Early Years

We provide a broad and balanced curriculum which will enable each child to develop as a well-rounded member of the community and reach their full potential. Each child is valued as an individual and teaching and learning is based on the understanding that children develop at different rates. 

We will ensure:

* The independent learning environments, inside and outside, to be visually explicit, well resourced, appropriately enhanced and meticulously planned for. They are calm and purposeful offering experiences that are rich, varied, imaginative and highly challenging and which are appropriate to the needs of the children. 

* A flexible, sequential, and responsive curriculum in place based around high quality texts. It clearly outlines the knowledge and skills that children will learn and build on as they progress through the Foundation Stage and includes a variety of opportunities for children to widen their experiences and extend their interests. At the end of their journey through Early Years all children will be equipped with the foundations to enable them to move to the next stage in their development. 

* All children feel happy and safe and as a result are engaged, motivated, independent, and curious learners. They question, explore, solve problems, articulate their thinking and are ready for the next stage in their learning. 

* All adults to have an in-depth knowledge about all areas of learning, each individual child, and the needs of the cohort. They understand and deliver quality first teaching and have high expectations of what children can achieve. They use this knowledge to drive the learning, closing gaps and accelerating progress. 

* Parents and carers are valued partners in their child’s learning and are made to feel part of the Willenhall Community. Two-way communication between home and school is prioritised and all families are encouraged to take an active role in the life of the school. 

Nursery

Starting Nursery can be an exciting time for children but can also take some getting used to. We aim to make the transition into Nursery as smooth as possible for your child and you. Our fantastic Nursery provides as safe, calm environment where children thrive. Our experienced team welcome every child personally, knowing each child's individual talents and interests. 

We offer spaces for children the term after they turn 3 years old. These can be for 15 hours a week, which can be every morning or every afternoon. Morning sessions run from 8:30am to 11:30am; with the afternoon session starting at 12:30pm until 3:30pm.

We also offer 30 hour funded sessions for those who qualify based on the government requirements (https://www.gov.uk/free-childcare-if-working/apply-for-free-childcare-if-youre-working). These sessions run from 8:30am until 3:30pm each day, including your child staying for lunch which can either be purchased through the school or bought from home. There is a small fee the additional hour each day, please speak to the school office regarding this.

A day in Nursery:

We begin with our independent learning where children can access the indoor environment which is set up for their needs and interests. 

Next, we move to our Key Worker Groups where we say hello to all our friends, learn about our day and read our focus story.

We then move into a longer time of independent learning where we can access indoors and outdoors. We go outside in all weathers and have wellies and waterproofs to help with this. During independent learning, the Nursery adults engage in high quality interactions with your child, working on their individual next steps during their play. 

Before we get ready to go home, we move back into our Key Worker Groups to sing our focus Nursery Rhyme, strengthen our fingers with Dough Disco and play some listening games and Maths.

If your child is with us all day, they have an extra provision in the afternoon. This is either Story Dough or Play Project, which both focus on developing communication and Literacy skills.

We provide the children with a wide range of experiences through the year from Seasonal walks around the school community to a visiting farm as well as experiencing ducklings hatching. We believe as in many first hand experiences as we can to encourage curiosity and a love for learning. 

As part of the wider school, we expect our Nursery children to wear the same uniform as their older friends. However, we understand at this age children are developing their independent skills in toileting and dressing themselves. Therefore adaptations are made.

* School logo sweatshirt or cardigan or unbranded in the same colour

* White polo t-shirt

* Black trousers or skirt - for Nursery this can be leggings or jogging bottoms as they can be easier to pull up and down independently.

* Red gingham summer dress

* Plain socks or tights in black, grey or white

* Sensible black school shoes - we recommend velcro shoes as children can put these on and off themselves

* Coat appropriate for the weather

We know the first days in Nursery can be unsettling, especially if your child is upset about you leaving. This is completely normal and we assure you your child will settle very quickly. To help with your peace of mind, we can always call to reassure you.

We know as parents you know your child best so we aim to work in close partnership with you. We will inform you of exciting events that happen during their day as well as anything extra you may need to know. Each half term there is an opportunity to come into Nursery for stay and play sessions for craft events where you will see more of what your child has been up to during their day. 

Reception

 Starting Reception is a very exciting and important time. Beginning their 'Big School' journey is something children really look forward to and we welcome them into our Willenhall School community. Across their Reception year, children learn vital life skills that will set the foundations for their future learning, all done within our calm and engaging environment.

We have 2 Reception classes led by enthusiastic teachers with an equally eager team of teaching assistants. Throughout the day the children will have a mixture of adult led learning as well as valuable time in their independent learning indoors and outdoors.

A day in Reception:

We begin our day with our class teacher going through our daily timetable before taking part in our Talk Through Story session where we learn through high quality texts. We then have our independent learning where we explore a range of learning opportunities in our stimulating environment. Next it is time for our Read Write Inc session and then lunch.

After lunch, we come into our classes to participate in our Maths session before another extended time in independent learning. At the end of the day we have a carpet session learning a range of skills and interests before a story time.

Once a week our Sports coach comes to teach us specific gross motor skills and team games.

The children are given the opportunity to engage in a wide range of experiences such as bread making, Butterfly life cycles, seasonal walks in the wood and a Farm visit.

We believe Reading is a vitally important skill for children to learn. Following our Read Write Inc phonics scheme, children quickly develop their decoding skills. Weekly reading books are sent home linked to the sounds the children have learnt. Your support with this is so important and reading this book at home atleast 3 times a week will make a huge difference to your child's reading ability as well as their engagement in reading.

We provide a range of parent sessions across the year so you can see how we learn in Reception and join us in some exciting crafts and story sessions. You are your child's first educator and we believe an effective partnership between school and home is essential for a successful school journey.