Welcome to Witheridge Foundation Stage Unit

What is a Foundation Stage Unit? We are a Foundation Stage Unit! There are children from 2 to 5 years of age sharing a large purpose built, well resourced indoor and outdoor area. We play together, learn alongside each other and help one another. This has a positive impact on behaviour because the children quickly become part of a caring community when they join us. Even if they are an only child they get a feel of what it is like to be a big brother or sister to the younger children. Children develop a pride in the things that they are able to do independently, and they can see the younger children cannot yet achieve. (Of course this works both ways and encourages the younger children to become more independent with help from their older friends).

How do the children learn? Our caring and highly experienced team endeavour to build on children's strengths, interests and experiences by providing a stimulating and relevant curriculum following the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). We have quiet carpet times for direct teaching and smaller group learning and a wide range of activities supported by staff. Children will learn by playing and exploring, being active, and through creative and critical thinking which takes place both indoors and outside.Children are also encouraged to select activities on their own and with their friends.

Your child will have a learning journey. This is a folder that staff will use to store photographs and written records of children's interests and comments. You are able to see this at any time and we always share them at our parent meetings and "Drop Ins" every half-term. We encourage you to include information from home such as Wow moments when your child masters something new or photographs of special times for your child. The partnership between home and school is very important to us and it is our aim to work closely with parents and carers to ensure the best outcome for all the children in the Foundation Stage Unit.

Witheridge Foundation Stage Unit provides a high quality Early Year provision for children aged 2 to 5 years old situated at Witheridge CofE Academy.

We operate 10 sessions per week from 9am to 12 noon and 1pm to 3.30pm during School Term Time, with a lunch session also available from 12 - 1pm.  We have a breakfast club from 8am and after school club that runs until 5.30pm.

The best way to find out more about Witheridge FSU is to come and visit us. Please contact us if you have any questions, or to arrange an appointment. We look forward to meeting you!

For further details please contact the school office on 01884 860518.