We provide a safe, secure and stimulating environment in which children feel happy and develop confidence. We understand that no two children are alike, and cater for the individual needs of each child to ensure equality of opportunity through carefully planned activities.

Our close links with Sir Robert Hitcham Primary School have helped many children smoothly progress to the next stage in their education, whether at Nursery stage, or more commonly when joining Reception.

Our “key person” system gives each member of staff particular responsibility for just a few children. This means that each child in the group has one special adult to relate to, which can make settling into the group very much easier. In addition, the “key person” is in a position to tailor the group’s curriculum to the unique needs of each individual child.

The “key person” maintains links with the child’s home setting, working with parents through shared record keeping to ensure that all children are supported in reaching their full potential.

Our Curriculum

The principles of a nurture approach are at the heart of our early year’s curriculum and are woven into our daily practice. We have regular opportunities for our children to engage with their peers and adults during our nurture circle time in our cosy room, whereby all children are encouraged and are given the opportunity to express their emotions and feelings during adult led activities. Our play-based provision on offer, provides a weekly themed programme of events which inspires our children’s imagination, exploration of the weekly theme, teaches our children to work together, problem solving, respect one another’s feelings, share some quiet time and reflection on our achievements. The development of positive relationship is fundamental to our children’s learning and well-being, for example, our morning snack and lunchtime provides opportunities for our children to chat with one another, share news and build relationships with peers and adults. Our children experience daily adult led activities too, whereby the practitioner helps to foster and enrich our children’s own curiosity and interests, in the learning environment, which equips the children with confidence and inspires them to conduct their own learning.

At Debenham Roundabout Preschool ‘The Foundation Stage Framework and Development Matters ‘are the basis of our Early Years curriculum. The curriculum is split into seven areas of Learning, with three Prime areas and four Specific areas: please see the table below:

The seven areas of learning as shown above, helps our team of practitioners to create this nurturing, enriched, play – based setting which follows children’s interests, whilst supporting their social, emotional, wellbeing led by a mixture of adult led activities and child led inquisitiveness to help the children in our care develop their own curiosity, enjoyment in learning and resilience so that they are equipped for their educational journey ahead.

Ofsted

The new OFSTED Framework (released on 1/9/19) is, rightly, very rigorous and demanding we are delighted with the outcome of the inspection and especially pleased with so many incredibly positive comments which included:

“Staff give highly effective support to children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. These children make exceptional progress.”“Children become independent in their self-care.” “Experienced and well-qualified staff help children to become strong communicators.”“Leaders and managers regularly evaluate the quality of provision.”“Targeted professional development means that staff's knowledge and skills continuously improve.”“Experienced and well-qualified staff help children to become strong communicators.”

Please click here to view the report. 

Children with additional needs

We welcome all children to our pre-school, including those with additional needs. Whenever any child enrols with us, we like to hold a consultation between the parents/carers and the pre-school leader.

During this consultation we aim to find out as much information as possible about the child’s needs in order to prepare the physical environment, look at the resources and begin to plan appropriately. We will seek advice, with the parent’s permission, from any agencies who are involved with the child.

The pre-school committee look at staffing and resources with regard to providing each child with the best possible learning environment. Any medical needs will be discussed with parents/carers before the child is admitted to enable us to put a Health Care Plan in place, if necessary.