“Every child deserves the best possible start in life and support to their full potential. A child’s experience in the early years has a major impact on their future life chances. A secure safe and happy childhood is important in its own right, and it provides the foundation for children to make the most of their abilities and talents as they grow up. When parents choose to use early years services they want to know the provision will keep their children safe and help them to thrive. The Early Years Foundation Stage is the framework that provides that assurance.”
(Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage Department for Children, Schools and Families, 2007)
The British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) applies to children from birth to the end of the reception year and is the framework on which we base our Early Years curriculum.
Most children will begin their exhilarating journey through Holborn Academy in the Early Years Department, which provides a nurturing and stimulating environment where young child can grow and learn through creative play. Others would begin their journey in the Primary or Secondary Departments of the School.
Our number one priority in the Early Years Department is the well-being and happiness of our children. We foster a calm and gentle atmosphere, marked by a mutual respect between adults and children. We encourage children to praise, listen and take turns. This develops the children’s kindness, honesty and empathy, as well as giving them a sense of security and belonging.
We recognise that children who feel confident in themselves and their own ability have a head start to learning. All are treasured as individuals and encouraged to explore their gifts and strengths, in order to achieve their limitless potential.
Each day, we nurture children’s natural curiosity, creativity and critical thinking through fun, play-based tasks. This helps them to become independent. Initiative is praised and the resulting self-confidence helps children develop a positive attitude towards learning.
Our Baby Group is housed in a special area of the building, where they can enjoy a range of stimulating activities, including water and sand play, story time, singing and dancing, construction, quiet time and so much more. Our warm and engaging environment gives rise to so many imaginative experiences.
Our staff offer the loving care, security and encouragement that little ones need to thrive. We work in partnership with Parents to ensure that the change, such as potty training, is managed with patience and understanding. We celebrate success at every turn with smiles, claps and songs!
We understand that children are born ready, able and eager to learn. They actively reach out to interact with other people, and in the world around them. Development is not an automatic process however, it depends on each unique child having opportunities to interact in positive relationships and enabling environments. The Four Themes of the Early Years Foundation Stage underpin all that we do.
A Unique Child
Every child is a unique child who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured.
Positive Relationships
Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships.
Enabling Environments
Children learn and develop well in enabling environments, in which their experiences respond to their individual needs and there is a strong partnership between practitioners and parents.
Learning and Development
The Early Years Foundation Stage areas of learning are divided into two sections, the Prime and Specific areas.
The Prime Areas
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Communication and Language
- Physical Development
The Prime areas are fundamental, work together, and move through to support development in all other areas.
The Specific Areas
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts and Design
The Specific areas include essential skills and knowledge for children to participate successfully in society.
Skills for each area of learning are taught through play and are delivered through a balance of adult led and child initiated activities. In each area, there are Early Learning Goals (ELG) that define the expectations for most children to reach by the end of the EYFS.
Reading
At Holborn Academy, we recognise that the ability to read is a crucial skill that underpins academic success. Reading develops the mind and language skills, as well as teaching listening skills. Who can deny the world of discovery that opens up to young children when they develop a love of reading?
At Holborn Academy, we use the Jolly Phonics approach to teaching literacy. Jolly Phonics It is child-centred, fun, multi-sensorial, synthetic phonics scheme that enables children to learn the 42 letter sounds of the English Language quickly and effortlessly. Parents are encouraged to support their children through learning the sounds, songs and rhymes too!
Personal, social and emotional development is central to our daily provision. Emphasis is placed on promoting the children’s communication and language skills. Teacher-led activities, including literacy and maths, are differentiated.
Specialist teaching of music, ICT and physical development in Nursery and Reception classes, ensures that children reach high standards throughout the curriculum.
Although you may view your child’s first day at nursery as a daunting experience, be assured our staff are experienced at helping you and your child settle in. We recognise that each child is unique and will react differently to their first few weeks at Holborn Academy.
In the run up to the big day
- We will arrange a few short visits to the Department these visits will enable you both to establish a positive relationship with the Early Year’s team.
- You will meet your child’s Key Person, if your child will be a member of the Baby Group. This is the individual who will guide you through the settling in process. Together with the class teacher, they will also be responsible for your child’s development and welfare and your main point of contact at the nursery.
- In the weeks prior to the ‘big day’ talk to your child about the new experience they are about to embark on, mentioning all the new and exciting things they will be doing. Even babies will pick up on the positive messages you give about this transition.
You are most welcome to see our Early Years Department at work. We look forward to your visit and enquiries.