Early Years

The aim within the EYFS Reception class at Ivy House School is to provide a firm foundation on which all aspects of education are built. We aim to provide a curriculum that is broad and balanced in content and wide-ranging in approach, helping to ensure future progress and success. We believe that we should create a learning environment that is motivating, exciting and caring, in order to contribute to the children’s positive self-esteem and love of learning.

Main Aims

• To facilitate the development of our children’s skills, knowledge and attitudes in the seven areas of development, according to their learning needs and levels of understanding.
• To develop foundation skills with a view of helping the children grow into independent and successful young learners.
• To promote good health, emotional wellbeing and mutual respect for others.
• To provide a happy, safe, nurturing and stimulating learning environment in which the above can flourish.
• To work closely with parents as partners in their children’s development and learning.

The Learning Environment

At Ivy House School, each area of learning is reflected in the classroom environment and resources are organised accordingly. The EYFS learning environment inside and outside is organised to promote independent learning and the girls are responsible for their own learning environment. Through being able to choose their own resources, the girls are encouraged to be aware of and take control of their own learning.

We maintain a high standard of display in the EYFS Reception classroom, which reflects current learning and takes into consideration the interests of the children. Children’s work is presented and displayed with care to show the children that their contributions are valued and important.

The Outdoors

Children freely have access to the EYFS outdoor area throughout the day, and are taken regularly to Golders Hill Park. Our outside area promotes and is a great backdrop for our Learning in Nature programme. This includes areas for digging and discovery, areas for growing and even a minibeast hotel! Reception children have the opportunity to plant and grow vegetables in the garden as part of our gardening club.