In the Preschool Nursery the children participate in specially planned activities which aim to develop attention, listening and talking skills through a Foundation Stage curriculum- based focus. For children between the ages of two and a half and five years of age, this nursery unit also provides social, emotional, intellectual, and physical growth opportunities.

Every child has a key worker, who is a qualified Teach of the Deaf. Assessments take place regularly with parents. These assessments form the basis of an Individual Education Plan for each child. In addition, every child has the opportunity of individual sessions with a Teacher of the Deaf to help support and consolidate the work done in the nursery environment and develop listening and related language skills. Finally, the teaching staff provide a written report to help support all children leaving the Foundation to go to school. Reports are also provided to support Statements for a child on request from the authorities.

We have an "open door" policy in the nursery, where parents are encouraged to participate and observe their child in the Nursery setting. This, along with daily written information, enables parents to observe strategies and gain information about the language objectives covered during the sessions in order that they reinforce this language at home. At the beginning of each topic related vocabulary, song sheets and ideas for activities to do at home are also provided.

Sessions run from 09hr30 to 14h30 each week day and encompass a broad range of the foundation stages of the national curriculum through fun filled activities. Children can attend up to four sessions a week.

Pre School Sessions at The Elizabeth Foundation follow the following general language and Listening based activities, carefully planned and linked closely to the Foundation Stage Curriculum (see links)

• CIRCLE TIME
• FOCUSSED ACTIVITY
• SNACK
• MUSIC/LISTENING
• CREATIVE
• LUNCH
• FREE PLAY
• STORY
• GOODBYE CIRCLE TIME

Parents are further supported through evening and day sessions which cover topics such as audiograms and hearing loss, listening and language development and Experience books. In this way, parents are given the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills they need to foster their child's overall development, and to share with others the feelings, triumphs and obstacles their family is experiencing.

Our Pre-School Nursery is fully Ofsted accredited. To see a copy of our Ofsted report please click here.

To enquire about the Pre School Nursery please contact Barb Hay (Hampshire) at barb.hay@elizabeth-foundation.org.uk

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