Welcome to the Lower Unit
See our Lower Unit information leaflet here Lower Unit information
Visit our curriculum area here!
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Lower Unit is a mixed age class containing children in the Foundation Stage (Reception year) and Year 1.
Our Lower Unit Class is led my Miss Breakell, supported by her Teaching Assistant Mrs Michelle, They create a supportive, safe and nurturing environment for our youngest children, where they can become independent, resilient and creative learners.
We recognise that all children are unique and will have had a wide range of experiences before attending our schools. We have therefore designed a flexible curriculum that is progressive and builds on where each child is. Our children gain the knowledge, skills and understanding they will need to become active citizens of society and happy, curious life-long learners. We ensure that learning is accessible for all, and that children’s individual progress is valued.
We work to meet the requirements of the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage Framework for our Reception children and the National Curriculum for our Year 1 children, as well as developing further skills and knowledge we feel are relevant to our pupils.
Our enabling environment and skilful adult interactions support our children as they begin to link learning to their play and exploration. Children learn to reflect on their own goals and develop a love of reading, writing and number. We make meaningful cross-curriculum links, follow the children’s interests and provide enhancement opportunities to engage each child and help them develop a love of learning.
We promote a language-rich curriculum, as we know this is essential to the successful acquisition of skills and knowledge across the curriculum. All our children will receive the teaching of early reading through systematic, synthetic phonics. This builds the reading skills needed for a love of reading and to make best possible academic progress as they learn and grow.
We work hard to create a stimulating indoor and outdoor environment which supports learning and where children can explore risks safely and challenge their own learning. This includes weekly sessions in our lovely Woodland Work sessions where the children explore, climb, den build, plant and grow, make fires, cook and much, much more!
We work collaboratively with parents and carers to encourage independent, enthusiastic learners who thrive and reach their full potential. Community involvement is also an essential part of the curriculum. Throughout their time in the Lower Unit, the children develop a sense of belonging to our school and church communities.
We will work to support individual need, to ensure each pupil is supported to do their very best, working alongside parents and with outside agencies, where necessary, for all groups of students.