INTRODUCTION
Starting school is an exciting journey for both children and their families. At Hoe Bridge School, we are delighted to share this important chapter with you. This handbook has been created to provide a clear and detailed overview of everything that takes place during your child's year in Nursery Acorns. From our rich and engaging curriculum to key milestones in both personal and academic development, celebrations of achievement, assemblies, special events and daily routines, this guide will help you understand what your child will experience, learn and enjoy throughout the year. Our aim is to support you in becoming fully involved in your child's learning journey and to help you feel confident and well informed every step of the way.
Acronyms Explained
• EYFS – Early Years Foundation Stage
• ELG – Early Learning Goal
• DSL – Designated Safeguarding Lead
• PSED – Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• C&L – Communication & Language
• SEND – Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
1. Staffing
Head Of Pre-Prep
Ms Amanda Willis is the Head of Pre-Prep and is responsible for the overall leadership and management of the Pre-Prep department, which includes Twigs (aged 2–3), Acorns (aged 3–4) and Nursery Acorns. She works closely with all staff to ensure that every child benefits from a nurturing, stimulating and supportive learning environment. Ms Willis reports to the Senior Leadership Team and plays a key role in shaping the vision and ethos of both Early Years and Key Stage 1.
Assistant Head Early Years
Mrs Kealey Taylor is the Assistant Head of Early Years and the EYFS Deputy Safeguarding Lead. She is responsible for the Early Years Foundation Stage, which includes Twigs, Acorns and Nursery Acorns classes, and leads the Early Years curriculum tailored to children aged 2 to 5. Mrs Taylor also oversees Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision for Early Years, working closely with Stef Davies, the school SENCo, to ensure that every child’s individual needs are met. She supports the pastoral care and wellbeing of the youngest children and works in partnership with Amanda Willis to maintain consistency and excellence across the department.
Assistant Head Key Stage 1
Mrs Kelly Daffue is the Assistant Head of Key Stage 1 and leads the academic and pastoral development of Year 1 and Year 2. She plays a key role in supporting a smooth and successful transition from Nursery Acorns into Key Stage 1. In addition to her responsibilities for Key Stage 1, Mrs Daffue also oversees academic care across the entire Pre-Prep. She works closely with class
teachers to monitor progress, uphold high standards of teaching and learning, and ensure that each child is appropriately challenged and supported.
Nursery Acorns Teaching Staff For 2025–2026
• Our Nursery Acorns setting is a warm, caring and enriching environment that can accommodate up to 48 children. Although all children share one large, well-equipped space, they are part of two key groups: Squirrels and Hedgehogs.
• Each key group is led by a qualified class teacher, supported by experienced Early Years specialist teaching assistants. We maintain a maximum staff-to-child ratio of 1:13 for qualified teachers and 1:8 for teaching assistants, in line with government guidelines. However, thanks to our strong team of additional staff, we are often able to work at significantly lower ratios, allowing for even more individualised care and support.
• Specialist Subject Teachers
Children benefit from weekly specialist sessions in Music, Musical Theatre, and Sport. These are led by passionate subject experts who nurture creativity, confidence and physical development from an early age.
• Additional Support and Enrichment
Throughout the year, a variety of visitors enrich the children’s experiences, parents, professionals, and guest speakers are regularly welcomed into the setting. These opportunities help to spark curiosity, expand learning, and introduce new skills and perspectives.
Key Person
The Key Person Approach in Nursery Acorns
• In Nursery Acorns, every child is assigned a Key Person a central figure in supporting their emotional well-being and development. Initially, the class teacher takes on this role during the child’s settling-in period. As staff begin to understand the children’s individual needs, interests and attachments during the first two weeks, each child is then thoughtfully allocated to a Key Person within the Nursery Acorns team.
• This approach allows us to create smaller, more intimate key groups, strengthening the sense of security and connection for each child. The Key Person is responsible for:
• Ensuring learning and care are tailored to the child’s individual needs
• Helping the child feel safe, confident and settled in the nursery environment
• Providing a consistent and nurturing relationship
• Working in close partnership with families to support learning and development at home
• Identifying and signposting any additional or specialist support where needed
Although each child has a designated Key Person, all staff in Nursery Acorns work closely together, forming a collaborative and caring team around every child.
2. SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENTS, ASSEMBLIES AND AWARDS
At Hoe Bridge, we believe in celebrating effort, recognising progress and helping children feel valued within the school community. Nursery Acorns children take part in age-appropriate assemblies and awards that encourage confidence, respect and a sense of belonging.
Assemblies
• Values-Based Assembly: Every Tuesday, Ms Willis, our Head of Pre-Prep, leads a whole-school assembly focused on core values such as honesty and kindness.
• Weekly Celebration Assembly: Each Friday, Nursery Acorns children receive awards recognising both academic and pastoral achievements. Children are also encouraged to bring in awards from external clubs or events to celebrate successes outside school.
• Class Assembly: During the Spring Term, Nursery Acorns children begin to experience assemblies by watching those led by older classes, starting from Reception upwards. This introduces them to the school community and helps build confidence and familiarity with performance in a gentle and age-appropriate way.
• Enrichment Assemblies: These feature special guests or themed events to broaden children’s experiences.
• Christmas Nativity: Nursery Acorns and Reception join together in December for a special nativity performance, with parents invited to attend.
Awards
• Golden Leaves: Awarded to two children per class each week for mastering a new skill or reaching a milestone.
• Top Table: Each term, two children from each class with excellent table manners are invited to a special lunch with Ms Willis.
• Stickers: Given throughout the day by teachers to recognise individual progress and effort.
• Headteacher’s Awards: Ms Willis presents special awards each week to recognise exceptional effort, achievement and celebration. These awards highlight outstanding contributions and inspire children to continue striving for excellence.
Prize Giving
At the end of each term, Hoe Bridge cups are awarded to Nursery Acorns children in recognition of their individual achievements. While parents do not attend these celebrations, the awards are presented in a meaningful and age-appropriate way within the setting. All awards are carefully recorded to ensure every child is celebrated over time during their Pre-Prep journey.
Pupil Voice
At Hoe Bridge, we believe it’s never too early to begin nurturing children’s confidence to share their thoughts and ideas. While Nursery Acorns children are not part of the School Council, their voices are welcomed and valued every day.
They are encouraged to make choices, share opinions, and take part in group decisions during play and learning. Nursery Acorns also contribute to whole-school democratic votes such as choosing a charity or school event theme helping them understand that their ideas matter and have an impact. These early experiences lay the foundation for respectful listening, confident speaking, and active participation in school life.
3. STANDARDS AND EXPECTATIONS
At Hoe Bridge, we follow TheHoeBridgeWay a set of core values such as kindness, honesty, respect, sharing, and listening. These values guide all that we do and help our youngest children learn how to care for themselves and others in a warm, supportive environment.
• We recognise that every child is on their own unique learning journey. Our expectations are high but always age-appropriate, rooted in joy, curiosity, and emotional security.
• High Expectations Through Nurture: We support each child to be their best self socially, emotionally, and developmentally through play, routine, and strong relationships.
• Individualised Support: With small key groups and a high adult-to-child ratio, staff are able to respond sensitively to each child’s needs, interests, and next steps.
• Learning Through Play: Children learn through carefully planned play opportunities that stretch their thinking, encourage problem-solving, and support language development.
• Gentle Challenge: Activities are open-ended and flexible, allowing children to explore at their own pace while being gently guided and extended by skilled practitioners.
• Warm Communication: We believe in open dialogue with parents. Class teachers are your first point of contact and are always happy to share ideas and feedback.
• Together with Families: We work closely with you to support your child’s development, recognising that you know your child best and that learning starts at home.
Nursery Acorns Curriculum
At Hoe Bridge, our Nursery Acorns curriculum is grounded in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, focusing on the Prime Areas of Communication and Language, Physical Development and Personal, Social and Emotional Development. These foundational areas support the Specific Areas of Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design, all developed through engaging, purposeful experiences.
We believe that excellence in early childhood education is achieved through a harmonious interplay of three essential elements: the child, the environment, and the facilitating adult. Each element contributes uniquely to creating a rich and supportive learning experience.
1. The Child: A Unique Learner
We recognise each child as a unique individual, believing they thrive when they feel seen, heard, and inspired. Our approach encourages exploration, challenges ideas, fosters creativity, and promotes ownership of learning. Curiosity and wonder are central to our ethos, sparking deep engagement and a genuine love of discovery.
2. The Facilitating Adult: Guiding Growth
At Hoe Bridge, we consider all adults in the learning environment - teachers, teaching assistants, and parents - as facilitators of learning. This collaborative approach involves adults observing, listening, and engaging with children to extend their thinking and support their development. By fostering a partnership between home and school, we create a cohesive and enriching learning experience that nurtures each child's potential.
3. The Environment: The Third Teacher
Drawing inspiration from the Reggio Emilia philosophy, we view the environment as the "third teacher." Our classrooms and outdoor spaces are thoughtfully designed to be dynamic and responsive, featuring open-ended, natural materials and evolving learning areas. These environments invite exploration, collaboration and imagination, encouraging children to take risks in their thinking, build on one another’s ideas and lead their own investigations.
Discovery Time: Child-Led Learning in Nursery Acorns
At Hoe Bridge, Discovery Time is a cornerstone of our Nursery Acorns curriculum, embodying a childled, play-based approach that aligns with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. During this time, children take the lead in their learning, exploring topics and activities that spark their curiosity and imagination. Teachers and the learning environment serve as facilitators, providing resources and support to enhance each child's individual journey. This approach fosters independence, critical thinking, and a love for learning, as children engage in meaningful play that is both educational and enjoyable. By embracing Discovery Time, we empower children to become active participants in their learning, setting the foundation for lifelong curiosity and academic success.
Immersive and Flexible Learning: All areas of learning in Nursery Acorns are supported through varied, engaging approaches that respond to children’s interests and needs. This includes:
• Small group carpet sessions with focused teaching and discussion
• Enriched continuous provision where adults guide and extend play
• Outdoor learning that connects skills to the natural world
• Spontaneous moments where key learning happens throughout the day
Learning is everywhere in the classroom, outside, in routines, and in play. Our flexible, child-led approach helps every child grow across all areas of the EYFS in meaningful and joyful ways.
Academic Foundations: Building Strong Foundations for Lifelong Learning
While building on the essential Prime Areas of learning - CL, PD and PSED - which are crucial foundations for all future learning, Nursery Acorns begin to develop early Literacy and Mathematics skills through playful, hands-on experiences designed specifically for their age and stage. Our focus is on fostering curiosity, creativity and confidence through engaging, meaningful activities.
Literacy: Early Phonics, Storytelling and Mark-Making
• Phonics Foundations: In Nursery Acorns, children begin learning the foundations of Phonics through the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised Phase 1 programme. This includes developing listening skills such as hearing initial sounds, identifying environmental sounds, sound talking orally, rhyme and rhythm awareness, and distinguishing different sounds around them. These early skills prepare children for later formal phonics learning. As the year progresses, children start learning a new sound each week. They are encouraged to bring in objects from home that begin with the weekly sound to help embed learning in a fun and meaningful way.
• Story Dough and Drawing Club: Our Literacy approach centres around creativity and imagination. Using Story Dough and Drawing Club, children explore stories through hands-on, artistic and sensory experiences. These sessions focus on storytelling elements such as characters, settings, problems, and solutions, while building rich vocabulary and narrative understanding.
• Mark-Making and Early Writing: Early writing starts with mark-making activitiesexperimenting with different tools like playdough, painting brushes and drawing utensils. Children develop fine motor skills and control by practising movements such as lines, circles and shapes, which are the building blocks of letter formation. We focus on helping children hold a pencil comfortably and begin to recognise and write their own name, alongside other letters of personal significance. These skills are embedded in playful, exploratory learning rather than formal handwriting instruction.
• Reading and Storytime: Children take home a library book to share with their family in the Autumn term each week and enjoy a weekly story session during Literacy time. They also listen to a story every day linked to the current topic, fostering a love of books and oral language. From the Spring term, children begin bringing home reading books, progressing gradually from picture books to simple word books as their skills develop.
Mathematics: Playful Early Maths with White Rose Maths
• We follow the White Rose Maths framework, adapted to the developmental stage of Nursery Acorns. Our focus is on key early maths concepts through playful, practical, and kinaesthetic experiences.
• Children explore numbers, shapes, patterns and measurements through everyday activities and games. They learn to count, compare quantities, recognise shapes, and develop spatial awareness by playing with blocks, puzzles, and natural materials.
• Hands-on learning supports children in building strong number sense and mathematical reasoning, laying the groundwork for future mastery. Our maths sessions encourage curiosity and problem-solving within a joyful, supportive environment.
Forest School
At Hoe Bridge, our Nursery Acorns enjoy weekly Forest School sessions in our woodland area, where they build key skills such as resilience, problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork. These outdoor afternoons support children in learning to take safe risks, follow clear boundaries, and explore the
natural world with confidence. Activities might include building dens, collecting and counting natural objects, making art from leaves and sticks, or listening to stories under the trees. Forest School also supports emotional development by encouraging independence, curiosity, and calm. Children should bring waterproofs and wellies each week - please see the kit list
4. TECHNOLOGY IN NURSERY ACORNS
At Hoe Bridge, we recognise how technology plays an important role in children’s learning and development from an early age. In Nursery Acorns, children take part in weekly sessions that introduce basic computing skills such as mouse control, simple coding, and safe use of digital devices. We place a strong emphasis on teaching age-appropriate internet safety and responsible use of technology. To support this, we provide workshops for both parents and children, helping everyone navigate the digital world confidently and safely. Our approach aligns with the full Online Safety Policy, which can be found on the school website, ensuring a safe and positive experience with technology in Early Years.
5. ENRICHMENT
At Hoe Bridge, we value immersive learning experiences that bring the curriculum to life. Throughout the year, we have whole-school or Pre-Prep immersive learning days that connect across year groups and phases.
Workshops, Visitors & Enrichment Days
These include a variety of special events such as International Day and Pet Day, where children explore different cultures or learn about animal care. Workshops feature author visits, musical sessions, and creative activities. Visitors range from theatre productions and emergency services to parent-led talks, enriching our community and curriculum.
School Trips
We aim to provide at least two school trips each year to enrich and extend classroom learning. Last year, Nursery Acorns enjoyed a visit to a farm, where they explored animals and nature, and a trip to Little City, where they immersed themselves in real-life role play and learned about different roles in the community. Details about upcoming trips are shared via the termly calendar and Parent Zone emails.
6. ASSESSMENT IN NURSERY ACORNS
In Nursery Acorns at Hoe Bridge, assessment is both formal and informal, using a combination of summative and formative approaches to track and support each child’s learning journey.
• We support and celebrate each child’s achievements and parents are partners in this process. Tapestry allows us to share learning moments, and we welcome home observations to contribute to the whole picture.
7. FOOD
Family Dining Lunch
Nursery Acorns children enjoy a nutritious, balanced hot lunch every day, served in the dining hall by our in-house catering team. Our dedicated catering staff are experienced in accommodating all dietary needs. Any specific dietary requirements must be submitted in writing to the school office. In Nursery Acorns, we follow a family dining model where teachers and support staff sit with the children. Pupils are encouraged to help set the table, practise good manners, and engage in conversation. Meals are served by staff, promoting a calm, social, and structured lunchtime experience. All allergies and dietary needs are carefully managed by our catering team.
Morning Snack & Milk
Morning snack is provided and typically includes fruit or vegetables. Children are encouraged to drink water throughout the day - please ensure your child brings a labelled water bottle each day. We provide cold milk daily, which is free for all children up to the age of five.
Please note that children are not permitted to bring any food from home, and Hoe Bridge is a nutfree school to protect those with allergies.
8. COMMUNICATION
At Hoe Bridge, we value strong communication with parents and consider them essential partners in the Hoe Bridge journey. We aim to keep you well-informed and involved in your child's learning experience.
Reports
Autumn Term Report
In the Autumn term, parents receive a report focusing on the prime areas (Communication and Language, Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Physical Development). This report provides an overall comment on the child’s progress in these areas, along with specific targets and suggested activities for home to support their development.
Summer Term Report
The Summer term report offers a detailed overview of your child’s progress across all seven areas of learning (Communication and Language, Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Physical Development, Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World, Expressive Arts and Design), providing a comprehensive picture of their development throughout the year.
Parent Zone
The Parent Zone serves as your central hub for all school communications. Here, you'll find:
• The termly timetable
• Autumn Term target reports
• Curriculum Overviews: Detailed outlines of what your child will be learning each term.
• Trip Information: Details about upcoming school trips and enrichment activities.
• Special Events: Information on assemblies, workshops, and other school events.
• Thursday Bulk Mail: important weekly information via email
• Bulletin: Every Friday summarising the weeks learning and achievements
Tapestry: Sharing Learning Moments
We use Tapestry to document and share children’s learning. Each week, the class teacher posts:
• Group Celebration Moment: Highlighting a collective achievement or activity.
• Individual Learning Highlight: Showcasing a child’s personal progress or accomplishment.
• Weekly Overview: Summarising key learning for the week.
More detailed information about using Tapestry will be shared with you at the start of the academic year. If you need any support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s class teacher.
Additionally, weekly overviews are posted on Tapestry, summarising key learning areas such as English, phonics, and related topics, along with questions to prompt discussion at home.
Open Door Policy
We welcome informal chats at the start or end of the day. Our open-door policy encourages ongoing communication, and we are happy to discuss any concerns or questions you may have.
Meetings and Formal Communication
For more formal communication, meetings can be booked via the office. We are committed to maintaining transparent and responsive communication with all our families.
Termly Calendar
Each term, parents receive a Hoe Bridge calendar outlining key events, including trips, enrichment days, and assemblies. This helps families plan and stay engaged with school activities.
Weekly Newsletter
A weekly newsletter, written by Mr. Webster (Headmaster) and Ms. Willis (Head of Pre-Prep), is available on the school website and Parent Zone. It provides updates on school events, highlights from the week, and upcoming activities.
9. BEHAVIOUR IN NURSERY ACORNS
In Nursery Acorns, we prioritise developing social skills, self-regulation, and positive attitudes. Our approach centres on restorative practices, encouraging children to reflect, learn, and grow from their experiences.
The Hoe Bridge Way
Our core values - kindness, honesty, perseverance, and respect - are integral to our community. We model and celebrate these values daily, fostering a nurturing environment where children feel safe and valued.
Positive Praise
We reinforce positive choices through verbal praise, stickers, and whole-class incentives, recognising effort and good behaviour.
Growth Mindset
Children learn that mistakes are part of learning and are encouraged to persevere. We use the story TheColourMonstersto help children recognise and name their emotions, understand how they are feeling, and begin to manage these feelings in a supportive way.
Restorative Practices
When challenges arise, we engage children in calm, restorative conversations to reflect on their actions and understand their impact. This approach helps children develop empathy, accountability, and problem-solving skills. Rather than focusing on punishment, we guide children to make better choices and repair relationships, fostering a supportive and respectful community. manaeducation.co.uk+1education.sa.gov.au+1education.sa.gov.au+1arnoldhouse.co.uk+1
Parent Communication
We maintain open communication with parents, sharing both positive moments and any concerns. Collaboration between home and school is key to supporting behavioural development.
Sanctions
Sanctions are always age-appropriate and aim to be restorative. They may include gentle reminders, redirection, or supervised time-out within the classroom. The focus is on helping children understand their behaviour, learn from mistakes, and practice improved choices in a supportive environment.
10. HOME LEARNING IN NURSERY ACORNS
At Hoe Bridge we encourage daily reading with Nursery Acorns children to build a love of books and support language development. Please read with your child for no more than 10 minutes each day. Your child will bring home a library book to share with you and later will receive reading books once they are ready. Please return both library and reading books each Thursday so they can be swapped on Friday.
Children will also receive a Sounds Keyring featuring phonics sounds they have learned. Please practise these sounds with your child regularly before reading books each night to reinforce early phonics skills. Name cards will also be sent home for practising writing their name.
Top Tips for Literacy at Home
• Enjoy singing nursery rhymes and silly songs to play with sounds and rhythm.
• Share stories daily, re-read favourites, and talk about characters, settings, and events.
• Make reading fun by choosing adventurous or cosy places to read.
• Visit the library regularly and explore new books together.
• Encourage storytelling and making up silly stories or acting them out.
• Spot letters in your child’s name and other significant words during outings.
• Read poems or watch story animations to engage different literacy forms.
• Label items at home or create simple treasure hunts with clues.
Maths at Home
While we do not send home formal maths homework in Nursery, here are some easy ways to support your child’s early maths skills:
• Recognise numbers in the environment like on signs, clocks, or packaging.
• Count everyday objects such as stairs, apples, or toys.
• Use practical activities like setting the table, pairing socks, or sorting toys.
• Talk about shapes, sizes, and positional language during play.
• Play games involving counting or pattern recognition.
• Bake together to explore measuring and sequencing.
Each week, the Nursery weekly overview will include practical challenges linked to all seven areas of learning. These activities encourage you to be alongside your child, enjoying outdoor time and everyday moments together that build independence, curiosity, and confidence.
Prime Areas Home Tips:
• Communication and Language: Talk with your child throughout the day, listen carefully, and encourage them to express their thoughts. Play listening games and sing songs together.
• Physical Development: Encourage active play, such as running, climbing, or dancing. Practice fine motor skills through drawing, threading, or playing with playdough.
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development: Support your child in sharing, taking turns, and recognising their feelings. Use stories or the Colour Monsters book to talk about emotions.
11. NURSERY ACORNS READINESS
Top 10 Tips for Preparing Your Child for Nursery Acorns at Hoe Bridge
Starting Nursery Acorns is an exciting milestone! To support your child’s development before and during Nursery Acorns, focus on:
1. Build Independence – Encourage your child to dress and undress themselves, use a knife and fork to try different foods, pack their own bag, find and recognise their own name, and manage toileting tasks like washing hands and wiping themselves.
2. Develop Social Skills – Support taking turns, sharing resources, tidying up, and playing cooperatively. Arrange playdates and encourage listening and talking with others.
3. Foster Communication – Encourage speaking in full sentences, introduce new vocabulary, and model clear speech. Engage in conversations to build confidence and language skills.
4. Nurture a Love of Reading – Read together daily, explore books at home and in the library, and create a cosy reading space that invites curiosity.
5. Enhance Gross Motor Skills – Support outdoor play such as walking, climbing, running, and riding bikes to develop strength, balance, and coordination.
6. Support Fine Motor Skills – Practice activities like buttoning clothes, drawing, playing with playdough, building with Lego, and threading beads to improve hand control and dexterity.
7. Inspire Creativity – Encourage arts and crafts, music, and imaginative play to support problem-solving, expression, and confidence.
8. Promote Critical Thinking – Encourage curiosity by answering questions, exploring ideas, and allowing your child to try things independently to build resilience.
9. Support Emotional Awareness and Regulation – Help your child name their emotions and practise calming techniques like deep breathing. Create a safe “comfort corner” at home for calming moments.
10. Enjoy the Learning Journey – Celebrate all milestones, big and small, and foster a positive attitude towards learning. Your encouragement and support make a huge difference.
Incorporating these activities into everyday life creates a strong foundation for your child’s success and happiness at Nursery Acorns and beyond.
12. TRANSITION
Transition is a vital part of your child’s early education journey. We aim to make it smooth, supportive, and reassuring, so every child feels confident and comfortable as they begin Nursery Acorns or move on to Reception.
1. Starting Nursery Acorns
For children new to Hoe Bridge or moving up from Nursery Twigs, we offer settling-in sessions throughout the year to help them get to know their class teachers and familiarise themselves with the classroom and routines. If your child is new to Hoe Bridge, our staff will contact their previous preschool and may arrange a home visit to better understand your child’s needs. Parents will also have the opportunity to complete an ‘All About Me’ form to share important information about their child. We invite all parents to our Welcome to Nursery Acorns Evening (date to be confirmed) and conduct home visits for all new starters.
2. Moving from Nursery Acorns to Reception
To prepare children for Reception, Nursery Acorns children spend time with Reception children in their outdoor areas and visit the Reception classrooms throughout the summer term. We also hold Move-Up Days to familiarise children with their new environment and teachers, helping ensure a confident and smooth start to Reception.