Summer F.A.Q

Please click on your question to be directed to the information:

GENERAL

Q1. Do you have Summer School Brochures?

Yes. Please download them and we are here for your questions.

Regular Summer School Brochure

Summer After School Schedule

Summer Special (Summer School Part 2)

Q2. Summer School dates
Summer School 2017

July 17th to August 18th 2017

Opening hrs/times: Monday to Saturday 8.00am to 7.00pm
Day programme - Ages 14 months to 8 years
After-School - Ages 14 months to 10 years
5 weeks of themed fun

Summer Special (Summer School 2)

Wednesday August 23rd to Friday September 1st 2017

Opening hrs/times:
Monday to Saturday 8.00am to 7.00pm
Day programme - Ages 2 to 8 years
After-School - Ages 2 months to 10 years

*NOTE: Saturday School available all year round

Q3. What is the class size and student mix?
In Summer School we have a limit of between 35 and 40 children per floor, with an appropriate number of teachers. Floors are divided into groups and activities are scheduled to allow children plenty of space.
We have had a very good gender/background mix of students, with a nice balance of fluent English speakers and EFL children.
Q4. What is the student/teacher ratio?
There is an approximate teacher: student ratio of 1:5 in younger age levels and between 1:7 and 1:9 in upper age levels, dependent upon the programme.
Q5. Is Summer School limited to English speakers?

No, all children are welcome and we are ESL/EFL experts!

Each Summer School day consists of a basic schedule and themed- activities. ESL students can enjoy all the fun because we include lots of art, music, physical fun, cookery and crafts - and we teach English through these skills.

There are also After-School classes that are great for non-English speakers. We have daily EFL and Japanese After-School classes as well as many other fun options (Click here for After School)

Private tutorials are also recommended (Click here Private Tutorials)

Q6. What specific support do you provide for bicultural children?

We have a team of teachers who are extremely sensitive to children who may be initially challenged by bicultural and bilingual environments. Many of our students are bilingual or trilingual, yet we maintain a superb standard of native English throughout the school. We have a high number of individuals who are raising their own bilingual children, and they have a special empathy with the needs of families in similar situations.

We offer support in many ways; clear and succinct pronunciation, almost all of our teachers speak native level English and are fluent or proficient in Japanese too, repetition and reiteration, artistic and entertaining delivery of classes, music based programme, loving and non-judgmental atmosphere, complete stimulation of the children’s senses with lots of wonderful visual aids, percussion instruments, beautiful teaching materials and use of many modes of media, we guide children through a very interesting journey as they go from theme to theme, and their vocabulary increases rapidly.

Q7. Who are the teachers?
Teachers are all regular Tspace Kindergarten School teachers – the very best! Our Head Teachers, specialists, Head Master and Principal, as well as our experienced team, are all at the school during periods throughout summer. ESL teachers are all ESL specialist and native English speakers. Click here for more info
Q8. Can your teachers speak Japanese?

Many of our teachers can speak multiple languages (including Japanese) and lots of them are permanent residents here, with their own multicultural children.

Parents must communicate with us in English and all forms and feedback is in English only.

Q9. Where are the teachers from?
All senior teachers are native English speakers: They are from the UK, Australia/NZ, America and Canada. We also often have teachers from many other countries Europe, and fluent English speakers are welcome from any country! We have a very strict policy that we speak natural English to the children.
Q10. Can you provide more information on the curriculum for the Regular Summer School Programme?

Summer school is a relaxed programme, aimed at giving the children top quality entertainment and non-stop fun. Every week has an exciting theme focus to keep children active, aware, and creatively stimulated. There are themed games, crafts and activities throughout the entire Summer School. As well as this we have a daily base of age appropriate early academic challenges.

During summer we include longer periods for creative arts, seasonal activities (water play) and sports, to get the children into the open air as much as possible.

Please look at our daily schedule page for more details Click here for Daily Schedule

Summer School is not designed to offer any specific academic enhancement. If you would like your child to improve in a key subject or to follow a structured study programme please contact us about arranging a needs assessment and a course of private 1-1 tuition. Many subjects available. See here:

www.kspacetokyo.org/main/afterschool/private.php

www.kspacetokyo.org/main/afterschool/private.php

Q11. What is a typical day like in your school?
FUN! Please take a look at our Daily Schedule page.
Q12. Do you have a uniform? What do kids wear?

You will need to purchase a Kokomo coloured T-shirt as children must wear this every time they attend. We recommend that you buy two as they will also need to have one in their spare clothing bag.

See the T-shirts here: Uniform

Children with any special diet, allergy or sensitivity at all must wear their safety aware t-shirt and not the regular one:

It is essential that you follow this dress code:

  • Indoor shoes must be uwabaki/plimsolls - no other shoes accepted indoors at all please
  • Outdoor shoes must be closed toe/back, easy to get on and off and no sandals or Crocs please.
  • No ‘brand’ clothing or fancy/expensive items.
  • Old clothes - CLOTHES WILL GET DIRTY!
  • Loose, comfortable clothes, light and easy to move in
  • We are not responsible for any loss or damage to clothing.
  • If girls wear dresses or skirts they must wear shorts underneath them as they will need to play and run freely.
  • On water play days children need swimwear that covers their skin well, a hat with a chinstrap and face cover and swim nappies if they are still toilet training. (plus a plastic bag for wet clothes)

Q13. What do we have to bring?
Please see the ‘ Summer Things to Bring ’ list
Q14. Can my child bring in their ‘favourite thing’/personal belongings or phone.

No, sorry, we advise against bringing in personal belongings and there is no ‘show and tell’ time during Summer School. Telephones/DSs etc can be very distracting for children too and are not allowed in class. If you wish your child to keep a phone, we can discuss allowing it to be safely stored away and turned on at collection time only.

We are not responsible for any loss or damage to personal property (or clothing) and we may refuse to allow certain items on the premises.

Q15. Do you have parking at school?
Drop-offs are easy from the road outside the school and if you need to park nearby we can advise you of coin parking.
Q16. Is transportation provided to and from school?
No.
Q17. Do you give homework?
We do not provide homework in our regular Summer School.
If your child opts for Private Tuition (1-1 teaching), they will receive an assessment, written feedback and the option of homework. See more details here.
Q18. Can we drop our child off at any time?

All fees and times are fixed so that the teachers can keep a safe eye on student movement and also are not called away from their classes.

We ask parents to be punctual and to drop-off by 9.00am as classes begin immediately. This is especially important for small children as it can be disruptive to the class if parents are coming in and out.

If you need to be late please call our office immediately. Children must be placed in an after-school class and the time will be charged for.

If there is a special occasion when you need to change drop off or collection times we will need to know in advance. Thank you for your cooperation.

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SAFETY & SECURITY

Q1. What is your procedure for evacuation?

The school utilizes a number of 'Evacuation Spots' deemed appropriate by Minato-Ku Board of Safety.
We run extensive earthquake and fire drills throughout our regular school term to maintain levels of strict safety. On top of that, almost every Kspace staff member and teacher has been certified in First Aid and has been trained as an Emergency responder for medical issues.

When you visit for your school tour we can walk you through our safety pack and full documentation will be sent to you upon enrollment.

It is a mandatory requirement of our parents that they are contactable at all times.

All parents who enroll are sent a comprehensive Emergency Pack and have access to emergency information on our Private Members' Web. See a sample:

Download Evacuation Package

Q2. Is your school checked for safety?
Kspace has earned a certification from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, who audits us regularly. Our water was has been cleared to be of a high standard (‘drinking water’) and our safety equipment has been fully tested, along with checks by the fire department. Our building has several state-of-the-art evacuation chutes that are manufacture checked and fully tested and the structure has been tested for architectural and structural soundness.
Q3. What safety equipment do you have?

The Kspace facility was built to our specification by master architects, Klein- Dytham (whose children also attended our school!). State of the art features were used, including safety doors, special fire chutes, door handles and many other features. We have two different types of karts for transporting the youngest children and safety packs on each floor.

www.klein-dytham.com

Read more about Our School here

Q4. Do you have a First Aider at the school?
Amongst our management team we have an Emergency First Response Instructor. The majority of our teachers pass their Primary Care (CPR), Secondary Care (First Aid) and/or have certifications from other establishments. Kspace has a School Nurse (Arnel Estoque) and other teachers who have various childcare/nursing certifications. We also run Emergency First Response Courses and are an established training center.
Q5. Do you administer medicine to children?

No, we generally do not.

If there is cause for an Epi-pen then this situation is discussed at length with parents prior to full enrollment.

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ENROLLMENT & ATTENDANCE

Q1. Do we have to be Kspace members?
No, our Summer School is a great opportunity for us to welcome children from outside the school.
Q2. Can we enroll at any time?

Early enrollment is best and you may be entitled to a discount in fees☺ !
Click here for details

You can join us at any time throughout the Summer School, if we have a space in our programme.

Q3. Can my child enter the Summer School at any age?
  • Children can enter from 14 months.
  • All children are screened for acceptance.
  • The main programme is for children up to 8 years.
  • We have after-school classes for children up to 8 years old but some classes we also allow children up to about age 10 in, however they must be gentle and respectful of the younger children.
  • Private 1-1 tuition is available from about 3 years old upwards, including to parent & child together (upon special request/amended fees)
Q4. Does my child have to be toilet trained?
  • Each application & booking is screened individually.
  • In Summer School children must show age appropriate levels of independence and ability.
  • Parents must accept the School's Toilet Policy, which we can send you upon request or go through with you.
  • Children who are accepted that are still training must attend regularly enough for us to build trust and bonds with them.
  • If accepted, you will be asked to provide all nappies, wet wipes/lotion etc. and teachers will tell you when they need replacing.
  • Swim days require swim nappies or children are not allowed to enter the water.
Q5. What is your entrance procedure?

Please complete the enrollment form.

If you are booking during our Summer School dates, then please mail or call us. Click here.

We prefer that parents make at least one pre-booked school tour, WITH their child, in order that they can experience the school’s atmosphere.

Q6. What is your acceptance procedure?

Children are admitted on a case-by-case basis. We prefer to meet children before we confirm a booking. If we accept your booking by mail/phone without meeting your child we reserve the right to assess their suitability after meeting them.

In your enrollment/booking forms we ask for details of children’s allergies (mandatory) and behavioural background (if necessary) prior to admittance. If you child has a specific learning, emotional or physical need or behavioural challenge we will chat to you in greater detail. You will be informed rapidly of our decision and the system is stress-free!

Q7a. Do children have to attend every day?

If children are already Kspace International School children or they attend Saturday School we do not have a minimum attendance for them. If they are enrolled but have never attended one of our child-only programmes before we may request an attendance pattern that helps them adjust (for younger children).

If you are not enrolled with us or are new to us, we will advise an attendance pattern/number of days that allows us to observe and get to know them. This will be based on age and dependency.

Q7b. Is this planned for sequential learning?

Each day the children enjoy some fresh material so they can attend every day, and still learn/cover new things.
This is not a sequential learning programme.

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MEALS

Q1. What food is provided at snack time?
Please see our information on meals
Q2. My child has an allergy.

The exact allergy and full details must be entered on the enrollment form. We may call/mail you to discuss this.
Please note that parents of children with allergies are requested to read, accept and sign our Allergy Policy, and children must wear our Safety Aware T-shirts at all times (and have one in their bag).

NOTES: If you are dissatisfied with the selection we advise that you send in packed lunches.

Every Tuesday at Kspace we cook as a theme and overall there are approx 20 to 40 cooking classes at Kspace per week (across age groups and services). Although we do our best to avoid major allergens (peanuts and sesame) during the relaxed Summer School period we cannot vet every menu. We strongly advise that children with allergies do not attend on Tuesdays or our Cooking classes.

Q3. Can my child have a special meal (for veggie/vegan menu, allergy-avoidance or religious reasons)?

A vegetarian option is usually available however the choices might be limited. Please see menu or enquire.
Vegan and other special diet meals might be available as listed on the Kiwi Kitchens parent log-in website but in all cases parents must contact Andrew or Vanessa directly at Kiwi Kitchen: kiwikitchens@gol.com

If you are dissatisfied with the selection we advise that you send in packed lunches.

NOTES:

  • Kspace staff do not inspect the food that Kiwi Kitchens send for non-allergy children prior to eating. Parents join us on the understanding that we are in no way liable or responsible for any catering mistakes with meal selection or delivery.
  • See the note above in red for Q2, this also applies for special diets. Our teachers might plan to use meat/eggs etc. for their cooking dates.

Q4. Do you have any information on the caterer's food safety controls with regard to how they are sourcing and checking their food?
We are happy to send parents a lunch sample menu from Kiwi Kitchens and also a note regarding the source of many ingredients.
Q5. How much are meals and snacks?

We have two options for meals:

1) You may send in packed lunches. When bringing food in from outside we have very strict Food Policy which you must adhere to. See here (attach Food Policy)

2) From Monday to Friday you may order Kiwi Kitchens catered lunches from our caterer @ ¥720 for meal & 1 x snack. All meals must be ordered in advance and there is a cancellation policy. Saturday catered meals are provided direct from Kspace @ ¥800. Please check our Meals page for more details

Q6. Will you let us know how much our child has eaten daily?
No, we do not. There is no formal daily feedback system in Summer School, however we will let you know if your child was exceptionally hungry (asking for more food/needs bigger meals), or if they appear unwell.
Q7. Can you heat up or refrigerate food?
Unfortunately we cannot. We advise homemade packed lunches in containers that keep food cool or in a freezer-style bag. We also request that you do not send in food with very strong odours (like Kimchee, curried foods, strong garlic) as naturally the smell remains in the classroom/your child's bag in the summer time heat.

Q8. Will you wash out my child's packed lunch container?
During the Summer School period we cannot guarantee this, however we try our very best to rinse. If your child does not eat all of their food we cannot retain the left-overs as it is unsanitary, and we throw away anything that is uneaten.
Q9. If I have feedback about catered meals or want a refund who do I contact?
Contact Andrew or Vanessa directly at Kiwi Kitchen: kiwikitchens@gol.com

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FEES

Q1. How much is your Summer School?
Please see our Fees Information Page
Q2. What happens if my child misses school due to sickness or general absence?

Make-up days may be offered (within the Summer School period) if 2 days of absence/sickness is given in writing. Approval of make-up days is based upon space availability and is at the discretion of the school and are not guaranteed.

No refunds are allowed for any circumstances at all. Note: Summer School fees only apply to the Summer School period and services cannot be offered in lieu. Fees/credit cannot be carried over if unused, in full or in part.

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