Early years
The Early Years Department caters for both mainstream and children with disabilities.
We aim to provide children with the best possible start on their learning journey.
Our focus is on fulfilling their social, emotional, physical, intellectual and moral developmental needs while expanding their sensory experiences and imaginative play.
"Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage settle well and make a good start to their education."
Ofsted 2011
Facilities
"We have a lovely bright room with plenty to stimulate the children as well as quiet places for them to relax. The children enjoy facilities which include a role play corner, sensory corner, craft and cookery areas and a book corner.
Our equipment and toys are all chosen to enable children of all abilities to enjoy them. The children have access to a safe outdoor play area immediately outside the Early Years unit which is equipped to cater for children with disabilities.
All the young ones in our Early Years Department have full time access to a range of on site therapists."
Heather Penney, Head of Early Years Department
“Alexander has felt very happy and secure here. I think this is a wonderful place.”
Early Years Parent
Tots & Toys
Tots & Toys is our baby and toddler group. Parents and carers come with their children on a Thursday afternoon. This lively group is attended by children either with or without special needs. The grown ups get the chance to chat and make new friends while the children play. Our in house therapists often join us to share their knowledge and skills and to discuss any areas of special interest with the parents or carers. These sessions are always very popular and lots of fun.
Trips out
We love exploring and as a group go out often, both in the local community and further afield. The children enjoy regular local trips to the park, library and town.
Trips include visits to the seaside, woodlands, farm parks and on a specially designed canal boat. We have three school minibuses with wheelchair access to enable us to enjoy all of these excursions.
As well as having enormous fun, the trips are used to enhance topic work being covered in the department. Parents are often invited on these trips.
Integration
We include children with and without special needs from ages 2- 5 years. We have found this mix of enormous benefit to all the children as they learn from each other.
Early Years often lead assemblies for the rest of the school and also join them for some of theirs. We present our own nativity play and our little ones also take part in the school plays and productions with the older children.
Through our strong links with many mainstream schools, children have the opportunity to integrate if appropriate.
"The Early Years Foundation Stage receives children who have skills and abilities which are as expected for their age, as well as some who have profound and multiple learning difficulties."
Ofsted 2011
