Here at Anstey, our Fledglings mixed Nursery and Reception class is small (max. 20 children) and friendly - the perfect introduction to a lifelong love of learning.  Each child’s freedom, dignity and independence is of paramount importance. Our classroom environment is orderly, clean and inviting, with all activities displayed within reach of the children. At times children will work in small groups or with a teacher as well as work alone following their own interests

We follow the curriculum outlined in the "Statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage", enhanced by the use of a Montessori approach to education which shares the underlying principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Using Montessori resources, our classroom provides learning opportunities for mixed age groups of children, from the age of 3 to the age of 6. This vertical grouping is essential as it promotes socialisation. We ensure a balance of adult led activities and child initiated activities across the day.  Although much of the time is spent with children self-selecting tasks, the interaction between the adult and child is essential as the adult's response to children builds understanding and therefore guides new learning. Using children's interests as a starting point in our weekly planning, we provide them with stimulating, active play experiences in which they can explore and develop their learning to help them make sense of the world.  As pupils move through our school they will continue to benefit from a unique hybrid of the National Curriculum enhanced by a Montessori ethos and Montessori resources .


We use the Tapestry online journal programme to support our observation, assessment and tracking of our children. This programme also allows excellent interaction and communication with parents as parents have access to their child's learning journal at any time. Parents are also able to share children's experiences from home and outside of school. Parents who have used Tapestry have reported that they really enjoy being able to see what their child is up to and our staff really enjoy seeing the fun and learning that children get up to at home when parents add their own posts.


Each child in our Fledglings Class will have a key worker assigned to them.  The key worker's role is to help ensure that every child's care is tailored to meet their individual needs, to help the child become familiar with our setting, offer a settled relationship for the child and build a relationship with their parents. We feel that the formation of healthy relationships between adults and children is essential in enabling children's wellbeing both now and in their  future success.


Miss Madeleine Joel- Nursery and Reception Class Teacher 
Mrs Melanie Dorling -Montessori Teacher and school SENCo Assistant (3 days per week)
Mrs Erica Jocelyn -Level 3 Early Years Practitioner 
Miss Molly -  Early Years Apprentice
Mrs Kirsty Hammond-Level 3 Early Years Practitioner
Mrs Liz Gray - Level 4 Early Years Practitioner (cover for staff/SEN support as required)