This policy outlines the purposes, nature and management of Early Years education at Brampton. Within this document, the term Early Years is used to describe children within the Reception classes.

Aims

In the Early Years, the children’s developmental needs are complex and interrelated. Young children follow recognised patterns of development but within any group of children there will be considerable variations between individuals. We aim to provide:

• A broad, balanced and relevant curriculum appropriate to the social, emotional, spiritual and intellectual development of individual children, including those with special needs.
• An atmosphere in which every child feels secure, valued and confident.
• An approach to learning appropriate to the needs of young children, emphasising play, first hand experience and talk.
• An atmosphere that values contributions from parents and children alike and one, which feeds and supports children’s learning.
• An intentional curriculum that is planned and not left to chance and a curriculum that is based on the six areas of learning and experience.

How the Early Years is organised.

Admission, Entry Arrangements and Session Times

Parents are encouraged to apply for a place for their child by the time the child is between three and four years old. Places are offered twice a year, September and January. All children who are five between 1st September and 28th February of any academic year are admitted in September, those who are five between 1st March and 31st August of the same academic year are admitted in January.

The new children start school the week after term starts. They spend the morning in school for the first week, and then go home for lunch and the second week they stay all day.

The day begins at 08.55. Lunchtime is from 12.15 to 13.30. The day ends at 15.15.

The children have milk during the morning if they want it that parent’s pay for unless the family are entitled to Family Income Support. Water is available for those who do not have milk. Fruit is supplied daily to all the children. Children can have packed lunch from home or hot school dinner. They can go home for dinner although this is not encouraged.

Organisation of classes.

The children are usually organised into two classes, a teacher and a learning support assistant manage each class. Children tend to stay in the same group all through the school.

Outdoor play

Outdoor play is an important part of children’s development. Outdoor activities are planned within the curriculum. Three sessions of outdoor play are provided every day as part of the normal school day. Children in the Early Years play in a playground with a Year 1 class. In addition children have sessions outside within the day, weather and adult help permitting.

Whole school activities

The Early Years classes participate in all school assemblies. Once a week they have their own assembly in the classroom. Older children visit the Early Years classes for shared reading on a regular basis. Early Years children have access to the ICT suite, P.E equipment and cooking facilities.