Assessment
Throughout their time with us, your child will be monitored by their teachers and support staff to ensure that we are providing them with everything they need to hit their targets.
What this means at nursery level, is that we want to help your children blossom socially, and to gain the skills and knowledge necessary for them to achieve at KS1 and KS2. We currently record significant observations on Tapestry which can be viewed by parents and equally home events and learning can be uploaded and shared with school.
This is done with the best of intentions, and is there to serve as a tool for their new class teachers to help support them in their learning. Please do be assured that it does not affect which class they are placed into, or what level their teaching is placed at. It is there to help us understand how much time we need to be giving our young people for certain topics.
Reception Baselines
During the children’s first half-term in Reception class, the teacher must conduct the DfE Reception Baseline. This is a short, interactive and practical assessment of your child’s early literacy, communication, language and mathematics skills when they begin school, using materials that most children of your child’s age will be familiar with. For more information, please read this leaflet - Information for parents: reception baseline assessment (publishing.service.gov.uk)
Teachers will then use this assessment, alongside a three week transition period of getting to know the children and conducting observations, to inform their learning priorities and know how best to support the every individual child.
If we ever have any concerns, we will of course arrange a meeting with parents or carers at the first instance, as transparency is key to a great partnership.
Noticing Special Education Needs
We have a full Equality and Diversity Policy and Special Educational Needs and Disability Policy which all staff strongly believe in. We will do our very best to admit any child whose parents/carers wishes them to attend the nursery. Staff are willing to undertake the necessary training if possible and are happy to work with other agencies to support any child and their family. Upon entry, all children will be assessed by a specialist speech and language therapist who will provide strategies and weekly support.
Please speak to a member of staff or if you prefer to the Academy SENDCO (Special Educational Needs and Disability Co-ordinator) to discuss any individual needs, and we will do all we can to accommodate you.