The Foundation Stage team at Gleadless

Teaching Team

FS2H - Miss K. Horan -  Assistant Headteacher /EYFS Phase Leader/ FS2 Class Teacher

FS2CH - Miss C. Currier and Mrs. S. Hunt - FS2 Class Teachers

Nursery - Mrs R. Eggington and Mrs L. Ward - Nursery Class Teachers

Curriculum Support Staff

Mrs T. Barber      Miss S.Booth     Miss A.Moss      Mrs N. Wait-Smith    Miss S. Jackson   

At Gleadless, we believe that Foundation Stage is a unique and significant milestone for our children and their families. We know that by giving children the best start possible we lay the foundations for success. 

Our Foundation Stage is an inclusive setting where children feel happy and develop a love of learning. Our secure and nurturing environment supports our children to grow, develop and build foundational skills and knowledge that last a lifetime. Our exciting curriculum provides children with a wealth of experiences and opportunities and supports children to be independent, confident learners. Communication and language development lies at the heart of this and we use high quality texts to develop vocabulary and spark imagination. Play is an integral part of what we do. Our provision supports our children to become independent learners who can confidently explore the world around them. High aspirations are set for all children and they are all supported to reach their full potential. We value both indoor and outdoor experiences and encourage all children to take part in the learning experiences available to them. 

Play based learning (indoor and outdoor)

We believe that children learn best through play. Therefore our provision is open ended and allows children to learn whilst they play. Provision and play are carefully planned and the development of foundational skills and knowledge underpin this. Adults will enhance the provision to support and respond to the children’s needs and interests. The children have access to a number of areas and are able to explore these throughout the day. Having sustained periods of time in provision supports our children to learn to focus their attention. 

As adults support and facilitate play they are guided by; 

• Knowing how important building positive relationships with the children is and that each child is an individual and develops differently. 

• Following the children’s natural curiosity and individual interests.
• Fostering an environment where children are comfortable to make mistakes, problem solve and develop their resilience. 
• Modeling meaningful interaction with peers and supporting language and communication development. 
• Supporting the development of social skills and providing opportunities for children to communicate and cooperate with others.

Direct teaching 

FS1 

In Nursery, Phonics is taught daily and children will take part in a number of different short carpet time sessions throughout the day. Throughout the year Children will take part in Jabadao, Beat Baby, Maths, Rainbow Talk, Helicopter Stories and Music. These carpet times are then followed by small group or 1:1 sessions. During these times, the children will also have the opportunity to practice and consolidate their learning.

FS2 

In Reception, children will take part in a number of the direct teaching sessions each day. They will be taught phonics  every day, with keep-up sessions for those who may need it. English and Maths are taught four times a week. To support the children further, they will work in small groups with the teacher. This will lead on from the direct teaching and is an opportunity for children to continue to develop, refine and consolidate their foundational skills and knowledge. Reading sessions take place each day and children will read with an adult a number of times a week. Children develop their gross and fine motor skills through a range of activities. As the year goes on, children will also take part in handwriting sessions. Throughout the week, children will also take part in Music, PE, PSHE and RE sessions. 

EYFS long term curriculum planning

This can be found here Curriculum Overview - Foundation Stage

Gleadless Primary School Policies

These can be found here Policies