A-Z
Please note: L'Ecole des Petits PS (Petite Section) includes PS
14 ème and PS 2nd Level B
MS (Moyenne Section) includes MS 13 ème and MS 3rd Level
B
GS (Grande Section) includes GS 12 ème and GS bilingual
a
Absence
In the case of absence, the school must be notified as soon as possible. If the office is unmanned, please do leave a message on the answering machine, as it will be checked.
Action Team (See Eco School)
After-school care (Garderie)
In both Fulham and Battersea, maternelle and British Section children can be dropped off at school when the doors open (from 8.30 am) and/or stay after the end of their school day (till 4.00 pm). This service is billed separately.
Afternoon Nap (See Sieste)
Allergies
Parents are required to fill a form stating any allergies at the start of the school year. In the event of allergies that develop during the year, please advise the school immediately in writing. (See Lunchbox)
Assemblies (Assemblées)
The school gathers on a regular basis for assemblies where a class presents a topic or a theme. This assembly, inspired by the British schools system, allows the whole school to get together and helps children to develop their oral skills.
b
Back to School (See Rentrée Scolaire)
Bibliothèque or BCD (See Library)
Bilingual Teaching
The school aims to expose children to English culture and language. Please visit the schools website under curriculum to get details on the number of hours taught in English. (See English)
Birthday Cakes
You are very welcome to provide a birthday cake (and candles) for your child but please liaise with your teacher ahead of time. For allergy purposes, please do not bring any nut products or cakes with nuts. (See Party Invitations)
Break (See Récréation)
Bus and Navette
Le Bus: the schools organise a bus service between LEcole des Petits (Fulham) and the Lycée and LEcole de Battersea and the Lycée. For further information please contact the school.
La Navette: There is an inter-school shuttle Fulham-Battersea for children at Battersea. The service is organised by parents of the school. This shuttle also operates after the clubs. For further information please contact LEF.
These two services are billed separately. Places are limited.
c
Cahier de Liaison (See Correspondence Book)
Cahier de Vie
In most Maternelle classes, each child receives a blank A4 book where the teacher records class activities, outings, songs, etc. Periodically and at each holiday children bring it home to write-up their holidays with the help of photos, entrance tickets, drawings, etc. They then present their cahier to the rest of the class and talk about their weekend/holiday. By June, children have a wonderful record of their school year.
Cantine (Refectory/Canteen)
The menu is emailed to parents twice per term. You can also find it on the Parents page of the school website. A hot meal is served every day, except on Wednesday when there is no lunch served at school (half day). In the Maternelle, the meal consists of a main dish and a pudding. In addition, the Primary school children are given a starter. Each Tuesday an international dish is served. Payment for the cantine is due towards the end of the previous term. (See Lunch Box)
Cartable
This is the term used to describe your childs school bag/satchel.
Change of Personal Circumstances
Please do not hesitate to let your childs teacher know of any changes at home (birth, moves, divorce, death, illness&.) as these can affect behaviour at school. The well being of your child is paramount and the school staff will help in any way they can.
Charities
LEF organises various charitable events during the course of the year. If you would like to help or have any ideas, please do contact the LEF Charities Coordinator! (See LEF Activities page)
Christmas (See Noël)
Classe de Découverte (School trip)
The school may organise educational class trips. These trips, organised by teachers, have an educational purpose. They enable the discovery of other places as well as the bonding between children of a same class.
Class List
A list of the children in your childs class along with the contact details of their parents will be e-mailed to you by LEF shortly after the start of the academic year. Your details will not be circulated without your approval. For new parents, please sign the LEF contact form if you wish to be included in the class list. This information is private and should not be provided to third parties. Please inform the school and LEF of any changes during the year.
Clothing
It greatly helps the teaching staff if children in the Maternelle do not wear dungarees or overalls as it makes going to the loo more difficult. On days when there are sporting activities or dance, it is recommended that your child does not wear tights, buckle or lace up shoes to minimise delays in getting ready before and after the class. (See Dance)
Clubs
Both schools offer a number of extra-curricular after-school clubs. These are either organised by members of staff or by external organisations. Places are limited and a minimum number of children is required to open (or maintain) a club. You will receive by e-mail details of the clubs offered at the beginning of each term (beginning of school year, in December and beginning of March). Clubs may change from term to term. Please refer to the school website for a current list of clubs.
Collection of Children (Authorised persons)
Please be punctual with regards to the opening and closing of the school gates. Only persons authorised in writing by you (the parent) will be able to leave the school premises with your child. An authorisation form is given to parents at the start of the school year. Any further changes must be made in writing to Miss Vanessa Daniélou (Fulham) and/or Miss Cécile Maury (Battersea). As always, if you are running late, please call the school and leave a message if the office is unmanned.
Computers (as part of the curriculum)
LEcole de Battersea has an IT room with over 20 PCs. From CE1 upwards, the pupils are taught how to use them as part of the educational framework. Most classes are equipped with an interactive board. At Fulham, there is a computer and an interactive board in each GS.
Contact Information (See Class List)
Correspondence Book (Cahier de liaison / cahier vert)
A green notebook will be left in your childs school bag at the beginning of the school year. It is a daily liaison between you, your childs teacher and the school. It is very important to check this book every evening and to sign the messages inside to indicate that you have seen and read them. Please do use it to communicate with the teacher or the school.
Crêpes (Pancakes)
Mardi Gras (Shrove Tuesday) is celebrated before the February holiday. Your contributions (pancakes, jam, chocolate...) are greatly appreciated!!
Curriculum / Cursus
Term employed to talk about the schools academic programme. Please contact your childs teacher for any question you may have about it.
d
Dance
In all classes up to and including CP, pupils have a 45 min. dance class with Miss Pascale every week where they are taught physical expression. Using the childrens imagination, Miss Pascale develops their sense of balance and co-ordination. During the year parents are invited to come and see a class. Please note that due to the different floorings, Battersea children are taught in socks and Fulham children go barefoot. Please ensure that on dance days your child is not wearing tights or lace-up shoes as this will slow them down. (See Clothing)
Déguisement (See Fancy Dress)
Doudou (See Toys)
e
Eco School
The school has chosen to become an Eco School. Eco-Schools is an international award programme that guides schools to become sustainable and be friendlier to the environment. To that effect, an Action Team of teachers and pupils has been formed to develop a task list, which will be implemented by the whole school. (www.eco-schools.org.uk)
All LEF correspondence is via email. The school will also send you various notices by email e.g. School stationery, holiday dates, lunch menus etc during the school year. Please check your spam folder at the start of the year and authorise the e-mail addresses. Please inform both the school and LEF if you are without e-mail access for any period of time.
Emergencies: 999 or 112
999 is to be called when you require any of the emergency services (police, ambulance, or fire department). 112 is also recognised in the UK as it is the emergency number for the European Union, and this number is also recognised in many countries around the world when dialled from a mobile phone even without credit or network.
Please make sure that your home has both a smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector www.carbonmonoxidekills.com. They are available at Homebase www.homebase.com or B&Q www.diy.com.
English
In Maternelle, the number of hours for the teaching of English (or teaching in English) varies according to the age of the child and his/her level of spoken French. In primary the English lessons are split into different groups. The children will be allocated into the different levels after an individual assessment.
English (for beginners and English support)
For beginners and for children who need extra support, please don't hesitate to contact the school's English coordinator. At school, children learn English in their language classes, through their subjects taught in English (music, history, science, fencing, etc.) and outside their classroom when mingling with the other children.
f
Fancy Dress
Children (and the school staff&) dress up twice a year: for Halloween and for the Spring celebration. (See Halloween)
Fencing (Escrime)
Fencing is part of the curriculum from CE1 onwards. Children have a weekly one hour lesson in foil with a qualified Master of Arms and an assistant in English. They follow the British Fencing Association programme and receive graded badges according to their level at the end of the year. All children are encouraged to participate in national competitions which take place around the country on weekends. The school has a fencing squad (from CE2) and participates in inter-school matches with English schools throughout the year. Fencing is run by Escrime Academy which also runs after school clubs. (See Fencing Uniform)
The Fencing Club allows children to further develop their skill in foil and to learn to use épée and sabre (CM2). Club children take part in the competition circuit and many achieve a national ranking.
Fencing Uniform
From CE2 fencing breeches and long socks are compulsory. Escrime Academy can help you to purchase them at the beginning of the school year. You can also buy the fencing uniform through the Second-Hand Uniform Shop (see Uniform). Please ensure that long hair is tied back on fencing days.
Financing of LEF
LEF is a voluntary group. To finance its activities, LEF organises sales of pain au chocolat several times a year. The money raised is used to finance expenses for the A to Z guide, administrative expenses, etc. Expenses incurred for charity events are financed by the funds raised during those events. LEF sends its accounts twice a year (January and June) by email to parents. Please dont hesitate to contact the LEF treasurer if you have any questions.
Fournitures (See Stationery)
g
Garderie (See After-school care)
Goûter (See Morning Snack)
h
Halloween
This Celtic tradition is celebrated at the schools just before the Autumn half term. Children come to school in fancy dress and there is a tea party. Rest assured, Halloween at school is not at all spooky; even the witches are friendly!
Head lice
Please do check your childs head on a regular basis! In the case of nits or head lice, please inform the school immediately and keep your child at home until the treatment is complete. Do not be surprised to find the school office calling you to come and collect your child should these unwelcome guests make their appearance during the school day. Nitty Gritty (the oil and its comb, www.nittygritty.co.uk) is an excellent product and available at all good chemists. Dont forget to wash all towels, bed linen, hats, coats these little beasts are tenacious and live on for up to 48 hours in bedding etc. Repeat the treatment 10 days later if necessary.
Holidays (See Vacances)
Homologuée
The school is recognised and inspected by the French National Education Department (IEN) and follows its official programme.
Houses
As part of their every day life, children from CP to CM2 are divided into four houses: the Anglo-Saxons, the Gauls, the Romans and the Vikings. The aim is to get children to participate actively in the schools social life (at the canteen, during breaks, at the BCD, in the classroom), to make them responsible towards each other, to get them to work as a team. It also allows the eldest to look after the smaller ones. When a child joins the school, he or she is assigned to a house where he or she will stay until the end of his or her time in the school. Siblings are part of the same house.
i
Illness
If your child is sick please inform the school by phone, leaving a message if necessary. For contagious illnesses chickenpox, gastroenteritis etc. please respect medical guidelines. If during the day your child falls ill the school will call you.
Inspection
The schools are inspected annually by the French National Education Inspectorate (IEN). (See Homologuée) In addition the schools are regularly inspected by the English education authority (See OFSTED).
l
Late Arrival
In case of a late morning arrival after classes have begun, you will not be able to take your child to his/her classroom. This has been put in place in order to minimise disruption to the school day, which has already begun. A member of staff will bring each child to their classroom. In Primary, children will need to go to reception to pick up a late arrival card before going to his/her classroom.
Library (BCD)
The BCD (Bibliothèque Centre Documentaire) has at its disposal over 4000 books (fiction and documentary) in English and in French between both schools. All classes visit the BCD on a weekly basis with their teacher for a specific session. From CP upwards children can use the library independently and can borrow books. Please do not hesitate to contact the school librarian, Mrs Sophie Moyon, if you have books to donate or a spare hour or two to help cover the books (library@lecoledespetits.co.uk).
Livret Scolaire (See School Report)
Lunch Box
If your child has allergies or if for any other reason you would prefer your child not to eat at the canteen, you can opt to provide a lunchbox. Please note that it is not possible to re-heat food at school, but that a thermos can be brought in. (See School Outings)
m
Maternelle Fulham
LEcole des Petits (in Fulham) has an English section which follows the English curriculum (1st Level and 2nd Level) and a French section which follows the French curriculum. In the French section, the curriculum can be followed either completely in French (PS14ème, MS13ème et GS12ème) or in English with a few hours of French (PS2nd Level B and MS3rd Level B), or in both English and French (GS bilingual). For more information, please refer to the schools website.
Medical (See Visite Médicale)
Medicines
The school cannot administer medication without parental consent. If your child is under a course of medication (e.g. antibiotics) please fill in one of the medicine forms in your Correspondence Book. Medicines are given in the presence of a third party.
Messages for teachers or school staff (See Correspondence Book and Questions and Queries)
Morning Snack (Goûter)
In Maternelle, a healthy snack (cream cracker, rice cake and the like) is offered to the children along with a glass of milk or water. It is a sociable and relaxing pause in the little ones busy morning. In the afternoon, children are offered some fruit. In the Primary classes you can, if you wish, give your child a snack in their school bag for morning break.
Multicultural
There are about 30 different nationalities from all corners of the globe at the school. This cultural diversity is cherished and enjoyed by all.
Music
Music classes form part of the curriculum from MS and 2nd Level onwards. Pupils have the opportunity to sing, and to learn about musical instruments and the great composers. Parents are invited to a musical performance during the academic year, depending on their childs class year and school.
n
Name Tags
Please ensure that all items of uniform, and for the maternelle all clothing which children remove (school smock, jumpers, coats, hats, scarves etc.) are clearly labelled with your childs full name. For various labelling solutions try www.cashs.co.uk or www.lovablelabels.ca. (See Uniforms and Clothing)
Navette (See Bus)
Newsletter
During the course of the year, the school prepares several newsletters to inform you about the social life and various activities that are taking place at school involving all children and teachers. This little diary is printed and also available on the website through the parents pages.
Noël (Christmas)
The week before the Christmas holidays is a week of festivities! Traditionally, shows are put on for the children, Father Christmas always pays a visit whilst on his whistle-stop tour of London Schools and a formal Christmas lunch (girls wear their best dresses and boys wear tie or bow-tie and jacket) are just some of the highlights of the week.
o
OFSTED
OFSTED (Office for Standards in Education, Childrens Services and Skills) is the official English inspectorate of schools. It visits a large majority of state and private schools, both primary and secondary as well as many individuals entrusted with the care of children and childcare establishments (crèches, nurseries, childminders etc.). For further information please go to www.ofsted.gov.uk. LEcole des Petits was inspected in October 2009 this inspection is available from the OFSTED website. LEcole de Battersea was inspected in February 2008. This report is available on the school web site.
Opening Hours (Ouverture des portes de lécole)
Please respect the opening times (see the school website). In the event of late arrival please call the school and leave a message on the machine. (See Late Arrival)
p
Painting Apron (See Tablier uniforme)
Pancakes (See Crêpes)
Parent-teacher Meetings, Group and Individual
At the beginning of the academic year, a group parent-teacher meeting will be held at each school, where the class teachers will explain the years curriculum and goals to all the parents. A one-to-one parent-teacher meeting is organised during the second term. If you require it, please do not hesitate to request a meeting with your childs teacher at any other time during the year. The easiest way to ask for a meeting is to use your correspondence book.
Parents Page and Password
Each parent of the school will receive a password allowing them to access the parents pages of the school website containing practical information such as the cantine menu, the school newsletter, school activities, LEF pages, etc.
Parking
Please be considerate towards the neighbours when you drop-off and pick up your children. Please note that the minimum parking fine is £60! Please do not park in places reserved for the school buses: in front of the green gates at Fulham and on the yellow lines at the corner of Trott Street in Battersea.
Party Invitations
It is not possible for the teaching staff to distribute party invitations. Please use common sense and discretion regarding this matter (either sending the invitations through the post/via email or discreetly giving them out after school). (See Birthday Cakes)
Payment
Payment of school feels are separate from canteen and club payments. School fees details are sent by e-mail from the schools administration office. The payments are due at the start of each term (1st week of September, January and April). For payment procedures, please contact Mrs Preston, the school bursar.
P.E. (See Sport)
Potty/Toilet Training (Maternelle)
Children should be potty trained by the time they start Maternelle. However, the teaching staff is always compassionate if accidents happen! Please do provide a change of clothing in a labelled bag for the younger children (no nappies or pull-on nappies).
Projet dEcole (See School Project)
q
Questions and queries
Should you have any queries or messages, please do not hesitate to use the Correspondence Book, which the teacher will read every day. It should also be used to request any other meetings with the teaching staff. Also, please do not hesitate to contact LEF should you have any queries regarding practical life at the school.
r
Raffle (See Tombola)
Récréation (Break)
Children have break twice or three times a day depending on their timetable. In case of inclement weather, they will play games and relax in the classroom or in the library. The school playground is specially covered to reduce the risk of injury. Although the breaks are supervised, a totally grazes-free time cannot be guaranteed!
Refectory (See Cantine)
Registration (Inscriptions)
For all registration enquiries please contact Miss Vanessa Daniélou. All registrations must be made in writing as soon as possible, especially for children wishing to transfer from Fulham to Battersea for the CP (only 12/14 places available).
Rentrée Scolaire (Back to School)
Please make sure that all your child(ren)s exercise books, pens etc. are clearly labelled. The following school years dates are usually given in the third term. (See Stationery)
s
Sainsburys Active Kids Vouchers
Annually, Sainsburys supermarkets will issue coupons at the checkout. These can be redeemed by any school registered with this programme for sports equipment. The children at both schools have already benefited from taking part in this scheme and school will email you to let you know when it starts. www.sainsburys.co.uk/activekids
School outings (Sorties)
Various school outings take place throughout the year. As a parent, your help will be greatly appreciated depending on the type of outing. Please do not hesitate to volunteer to accompany the children. On class outings days, the children will eat from a lunch box supplied by the cantine. In this instance, it is not necessary to supply one unless your child normally brings a lunch box from home. In that case, the lunch box should be carried in a plastic bag marked with your childs name. It is imperative that maternelle children wear their smock for outings.
School Project
In accordance with the French educational programme, the school develops a school project over three years. The general theme is chosen by the teaching staff and one aspect of this theme is explored each year.
School Report (Livret scolaire)
The school report book sets out the achievements your child has made against set benchmarks. The booklet is organised by cycle in accordance with the requirements of the French National Education Programme. In the younger classes (PS, 1st L & 2nd L), the report is given at the end of the academic year. In MS the report is given in February and June. From GS up to CM2, the report is termly after the end-of-term evaluations. This report should be returned to school after reviewing and signing.
School Smock (See Tablier uniforme)
School Visits
For Fulham parents, an invitation to visit LEcole de Battersea will be given during the course of the year. For the Fulham GS children, a visit to LEcole de Battersea or the Lycée will be organised towards the end of the school year if feasible. CM2 children will visit the South Kensington Lycée.
Second-Hand Uniform Shop (see Uniform)
Sieste (Afternoon Nap)
In PS and 1st L, the children have a nap or a quiet rest after lunch on comfortable mats (See doudou). In MS and 2nd Level, there is also a rest time, but the children do not necessarily have a sleep.
Sorties (See School Outings)
School Shows
During the course of the year each class prepares a show for the parents. Details are made available nearer the time. For Battersea, the shows, which take place in the gym, are split between class years for the primary children and only one show for Maternelle. For Fulham, the show takes place in June in a nearby hall and involves the whole school. (See Tombola)
Sport / Physical Education (PE)
The teaching staff are responsible for PE for their respective class. Pupils will have the opportunity to do gymnastics, athletics, team sports, etc. (See Sports uniform/PE kit) External teachers are responsible for dance and fencing. (See Dance and Fencing)
Sport Uniform / PE kit
At Battersea, the sports uniform is compulsory from CP. You can purchase it from the schools official supplier, Alleycatz or the Second-Hand Uniform Shop. The shorts and trainers (white and with non-marking soles) stay at school in a bag labelled with your childs name. On sport days, your child should come to school already dressed in his/her sports uniform. (See Name Tags) Long hair must be tied back on sport days.
Stationery (Fournitures)
Primary school classes and Grande Section parents are required to provide children with specific stationery. The stationery list is given to all families prior to the start of the school year (usually in June). It is worth buying these items in France if you can and having some spare exercise books to hand as French stationery in London is very expensive! Please regularly check pencil-case and school bag/satchel contents throughout the school year.
Summer Club (Club dEté)
It's at school but it's not school! In July, for 3-11years old, the club will take place over a two-week period either at Battersea or Fulham, part-time or full-time, in English and French. On the menu during these two weeks: sporting activities, games in the park, arts and crafts, cookery and much more. An enrolment form will be given in the Correspondence Book in June. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Béatrice Ricard on 07714 530 565.
t
Tablier Uniforme (School smock)
The striped smock is compulsory for all the Maternelle children both at Fulham and Battersea, especially on school outings for security reasons. These can be purchased at the beginning of the year from Mlle Maury (Battersea) or Mlle Daniélou (Fulham) and cost £35 (£60 for two of the same size). A painting apron is also required to all children and can also be purchased from the school for £5. You are welcome to provide your own.
Tombola (Raffle)
A raffle is organised by LEF at Fulham. The tickets are available for purchase at the beginning of June and the draw takes place after the school show in June. The funds raised mainly go towards school equipment with 5% of the funds raised allocated to a charity (see LEF activities page). To make this tombola a successful event, every parents help is crucial. If you would like to help to organise this event please contact LEF.
Toys (and other comforters in Maternelle)
It is strongly recommended that your child does not bring any toys into school. In PS your child can bring their stuffed animal/comforter (known in French as a doudou) for naptime.
u
Uniform
The school and the sport uniform for primary children can be obtained through Alleycatz. The uniform is compulsory. The blazer is worn all year round and is placed on the back of the seat when in class. There is a winter (from November to end of March) and summer uniform (depending on the weather). The school recommends that on hot days, the summer uniform should be worn for the comfort of the children. (See Tablier Uniforme, Sports Uniform, Fencing Uniform, and Name Tags)
LEF coordinates the sale of second-hand uniform, the full list
is available and regulary updated on school the website. Parents
who wish to sell their uniform can contact LEF.
v
Vacances (Holidays)
The school holiday calendar for the following year will be emailed to you in the third term. Please respect these dates and take jet lag into consideration. You can also check the schools website for the current holiday calendar.
Visite médicale (Medical)
This medical takes place at school in the second or last term of the GS year and is carried out by a French paediatrician. It is compulsory and a parent/guardian needs to be present. Please note that your child will need to bring a urine sample to the medical. A sterile urine sample pot can be obtained at your local chemist or through your GP. Please, don't forget to bring your child's carnet de santé or the UK "red book".
w
Waterproof
The school uniforms waterproof (Battersea) is optional but very useful under London skies! In French, it is often referred to as a K-Way.
Website
The school website address is: www.lecoledespetits.co.uk. LEF has its own pages, which are password protected, for the sole use of current school parents. (See Parents Pages and Password)
Welcome
Any new family is invited to contact LEF before the beginning of the school year if they have any practical questions in order to help integrate their child(ren) in their new school.
Winter Club (Club dhiver)
It's at school but it's not school! At Battersea, for 3-11 years old, a week long Winter Club will take place during the winter holidays, part-time or full-time. On offer there will be sporting activities, games in the park, arts and crafts, cookery and much more. An enrolment form will be given in the Correspondence Book mid-November. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Béatrice Ricard on 07714 530 565.
World Book Day
This annual event to promote reading usually takes place at the beginning of March. You will receive a voucher in your childs correspondence book, which can be redeemed against a specially commissioned book or used as a £1 voucher against the purchase of any book or talking book. www.worldbookday.com
z
Zebra line
It is absolutely forbidden to park on a zebra (zigzag) line immediate fine. See Parking and refer to The Highway Code, available at all good bookshops (www.highwaycode.gov.uk).