Bryanston Nursery

On the forth day of the study tour Claire Berridge, a staff member at Bryanston Nursery, kindly guided our participants around the facility. In addition to exhibiting the activity rooms for children of all ages, Claire also demonstrated how the “planning in the moment” initiative works to the benefit of both teachers and students. Throughout the day Claire displayed the observational activities that is partaken within the nursery and the opportunities it provides for teachers to interact with children.

The participants had the opportunity to observe a teacher who was leading a group of 3-5-year old’s, they were making pizza. Prior, the teacher had taken the children out to buy and prepare the ingredients so that the children could become familiar with the procedure and protocols surrounding the handling and use of ingredients. Claire then proceeded with sharing various teaching aids and teaching activities partaken within the nursery.

Holland Park Pre-Prep School and Nursery

Phil Culling was the guide leading the study tour today. Phil began by introducing the different age groups within the nursery. He mentioned that in the class consisting of 3-5-year old’s, the teaching activities are divided into two groups; one consisting of 3-4-year old’s whilst the other group consists of 4-5-year old’s. Each group participates in respective activities that promotes cognitive thinking and the building of fundamental skills. Holland Park Pre-Prep School and Nursery also provides digital learning in combination with traditional teaching methods. This includes literacy and numeracy, in conjunction with more advanced courses for children of older ages. The institution provides this service as they believe that it better transitions their students for primary school. The nursery employs different timetables and weekly plans to adhere to a strict teaching schedule customarily implemented for their students.

Q&A

Q: Children are assessed on various areas of EYFS, so what will the final assessment report generally do?

A: In order to enable the teachers in the future primary school to understand the child’s personality, characteristics and abilities, the final assessment report will be given to the child’s future school, so that the teacher can teach students in accordance with their aptitude. However, this report will not be used as a standard for primary schools to choose children. Instead, after the child is determined to enter the school, this report will be given in order to understand the child as soon as possible, to strengthen and help children reach the goal of EYFS before entering primary school.