Kindergarten – 2 to 3½
Children can start Kindergarten from 2 years old and although many will have attended the pre-nursery group there is no compulsion to do so.
Staff
At Hatherop Castle we recognise that each child is an individual with unique qualities which need to be recognised and nurtured. In order for the children to be stimulated and to be able to reach their full potential, all children are allocated a member of staff who will be their key worker for their time in Kindergarten. This enables staff to develop positive relationships with parents and to really get to know the children in their care, in order to provide activities that will interest them and promote their knowledge and learning within the Early Years Foundation Stage.
The Learning Environment
The Kindergarten classroom is a purpose built, airy, spacious and light building with free flow access to the garden and to the cloakroom area. Parents need to feel that their children are safe and welcome and enjoy their time in Nursery. In order to do this, we regularly review the environment carrying out risk assessments, addressing any issues that we feel are necessary and listening to parents’ comments and wishes. The parents’ Notice Board provides information on such things as topics and themes as well as social events.
The classroom is planned in a way that children can have access to as much as they can thus developing their independence and self-confidence within a structured and organized environment. Areas within the room include
- A messy area
- A home corner
- A dressing up box
- A music box
- A book corner and quiet area
- A train and construction area
- A maths area
- A drawing and writing area
- A cutting and glueing area
- A water or sand tray
There are distinct areas with a table for each key group which children use at group times and for snack time.
The garden is enclosed within a high wall and has an area of tarmac for riding tricycles and a grassy area with trees, shrubs and a vegetable plot where the children are encouraged to grow a variety of plants. There is a Wendy House, a climbing frame and swings. Under the covered area we have guinea pigs and children are encouraged to look after them by bringing vegetables from home and helping with the cleaning routine. In addition to the garden we regularly take the children out for a forest learning session and walks around the school grounds giving them the freedom to run about in the wide-open space and explore the woods.
Activities and Routines
Although most of what the children do at this stage is child initiated, we base activities around a theme for each half term or for a few weeks at a time. Themes might include colour, Christmas, weather, shape, stories such as Goldilocks and the three Bears and environments such as under the sea. Music and movement, songs and percussion instruments as well as action songs and ring games are all part of the Nursery week.
After lunch all children staying for a full day are encouraged to rest for a while on their blanket. Children who fall asleep remain asleep as long as required and are regularly checked by Nursery staff.
Afterschool club until 5.30pm is available to all children at a small charge. This is paid in arrears on your end of term invoice.
All Nursery children are encouraged to take part in the EYFS Nativity play at the end of the Michaelmas Term and the Nursery Sports Day at the end of the Trinity term.
Snacks and meals
In accordance with statutory requirements, fresh water is always available to all children. Snacks are healthy, balanced and consist of an oatcake and vegetable sticks or fruit and milk or water. Lunch is cooked on the premises and is usually a hot dish with vegetables and a pudding. The children eat this in the main school dining room with Pre-Prep. Nursery staff eat their lunch with the children encouraging good manners and healthy eating habits. Food allergies are catered for with advanced notice on the child’s medical form.
Your child’s development
Relationships with parents and communication between all who work within the EYFS are very important aspects of all that we do at Hatherop Castle and these form part of every child’s development and record of progress. Children are all encouraged to talk about their experiences and emotions and parents are encouraged to talk to the staff about any concerns or issues that may affect their children. This may be on an informal basis at the start or end of the session or by appointment for any lengthy discussion.
Staff regularly make observations of the children at play or engaged in an activity and these are recorded in the children’s online Learning Journey on ‘Tapestry’ along with any quotes or comments that they might make. The Learning Journey follows the child from entry to the EYFS through to Reception and into Prep 1. Parents receive a written report at the end of the Trinity term.
Between the age of 24 and 36 months we will perform a progress check known as the 2-year-old check, on your child. This is a short written report on your child’s development in the prime areas of learning and development. We will discuss the report with you at Parents Evening and you will then have an opportunity to talk about any areas of concern and how you can support your child at home.
Parents’ Evenings are held each term and these are valuable times for parents and staff to talk about the children’s development and progress. Your child’s future Reception teacher will also attend the final Parents’ Evening of the Year to ensure a smooth transition.
Attendance and Sessions
Children may attend the Nursery from one session a week to full time. Morning sessions are from 8.30am – 12.30pm including lunch and afternoon sessions finish at 3.30pm. It is recommended that children attend for at least 5 sessions a week in Transition in order to prepare them for full time school in Reception.
Funding
We are pleased to offer the 15 hours Government funding for 3 – 5 year olds. For more information please see our fees page. We are unable to offer the 30 hours Government funding.
