Wetherby Kensington is exempt from the learning and development requirements of the EYFS. This allows us the freedom to exercise our own professional judgement in implementing the Reception curriculum with teaching and learning strategies that are best suited to the individual needs of boys at Wetherby. Our curriculum has been tailored to the individual needs and strengths of our children, taking the best of the EYFS curriculum and challenging children at all levels. Children at Wetherby Kensington will be provided with the experience that will support them in reaching developmental goals at the appropriate time.
At Wetherby Kensington, we regard the core EYFS principal of “learning through experience” as a true opportunity to promote individualised learning within a class context. This is achieved not only through our own close interaction with the children but also through a balance of well-planned child and adult-led activities which enable us to observe and respond to the needs, interests and achievements of our pupils. As such, the concept of a “unique child” is, at Wetherby Kensington, intrinsically linked with the positive and nurturing relationships that staff aim to develop with the children. In this regard, we aim to promote an open, informative and supportive relationship with parents, starting from a parent’s first contact with the school. Through both written contact, such as welcome questionnaires, Parent open mornings, practical information, reading records and formal reports and face-to-face contact on a daily basis as well as introductory, curriculum and parents’ evenings, we recognise and encourage parents’ roles as co-educators.
Wetherby Kensington meets all EYFS requirements for safeguarding and welfare. Children learn best when they are healthy, safe and secure, when their individual needs are met, and when they have positive relationships with the adults caring for them. Through meeting the safeguarding and welfare requirements at Wetherby Kensington we are able to create a purposeful and high quality environment which is welcoming, safe and stimulating, where boys are able to enjoy learning and grow in confidence.
Our comprehensive planning process allows us to specify clear learning objectives within the Reception year group, encompassing and developing all areas of the boys’ learning and development. We are critical and responsive to our evaluations in order to ensure that our goals are challenging yet achievable. Furthermore, through our planning and evaluation processes, we continue to promote the sharing of ideas, practises and outcomes in order to enrich the boys’ individual experiences and opportunities at school.
We recognise and encourage parents’ roles as co-educators and promote an open, informative and supportive relationship with parents, starting from a parent’s first contact with the school. We ensure regular communication through written and verbal feedback. Information is also relayed through an introductory social evening, a curriculum presentation, open mornings and parents’ evenings.
Consequently, the Gold Standard for the delivery of the Reception / EYFS programme encompasses every aspect of planning, delivery, observation and evaluation, ensuring that every boy achieves his full potential and enjoys a rich and rewarding experience in his Reception / EYFS year at Wetherby.
