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The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) applies to children from birth to the end of the reception year. In our school, we have Nursery provision from age 3 and Reception year during the year the child turns 5. Children are admitted into the Foundation Stage in accordance with Suffolk County Council admissions regulations. (Compulsory schooling begins at the start of the term after a child’s fifth birthday). Key stage 1 begins for our children at the beginning of Year 1.
Nursery:
Places will be available for up to 30 hours per week, partly funded by the Local Education Authority (LEA). From the term following a child’s 3rd birthday, funding for up to 15 hours will be provided by the LEA. For example, if a child was born in October 2014, this funding would become available at the start of the following term i.e. January 2018. However, if the child was to start nursery immediately after their third birthday, Bawdsey Primary School would be in a position to subsidise the period October 2014 to January 2018.
In addition, if parents / carers using our nursery class wish to exceed their funded 15 hours, we shall not request top up fees for these additional hours (up to a maximum total of 30 hours per week, including lunch.) These 30 hours will be available as 3hr sessions i.e. 5 x morning sessions 8.45am-11.45pm and 5 x afternoon sessions 12.15pm-3.15pm. Children attending the afternoon sessions can either bring a packed lunch, or a school dinner can be purchased.
Application forms to secure an LEA funded nursery place for up to 15 hours per week from the term following a child’s 3rd birthday are available from the school office. Completed application forms should be handed back to the school, and these will be sent to Suffolk LEA for consideration. Nursery provision and LEA funding for up to 15 hours per week can be split between providers.
Another form will need to be completed if additional hours are required for either or both of the following:
- the period immediately following a child’s 3rd birthday up until LEA funding is available (the following term)
- hours in excess of 15 per week
Please see Mrs. Butler or School Office for relevant forms.
Children can start full time in the September before their 5th birthday, or attend part-time until the term in which they are 5. In exceptional circumstances, you can postpone entry to school until they are actually 5 years old; however, this would not normally be the school’s preferred option. Every care is taken to ensure children are initiated happily into school life. Parents/ carers can apply either online or complete application form CAF1 by the published closing date, if they wish their child to start at Bawdsey Primary School the following September. If the deadline has passed, the online link will no longer be available and you should contact the Suffolk Local Education Authority by telephone.
The Bawdsey Primary School catchment area includes the villages of Bawdsey, Alderton & Ramsholt, although we also have many children from the surrounding villages of Hollesley, Butley, Shottisham, Rendlesham, Sutton, Melton, and Woodbridge. At the age of eleven they usually transfer to Farlingaye High School in Woodbridge. Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities are admitted to school under the same arrangements as other children.
At Bawdsey Primary School we recognise that every child is a competent learner who can be resilient, capable, confident and self assured. We recognise that children develop in individual ways, at varying rates. Children’s attitudes and dispositions to learning are influenced by feedback from others; we use praise and encouragement, as well as celebration/sharing assemblies and rewards, to encourage children to develop a positive attitude to learning.
The EYFS classroom is organised to allow children to explore and learn securely and safely. There are areas where the children can be active, be quiet and rest. The classroom is set up into learning areas, where children are able to find and locate equipment and resources independently. The EYFS class has its own enclosed outdoor area. This has a positive effect on the children’s development. Being outdoors offers opportunities for doing things in different ways and on different scales than when indoors. It offers the children opportunities to explore, use their senses and to be physically active and exuberant. We plan activities and resources for the children to access indoors and outdoors that help children to develop in all 7 areas of learning.
Play in the Early Years Foundation Stage
“Children’s play reflects their wide ranging and varied interests and preoccupations. In their play children learn at their highest level. Play with peers is important for children’s development”. Through play our children explore and develop learning experiences, which help them make sense of the world. They practise and build up ideas, and learn how to control themselves and understand the need for rules. They have the opportunity to think creatively alongside other children as well as on their own. They communicate with others as they investigate and solve problems. They express fears or re-live anxious experiences in controlled and safe situations. Active learning occurs when children are motivated and interested. Children learn best through physical and mental challenges. Active learning involves other people, objects, ideas and events that engage and involve children for sustained periods. Children need to have some independence and control over their learning. As children develop their confidence they learn to make decisions. It provides children with a sense of satisfaction as they take ownership of their learning.
‘Schemas’ are vitally important in young children’s development and learning. They are the typical behaviours seen in children as they develop and grow, and seen readily when they have opportunities to lead their own play. Please ask for our information book on ‘Schemas’ for more information.
All children and their families will receive a welcome pack as they join our Early Years Unit at Bawdsey School.