Foundation Stage
"The provision for children in the Foundation Stage is very good and a strength of the school"-
(Independent Schools Inspectorate report, 2002).
Newton’s two nursery classes and four reception classes create the ideal environment for children to take their first steps in their school career.
The Curriculum
Both the Nursery and Reception Curriculum is based upon the national guidelines for the Early years Foundation Stage. There are six areas of learning.
• Communication, Language and Literacy
• Problem solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
• Knowledge and Understanding of the World
• Creative Development
• Physical Development
• Personal, Social and Emotional development
Therefore, alongside learning the basics of literacy and numeracy, the children develop skills and interests across a broad spectrum of enriching and exciting experiences. Most importantly, children begin their social journey – an adventure which involves learning and playing in a group environment with caring and professional practitioners.
Throughout the Early years Foundation Stage, children are engaged in whole class, small group and individual activities which are tailored to their learning needs. Over the course of the two years, children will begin to learn to read using a phonics programme which has been carefully developed in order to ensure success for both the most able readers, and those children who find reading more of a challenge.
Early years and Foundation Stage children have an exceptional start at Newton because of the unique advantage of being part of such a large institution. This means that children are taught by subject specialists in specialist suites for art, music and physical education. Newton’s impressive facilities enable excellent differentiation for our youngest children to explore their artistic, musical, and physical talents. Children are also able to receive private music tuition on site. So, while Newton is a large, vibrant campus, students are nurtured in the warm and happy atmosphere of the Early Years department and are able to explore their burgeoning talents on a well equipped site.
