// Early Learning
Central to our work with children is our belief in the relationship staff build with the children in their care and the families the children
represent. We call this the ‘Relationship Triangle’ and it is formed by the child, his/her parents and the key person.
Each child is linked on entry with a key person who makes a
commitment to being involved with the child and the family they represent, getting to know their needs and interests.
The key person takes responsibilty for the ongoing observation and assesment of the learning of key children in their group, completing over time a photgraphic and carefully documented account called ‘My Learning Journey’.
The key person is also responsible for writing regular written reports to parents on children’s progress, 6-monthly reports for children under two years of age and those with special needs, and annual reports for children between two and four years of age.
Each key person has one or two key buddies who take particular care of the children in the absence of their key person.
// Home Play
Your involvement in your child’s learning is at least as important as our involvement. We welcome your help in supporting your child’s
learning at home and in the community. We will give you and your child regular opportunities to enjoy playing and learning together,
using the school’s Book Loan system, Maths Packs and by introducing you to SHARE Family Learning.
For further details about the way we encourage children to learn, please ask to see our Parent Partnership policy.
// Additional Support
Specific help from advisory teachers, trained to work with children with particular needs is given as required. Such needs might include sensory and communication impairment or when children have
English as an additional language.
All children are helped to develop maximum independence in
managing their own personal needs before leaving Eastwood for their primary schools. Where children are admitted to Eastwood and are not toilet-trained, programmes of support will be put in place in discussion with parents in order that we can work together to
encourage independence in this area.
It is very important that children do not feel inhibited in school when they are dirty or in need of changing. Children will get messy and dirty at Eastwood! They will be encouraged to play freely with sand, water, clay, paint, glue, soil and grain. Please help us in encouraging such play, which is an important part of learning about the world. Send plenty of named, spare clothes to support your child’s learning and pants if your child is learning to use the toilet!
Personal, Social and Emotional Development is an integral part of the broad provision of Health Education and a major part of our work with children.
// Ways You Can Help
One of our main objectives is to involve you, as parents, in our work with your child. We aim to work as partners with you and want to share our knowledge of parenting and teaching skills.
Delivering and Collecting your Child
Please make a point of registering with your child’s Key Person when you arrive in school. We ask you to be punctual in order to protect the learning opportunities of all the children. Children should arrive in time to take a full part in their special key group session. In the event of late arrival please wait in the reception area until invited to join the session.
Parents arriving to take children home should note that unless
special arrangements have been made with the Head, children should be collected at the agreed time: no later than 3.15pm at the Nursery School and no later than 6.15pm at the Day Nursery.
In the case of the Nursery School, Parents needing to collect earlier will be required to collect their children promptly at 3.00pm when children will be brought out to the reception area.
Late collection of children seriously compromises team planning and training which is essential to the work of the centre. Please do not
collect your child after the hours agreed with you.
Visiting Nursery
The best way you can help is by keeping in close and regular contact with us. We like to work with parents on a regular basis so that we can share an understanding of your child in the learning environment. Please let staff know if there is a regular time when you would like to join us, we will be delighted!
We know and research proves that children’s progress is directly related to the success of our partnership.
If you are unable to join us regularly, then please come and see us whenever possible.
Speak to our Family Workers, Sam, Liz, Ann and Jenny about
opportunities to get involved with regular SHARE Family Learning
opportunities provided at the Centre. You may also talk with these
members of staff if you have concerns about your child’s
development generally.
Phone and Letter Writing
When there are any changes to your normal circumstances we would like to hear from you. If your child is absent for any reason such as ill health, holidays or medical appointments, it is very important that you contact the Centre Adminstrators as soon as possible.
Please note that we are required to keep careful records of children’s absence where they are receiving free education.
Newsletters are sent home with your child regularly. These are to keep you in touch with school life. Please do let us know if you feel you can contribute to the particular topics we are working on with the children