Working with parents within EYFS

At Wetherby, we recognise the importance of informing, supporting and communicating with parents. Easing transition from nursery to school is a key goal and is put into practice through welcome evenings and day sessions for parents and children, in addition to welcome questionnaires and the issuing of practical information about the school. Prior to and post-entry to Wetherby, parents are made welcome on a daily basis and staff are available to discuss any issues or concerns. Curriculum meetings and parents evenings also provide an opportunity to keep parents informed and involved in their child’s learning. We recognise and encourage parents’ roles as co-educators, promoting regular face-to-face discussion and correspondence via boys’ individual Reading Records. Access to children’s "Learning Journeys" and the issuing of bi-annual reports enable parents to share in their children’s achievements and to identify areas where support may be necessary. As teachers, we share with parents a common goal of maximising every aspect of their children’s learning experience, and in achieving this we recognise the importance of establishing a trusting and honest partnership with parents from the outset.

The boys’ emotional and social wellbeing plays a vital part in their development as a learner. They are supported in a nurturing environment whilst learning to take risks and become increasingly self-sufficient in their learning. Through well-planned activities, children learn to work and play effectively as part of a group as well as independently. Individual reward systems are in place from the outset of the Reception year, such as "star charts", work being displayed on the achievement board, termly prizes and Head Teachers awards; the boys gain confidence and take pride in their achievements. Through classroom and outside activities we aim to promote positive interactions with adults and peers, encouraging strong social skills and self-assurance.

Central to the Early Years Foundation stage programme is the belief that children learn through experience. At Wetherby, it is our aim that they learn in a range of environments and in multi-sensory contexts. Pupils can explore and gain understanding through play and hands-on experience. A range of adult and child-led activities provide the opportunity to observe and extend the boys’ development in each area of the Early Years Foundation stage profile.

Wetherby’s chief educational goal is that children should achieve their full potential as an individual. As such, we strive to promote an environment that is conducive to the support and enhancement of all areas of the child’s development; physical, emotional, social, linguistic, spiritual and cognitive. Furthermore, it is our aim that through their experiences at Wetherby, children become active, motivated and independent learners.

Delivery of the EYFS at Wetherby

At Wetherby, our aim is that children are exposed to a wealth of learning opportunities and experiences within a welcoming, positive and motivating learning environment. Our pupils enter a friendly, safe and communicative setting and learn in colourful, vibrant and stimulating classrooms and communal areas where achievements are displayed and where activities and resources are appropriate, varied and accessible.

Our comprehensive planning process allows us to specify clear learning objectives within the EYFS framework, encompassing and developing all areas of the children’s learning and development. Furthermore, through our planning and evaluation processes, we promote the sharing of ideas, practises and outcomes in order to enrich the children’s individual experiences and opportunities at school.

At Wetherby, we regard the core EYFS principal of "learning through experience" as a true opportunity to promote individualised learning within a class context. This is achieved not only through our own close interaction with the children but also through a balance of well-planned child and adult-led activities which enable us to observe and respond to the needs, interests and achievements of our pupils. As such, the concept of a "unique child" is, at Wetherby, intrinsically linked with the positive and nurturing relationships that staff aim to develop with the children. In this regard, we aim promote an open, informative and supportive relationship with parents, starting from a parent’s first contact with the school. Through both written contact, such as welcome questionnaires, practical information, reading records and formal reports and face-to-face contact on a daily basis as well as introductory, curriculum and parent’s evenings, we recognise and encourage parents’ roles as co-educators.

Consequently, the delivery of the Early Years Foundation Stage programme encompasses every aspect of planning, delivery, observation and evaluation, ensuring that every boy achieves his full potential and enjoys a rich and rewarding experience in his Reception year at Wetherby.

Click here for a link to the Wetherby EYFS Guide for Parents