Early Learning October 2020

NEWBURY NEWS ADV RTISEMENT FETAURE

Thursday, October 15, 2020 33

Newbury Weekly News

St Joseph ’s Catholic Primayr School

We follow the diamond rules at St Joseph’s and work hard on copying the example of Jesus, using good manners, caring for our friends and resources and following instructions carefully. The children love to receive stickers for following these rules. Despite current restrictions, practitioners continue to develop warm relationships with parents and carers, communicating with them daily via an online learning journal and email. The classroom environment has maintained its inviting feel, while practitioners take responsibility for ensuring regular hand washing and cleaning, among other precautions. One parent commented: “My son got attached to all the staff, which remarks a caring and child-friendly attitude. I can’t thank staff enough.” In addition to the Early Years curriculum, the children are encouraged to develop skills of resilience, team work, concentration and problem-solving, which sets them up for success throughout their school careers. Practitioners sensitively encourage children to be as independent as possible, in collaboration with parents, assisting with a smooth transition into Reception year.

AT St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School the nursery class children have been very busy settling in and getting to know one another. ‘My friends, these are my friends!’ says one new child enthusiastically. The current cohort is keen on playing in the nursery garden, climbing and developing their gross motor skills; consequently, most of our activities are taking place outdoors. Caring, passionate practitioners welcome and settle each child daily, according to their individual needs. The children have access to both classrooms and the large exclusive garden during free flow for long periods each day. A wide variety of resources and areas are available, reflecting all aspects of the Early Years Curriculum. These include a free choice art area, music area and role play zone and provide a variety of opportunities to develop vital pro-social, communication and physical skills. Our knowledgeable practitioners, including a class teacher, use a combination of the children’s interests and planned activities to teach the children new skills in interesting, relevant and practical contexts. Each child is extended according to their individual development and next steps.

Dingle’ys Promise

child after accessing their services.

using Zoom to provide support sessions that cover topics from potty training to sensory issues,

DINGLEY’S Promise is passionate about ensuring every child receives the best start in life. From the centre in Shaw, West children under five years with special educational needs and disabilities, and their families. Offering term time Learn Through Play sessions, holiday playschemes and remote support for children with a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities, Dingley’s Promise helps children learn and grow to reach their full potential. Last year they supported more than 64 children with varying needs. Ninety seven per cent of families said that they felt more confident in supporting their Berkshire, they deliver life-changing support to

Communication with families on their child’s progress is rated as excellent and as a result, 94 per cent of families felt less isolated and 92 per cent felt more positive about their child’s future. One parent said: “I truly feel as a family we would have felt lost and scared without the support and knowledge from Dingley’s Promise. The care and support and love our daughter has received truly has been incredible.” Dingley’s Promise also offers outreach support to any local family with a child aged 0-5 with SEND. Their Family Support Service currently operates remotely,

and drop in sessions for parents/carers to receive

tailored advice and support. They also share educational resources directly with families, and on social media, and encourage parents to join the online community group. If you would like to access the Family Support Service, contact Paula Chambers on 07495 446053 or email paula.chambers@ dingley.org.uk You can contact the West Berk- shire Centre on (01635) 552458. For general enquiries: email admin@dingley.org.uk. They are a friendly bunch and happy to answer any questions you may have.

Activities include baking, sewing, music, dance and gardening. Group times are kept short and interesting and the focus is on developing early phonics and mathematics skills as well as weekly RE and literacy. The aim is to ensure that children not only succeed academically, but also grow spiritually and morally, developing into fully rounded individuals.

ST JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL, NEWPORT ROAD, NEWBURY