WHAT IS A FOUNDATION STAGE UNIT?

A Foundation Stage Unit can provide this by offering:

SECURITY - Children will be in one setting from the age of 2 years until they are 5 and will not have the whole business of transition from pre-school to school in the middle of that period. Even with a smooth transition, children have to get to know new adults and new surroundings and new adults have to get to know them. This can mean a little step backward in their learning before they can move forward again. In the Unit they can build up a relationship with the adult with confidence and a feeling of security.

PARENTS - Get to know school staff when their children are very young and they, too, build up a crucial relationship which lays foundations for the future of their child's education.

A MIXTURE OF QUALIFIED STAFF - Can cater for children's 'all round' needs and offer them differing experiences and support. Our Unit is staffed by an Early Years Teacher, a Childcare Supervisor and Childcare Workers

JOINT PLANNING - Is carried out by all staff which builds on previous experiences. Children can move through the Foundation Stage at their own pace with Reception children getting support, if needed, at an earlier level and Pre-School age children progressing through to later stages if they are ready. Continuity and progression are ensured. This stage of the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum is not split between 2 settings with all the inconsistencies they may bring.

There is EARLY IDENTIFICATION OF ANY SPECIAL NEEDS which means early referrals for outside support can be made if appropriate. Similarly, any gifts or talents are identified early

The CURRICULUM IS PLANNED COMPLETELY THOUGH PLAY which is the proven way that children learn and develop - through interaction, talk, excitement and following their own interests

Because children join the ETHOS and 'family' of the whole school at a very early age, it has now been shown that STANDARDS and progression are greatly improved. Children are receiving the right kinds of experiences from the start and they have no adjustments to make as they move into Reception year with a teacher who knows them well already.

ONGOING ASSESSMENT is much easier because there can be discussions between a greater number of staff who know the children well.

There are FINANCIAL BENEFITS because, with pre-school and school children sharing the same environment, the cost of any recourses is shared.

JOINT TRAINING OF STAFF ensures common purpose, greater understanding and continuity

THE STATUS OF PRE-SCHOOL STAFF is raised through their involvement in whole school planning and events.d give them plenty of opportunitis to play.