Foundation Department (Nursery and Reception)
Miss Shiobhain Brady: Head of Foundation Department
Miss Brady joined Repton in January 2008 assuming responsibility for the Foundation department at this time. A very experienced Early Years practitioner who has taught both in the UK and overseas, Miss Brady has built a team of teachers to provide the very best start to school life for our youngest pupils.
Miss Brady is supported in her role by Miss Emma Balsam, Head of Nursery and Mrs Kate Edwards, Head of Reception.
The Foundation Department
Here at Repton, the aim of the Foundation department is to lay the foundations for each childs’ success. We facilitate the development of each childs’ self esteem, ensuring they develop confidence in all aspects of the Foundation programme.
The Foundation programme encompasses continuity and progression in the following key areas:
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development;
• Communication, Language and Literacy;
• Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy;
• Knowledge and Understanding of the World;
• Physical Development;
• Creative Development.
Progression is achieved through offering a child centred approach that is inclusive of all children’s needs. Here at Repton, it is paramount that as a department we strive to meet the individual needs of each child. We strive to deliver personalised learning and care to ensure that each child receives the best possible start in life.
At Repton, play is at the heart of the Foundation programme. We believe that children must have the opportunity to explore and investigate through play both indoors and outdoors. Each child’s development in learning is supported by a varied selection of play opportunities.
These opportunities benefit greatly from a high staff child ratio. Ultimately by providing a stimulating environment and adult support, through play children at Repton have the ability to:
1. Investigate, extend and demonstrate an understanding of the world around them;
2. Practice and build up concepts, ideas and skills;
3. Develop and understanding of rules and routines;
4. Widen their experience by taking risks;
5. Explore their imaginative and creative skills;
6. Broaden their communicative skills by working independently and as a member of a group.
At Repton in considering all of these principles we feel that we are meeting high standards and offering the best experiences. Through the practices and observations of our highly trained and dedicated staff we are constantly striving to improve what we offer to our young learners.
The Foundation Day
The Foundation day is filled with a selection of activities to stimulate and encourage children through the key areas in the Foundation programme. Each week the children are encouraged to explore and extend their ideas through a selection of planned and self chosen themes.
In Nursery the themes include Nursery Rhymes, My Body and Animals. The children in Nursery also enjoy specialist lessons in Arabic, Islamic Education, Music and PE.
In Reception the themes include Homes, Minibeasts, In the Town and Country and Transport. The children in Reception also enjoy specialist lessons in Arabic, Islamic Education, Music and French.
Foundation Day:
Nursery: 7:45am-1:00pm
Reception: 7:45am-2:20pm
