Developing a rich and stimulating environment that promotes the curiosity and enthusiasm of the youngest pupils.
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Information about the school/provider
Ysgol Bro Eirwg is a Welsh-medium school situated in Llanrumney, in the east of Cardiff. There are 394 pupils on roll, including 64 in the nursery class. Twenty-eight point nine per cent (28.9%) of pupils are eligible for free school meals. The school is part of the Ffederasiwn y Ddraig federation, which was established in September 2019, and the school works very closely with the other school in the federation, namely Ysgol Pen y Pîl, to provide all pupils with the best education.
Context and background to the effective or innovative practice
The school has two reception classes and two part-time nursery classes. It has large classrooms with extensive outdoor areas. The staff were keen to develop the teaching environment so that the youngest pupils learn through play and have practical, ‘real life’ experiences in a welcoming, attractive but fuss-free environment, without being overstimulating. Developing the whole area was important to the staff – that the outdoor area is an integral part of the continuous learning environment.
Having established their vision, the staff researched by reading articles, blogs and books, searched for suitable training and then set out to experiment, trial and reflect to decide on the most suitable way to proceed.
Description of nature of strategy or activity
The early years teaching environment has been transformed. Staff have developed specific areas using natural materials that calm pupils rather than exciting them. The outdoor area is an extension of the indoor area and pupils move back and forth naturally between the two areas. The environment is stimulating and encourages curiosity.
Staff plan together carefully to provide activities that give pupils opportunities to learn through observation, investigation, experimentation and play. The child’s voice is important and by discussing with pupils and observing them informally on a regular basis, staff plan, adapt and develop provision and activities in line with their ability and interests.
All of the activities that are provided offer plenty of opportunities and variety for pupils to make their own decision which encourage and nurture their creativity, independence and freedom to explore. Pupils spend their time choosing their learning rather than completing a series of closed tasks and there are opportunities to take risks and understand boundaries, for example using large equipment to practise balancing and climbing. Pupils enjoy exploring and investigating on their own and with others.
Staff model a positive attitude to learning, encouraging and supporting pupils’ natural curiosity by playing in the areas with them. The most is made of spontaneous learning that occurs naturally as staff sit and play with pupils, or while observing them carrying out their activities.
‘Dydd Gwener Gwyllt’ (‘Wild Friday’) is held weekly in the nursery class, where pupils spend their time outdoors, whatever the weather, exploring, observing and experimenting and, as a result, learn about the wonders of nature.
What impact has this work had on provision and learners’ standards?
This work has had a large impact on the school’s youngest pupils. This approach to teaching and learning has increased pupils’ independence and confidence, encouraged their creative skills and their ability to investigate and experiment. It has given pupils an opportunity to think creatively, solve problems and think about how to improve and develop. By having an opportunity to choose what they do and create, they feel ownership and pride in the learning and towards the school. By having the freedom to learn individually or with others, the work has had a positive effect on pupils’ well-being, leading to them working and playing happily together. The freedom gives them more personal control and has led to positive attitudes to learning. They are willing to take risks and learn from their mistakes. They enjoy and are happy at the school.
How have you shared your good practice?
The school has shared this work with other schools in the cluster and staff from other schools have been to observe the good practice.