Welcome to the Launchpad - Foundation 

The Launchpad is made up of Foundation Stage two and year one. We have designed the structure of the Launchpad to provide children with opportunities to lead their own learning and follow their individual curiosities balanced with structured teacher-led activities. We recognise that children’s development at this age is not linear but more like a web with many aspects to it. It is with this understanding of child development  in mind that we have a shared ethos across the two year groups. This helps the children as they move from Foundation to year one to experience a smooth transition. Although the structure of the environment and the philosophical ethos and understanding of child development now is unified across the Launchpad, the curriculum content and expectations differ. The foundation curriculum is based on the EYFS profile and in year one it is based on the KS1 curriculum and year one outcomes. Our vision for all children across the Launchpad  is aspirational and, as we move through the year, the children will be prepared for their transition into the next year group.

During their Reception year in foundation stage two, children work towards the Early Learning Goals: children are expected to meet most of these by the end of the year across the seven  areas of learning and development. These seven areas are split into Prime and Specific areas of learning. 

THE PRIME AREAS OF LEARNING ARE:

Communication and Language: Listening; Attention and Understanding; Speaking 

Personal Social and Emotional Development: Self-Regulation; Managing Self; Building relationships

Physical Development: Gross Motor Skills; Fine Motor Skills

THE SECIFIC AREAS OF LEARNING ARE:

Literacy: Comprehension; Word Reading; Writing

Mathematics: Number; Numerical Patterns

Understanding The World: Past and Present; People, Culture and Communities; The Natural World

The Natural World

Expressive Arts and Design: Creating with Materials; Being Imaginative

Children learn in a variety of ways. We always provide access to continuous provision which the children can access independently. Within the provision, children learn through playing, exploring, talking, questioning, reflecting and interacting with adults and each other. Adults work with children within the provision to model quality talk and move learning on based on the needs of the individual. 

Phonics and reading are taught through the Read Write Inc programme which is delivered in small focus groups and on an individual basis, if needed. 

Both maths and writing are taught as whole class input followed by small teacher or teacher assistant  focus groups.  Adults work closely with these small groups on carefully tailored activities within the provision to move their learning on, based on children's specific next steps. 

Throughout our continuous provision, both indoor and outdoor, purposeful opportunities are provided to encourage talk, reading, writing and mathematics.  This encourages children to apply their knowledge and skills in different ways and develop their independence. 

BOOKS

We keep a record of children’s development throughout their time in Foundation Stage in the form of two books; Maths and My Foundation Year Book. We include photos, leaves of success, milestones and observations of what children do and say. These are used to track individual's stages of development and are shared regularly with parents and carers. Each child will be a focus child for a week at least twice throughout the year to gain an in-depth insight into their development and progress and to consider next steps for success.

LEAVES OF SUCCESS

Parents and other family members are invited to contribute to children’s learning journey in the form of Leaves of Success. Information about children’s achievements, interests and ‘wow’ moments that occur outside school are passed on to staff and are used to build a more rounded picture of children’s development and opportunity to celebrate their successes. These are celebrated in Launchpad assemblies.

FOREST SCHOOL

During the summer term, the children have the fantastic opportunity to take part in a weekly Forest School session. 

What is Forest School?

Forest School is a fun, exciting way to learn in an outdoor setting such as woodlands.  It is proven to improve children’s confidence, self-esteem, and communication skills as well as them having lots of fun!  They also develop skills in team work, using tools safely and learning about looking after our natural environment. During the session, the children will take part in a range of activities including den-building, wood craft, playing games and cooking on a campfire! 

Where will the Forest School activities happen?

We will be based in our Enchanted Garden area which is at the front of school next to the car park. 

What will my child need?

Forest School will happen in all weathers (unless it is VERY windy or icy). School will provide wellies, waterproof trousers and jackets, however, please make sure your child has plenty of warm clothes including a jumper, gloves and a hat (sunhat in sunny weather). Lots of layers are more effective than a single thicker layer in terms of protecting from the cold.  Please make sure your child is suitably dressed to ensure they can fully enjoy the experience.