School Nursery
AN OPEN CENTRE
We welcome all parents to share in their children’s school life.
A child’s learning depends on parental support. We welcome parents before the start of the session to share a book or use the equipment but we do ask parents to stay until the starting time as staff may be preparing activities, engaged in staff meetings or eating their lunch.
Parents can talk to their child’s key worker and share any anxieties or successes. Ludmila, the head teacher and Annette & Rose, the two deputies, are also available should you wish to discuss anything in more detail.
We expect parents to stay with their child on their first day at our Centre as the experience may be quite daunting due to the large space and number of unfamiliar adults and children. On their first day you may wish to show them the different activities we have as well as showing them where they can use the toilet and wash their hands. Some children take longer to settle so we encourage parents to stay as long as it takes for a child to feel comfortable in our centre. We do not criticise parents for being anxious when settling their children. We want your child to be happy in our Centre so please give them the time they need before you leave them.
SESSION TIMES
The a.m. session is from 8.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and the afternoon session is from 12.30 p.m. to 3.30 p.m.
We ask you to be prompt at the end of each session as the staff have to prepare for the next session as well as attend planning and general staff meetings regularly. The doors will be open from 11.20am and 3.15pm for you to collect your child.
When the children arrive they are free to choose any activity available. The outdoor play is available after the session begins and children can go out freely. We are usually out in all types of weather so please remember to provide appropriate outdoor clothes.
THE EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE CURRICULUM
Learning at the centre is play based and informed by the curriculum guidance for the Early Years Foundation Stage which precedes The National curriculum. Learning in the Foundation Stage is organised into six areas of learning. These are:
- Personal, social & emotional development;
- Communication, language & literacy;
- Mathematical development;
- Knowledge & understanding of the world;
- Creative Development;
- Physical Development.
Each learning area has a series of early learning milestones through which the children progress. Every child is individual and will progress at different rates. At our Centre we encourage children to become confident, independent and motivated learners. The staff maintain regular records of their children’s achievements and spend time making observations of how children relate to one another, gain confidence and develop their skills in the six areas of learning. The staff plan according to the needs of the children. We base what we do on their experiences e.g. home life, gardening, stories and rhymes.
We try to tune in to what motivates your child. Planning and identified areas of learning may be seen on the nursery walls. Parents are welcome to read this information.
CHILDREN’S WORK
Some of the children’s work is reflected on the walls but not all. Boys often learn in a different way to girls through concrete activities like brick work, sand play etc.
Girls often enjoy drawing and painting. However staff do take regular photographs of children while they work, as evidence of their learning. Children have different rates of learning and may develop in one area sooner than another. All have differing talents and individual ways of learning.
CHILDREN WITH ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
We have three language assistants who support some of the minority groups at our Centre. Their role is to support those who need help becoming fluent in English. The assistants can also help parents communicate with staff and staff communicate with parents.