Reception

Tuesday - Reading book changing day. Children will take reading books home. 

Wednesday - Visit to school library. Children can bring their library book home to be returned the following week.  

Friday - PE -  children come to school in their school PE kit, hair tied back and no earrings please. 

Friday - Forest School (pm). Children will wear all weather suits and wellies to protect their uniform.

• Children should please bring water bottles to school every day - these should be clearly labelled with their names. 
• Please ensure that all items of clothing are clearly labelled - hopefully this will help us to avoid things getting lost.
• Reading records and phonics books should be brought into school every day please. 

All year round uniform:

· Charcoal Grey or Black Trousers or Shorts

· Pale Blue or White Polo T-Shirt

· Royal Blue Round Neck Pullover

· Grey or Black Socks

· Black Shoes

Winter (September - April)

· Charcoal Grey Skirt/Pinafore/Smart Trousers

· Pale Blue or White Polo T-Shirt

· Royal Blue Cardigan or Round Neck Pullover

· White Socks/Grey Tights

· Black Shoes

Summer (April - September)

· Pale Blue and White Gingham Dress

· Pale Blue or White Polo T-Shirt

· Royal Blue Cardigan or Round Neck Pullover

Footwear:

Plain, black, smart, sturdy shoes. (Boots, trainers, pumps, thin fabric shoes, or high heels are not acceptable. For information, if you are unsure of the suitability of footwear, please ask a member of staff). Acceptable footwear is at the discretion of the Headteacher.

Outdoor Clothing:

Outdoor wear should be a warm coat, preferably with a hood. Scarves, gloves, and hats may be worn during cold weather but these should not be worn in the school buildings.

Bags and Belongings:

Every student should have a school reading bag for school equipment.

P.E. and Games Kit:

Child come dressed in their P.E. kit on the days they have P.E. lessons. Black shorts, pale blue T-shirts (with or without the school logo) and black plimsolls. Trainers can be worn for outdoor sport

In cold weather, children can bring a pair of plain royal blue jogging bottoms to wear over their PE clothes. A plain royal blue hoodie, sweatshirt, or tracksuit top is also acceptable (or school jumper or cardigan can be worn on top of the PE T-shirt).

- Tracksuits, sweatshirts, and hoodies should be plain and royal blue (not designer items with logos)

- Leggings are not part of the school uniform

Our official uniform can be ordered online from www.myclothing.com or bought from Whittakers Online or Uniform shop in Southport. https://www.whittakersschoolwear.co.uk/product-category/southport/banks-st-stephens-c-of-e-primary-school/

Learning Outdoors in the Forest:

Pupils learning in the forest may need a change of clothes – their teacher will advise. Children can bring a pair of black jogging bottoms, clean socks, a plain royal blue hoodie, sweatshirt, or tracksuit top, and trainers or wellies.

Swimming:

Girls:

One-piece swimming costume, towel, and swimming cap

Boys:

Swimming trunks or swimming shorts (no Bermuda shorts or PE shorts), towel, and swimming cap

Goggles for swimming (only allowed after parental permission form received by school)

Outdoor Sports:

Football boots – staff will notify when these are required.

Earrings:

Earrings are allowed in school but must be stud earrings and not hoops for safety reasons. Students are required to remove earrings before participating in physical education (PE) activities.

Jewellery and Hairstyles:

For health and safety reasons, we do not allow children to wear jewellery with the exception of a watch. If a student needs to wear a piece of jewellery for medical or religious reasons, it should be removed or covered up during physical activity or during practical learning. Jewellery worn for medical or religious reasons will only beallowed once approval has been sought and agreed in writing in advance. Hair should not obscure a student’s vision. Extreme hairstyles, gel, or colourings are not allowed. If parents are unsure as to the suitability of a hairstyle, they should check with the staff in school first. Long hair should always be tied back, especially during PE lessons or practical activities. Hair accessories should be small, plain, and blue. Make-up is not allowed at any time. Nail varnish or false nails are not allowed.

Our Trip to The Local Pumpkin Farm

We went to see how the farmers in our local area grow our pumpkins. We were invited to Holmeswood Pumpkin Farm where Mr & Mrs Edge showed us their many different varieties of pumpkins and even took us on a tour of the farm on a tractor. 

Helicopter Stories.

In The EYFS at Banks St Stephen's we all take part in Helicopter Stories to develop our communication and Language skills. Helicopter Stories is a fun way for children to develop language, creativity, and confidence. In this activity, children tell a story aloud while an adult writes it down exactly as they say it. They then act out their story using toys, props, or with friends. This helps children use new words, practice sentences, share ideas, and enjoy storytelling, supporting their communication, literacy, and social skills in a playful way. 

The Grand Show

As part of this terms topic; Incredible Me! we have been learning about ourselves, our families and about all the amazing things that make us unique. We talked about respecting everybody's similarities and differences and cheering each other on in various situations. We watched clips from The Greatest Showman and decided to make our own circus show which we proudly named, The Grand Show. The children decided what acts we'd have, chose their music, props and designed their costumes. They made tickets and posters and invited their parents in to perform it for them. 

The New Arrival

In Reception Class we have had a new arrival!! Our class baby arrived today and we were so very excited! We thought about all the things we would need in class to make sure the baby was well looked after in our home corner. We had a vote to decide on the baby's name and agreed on Rosie. We made welcome cards for Baby Rosie and have made a scrapbook as her journey with us through our reception year begins. 

Our First Week

We have settled nicely into our new Reception Class, exploring the classroom and forming some lovely friendships. We are so proud of the children.