Introduction

The Early Years Unit (EYU) is a self-contained facility suitable for the early years. The aim is to create a relaxed family atmosphere in which children can feel secure, whilst also benefiting from being part of a larger school. The EYU is an integral part of Braeburn and benefits from all the school's facilities with specialist teaching in Music, PE and Swimming. The EYU is well equipped to a high standard with its own outdoor play areas and bathrooms. Children in the EYU have exclusive use of the garden - a large, fenced, attractive grass area, complete with a roofed sand pit, bikes, a small farm, climbing frames, play house, slide, monkey bars and quiet areas.

All the EYU staff are fully qualified teachers and offer a high level of individual attention which is further supported by experienced EYU assistants. Braeburn has a qualified nurse on site at all times. We also have access to Gertrude's children's hospital, a short journey from the school.

The EYU consists of Nursery and Reception. The Nursery caters for children aged from 3 years who will usually move to Reception if they are 4 years old at the beginning of the following school year. The structured curriculum has been carefully planned to give an excellent grounding in the basic skills of mathematics and language. Children are encouraged to learn through play, to explore and investigate.

Our beliefs

For children to have rich and stimulating experiences, the learning environment should be well planned and organized. Early Years experience should build on what children already know and do. All children should feel included, secure and valued. Parents and practitioners should work together in an atmosphere of mutual respect. (Adopted from the Foundation Stage Guidance, QCA)

Admissions

Once you have contacted the school, you will be invited to meet the Headteacher and be taken on a tour of the school. Once you have completed an application form you will be referred to the EYU coordinator, who will invite you and your child to visit the EYU to get to know each other and have a look around.

If you live overseas, then you will be offered a conditional place. Application forms for admission are available from the school secretary. The EYU coordinator will then invite your child to come alone (if possible) to school for a morning/afternoon session to play. After which, we will inform you of the starting date for your child. You will also be offered a home visit at this time.
If the classes are full, then your child's name will be put on a waiting list.

The Nursery

The Nursery offers morning sessions, and lunch is also offered. Your child then has the option of staying for the afternoon - they will have a short nap after lunch followed by hands-on activities.

Reception

There are two Receptions and the classes last all day. When the children join Reception, they are expected to wear school uniform and bring their PE/Swimming kit on the relevant days. Don't worry, we will help them to become competent when dressing and undressing independently!

Timings

Food

Children are asked to bring in a healthy snack and drink from home to eat at 10 am, before their morning play in the garden. Children staying for lunch can either have a hot school lunch or bring a packed lunch from home. We will encourage the children to use a knife and fork properly and show good manners.

Our Curriculum

The EYU has adopted the Foundation Stage curriculum from the UK.
"The foundation stage of education will make a positive contribution to children's early development and learning………The early years are critical in children's development.

Children develop rapidly during this time-physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially. The foundation stage is about developing key learning skills such as listening, speaking, concentration, persistence and learning to work together and cooperate with other children.

It is also about developing early communication, literacy and numeracy skills that will prepare young children for key stage 1 of the national curriculum."
Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage, QCA/Dfee 2000

How We Teach

The EYU have adopted a thematic approach to the curriculum. A theme is taught every half term, and covers the following six areas of learning:

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED)
• Communication, Language and Literacy (CLL)
• Mathematical Development (MD)
• Physical Development (PD)
  
• Knowledge and Understanding of the World (KUW)
• Creative Development (CD)

Typical Activities

Each classroom is organized into areas and activities are planned for each area. Each child will have the opportunity to work with adults, self-select, work independently, in pairs, in small groups and as a whole class.

Such activities could include:

• Addition and Subtraction using real objects
• Computer
  
• Construction
  
• Cooking
  
• Counting and number rhymes
  
• Cutting and Sticking
  
• Drawing and painting
  
• Dressing up
  
• Jigsaws
  
• Junk, dough and plasticine modelling
  
• Learning sounds and handwriting
  
• Parachute
  
• Printing and Collage
  
• Puppets and toys
  
• Reading books
  
• Role-playing in the home corner
  
• Sand and Water play
  
• Sharing stories, nursery rhymes, poems
  
• Singing and using percussion
  
• Small world play
  
• Threading and Weaving
  
• Typical activities include
  
• Visiting the library
  
• Writing Area
  
• Writing their names