Teaching and learning

Is there a balance between direct teaching and learning through play?

In Nursery, we ensure that there is a balance between adult-led and child-initiated activities across the day. We believe that even during child-initiated activities, adults’ interaction with the children is essential as this helps to support the children’s understanding and so guides new learning. The role of the adult is to continually model, demonstrate and question what the children are doing, either through participation in the children’s games or encouraging the children to participate or complete a task with the adult.

What direct teaching will my child receive in Nursery?

Children have a literacy or maths lessons every day for 10 minutes on the carpet. We teach maths through practical activities and in small groups and literacy is all based around a chosen, engaging weekly text. Children begin to learn phase 1 phonics through guided activities which develop listening and attention skills and the ability to play with rhymes and alliterations. In the summer term, we begin to teach Read Write Inc, a systematic phonics programme.

What kind of activities will be on offer for my child at Nursery?

Children are offered a variety of different activities throughout the day, both indoor and outdoor as part of our Continuous Provision (CP). These may include imaginative play, activities to help with numeracy and literacy, construction and problem-solving, story time, dance and movement and rest and relaxation. We plan our CP carefully to link with the weekly text and take into account the seasons, any celebrations and times of the year. There is plenty of opportunity for free play to allow children to be inventive and use their imaginations. We also provide Forest School sessions as part of outdoor learning. 

What is the academy’s behaviour management policy?

Harris Academy Chobham promotes a high standard of behaviour to ensure we have an atmosphere where outstanding learning can take place. In Nursery, we promote positive praise and teach positive interactions. You can find a link to the academy’s behaviour management policy here: Behaviour for Learning Policy - All through .pdf