In the pre-school rooms our children are encouraged to become independent, ready for a smooth transition to school. We follow the EYFS based on observations which inform our assessments of each child. The Key worker system is essential in order to build good relationships in loco parentis.
We have rich resources both inside and outside which promote exploration, experimentation, designing and discovery. Social interaction is key to forming friendships and behaviours which will help to build new relationships in the future.
Our ethos embraces all aspects of gender, culture and racial origin. In Monkton we celebrate difference.
Mark making is provided in all areas, and we believe that children are motivated by real reasons to read and write. Books are available everywhere, and stories are widely read and enjoyed by our children, as are rhymes and phonic games. We want our children to enjoy and have a real appetite for learning.
Jane leads the daily activities upstairs, and ensures that there is always room for cuddles and affection together with 'work'. A qualified Art Teacher, Jane is an authority on the requirements of pre-school education for Ofsted. She develops imaginative plans to promote the Learning Goals for this group, and contributes an extraordinary amount of her own time to supporting each theme. Jane joined us in 1991 after her daughter, Nina, attended Monkton.
Yvonne has been with Monkton since 1993 and has proved to be equally gifted with children of all ages. Yvonne holds the NVQ 3 Qualification.
Katie has recently joined Monkton as an Apprentice and she is currently studying for her NVQ Level 3 in Childcare. She has already shown that she has huge potential as she is a natural with the children. She has ambitions to one day open her own nursery so we are keeping an eye on our future competition!
Margaret is our longest serving member of staff, and we are proud to say that she first joined us in 1985, at the age of seventeen. She gained the NVQ 3 qualification whilst working here, and holds the post of Nursery Deputy. Margaret has a wealth of experience in Education and Special Needs as well as Behaviour Management issues and has spent time working with all age groups. She has a warm, happy and supportive disposition in her relationships with parents, colleagues and children alike. Margaret is our joint designated Safeguarding Officer.
Debby also holds the NVQ 3 qualification, and has worked at Monkton since 1995, having spent time with each age group as her own daughter made her way through the different rooms.
Debbie joined our staff originally to cover a Maternity Leave in 2012, and liked us so much that she didn't want to leave! She is a mother and grandmother, with many years experience in childcare, and holds the NVQ qualification.
Helen is also new to Monkton as an Apprentice and she is currently studying for her NVQ Level 3 Childcare. She is calm, kind and patient and is settling in well. She has also taken a role as one to one support.