Sunstones and Moonstones

Welcome to Foundation Stage 1 at Tinsley Meadows Primary Academy!

Our 2-year-old provision, for children aged 2-3 years old, is called Sunstones. Miss Gammons is the Curriculum Specialist in Sunstones.

The Teaching Assistants are Mrs Akram and Mrs Parker. Mrs Farzana (Learning Mentor) also spend some of her time with us in Sunstones.

Our nursery class, for children aged 3-4 years old, is called Moonstones. Mr Yates is the class teacher in Moonstones.

The Teaching Assistants are Mrs Irshad, Mrs Azad and Mrs Hameed (afternoons). Mrs Farzana (Learning Mentor) and Mrs Baz (Curriculum Specialist) also spend some of their time with us in Moonstones.

The Early Years curriculum at Tinsley Meadows

We follow the Statutory requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. We ensure that the experiences we provide for the children

in the Foundation Stage are shaped to ensure that they are given opportunities to make progress within the seven areas of learning and development as they make steady progress towards achieving the Early Learning Goals (ELGs) at the end of the Reception year at school.

How do we learn in FS1?

We believe our children learn best through play and when they are following their own interests. In FS1 we provide a balance of adult-led and child-initiated provision to ensure that children can lead their own learning whilst being sensitively supported by adults to extend their thinking and understanding. Our Early Years Foundation Stage policy, information about our core values for children’s learning and the unique role of the adult in Foundation Stage at Tinsley Meadows are available on this page.

What do we learn in FS1?

We follow a two-yearly cycle of themes in FS1. These themes have been carefully chosen to ensure that our children are provided with exciting and stimulating learning opportunities across all 7 areas of learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. These are fun and interactive and enable the children to display the characteristics of effective early learning. We aim to incorporate the children’s current interests and fascinations into each theme to make their learning even more enjoyable and exciting and relevant to them.

The themes we have planned to focus on are:

All About Us – We will think about ourselves, our families and friends and what makes us unique. We will also be learning about our senses and how we use them to explore the environment. We will be talking about what we like and dislike and will be considering our emotions and feelings.

Celebrations – We will look at different festivals and celebrations. We will learn about what happens during Diwali, Bonfire Night and Christmas and think about

the different ways in which we all celebrate. We will also look at the seasons and take part in our seasonal singalong.

Healthy Me – We will talk about healthy eating and looking after our bodies. We will have lots of opportunities to consider healthy and unhealthy food and the effect that food has on our bodies.

MiniBeasts – We will talk about what mini beast we can find in the outdoors. We will watch caterpillars go through the stages of turning into butterflies and explore the very hungry caterpillar story.

Down on the Farm – We will be able to watch our eggs hatching and observe the baby chicks as they grow. We will also learn about the life cycle of various animals and talk about the farm.

Seaside – We will talk about the beach and seaside and explore water in different ways.

What should my child bring to nursery?

You may wish your child to bring some spare clothes (also nappies and wipes, if they require them) in a named bag or rucksack, which will be kept on their coat peg. They should bring a coat and wear sensible shoes. Children should come to nursery in clothes that may become messy as they explore inside and outdoors.

Please label all your child’s belongings with their full name.

You are encouraged to provide your child with a labelled water bottle, which they can access throughout the session.

Key Person

Every child is allocated a Key Person. Each Key Person has a special bond with each of their key children. They are responsible for supporting and observing each of their key children’s learning development and progress, during their time with us, and liaising with their family. We use the Development Map tool to record children’s learning, development and progress during their time with us and to maintain links with home.

When can families come into nursery?

· Every day:

Stay and Play with your child at the beginning of the session from 8.45-9.00 am and 12.30-12.45 pm.

· Every week:

Moonstones Rhyme Time – Tuesdays at 8.45 am and 12.30 pm

Moonstones Story Time – Thursdays at 8.45 am and 12.30 pm

Sunstones Sensory Stay and Play – Wednesdays at 8.45 am and 12.30 pm

Families are invited to attend our sessions each week to enjoy joining in singing songs and rhymes and listening to stories with their children.

We plan ‘parents in class’ sessions and workshops regularly.

Don’t forget – Parents/carers are always welcome in FS1. Your views and feedback are important to us. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your child’s learning and development or look at their individual Learning Journey, please speak to Mr Yates (Class Teacher) or your child’s key person to arrange a mutually convenient appointment.