In the Nursery, our youngest children are introduced to a stimulating school life where enjoyment is the main ingredient in a programme that teaches through play. The school day offers children a range of practical and creative activities and develops Literacy, Numeracy and Speaking skills as well as placing emphasis on independence and social interaction.
The Reception year is particularly significant in building the foundations of learning and for a child’s continuing educational experience. The Reception classrooms have been specially designed and set out to create a stimulating, warm and nurturing environment that incorporates all areas of the curriculum. Children develop into confident and inquisitive students, who show a genuine love of learning.
The EYFS curriculum is tailored to cater for each individual child’s needs, ensuring that children are making continuous progress whilst maintaining confidence and a can-do attitude. It incorporates early Literacy and Numeracy skills, as well as a play-based philosophy, which links social interaction and theme-based learning. Specialist teachers instruct the children in Modern Foreign Languages (French or Spanish), Music, Drama, Dance, Forest School and Sport (games and gymnastics) as well as weekly tennis lessons.
A strong parent partnership is essential for children in the Foundation Stage. We operate on an open door policy. Parents are kept up to date regularly through daily contact at the main KS door, e-mails, newsletters, parent/teacher meetings and written reports. Parents are invited to attend events for example assemblies, Christmas Productions, the Charity Fashion Show as well as a Summer Show.
We have also taken the opportunity to design and create our own EYFS outdoor classroom. Miss Amy (who is part of the Reception team) designed the layout and worked alongside a company to bring our vision to life. We are so excited that the EYFS children at KS can now learn outside on a daily basis.
Pastoral Care
An open atmosphere and a close partnership with parents ensures that children begin their educational experience feeling nurtured and supported through encouragement, reward and celebration. A high staff/pupil ratio means children are given close attention within a clear structure and high expectations are underpinned by detailed policies and procedures which are enshrined in the KS Code.