Harpsden Pre-school follows the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum which applies to all children between the ages of 0 and 5 years old.

The curriculum develops around some of the “immovable” events that occur throughout the year (the seasons and festivals, for example) but also according to the needs and interests of the children attending.  We ensure that the children are offered experiences across all the areas of learning through a balance of freely chosen or adult directed activities, both indoors and out.  Skills are developed through: painting and collage; imaginary and role play; exploration of malleable materials, such as dough and clay; sand and water play; music, story and rhyme; cooking, gardening and exploration of the natural world; and physical development activities. Pre-reading, pre-writing and mathematical skills are developed in many contexts.  Our photo album provides a good illustration of the sorts of things we get up to!  Please take a look during your visit.

We are keen to develop links with the wider community.  We’ve enjoyed visits from a local GP, dentist and vicar and also been visited by some animals from a local farm.  Special events might include Easter songs, our Christmas party and performance and a summer sports morning. We also organise a couple of fundraising events each year for charities in the local community or further afield.  We are active members of the Local Authority run “Footsteps” scheme which teaches the skills related to road safety for young children.

Each child is assigned a key person, so you will have a familiar person to hand over your child to, especially in the early days.  If your key person is unavailable a “buddy” key person will always stand in and keep a special eye on your child.  The progress of each child is monitored through observation of their play in different contexts.  These observations are stored in your child’s “Learning Journey” which is available for you to read (and share with your child) at any time.  We use these observations to plan the “next steps” in children’s learning and development in ways that best fit their interests and learning style.  We also complete Records of Development for each child once a term which summarises their achievements at that point in time.  These will go on to your child’s future school together with a leaver’s report.  We hold formal parent-key person meetings in the summer term, but you are welcome to speak to your child’s key person or the Supervisor at any time. Appointments can always be made for more in-depth or confidential discussions