Research shows that children who are involved in quality early childhood education benefit in many ways, and that these benefits also extend to their family and the wider community. Growing young children’s love of learning can be shared and enjoyed by parents, family, and communities. Parents play an important role in supporting their young children's learning. Mothers can help by sharing with the teachers/educators what they have noticed about their daughters doing at home, including reading, writing and mathematics with your child.
Al-Arqam Academy believes in partnership with parents to support our school mission; to provide a balanced learning experience for our students, that links their learning with real life. EYFS framework has seven areas of learning and development that must shape educational programs in early year’s settings. One of the prim areas in the Early Learning Goals is personal and social development. That specific goal involves helping children to develop a positive sense of themselves, and others; to form positive relationships and develop respect for others; to develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings; to understand appropriate behavior in groups; and to have confidence in their own abilities.
In Al Arqam KG we believe that working in partnership with parents is a main factor to provide a high quality education that helps our students to develop a positive sense of them-selves by introducing our program.
Programs
Communication with home
Parents of KG students can communicate with teachers and other staff in the KG through a variety of means:
- Homework diary: Each student has a homework diary that is used for regular communication between home and school. It is also where important papers such as permission slips and weekly programs will be stapled for you to see. The homework diary should be checked daily for any notes or notices.
-
Email: Each student in KG is assigned a specific email address for her parent to access. This email becomes part of her class group and will be used by her teachers to send pictures, information and updates on any activities they are doing in the classroom. Parents are encouraged to use this email to communicate with teachers. If you have any questions about your daughter’s email please contact student affairs. They will be happy to help you in any way. Staff emails are listed along with the name and position of each person in the KG in the “KG Staff”( can we put a hyper link to the place here?) section of our website.
-
Phone: The KG has two dedicated landlines assigned for our use along with a mobile phone for emergencies. The mobile number is for messages only and will not be answered in order to keep the line open at all times. If you have an urgent issue and the landlines are busy you can message and we will respond to you as soon as possible. These numbers are listed in “Contact Us” Please note that phone messages will be given to teachers at the end of the day for them to respond to. If there is an emergency or urgent issue administrative staff will go directly to the class to do what is required. Teachers are asked not to accept phone calls during teaching times.
-
-
Social Media: Al Arqam Academy has a Facebook and Twitter account, which we encourage you to follow. Our staff makes regular updates to these pages and this is a quick and easy way for you to be notified of events or news from the school.
Lectures and Workshops for Moms
During the school year Al Arqam Academy arranges for special lectures and workshops for mothers. These are based on topics that moms have requested or as part of the Social Guidance department work. We encourage you to attend whenever possible.
Monthly Coffee Meetings
Every month a coffee meeting is held with mothers and the senior management of the school. The agenda for the meeting is set based on the comments or requests made by parents at the previous meeting or through the comment box located in the reception area of each school. It is a great opportunity for us to come together as a community and discuss any relevant topics. Please note that this is not a forum for moms to discuss issues related only to their child, for this we request an appointment be made with the appropriate staff member in your daughter’s school.
How parents can help their children
- By taking an interest in what they are doing in school, for example asking them about their learning and about what happened in school that day
- By supporting them in doing their homework, for example by providing a place and time for them to do it, and resources such as books as well as access to a computer with internet connection.
- By attending all Parent-Teacher meetings at school.
- By making sure they eat a good diet (in particular that they eat a healthy breakfast before coming to school) and get a good night’s sleep.
- By encouraging 100% attendance.
- By attending school and class assemblies and activities.
Reports
Report cards are distributed at the end of each term. The report cards are designed to reflect the progress of your child in the EYFS areas and not a number grade or percentage. Levels are also used to indicate where your child is in terms of the standards of the British National Curriculum.
Parent meetings are held after the distribution of report cards to allow for brief discussion of what the report means and how you can help your child. If you require a longer meeting please arrange for a separate time to meet with the teachers.