In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) there are 7 areas of learning. 

There are the 3 prime areas that support the development of curiosity and a love of learning:

Communication and Language

Personal, Social and Emotional development

Physical Development

The 3 prime areas are strengthened and applied in the 4 specific areas:

Literacy

Mathematics

Understanding the world

Expressive arts and design

Our teaching team in the EYFS ensure that every child has their individual needs met and develop ways for children to express themselves, working on discovering their preferred method of communication through building on their strengths and interests. Every child is different and their learning journey at Pond Meadow will reflect this. 

To create an exciting and engaging curriculum in the EYFS we work on curriculum cycles. Please see more curriculum information and see the curriculum maps below. 

Our cycles cover the different curriculum areas and provide a content overview for parents and carers. More detailed information about the curriculum is sent home each half-term for our families. 

Preparing for the next stage is a vital part of what we do in Springboard. We are constantly thinking about next steps and how we can best support the children and their families with this. Life skills are an area we focus on in Springboard. It is never too early to work on independence skills! This not only supports children for their next steps in education but starts children on their paths independence within their communities.

Strategies we use

• Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
• Aided Language Displays (ALDs)
• Communication books
• Attention Autism
• Intensive Interaction
• Sensory processing strategies
• Multi-sensory activities

Enrichment

Reception pupils access sensory circuits, outdoor climbing equipment and soft play as well as having access to on-site swimming, weekly off-site trips.

These experiences not only enhance student’s curriculum learning but also encourage them to develop their confidence, independence, curiosity and social interactions. 

An example medium term plan can be found here: Early Years Example MTP

The Springboard Early Years team consists of a qualified teacher, a lead teaching assistant and teaching assistants.

The class is supported by an allocated Speech and Language Therapist who works directly with the children and provides guidance to staff. The therapist also offers training for families and other professionals involved in supporting individual pupils.

Springboard is further supported by on-site nursing staff, who are available to advise on medical needs and support referrals where appropriate.

In addition, the class has access to the Occupational Therapy team, who provide universal support for all pupils, alongside targeted interventions for those with Occupational Therapy provision detailed within their EHCPs.

Communication with families is something we pride ourselves on in Springboard. We have excellent relationships with the families we work with and the feedback we receive is always positive. We communicate with families though:

• Home/School diary, we will write in this daily detailing what your child has achieved, plus any domestic messages. We love hearing about what you have been doing at home too.
• Shared Learning Journal: we use this to share photos each week of what your child has been doing. We also love to add photos from home too. Don’t worry if you don’t have a printer, we will print them for you.
• Pick-up/drop off
• Reviews: once the EHCP is finalised we will review the outcomes every 6 months while your child is in the Early Years.
• Phone calls: whenever required
• Training sessions/parent and carer workshops
• Termly class visits
• Autumn and Summer Term Parent/Carers and Professionals evenings
• Whatever you need!

“My son developed a lot during the period he was with Springboard. We are sure there are much more than what we saw in the journal book you wrote for us, and from many conversation with the teachers we feel that you really care about him as you notice even small/subtle things.”

-My Springboard Experience survey 

We aim to make the children’s start in Springboard go as smoothly as possible. The children offered a place are invited to attend Stay and Play sessions with their families in the Summer Term to meet the staff and see the nursery.

We will then provide you with resources to help prepare your child for their start with us in September. Springboard will also work incredibly closely with families, any previous settings, Portage, LEAP, Early Help etc. To ensure we are fully informed and prepared to support a ideal transition.

The start of the first term in Springboard will focus on commuication strategies, building trust with staff and establishing positive relationships. Once the right communication system is decied on for your child, trust is established and the children feel safe and respected their journey to making great progress begins!

“1-1 engagement and the materials provided prior to starting helped him understand he would be going to a new nursery. Activities he could engage in as we felt he was somewhat excluded in his old nursery.”

“Fantastic. Couldn’t get through the door quick enough.”

-My Springboard Experience survey July 2022

Places are allocated by Surrey Local Authority (LA), if you are interested in a place at Springboard please contact your child’s Case Officer at the LA.