Early Learning Options

Thursday, October 3, 2019

Newbury Weekly News

The Winchcombe School

THE Winchcombe School, situated close to Newbury town centre, is a thriving primary school with pupils aged three to 11. The school’s motto Achieve Believe Care summarises its positive ethos and vision to develop children to reach their full potential in a safe, collaborative environment. The Foundation 1 class, Acorns, provides places for three-year-olds beginning their journey of learning. Extra, payable sessions are available in the afternoons provided we have the space and we also offer a number of spaces which are available for those working parents who qualify for 30 hours government funding. Learning takes place within a well-resourced, inspiring unit facilitated by experienced teachers and learning support assistants. Children have the opportunity to explore both the inside and outside environments, interacting with all the children, including those from the Foundation 2 classes, Seedlings and Saplings. A whole range of fun, play-based experiences builds the children’s confidence and helps them to develop social, emotional and physical skills. Parents are seen as vital partners in the growth of their children. Home and school successes are shared and celebrated. The friendly staff are readily available to talk to parents and parent feedback is welcomed.

Dingley ’s Promise

special educational need or disability. Their monthly coffee mornings are a great way to meet other parents in a similar situation as well as offering a listening ear and information to help point your family in the right direction. At the Stay and Play sessions you can see how their tried and tested techniques can help your child communicate, learn and develop social skills at home. If you are interested in coming along, please contact their West Berkshire Centre on (01635) 552458. For general enquiries, call (0118) 327 7424 or email admin@ding- ley.org.uk. They are a friendly bunch and happy to answer any questions you may have.

excellent and as a result of all this, 94 per cent of families felt less isolated and 92 per cent felt more positive about their child’s future. One parent said: “I truly feel as a family we would have felt lost and scared without the support and knowledge from Dingley’s Promise. “The care and support and love our daughter has received truly has been incredible.” Dingley’s Promise can also provide home visits, signpost for support with welfare benefits and can accompany you at meetings with professionals, when sometimes an extra person can help navigate the information. Dingley’s Promise also offers outreach support to any local family with a child under five with a developmental delay or

DINGLEY’S Promise believe that every child should receive the best start in life. They deliver life-changing support to children under five years with special education their centre at Shaw. Offering term-time Learn Through Play sessions and holiday playschemes for children with a wide range of additional needs, they help them learn and grow to reach their potential. Last year they supported more than 50 children with varying needs. Ninety-seven per cent of families said that they felt more confident in supporting their child after accessing the services. Communication with families on their child’s progress is rated as

Life in Acorns is full of variety, meeting the needs of all children, enriching strengths and building new interests. The children become

increasingly ready for transition to full-time education, which is seamless as the children are fully embedded in life at The Winchcombe School.

The Winchcombe School “The Early Years is highly effecƟve. PosiƟve relaƟonships and a thirst for learning permeate through the enabling and highly engaging environment.” (Ofsted December 2016) FOUNDATION STAGE Winchcombe FoundaƟon Stage takes children from the term aŌer their third birthday. Learning takes place within a well-resourced, spacious and inspiring purpose built unit. Children are encouraged to develop their own interests through exploraƟon indoors and out, meeƟng challenges and learning together. OPEN MORNINGS: Wednesday 9th October 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Wednesday 20th November 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. We welcome visitors to the FoundaƟon Stage and main school at any Ɵme. Please contact the school office on 01635 232780 or email office@winchcombe.w-berks.sch.uk to register for the open mornings or a visit at your convenience.