The children learn in very small class sizes through a combination of planned and child-initiated, stimulating play activities. Following the seven prime areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, teaching topics are led by the children’s interests. The children also benefit from weekly specialist French, music and P.E lessons which help to broaden their curriculum and experiences further.
Early mathematics is introduced through different interactive activities; as well as phonics using the Read Write Inc. programme, whilst activities such as pegging, threading and model building all help to develop fine motor skills for writing.
The seven areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum include:
Prime Areas
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development: Making relationships, Self-confidence and self-awareness, Managing feelings and behaviours
- Physical Development: Moving and handling, Health and self-care
- Communication and Language: Listening and Attention, Understanding, Speaking
Specific Areas
- Literacy: Reading and Writing
- Mathematics: Numbers, Shape, Space and Measure
- Understanding the World: People and Communities, The World, Technology
- Expressive Arts and Design: Exploring and using media and materials, Being imaginative
In addition to the Early Years’ team, we also have specialised staff who take the children for outdoor games, gymnastics, music, drama and French lessons.
Our Early Years outdoor area is well used by the children during their free time but is also integral to their learning. Discovering the outside world through exploration and investigation together as a class will compliment their learning and development as an individual.
Our Reception class is housed in the same building as our Nursery classes so the children are able to interact together on a regular basis, aiding transition into Reception. All children at Sherborne House are guaranteed a place in our Reception Class in the September following their 4th birthday. Children in Year 6 often visit the Nursery to read or play games with them, helping the children create strong relationships across year groups.
The children also benefit from regular opportunities to visit places in their local community or welcome visitors into the classroom. This helps to encourage the children to make connections between their experiences at school and the world in which they live.