Early Years Policy

Aims

In meeting the aims of the students in the areas of emotional, social, physical, aesthetic and intellectual development we need to:

1. Provide a secure and safe environment within the classroom and the outside play areas.
2. Value everyone’s achievement.
3. Develop self-confidence and self-esteem.
4. Give students experiences and opportunities to develop increasing independence.
5. Provide a broad and balanced curriculum that includes the Early Learning Goals.
6. Provide a curriculum that promotes students learning through real and direct experiences.
7. Teach students appropriate behavioural norms.
8. Monitor and assess each student’s progress.
9. Provide opportunities for the teaching of the native Language (Spanish) for a period of time each day.

Placement

All students will be given access to the whole curriculum as stated in the Early Learning Goals and National Curriculum of England and Wales.

No student is excluded or disadvantaged because of ethnicity, culture or religion, home language, family background, special educational needs, disability, gender or ability.

A positive awareness of and respect for other people will be developed through situations, which encourage consideration, sharing, empathy and responsibility.

Refer to the whole school admissions policy and the policy on placement.

Special Features

The linguistic diversity of each student is valued. We provide opportunities and planned experiences for children to develop and use their home language. Where the first language of the child is neither English nor Spanish, the class teacher is encouraged to work with the family to ensure the student’s home language is valued. Many children acquire English as an additional language. This is encouraged and supported through the context of practical, meaningful experiences and interaction with others in the classroom.

The curriculum should ensure that all students recognise and show respect for each other’s home language and culture.

Teaching and Learning

1. The classes follow prescribed programmes devised by the National Curriculum of England and Wales
2. A variety of teaching strategies will be used in every classroom.
3. A variety of opportunities are given to involve the student through group activities, paired and individual work.
4. Most lessons will be differentiated to take into account the students differing stages of development.
5. Thoughtful, creative and appropriate planning ensures student development and is regularly monitored by the Head of Section, as a member of the Senior Management Team.
6. Teachers are encouraged to make cross-curricular links in their thematic where appropriate.
7. Open-ended, structured and investigative learning is always encouraged.

Resources

Classes in the Early Years should have the following available to students:

1. A Language focus, for example: - pencils (writing and coloured), paper, alphabet charts, etc.
2. Mathematics resources, for example: - maths games, cubes, etc.
3. A place where students can use books and/or listen to tapes
4. An area for sand and/or water activities
5. A construction area, for example: - lego, cubes, wooden building blocks or similar
6. An imaginative role-play area that offers a puppet theatre and a playhouse
7. An outdoor play area that is safe and secure, and where our students have space to develop their gross motor skills
8. Creative activities for self-expression, for example: - painting, plasticine, etc.
9. Access to resources to support Information and Communication Technology

Play

1. Play facilitates the practice and development of a wide range of skills and concepts across the curriculum.
2. Play motivates students to be creative, interact with each other and develop socially.
3. Play will provide opportunities for students to express feelings, decisions and developing a growing awareness of the needs and feelings of others.
4. Play will be centred towards the student and directed by both the teacher and student at varying times.
5. Play will provide opportunities for students to investigate and explore.
6. Play will support the development of concentration and perseverance.

The Environment

1. It should be safe, secure and organised to encourage a variety of activities, where a range of students’ work is valued and attractively displayed.
2. Resources will be easily accessible and clearly labelled.
3. Provision for group activities, paired and individual work will be made.

Assessment

The Early Years Curriculum takes into account the different starting points from which each student develops. Teachers can then use this as a starting point for their planning.

Partnership between the parents and the teachers is encouraged to be positive and effective. This helps us in providing an atmosphere for the students of mutual respect, security and confidence to facilitate their education.

The school operates an open house policy where by the parents are free to approach staff (at a mutually convenient time) on any matter of concern academic, social or emotional.

Formal reports are written and sent home at least three times during each academic year. Interim reports are also written twice a year, which comment on the child’s effort and grade level. Regular contact with parents is maintained through target setting meetings, parent consultation days and more informal communication through Home/School Link diaries and/or conversations around the school.

Informal assessment is ongoing through teacher observation and monitoring of the each student’s work.

A record of significant pieces of work is attained at regular intervals and is kept in a student portfolio, accessible to parents at any time.

Monitoring of each students progress will ensure that any special needs or disabilities that require specific attention can be identified and supported by the Department of Exceptional Needs.

Conclusion

By following this policy, we are aiming to create a safe and secure environment where our students can develop to their full potential, with teachers and parents working together to meet the best interests of the children.