Shining Start Class is a welcoming and stimulating environment where every child is celebrated. Our child-centred approach ensures that teaching is adapted to meet individual needs, allowing children to make exceptional progress. Our ambitious curriculum provides rich and engaging experiences, while our carefully designed classroom offers a supportive space for learning and exploration. Through individualised planning, we help children achieve small steps towards their goals, fostering confidence and independence.

Our Team is made up of:

• Mrs McNeil (Specialist Teaching and Learning Assistant)
• Miss Benton (Teaching Assistant, Mornings)
• Mrs Wheatley (Teaching Assistant, Afternoons)
• Miss Hatton (Care Assistant)
• Miss Mansey (Robins Class Teacher)
• Mr Judge (EYFS Coordinator and Shining Start Coordinator)
• Mrs Bourne (SENDCo)

Each child has a reading diary and two books: one book matched to their reading ability and one sharing book to enjoy together at home. Please read with your child at least three times a week and practise the phonemes and tricky words in their reading diary. Further guidance can be found inside the diary.

Forest School takes place every Monday afternoon with Miss Stevenson, and the children absolutely love it! They enjoy a range of exciting activities, including creating nature art, making clay sculptures, learning about their local environment and the wider world, and even gathering around campfires for special treats. It can be a wonderfully messy experience, but most importantly, lots of fun!

We provide wellies for every child. However, if you would prefer your child to bring their own, please ensure they are clearly named and sent in a bag.

PE is on a Tuesday and Friday, so please ensure your child comes to school in their PE kit on these days and that everything is clearly labelled.

PE kit includes: 

• White/pale blue T-shirt with or without the school logo  

• Plain black/navy sweat shirt or school sweatshirt

• Plain black/navy shorts 

• Plain black/navy jogging bottoms or plain black/navy exercise leggings. No logos/brands. 

• Flat trainers (these can be any colour)/black plimsolls 

Children will receive a homework booklet each term containing fun activities to complete with you, as well as reading, maths and tricky word practice.
Please encourage your child to complete the activities, have them signed off, and return the booklet to the class team every Monday.
Homework is marked on Mondays, and children earn points for completed work that can be exchanged for exciting rewards and prizes.
Photos of homework can be emailed to: homework@ironvillecodnorpark.derbyshire.sch.uk.

Please ensure that your child brings a clearly labelled water bottle containing water each day.