5 - 6 year olds in Kindergarten

Children over 5 are of statutory school age, and should be attending Kindergarten full time (five mornings per week). We recognise that they need a more a more ambitious curriculum with challenging experiences , including raised expectations from the adults in the setting and a programme of work appropriate to their age, (Key Stage 1 in other school settings). In a Steiner school ‘formal education’ begins in Class 1. While there will be some activities and projects specifically for the 5 & 6 year olds, what is of paramount importance are the staff’s higher expectations of the older children relating to collaborating and contributing to the Kindergarten community in a structured and reliable way.

Integrated Differentiated Curriculum
We have now collated all of this into curriculum documents for those children of statutory school age. This shows progression from the EYFS, differentiation, what we expect of the older children and what and how they will learn through the curriculum provided. These documents are available below.
Parents will be kept informed of their child’s developmental progress throughout their time in the kindergarten and will be asked to contribute to the observations and information about their child. (See policy on Observations and Assessment).
The curriculum for the 5 and 6 year olds in kindergarten is differentiated, with planned, structured activities designed to continue to support their development and to extend their learning and skills, taking into account their individual needs and interests (including those with SEND or  EFL). 
Early math and literacy skills are taught in the context of daily Kindergarten activities, like conversations amongst peers and between children and adults, setting the table, tidy time, ring time, puppet shows and stories. Playtime is an opportunity for teachers to stand back and observe individual children’s early math and literacy skills, so that planning can be done accordingly.
 
Please click here for a list of integrated activities for the oldest children in Kindergarten.

Transition to Class 1

​We hold a dedicated transition group afternoon once a week where children moving into Class 1 stretch and consolidate their practical and social skills, and form a distinctive group within the kindergarten. 
The transition from Kindergarten to Class one is held and assessed by the Early Years Manager, the Kindergarten teachers, the new Class one teacher and the SENDco where appropriate. The class one teacher and SENDco have opportunities to visit the Kindergartens, particularly the transition afternoons, and observe the children. Together with the ongoing observations and assessment of the Kindergarten teachers, an extensive picture of each individual child’s strengths and needs is formed.
The graduation to class 1 at the end of the summer term is marked by a special ceremony. The Class 1 children are led over a bridge by their Kindergarten teacher to be received by their Class 1 teacher.