Springboard for learning
THE earliest years of a child’s life are critical. The foundation years do just that - lay the foundations for their academic life.
As Dame Claire Tickell, advisor to the British government, said: “There is overwhelming evidence that if weak, these foundations can have a permanent and detrimental impact on children’s longer term development.
“A child’s future choices, attainment, well-being, happiness and resilience are profoundly affected by the quality of education and care they receive during these first years”.
At Alice Smith School, we provide an Early Years provision led by experienced and wellqualified Early Years practitioners. Indeed, there is strong evidence to show that under-qualified and supported staff will have a detrimental impact on children’s learning outcome.
Hence, our teachers are kept up-to-date with the latest research and provided with training from world-renowned experts in this field. The childcentred curriculum they follow has been highly researched and is evidence-based to ensure appropriate skill development and progression.
As all teachers are aware, it is known that early identification of need followed by appropriate support is the most effective approach to ensure outstanding progression.
Our teachers are able to use AfL (Assessment for Learning) techniques and data from PIPs (Performance Indicators in Primary Schools) to carefully track progress across all seven areas of EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) development to help set age-appropriate targets.
They have a strong understanding of the importance of a learning environment both inside and outside of the classroom and through this, allow children to develop independence, problem-solving, social and higher order thinking skills.
Alice Smith Foundation Stage is very well resourced. This provides the teachers the opportunity to motivate and stimulate our children at a world-class level, ensuring that they are provided varied and awe-inspiring experiences. This is fundamental for developing excellent attitudes to learning and to promote curiosity, questioning and inquisitive skills.
We welcome you to visit our Early Years department to discover how we can support your child as we embark on this great journey together.
Assessment for those interested in joining the Foundation Stage September 2014 intake will be held on March 5 and March 26. The school also conducts weekly
tours for interested parents.
Fuller is the Primary Campus Principal at Alice Smith School.