Learning at Gilah


Opening Hours and Daily Routines

Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, 9.15 am to 12.15 pm,  with an option to stay for lunch club until 2:00 pm or 2:15 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Breakfast club runs everyday from 7.30 am until Gilah opening times. We offer afternoon sessions which run until 6.00 pm Mondays to Thursdays.

Gilah Nursery believes that care and education are equally important in the experience which we offer children. The routines and activities that make up the nursery’s sessions are provided in ways which

  • help each child feel that they are a valued member of the nursery

  • ensure the safety of each child

  • help children gain from the social experience of being part of a group

  • provide children with the opportunities to learn and help them to value learning.


The nursery organizes its sessions so that children can choose from – and work at a variety of activities and in doing so build up their ability to select and work through a task to its completion. The children are also helped and encouraged to take part in adult-led small and large group activities, which introduce them to new experiences and help them to gain new skills, as well as helping them to learn to work with others.

 

Classes

We have a high ratio of staff to children in the nursery. This helps us to:

  • Give time and attention to each child

  • Talk with the children about their interests and activities

  • Help children to experience and benefit from the activities which we provide

  • Allow the children to explore and be adventurous in safety.

Curriculum

Our Curriculum Statement

 Intent

Gilah’s curriculum is developed to encourage children to become independent, confident learners. 

We believe that all children deserve an education that encourages learning through play, using open ended resources which develop their critical thinking, use their imagination, and to approach opportunities with curiosity, energy, and enthusiasm.  We develop their confidence to gain the life skills required to transition into school.

We take inspiration from different approaches of paedology to implement a varied range of planning and opportunities that promote independent, confident, enthusiastic learners.

We use The Development Matters document to set out the expectations of development by the end of Foundation Stage (End of Reception).

We aim for the Rising 4’s to:

·         Be secure in leaving a parent or carer

·         Willing to “have a go”

·         Concentrate for an appropriate length of time

·         Showing perseverance

·         Enjoying their own achievements

·         Be confident to access a range of activities

·         Independently go to the toilet and wash hands

·         To follow basic directions from a teacher

·         Ask an adult for support

·         Interact with peers and negotiate their play

·         Sit for a short period of time during an adult led activity.

·         Listen to and enjoy stories

We aim to provide children, with a well-structured, safe, active learning environment both indoors and outdoors. This will enable them to develop the skills, attitudes and understanding that will form the basis of lifelong learning and encourage them to become useful, active members of a diverse and constantly changing society.

Implementation

At Gilah Nursery School we meet the welfare requirements laid down in the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage. We actively safeguard and promote the welfare of all our children. We recognise that children will learn most effectively when they are healthy, safe, and secure, when their individual needs are met and when they have positive relationships with the adults who care for them. We aim to provide a setting that encompasses a safe and stimulating environment where children are able to enjoy learning and grow in confidence that helps them to achieve their fullest potential. 

We meet the legal requirements for:

·         Safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare

·         Providing suitable adults with appropriate qualifications, training, skills, and knowledge

·         Maintaining records, policies, and procedures for the safe and efficient management of the setting and to meet the needs of the children

·         Planning and organisation to ensure that every child receives an enjoyable and challenging learning and developmental experience

tailored to meet their individual needs

Our style of teaching includes both planned activities which follow the Jewish year, alongside activities tailored to the interests of the children. We use the Jewish festivals to pinpoint the Jewish year alongside the four seasons. We take influence from many different theories of teaching including The Forest School approach, The Curiosity Approach, Nurture, and others that promote learning and support the individual children we have.

We have built the Outdoor Classroom which offers shelter and has resources to enjoy the benefits of being outside in all weathers. The Nurture Room supports the children who benefit from a small quiet environment offering a short time away from the classroom with sensory, SALT and social development focused attention.

Impact

Gilah children confidently transition into school with the skills required that can support them to enjoy lifelong learning. They do this with the support of our experienced qualified team that focuses on children’s individual needs to create a warm, caring, and nurturing environment. 

 

Dress Codes

The nursery has a uniform which we encourage parents to buy.  For a reasonable price your child will have clothes in which they feel free to explore and experiment with all kinds of materials including many very messy ones!  The uniform also gives them a sense of identity and helps to differentiate nursery days from home days.  If you would  like to purchase items of uniform please download form and return to your child’s keyworker. 

At the end of each term we invite parents to join us for an activity. As we use the Shul’s premises, please dress appropriately.

Facilities

Gilah has spacious facilities, including large classrooms and a modern outdoor playground. We provide play equipment, books and resources that are safe and plentiful, helping all areas children’s learning and development.

Additional Needs

Gilah is an inclusive nursery. We work in partnership with parents and external agencies to meet the needs of each individual child. Hertfordshire’s local offer provides information to parents and carers about the different services that are available within Hertfordshire.  https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/microsites/local-offer/the-hertfordshire-local-offer.aspx

Our specialised Nurture Room is a focused intervention providing resources and experiences to benefit children who may need a small space to express themselves across any area of development. 

We also have an LSA who works with children who may need 1-1 support or small group intervention.

Ofsted

Gilah was last inspected by Ofsted in July 2019. The quality of care and standards of education were described as “Outstanding” and Ofsted rated each area of the provision as “Outstanding” In addition, the report stated that “From the moment that children start at the setting, staff explore and understand their learning needs..” as well as “The quality of teaching is exceptionally strong. Staff take every opportunity to extend and challenge children's learning”.

For more information, please click on the Ofsted logo to read the report.