EYFS

KINDERGARTEN

Children enter the Kindergarten class at around 2 ½ years old and are assigned to a key member of staff who will be their main teacher for their time in Kindergarten. Attendance at this stage may vary from 2 mornings a week to full time according to parents’ wishes. A variety of teacher led and child initiated activities are planned, all of which lead the children towards the Early Learning Goals of the Foundation Stage. 

In the Kindergarten the main focus of attention is on Personal, Social and Emotional Development as
the children get used to being at school and become sociable, confident and self assured.

As the children progress through Kindergarten and their language develops they acquire basic skills in Communication Language and Literacy through a love of books and stories and an increasing ability to express themselves.

Problem solving, Reasoning and Numeracy is fostered through number rhymes counting, sorting and matching activities.

Playing with sand and water, using the construction apparatus and going out for walks in the school grounds are all activities aimed to develop their Knowledge and Understanding of the World.

Physical Development is encouraged through handling small objects such as threading beads on a string or putting jigsaw pieces together and whole body movements which are fostered during the Gym sessions and outside on the playground apparatus.

Creative Development includes movement to music, singing and using percussion instruments as well as painting, collage and imaginative play. 

The Pre-Nursery Toddler group takes place every Monday afternoon during term time and provides an axcellent introduction to Nursery life. 

TRANSITION

In September following their 3rd birthday, children move to the Transition class. Again they are taught in small groups and continue their journey through all the areas of learning towards the Early Learning Goals. Attendance varies from 3 mornings a week to full time and by the end of the Trinity term this will ideally involve staying for the afternoon on at least one day a week. In addition to the activities planned by the group teachers, gym is provided by the Director of Sport and French is also introduced. Ballet lessons are available and Music is taught by a member of the Pre-prep staff.

Personal, Social and Emotional Develoment is continued as the children become more confident in their own abilities and are able to do much more themselves.

Basic Phonic skills and letter formation are introduced as the children become more aware of sounds and the printed word and continue to make progress in Communication Language and Literacy.

Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy includes recognising and writing numbers to 10 and beyond, recognising shapes and patterns and solving simple mathematical problems.

Knowledge and Understanding of the World forms the basis for investigation and much of this is preparation for subjects such as ICT, Science, Geography, R.E and History. In order to extend their learning in this area the transition class also go on an outing in the summer.

Physical Development includes regular sessions in the gym and on the sports field with the Director of Sport as well as activities to promote good control of pens, pencils, paintbrushes and scissors.

Creative Development extends the children’s imagination as they play together taking on different roles. They use puppets, make models from clay, paint, collage, sing and dance together.

RECEPTION

As children move through Transition and into Reception their classrooms will be in the enclosed Stableyard area. The fully refurbished classrooms are light, spacious and well resourced and the children continue to be taught in small groups with well qualified and experienced staff. As in Kindergarten and Transition, children work within 6 areas of learning:

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Communication, Language and Literacy
• Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
• Knowledge and Understanding of the World
• Physical Development
• Creative Development

The children work to achieve Early Learning Goals in each area of learning. When achieved these are recorded in the Early Years Foundation Stage e-profile, which is collated and monitored by Government.

The Reception curriculum is delivered through a range of topics, projects and activities covering the 6 areas of learning and preparing the children for subject lessons as they move through to Key Stage 1.

In addition to the EYFS curriculum, specialist teachers deliver P.E, Games, French and Music giving the children a real breadth of experiences which prepares them in every way for the next stage in their education.