Welcome to the Foundation Stage at Downs Barn School.The Foundation Stage comprises Foundation 1 (Nursery) and Foundation 2 (Reception).
At Downs Barn both year groups, with children ranging from three to five years, share the same learning environment and work as a Foundation Stage unit.
We have a large, open plan area inside where the children can work individually, in small groups or as a whole class. The children have continuous access to a spacious garden area where the activities reflect those which are planned for indoors.
At Downs Barn the practitioners value early childhood. We believe that young children learn best through first-hand experience, through play and being able to follow their interests. Carefully planned play opportunities support young children to develop socially, morally, intellectually, creatively and physically.
Foundation 1 (Nursery)
The children can start Foundation 1 in the term after their 3rd birthday. We have a structured induction procedure which allows the children to settle in with confidence. We have one part-time teacher for the morning session, one for the afternoon session, two full-time Nursery Nurses and a number of students, who work with the children. The children
Foundation 2 (Reception)
There is one full-time teacher for Foundation 2, one full-time Nursery Nurse and one part-time teaching assistant. The students also work with the Foundation 2 children.
The children in Foundation 2 follow the same play-based curriculum as Foundation 1. The children, however, are expected to work much more independently, have increased control over tools, materials and equipment and have improved skills at questioning and decision-making.
Foundation 2 also have guided reading sessions, learn to hear and write, letter sounds and have more structured physical education lessons.
