The Orchard Pre-school “Learning through play” “Learning through play” As a member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance we believe in the concept of “learning through play”, whereby each child learns through high quality play that’s tailored to them. The aim is for children to develop at their own pace, have fun, make friends and become confident and secure; and, when the time comes, better prepared for school. Not pushed, not pressured. But ready to reach their potential. Click here to read more about the “learning through play” concept. Our Curriculum The Orchard’s curriculum is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage areas of learning and development: • Communication, Language and Literacy • Knowledge and Understanding of the World • Physical Development • Creative Development • Personal, Social and Emotional Development • Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy Each term a detailed plan is drawn up and made available to parents which sets out the learning outcomes for children in every age group. Our staff then tailor these activites for each individual child in their care, making sure that their particular needs and capabilities are provided for. Our aim is to prepare children for primary school (our pupils go on to both private and state education in Oxford and the surrounding area). Many of these schools continue to follow the “Early Years” curriculum which we use at the Orchard. Accordingly we run special afternoon sessions for 3+ year olds, and another for 4 and 5 year olds to aid their transition to school. During these sessions the children work in smaller more focussed groups, giving them the opportunity to increase their concentration levels and improve particular skills, such as pen control and knowledge of numbers, letters and shapes, etc. Individual attention for each child We operate a key worker system whereby each child is allocated a specific member of staff who will take a special interest in the individual needs of that child while they are at the Orchard. The key workers are responsbile for maintaining a file containing examples of each child’s work and records of their observations, which parents can view to monitor their child’s progress. Activities on offer Some of the many activities we offer include: story time with discussion, singing and nursery rhymes, role-play, craftwork, cooking, sand and water play, construction, outdoor play and, on occasions, well-supervised country walks. We operate a library scheme to encourage the enjoyment of books at home. Our computer facilities help children develop keyboard and mouse skills through the use of educational CD-ROMs. Parental involvement As a parent run organisation, we feel we are offering something special, in that parents have a real opportunity to be involved in their child’s education. The Orchard is managed by a Committee of parents and supporters, which new parents are very welcome to join. Feedback is encouraged and the school is very responsive. In addition, parents are invited to stay for one morning session each half term as a “Parent Helper”. Not only are the children very keen to show parents what they have been doing, it offers you an invaluable chance to see your child in their daily surroundings and to witness first hand how your child is getting on at school and how the school is run. Parents are also welcome to make an appointment with their child’s key worker at any time to discuss their progress. Click here to read some of our Parent Testimonials Special needs and disabled access The Orchard caters for people with disabilities: there is disabled access to the building by means of ramps, and facilities for the disabled within the building e.g. a disabled toilet. Our Supervisor Rose Walker is the school’s SenCo and is trained in the identification and assessment of special educational needs in order to provide appropriate learning opportunities for all children. Links with Little Milton Primary School The Orchard has close links with Little Milton Primary School. Staff from the Primary School aim to make the transition from pre-school to main School as smooth as possible and make regular visits to the Orchard. Children from both schools join each other for special events each year, such as Harvest Festival and the Orchard’s nativity play. Links with the Maple Tree Children’s Centre Children’s Centres are one-stop shops for all young children with their mums, dads, childminders and other carers. They are a place to play and have fun with your children, to get information, advice, support and good company. The Maple Tree Children’s Centre is funded by Oxfordshire County Council and maintains links with the Orchard in order to help support families with young children up to the age of 5. Orchard Learning Ofsted Report 2010 - Good       Registered Charity Number - 1028227 Ofsted Report 2010 Staff