At Shortbrook, we believe every child is unique and aim to support their development into confident, 21st century citizens who are equipped with the vocabulary, knowledge, skills and independence to be successful in the later stages of their lives.

Our curriculum is driven by our school values;

• We are respectful and look after each other
• We take care of ourselves - mind and body
• We aim high and like a challenge
• We can work independently and as part of a team
• We are resilient and never stop trying

We offer free places for 2, 3 and 4-year olds within our nursery (F1) and then children move into our Foundation (Sheffield Council application is required)

Our nursery waiting list is open all year round and you can register your child from birth. Please click on the link below:

Form

Session Times

There is an expectation that children arrive at school on time, as late arrivals disrupt learning time. Late arrivals must use the front entrance to school via the office. Children are to be collected promptly at the end of each session.

Nursery is open from 8.30 am to 11:30 pm & 12:15pm-3:15pm Monday - Friday  - 15 hours per week. 

Reception class is open from 8.50 am to 2.50pm Monday to Friday.

Food and Snacks

We provide breakfast bagels and milk for all children. Fruit is also available at snack time.
Reception children can order a school meal or bring a packed lunch. Don’t worry if your child has food allergies or intolerances; just let us know and we can provide foods to meet their dietary needs.

Curriculum

We believe that every child deserves the best possible start in life where the development of the whole child is essential – so the physical, intellectual, emotional, social and cultural aspects of each child’s life are considered and respected. Children learn best through a balance of play-based activities, first hand experiences, as well as carefully planned adult led activities. They have the opportunity to think creatively, investigate and solve problems both individually and within a group. Our curriculum is experienced both inside the classroom and within our outdoor learning environment.

We follow the curriculum as outlined in the latest version of the EYFS statutory framework that applies from September 2021 and have chosen the revised ‘Development Matters’ to support our curriculum development. The EYFS framework includes 7 areas of learning and development that are equally important and inter-connected.
However, 3 areas known as the prime areas are seen as particularly important for igniting curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, and for building children’s capacity to learn, form relationships and thrive.

The prime areas are:

• Communication and language
• Physical development
• Personal, social and emotional development

The prime areas are strengthened and applied through 4 specific areas:

• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the world
• Expressive arts and design

Characteristics of effective teaching and learning embed our curriculum and are used to promote positive learning behaviours and a growth mindset with the children:

• Playing and exploring (engagement)
• Active learning (motivation)
• Creating and thinking critically

Safeguarding

Children learn best when they are healthy, safe and secure, when their individual needs are being met and when they have positive relationships with those caring for them. Our safeguarding welfare requirements follow Sheffield and school policies.

Positive relationships

An excellent partnership with parents and carers is promoted by our use of ClassDojo’s where WoW moments, new experiences and observations will be shared. You can also share your child’s experiences and achievements from home including achievements in other pursuits such as swimming, gymnastics and conquering milestones such as learning to ride a bike. Sharing this evidence of your own child’s journey and holistic development ensures that staff can support children in their next steps of development. The ParentMail app is also used to communicate with parents / carers.

Your class teacher is the assigned Key Person for each child in the class and will seek to engage and support parents / carers to guide their child’s learning at home, ensuring that learning and carer is tailored to the needs of each individual child.