Early Years

Welcome to the Early Years at Westward. I am pleased that you are thinking about registering, or have already registered your child with us.

Westward is a small happy family school. In Nursery and Kindergarten we aim to provide a welcoming, supportive, caring, happy, secure and stimulating environment where children are given equal opportunities to develop and learn, in a way and pace appropriate to them as individuals.

In March 2009, we were awarded the Surrey Early Years Quality Assurance Award, successfully completing our 3rd annual review in May 2012.
This award recognises that we have and strive to maintain high standards in care and education for the benefit of all our children.

 During their time spent in Nursery and Kindergarten your child will be following the Early Years Foundation Stage framework  (EYFS) achieving the Early Learning Goals by the end of the Kindergarten year.
The Early Learning Goals set high expectations in the seven areas of learning and at Westward we aim to meet the diverse needs of all children so that most will achieve and some, where appropriate will go beyond the goals by the end of the Foundation Stage.
 

The aims of the curriculum are to help develop the whole child and to place the foundation for a happy, confident, well-adjusted, independent and educated individual.
Your child will be encouraged to explore, question, reason and communicate – also to express his/her ideas and feelings through music, drama and imaginary play.
In Kindergarten your child will gradually enjoy more structured activities to extend his/her understanding in preparation for transition to the Lower School.
 

Our Early Years programme has been developed to offer your child positive learning experiences. Young children learn best through play and first hand experience, with this in mind structured and spontaneous play situations provide the opportunity for individual development in the seven areas of learning both indoors and outdoors.

The curriculum is broadly based with
complete integration of the seven areas of learning.

The prime areas
1. Communication and Language

2. Physical Development

3. Personal, Social and Emotional Development
 

The specific areas

4. Literacy

5. Mathematics

6. Understanding the World

7. Expressive Arts and Design
 

Our highly experienced and caring Nursery and Kindergarten staff look forward to working closely with you so that your child is happy and settled and gains the maximum benefit from all we have to offer. Liaison between parents and staff is encouraged at all times.

Emphasis is placed on learning through well-structured and purposeful play, developing not only future academic potential but also the equally important emotional and social skills of the child.
Our friendly and enthusiastic team is constantly updating their knowledge and experience of the Early Years and are committed to making sure every child reaches his or her full potential by setting work which is challenging, motivating and fun.

You and your child are most welcome to join us.

Mrs Stevenson
Head of Early Years