Foundation
Our Foundation Department comprises of seven classes: Nursery, FNV, FLB, FLW, FDM. FKJ and FCD.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
This year our Nursery comprises of 1 class- a morning session. Children attend their session in Nursery from 9.00am to 11.30am. Our focus in Nursery is to provide a positive, engaging and relaxed introduction to school life for both our pupils and their families. We develop our communication skills, early mathematical concepts and explore the world around us through play based activities, both inside and outside the classroom.
In the Foundation Department, we foster a playful and positive environment, in which learning is fun for our pupils. The pupils well-being is at the core, enabling us to set the foundation stones in place to give them the best opportunity to thrive throughout their school career.
In the Foundation stage we provide opportunities for pupils to explore the curriculum which is adapted to meet their individual needs and at a pace which best suits them. We engage in all aspects of the curriculum by creating a playful learning environment both indoors and outdoors to promote focus, attention and purposeful communication. The pupils continue to develop these skills as they move from Foundation into Key Stage 1 at the end of their P2 year.
IN FOUNDATION DEPARTMENT:
We believe our department is a playful and positive environment in which learning is fun for our pupils and the pupils’ well-being is at the core of our department enabling us to set the foundation stones so our pupils will have the best opportunity to thrive throughout their school career.
This is how we teach and learn:
In the foundation department we:
- Provide opportunities for pupils to explore the curriculum as adapted to meet their individual needs and at a pace which best suits them.
- Engage in all aspects of the curriculum by creating a playful learning environment both indoors and outdoors to promote focus, attention and purposeful communication.
- Engage our pupils using a range of programmes as appropriate including Attention Autism, TacPac, Body Awareness, Primary movement and Yoga.
- Establish a supportive working relationship with the pupils’ families providing initial home visits and the getting ready to learn programme in Nursery. We use a variety of communication tools to build upon these relationships throughout the department as the pupils’ progress.
- Develop positive relationships and so are able to have realistic expectations and celebrate every achievement.
- Create a safe, caring and nurturing environment to promote age appropriate independence including personal hygiene routines and toileting programmes.
- Recognise the need for a multi-disciplinary approach to education, working closely with healthcare professionals.
As a result, we have pupils who:
- Are curious and enjoy exploring learning opportunities.
- Make progress and are becoming more independent as learners.
- Can follow structures and routines.
- Are beginning to learn strategies and tools to regulate their behaviour and manage their emotions.
- Have improved their positive communication and developing their social skills.
This rationale has been devised in conjunction with all department staff, parents and, where appropriate pupils.