The approach to teaching and learning within the Early Years setting at High Meadow Community School is strongly influenced by the key principles of the ‘Reggio Emilia’ approach to education. We recognise that children have rights and, as such, are valued, listened to and given time and space to express themselves. We see children as constructors of knowledge, who are encouraged to be ‘researchers’. Children are therefore provided with opportunities to actively participate, explore, and question things. We have a very strong emphasis on the social development of children as part of a community and their relationships to other children, their families and teachers. We recognise the importance of expressive arts and understand that children use many different ways to express their understanding, thoughts and creativity. These different ways of thinking, exploring and learning are expressed through drawing, sculpting, music, dance and movement, painting, drama and play. We recognise the importance of the environment, which we consider to be ‘the third teacher’. We also follow the principles set out in the document ‘Development Matters’ which states that significant learning is dependent on each child having opportunities to thrive and develop positive relationships within an enabling environment.
Continuous Provision is how we plan our learning environment. The purpose of continuous provision is “to continue the provision for learning in the absence of an adult”. Each and every part of our learning environment has been carefully planned to meet and challenge the development needs of our children.
Learning opportunities are carefully planned around the interests of the children so they can lead, take ownership and become immersed in their learning. We support the children to develop their skills progressively in exciting, fun and creative ways to achieve the highest standards possible. We also provide ‘hooks’ or ‘scenarios’ to support their ideas and to really engage the children in their new learning experiences.
See lots of photos of us learning by asking your child’s class teacher for your personal log in to Homeroom or follow us on Twitter @hmc_school and @Windridge_HMCS
Our learning throughout the year
Lockdown 2020
Since the start of Lockdown (March 2020), as a result of the Co-vid 19 pandemic, we have been educating our class through a variety of LIVE online lessons and educational links. All families have received a resource pack, a weekly timetable and access to our on-line learning platforms, Homeroom and Tapestry. Please contact Mrs Windridge on admin2569@welearn365.com if you are experiencing any difficulties accessing any of the online learning. Please, stay home, stay safe. For information on the learning that our nursery children have completed during school closure please see the Robins class page.
Curriculum Overviews
Our Staff
Mrs Michelle Windridge
Early Years leader, Assistant Headteacher, Class teacher
Miss Emma Vine
Early Years teaching assistant, Nursery Leader
Mrs Terry Brooker
Early Years teaching assistant
What we offer
The Wrens nursery at High Meadow is a school run provision and is led by our Early Years Leader Mrs Windridge. We cater for 3 and 4 years olds. We take a maximum of 24 children in any one session, enabling us to offer a high quality standard of individual care.
Children are assigned a key worker who oversees your child’s development whilst they are in nursery.
Whilst in nursery, your child will have the opportunity to learn and explore both through child-initiated activities and adult-led activities.
We have a safe and welcoming indoor and outdoor area where children can learn through play.
Opening times
The Nursery is open term time only. Opening times from September 2019:
Morning sessions 8.45am – 11.45pm
Afternoon sessions 12.15pm – 3.15pm
Monday to Friday
Afternoon session includes a half hour lunch 11.45am – 12.15am. Holiday and out of school hours can be covered by the Larks and Owls Club. A copy of the annual nursery diary dates is available on request. Telephone Mrs Harris on 01675 462312 for more details.
Our Fees
Please be advised that these fees may be subject to a slight annual increase. The following information is to aid parents in working out payment for sessions on a weekly basis. All 3 and 4 year old children can receive Nursery Grant Funding for up to 15 hours per week. Some children may be eligible for up to 30 hours funding. Sessions over the 15 hours and not covered by the 30 hour funding are charged as below:
Per session £14.00
Hot lunch £2.45
