.

Support your child with their weekly Home Learning tasks.