How We Support Learning

Keyworking

Experienced members of staff have particular responsibility for just a few children through our keyworking system. These means that each child in the group has one special adult to relate to, which can make settling into the group very much easier. In addition, the keyworker is in a position to tailor the group's curriculum to the unique needs of each individual child. The keyworker maintains links with the child's home setting, working through shared record-keeping to ensure that all children are supported in reaching their full potential. Parents are given a report on their child's development each term as part of this system and are invited to add their own comments. These reports are usually forwarded to the child's new school when he/she leaves Rising Fives, unless parents request otherwise.

Links with Whitchurch Primary School

Preparing children for school is an important element of our work and we are keen to ensure that the transition from pre-school to primary school is as smooth as possible.

Since most of our children will attend Whitchurch Church of England Primary School, we work closely with its reception year teachers to ensure our teaching practices are consistent.

The school invites future pupils to attend weekly story-time visits and an annual teddy bears' picnic, so they become familiar with the surroundings. A member of Rising Fives' staff attends the event to support the children and help the teachers.

Trips out

Throughout the term, we take children on visits to places of interest in Whitchurch during sessions, such as the library and fire station. We also usually arrange a day trip out for parents and children at the beginning of the summer.