At the Ursuline Preparatory School we believe that the quality of education in children’s early years is fundamental to their future social and academic progress. The teaching in Pre Reception, Reception and Kindergarten is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Seven areas of learning within the Early Years Foundation Stage cover the main areas of the young children’s development. These are: Prime Areas Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED) Communication and Language (CL) Physical Development (PD) Specific Areas: Literacy (L) Mathematics (M) Understanding of the World (UW) Expressive Arts and Design (EAD) During these foundation years we aim to introduce the areas of learning through stimulating and challenging experiences. In the Pre Prep we base the learning and play activities on the children’s existing skills and interests. We carefully structure the work to help the children develop their individual skills and build new relationships. Within each learning area there are Early Learning Goals (ELGs). Many children will be working towards these by the end of Kindergarten; some children may have exceeded the goals and will be working beyond them, towards the National Curriculum (NC) levels of attainment. We recognise that not all children develop at the same speed or in the same way, but by observing children we are able to continually assess their progress and attainment ensuring personalised learning for each child. We maintain a “Learning Journey” of each child’s development throughout the Pre Prep department at the Ursuline and we share the contents with you throughout the year. Key Person In the Pre Prep department, each of the class teachers are responsible for helping the children in the class to feel safe and cared for. This role also known as “key person”. It allows the children to feel settled and happy and this in turn means that they will become more confident to explore and as a result become more confident learners.

Collaborative Learning 2019

As part of their learning journeys pupils in Upper One and Kindergarten have been learning together.  Upper Two and Kindergarten have also been reading buddies, enjoying sharing books together.

Visit the Gallery to see more photographs, learning together.

Pre Reception celebrate Diwali 2018

Mr and Mrs Chopra came into class to tell us how they celebrated Diwali. Their son was delighted to share with his friends what he did with his family, a lovely meal, praying together with fireworks as the highlight.

Kindergarten are Doctors and Opticians 2018

The children of Kindergarten were very fortunate to have two visitors to teach them about their professions.  They learnt about the importance of looking after their bodies and their eyes. Please see them pictured below.



 

Kindergarten Visit Beeches Care Home 2018

Children from Kindergarten took their reading books and went to visit the residents of Beeches Care Home.  The children and elderly residents both found the experience rewarding as they read their book and told each other stories.  The expressions on the photographs below tell the story.

Upper Two and Kindergarten Reading Buddies 2018

Part of the ethos of the school is that the older students are taught to care for the younger children.  This reading initiative has provided beneficial skills and learning outcomes for both cohorts.

Marble in the Jar Party 2017

After a term of hard work earning marbles the children of Kindergarten were rewarded with a summer party.  An afternoon of pure fun and joy in the Secret Garden which they turned into a water park to celebrate filling the marble jar with marbles.

Fathers Day 2017

In recognition of this annual celebration the children of Kindergarten invited their Dad's to the Secret Garden.  Using the boats that they had built at home they tested their sailing abilities!  The children gave their special guests  a drink and snack as well as a card they had created.  Children and parents thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon.

Pantomime Time 2016

As part of the Christmas festivities the Pre-prep department experienced a special workshop run by Don Rae and his team.  During the morning session they took park in a workshop to develop their acting skills.  In the afternoon they performed their production of, 'Beauty and the Beast', with every child taking part.

Father's Day 2016

Kindergarten invited their Dad’s to the Secret Garden on 16^th June for a special afternoon in celebration of Father’s Day. The children had built a boat at home with Dad and they had lots of fun playing with the boats in the water trays. The children gave their special guests a drink and a snack and a card for the big day. A great afternoon was had by all.

Reading Buddies 2016

At the Ursuline Prep we always encourage the children to care for each other and help each other in any way they can.  Kindergarten and Upper Two have recently been taking part in a new initiative to share their reading abilities.  These session are enjoyed by all the children, young and old.

Please visit the Gallery to view photographs.



Pre Prep Visit to Holy Cross RC Church

On the 28th January as part of the RE curriculum, the three Pre-Prep classes visited the Holy Cross RC Church and were shown around by Mr Fuhr. The children had prepared questions which he answered and we all said the Lord’s Prayer together. Everyone enjoyed learning about the parts of the church and Mr Fuhr thought all the children were a very well behaved congregation.

What to expect

Development Matters

MR Men COEL

For Guidance to your child's learning and development in the early years foundation stage, click on the link, 4Children_ParentsGuide_2015_WEB, issue by the Department for Education.

The EYFS is how the government and EYFS professionals describe the time in a child's life between birth and the age of five.  It is a framework setting standards for learning, development and care for children during this period.  Nurseries, pre-schools, reception classes and child-minders must follow the legal document entitled the 'EYFS Framework.'

Through the EYFS curriculum we provide both child and adult initiated learning and play activities in our indoor and outdoor environments.  Alongside this we also value our School's traditional structured learning opportunities.  In addition the children have specialist teaching for PE and music.  Kindergarten also start to learn French and have swimming lessons.

"The effectiveness of the EYFS is excellent enabling children to make outstanding progress."
Independent School Inspectorate 2010.

Please click on the link to see: Working at home with you child

External Links to useful websites:

www.ican.org.uk
www.talktoyourbaby.org.uk
www.bookstart.org.uk
www.earlyhomelearning.org.uk

 Brentwood Police Visit 2015

As part of Kindergarten’s topic “People who help us”, we had a visit from two of Brentwood Police Station’s PCSO’s, Kevin and Sarah. They told us all about how they keep us safe and how we can keep ourselves safe. We loved trying on their hats and hearing Kevin talking to the police station on his radio.

Fire Engine Visit

On the 19th November Kindergarten had a visit from the fire officers from Brentwood Fire Station. They came in their fire engine. They told us all about the equipment they carry and they told us how they help people. The most exciting part was that we were able to sit in the fire engine and pretend to drive it! When they left, they flashed the blue lights and let the siren go off!