The Early Years Foundation Stage at Riverston School consists of: The Nursery which offers all day care for children aged 1 -3 years; The Pre School providing all day care for 3~5 year olds, and The Reception class for 4~5 year olds.  The three Early Years settings work very closely together to ensure all children receive the best possible start to their school life and have secure foundations for later learning.

Reception, Pre School and Nursery share a common vision: 

• To provide a safe, secure, happy and stimulating environment where each child feels valued
• To develop the whole child - physically, intellectually, emotionally, spiritually and socially
• To provide a well planned, resourced and exciting curriculum
• To provide opportunities for all children to succeed
• To encourage each child to become independent and self-confident 

We endeavour to give your child the best start to their formal education.  Each child is respected as an individual and given the chance to grow and develop at his/her own pace.  We believe in having a positive approach towards the children so they are highly motivated, thrive and love their learning.

We aim to make the children's learning experiences challenging, memorable and enjoyable.  All Foundation Stage classes follow the Early Year’s Foundation Stage curriculum, which is divided into six areas of learning:

Personal, Social and Emotional Development is crucial for all young children and is the key to success in all aspects of their lives. Throughout Nursery, Pre School and Reception we strive to build children’s self- confidence through a range of child led games and activities.

In the area of Communication, Language and Literacy the children learn to communicate with one another and develop talking, listening, reading and writing skills.

In Problem solving, reasoning and number the children develop ideas about number, quantity, shape and space.

Knowledge and understanding of the World is about the children being given the opportunity to investigate and understand things and places around them.

Physical Development includes moving on large apparatus, developing ball skills, dance, and developing fine motor skills. In Pre School and Reception the children enjoy weekly gymnastics sessions.

Creative Development includes art, music, dance and imaginative play.

Young children flourish best in an environment which is exciting, engaging and full of adults who are interested in them; an environment in which every sense is stimulated.  Children learn from experiences that are suitable for their stage of development.  Play is fundamental to young children's learning and development. 

All children love being outdoors and the outside curriculum is seen as a very important part of our early year’s education.  Secure inside and outside play facilities are provided.  The children have the opportunity to develop both gross and fine motor skills through a wide range of resources and activities such as construction, climbing on the frame, rolling on the mats, riding bikes and scooters, threading beads. Nursery, Pre School and Reception classes also attend special Forest School sessions where they learn about the environment and access a different setting for exploration. 

Parents are children's first and most enduring educators.  The support and encouragement you give are vitally important throughout your child's life, and especially during the early years.  The Early Years Foundation team work closely with parents/carers and welcome their involvement.  We have introductory "Welcome to Nursery and Reception" meetings and curriculum evenings at the start of the school year.  Parents are kept informed by newsletters which outline the topics we cover each term and give details of special events and outings.  We recognise that when parents and school work together this has a positive impact on children's development and learning.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage your child will embark on an incredible learning journey, full of exciting and stimulating experiences that lay firm foundations for the rest of their school life.

In Pre School your child will begin an incredible and exciting learning adventure in which firm foundations will be laid for school life. At Riverston we promote effective learning and development by providing high quality care and education.

• To develop the whole child physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially.
• To provide a safe, secure, happy and stimulating learning environment where each child feels valued.
• To provide a well planned, resourced and effective curriculum.
• To provide opportunities for all children to develop and succeed.

We recognise that children will have had a wide range of experiences and acquired a variety of skills and interest by the time they join us.  Some children will already have attended Nursery or spent time with a Child minder, whilst for others; starting Pre School will be their first significant amount of time away from a parent.  As a result, children will require varying levels of support when starting Pre School and we work hard to ensure that this important time is as happy as possible for each individual.

Parents often ask what they can do at home to help their child prepare for Pre School

Chat with them about people they know, day to day events and home.

Help them to put on and take off their clothes independently.

Pre School and Reception are referred to as the Early Years Foundation Stage.  The Pre School and Reception teachers at Riverston School work very closely together to ensure that links between Nursery and main school are strong.  Both these year groups follow the Early Years Foundation Curriculum.  By attending our Pre School we believe you will be providing your child with the best possible start in school life.  We aim to give all children secure foundations on which future learning can build, we constantly strive to promote and develop children’s self esteem.

Our Outdoor Area is a valuable and exciting learning resource - whatever the weather and we try to use it as often as we can.  We also have the facility of the school hall and sports hall during winter for indoor activities.

 

Welcome to the Reception Class.  Here your child starts on a learning journey filled with exciting, stimulating experiences.  We believe you could not wish for a better start to school life! The aims of the Reception Team are to:

•  Provide a well planned and resourced curriculum.
•  Meet the emotional, spiritual and educational needs of each child.
•  Help children learn and provide opportunities for all children to succeed.
•  Provide an atmosphere of care and of feeling valued.
•  Encourage each child to become independent.

Parents are children’s first and most enduring educators.  When parents and school work together this has a positive impact on your child's development and learning. 

We actively encourage parents to become involved in the school, by attending school or FORs functions (Friends of Riverston).  We also welcome parents into school as voluntary helpers for planned activities such as sewing, cooking, playing language and number games.

Parents often ask what they can do at home to help their child prepare for school...

The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum applies to all children aged 0 to 5 years.  This includes Nursery, Pre School and Reception Classes.  The curriculum is divided into six main areas:

If you would like any further information please come and visit us, alternatively contact Miss Carrigher – ncarrigher@riverstonschool.co.uk