Nursery hours are from 8.30 – 11.30 (part-time / 15 hours) and 8.30 – 3.30 (full time / 30 hours), but there is provision for pupils to stay from 8.00 – 5.30.

Reception hours are from 8.45 – 3.30.

The school has a strong uniform policy and all pupils are expected to come to school properly dressed. Any changes to the uniform will be after consultation with parents, pupils and staff.

At Pattison, there is a strong partnership between staff and parents and parents are lways welcome at the school. We strongly encourage parents to be actively involved by bringing their children into the playground and into the classroom, helping them engage in activities, taking part in school events and communicating regularly with the teachers. If you wish to carry out an activity with the class or to celebrate any cultural festival, please discuss the idea with the Class Teacher. Likewise, we always welcome parent story readers. We also encourage birthday celebrations (but please remember that we are a nut-free school)

Morning snacks should be healthy, with no chocolate, sweets, crisps or nuts but instead, fruit and raw vegetables.
The school’s catering team prepare lunch in-house each day and the children enjoy a varied diet incorporating all food groups. We do encourage pupils to try new dishes and not just stick to the tried and tested favourites.

At Pattison, we use positive reinforcement to encourage and support your child in making the ‘right’ choices. This consists of praising children for their achievements, offering positive words of encouragement and telling children what to do rather than telling them what not to do. We engage children in reasoning about the pros and cons of their choices and the consequences their choices may create.

Firstly, it is very important that parents let the School know if their child is suffering from any medical conditions or allergies, so that we can take careful note of them and act upon, as required. All our staff are first-aid trained and Early Years staff have paediatric first aid training as well. All staff work closely with parents to ensure that children are safe and that we are meeting their needs.
The school is a nut-free environment.

We do not have dedicated sleeping facilities, but children can rest in our book corner if they are feeling tired. However, we would recommend that any children needing an afternoon nap may start by attending morning sessions only.

We recognise that every child at Pattison is uniquely individual and that all children develop different learning styles and pace. The learning in the Early Years is developed around the child’s interests, needs and personal requirements, differentiated depending on their ability. One of the advantages of being a small school is that we can deliver this support easily.

The children are exposed to a wide range of reading materials from the moment they arrive at Pattison. Stories are read daily by teachers and teaching assistants. Children are encouraged to make up their own stories. Phonics is taught to enable children to access reading material and by Reception personal reading books will be introduced, although this could be earlier, if children are ready). We encourage parents to spend time each day reading to their children and, when they are able, hearing their children read to them.