LEARNING
WELCOME
Staff and pupils from The Buchan School regularly interact with the Nursery pupils so they become familiar with the people and surroundings as they move through the school. We also feature regular joint sessions with the Pre-Prep Department in preparation for a later transition to Pre-Prep 1 (Reception). Within their class, children are helped and encouraged to take part in both child and adult-led individual and group activities, which introduce them to new experiences and help them to gain new skills, as well as helping them to learn to work with others.
EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE (EYFS)
The Early Years Foundation Stage applies to children from birth to the end of Pre-Prep 1 (Reception). It is based upon four principles:
1. A UNIQUE CHILD: At the Buchan Nursery we recognise that every child is a competent learner and we endeavour to support children in becoming resilient, capable, confident and self-assured. We value the diversity of individuals and recognise that children develop in individual ways and at varying rates.
2. ENABLING ENVIRONMENTS: We understand that the environment plays a key role in supporting and extending children’s development. Our learning areas are organised to allow children to explore and learn, and to locate equipment and resources independently. We have an enclosed outdoor area which is designed to have a positive effect on children’s development.
3. POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS: We recognise children learn to be strong and independent from secure relationships. We aim to develop caring, respectful and professional relationships with children and their families. We recognise the role that parents play in educating children and we value the contribution you make.
4. LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT: This is divided into the 7 areas of learning following the EYFS:
Prime Areas: Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Communication, Language and Literacy and Physical Development.
Specific Areas: Understanding the World, Mathematics, Literacy, Expressive Arts and Design.
PLAY
Play is not only fun, it gives children the opportunity to develop strategies for future learning – there is more to play than meets the eye! We provide secure indoor and outdoor environments and the adult support for your child to learn through play. Playing and learning at The Buchan Nursery enables your child to:
- Explore, develop and represent learning experiences that can help them make sense of the world.
- Practice and build ideas, concepts and skills.
- Learn how to control impulses and understand the need for rules.
- Be alone, be alongside others, or cooperate as they talk or rehearse their feelings.
- Take risks and make mistakes.
- Think creatively and imaginatively.
- Communicate with others as they investigate or solve problems.
- Express fears or relive anxious experiences in controlled and safe situations.
LITTLE SEEDS
(2 YEARS AFTER AUGUST 31ST)
The Little Seeds are situated in their very own ‘home from home’ setting. This is located within the Nursery. For most Little Seeds, this is the first time away from home. Our dedicated staff create a nurturing yet stimulating atmosphere for little ones to meet and play with others.
SEEDLINGS
(AGE 2 TO 3)
The Seedlings environment is prepared to provide a wide range of activities for personal, social and emotional development. We incorporate a wide range of activities following the three Prime Areas of the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) to create opportunities for stimulating little minds and keeping little bodies active. We work together with you to support our Seedlings to grow into Sunflowers.
SUNFLOWERS
(PRE-SCHOOL)
Through exploration and play, we use a balance of child-initiated and adult-led activities for the children to discover a wide range of topics and ideas. We encourage active learning and critical thinking in play and discovery. With our dedicated, experienced and well qualified Pre-School practitioners, we will help to prepare the children for their next step of Pre-Prep or Reception. All of our activities are prepared to cover all seven Areas of Learning within the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage).
TRANSITIONS FROM THE BUCHAN NURSERY INTO PRE-PREP
The Pre-Prep Department work closely with The Buchan Nursery to ensure a smooth transition and excellent continued progress for pupils as they start school. Children benefit from regular use of the extensive school grounds and facilities throughout their time in Nursery, as well as benefitting from regular specialist subject teaching in French, Drama and Music. A number of pre-visits to the P1 classroom for pupils take place throughout the preschool year and children build positive relationships with Pre-Prep staff.
Information is shared about each child’s progress within the EYFS and their overall development before they begin school, providing the P1 teachers with an insight into each child’s needs from the very beginning. Our Head of Early Years communicates regularly with the Nursery staff regarding planning and progress for the nursery children.
THE INDUCTION PROCESS
A comprehensive induction process will take place during the preschool year for pupils registered to join P1. Where possible, any children who have attended nursery settings on the island will be visited by the P1 teachers in their own nurseries during the preschool year to know each other better and best enable us to support a smooth transition.
All children registered to join P1 will be invited into school for a series of pre-visits during the preschool year and a welcome presentation will take place for parents during the summer term prior to joining. Initial visits for children to P1 will be supported by the staff from The Buchan Nursery. Children will be gently guided though a series of planned visits. This allows the children to become acquainted with their new classroom and surroundings as well as meeting their new teachers and perhaps some new friends.
Hear from a parent
“We’ve been consistently impressed with the level of care and engagement from everyone at The Buchan Nursery. Everyday we’re extremely pleased with the positive development of our little one. The teachers have the great ability to make learning fun. Tight friendships are being made all the time. The Nursery offers a friendly nurturing environment, giving us peace of mind when our child is there. The level of communication and interaction with all staff is second to none. Our child very much makes themselves at home there and we would recommend The Buchan Nursery to anyone. It’s a joy to see your child run into Nursery without hesitation. They have the magic touch.”
