Inside Kimbolton returns with another behind-the-scenes conversation, this time shining a spotlight on our Early Years at Kimbolton Prep! We caught up with our Head of Early Years, Anna Edwards, to learn more about her vision, and why she has such a passion for teaching the youngest pupils at Kimbolton.
What first inspired you to work in Early Years education, and what do you enjoy most about teaching and leading in Reception?
From a very young age I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I used to role play schools – I remember having my own register and whiteboard and my class were a big group of very quiet teddy bears. That’s how it all began.
Now, in real life, I love my job. I lead the Early years here at Kimbolton Prep School. The new Pre – School has recently made it even more exciting with many more smiley faces. I have a happy, strong and professional team that help make everyday unfold.
What might a typical day look like for a child in Reception at Kimbolton?
We say every day is a new day at school. Today we started our day with the Tuesday twist and twirl. We then had maths and handwriting, our class snack, playtime outside and then we had our house assembly where all the children from the Pre school join together. We had a delicious lunch and this afternoon the children have got PE, music and then their busy bee time- this is a time where they can choose what, where and who they play with, making lots of independent choices themselves.
How important is outdoor learning in Early Years, and how do you make the most of the environment around the school?
Our outdoor environment continues to evolve. The new pre school has brought with it a larger outdoor learning environment for all our young children to use everyday. Physical development being a prominent part of this. The outdoor area is accessible everyday for all our children. In addition we visit squirrel wood, our school pond and we also visit other areas in Kimbolton village. Our favourite recent trip was to the vet surgery where we had to help a poorly dog teddy, who had swallowed a tennis ball. We saved it- this was all down to the patience and skills our children had- well done rabbits and hedgehogs!
What is at the heart of your approach to teaching and learning in Reception?
We are a flexible team. At the forefront is the warm nurturing environments we have in each class. All the learning is purposeful and inclusive to meet the needs of each child we care for. I always say, Happy children learn best.
Play is such an important part of early development. How do you use play and exploration to help children learn and grow?
The layout of our early years setting promotes plenty of play opportunities. We’re lucky enough to have cosy home corners in each classroom, little cosy reading nooks, as well as art stations, construction, literacy and maths areas. Children can explore and develop their skills academically, personally and socially without realising they are learning. This is the magic of play in the Early years setting.
How do you work with parents and families to support children during these important early years?
Our school has a strong family ethos. Parents become part of the Kimbolton family from day one. We see most of our parents every day so interaction and communication is strong. We also use school diaries and learning platforms to share further information about their child’s learning. Numerous school events also support the home school links, as parents come into school and have the opportunity to see what’s going on and talk to staff, and of course often there’s tea and cake!
What does being part of the Kimbolton community mean to you and to the youngest pupils in the school?
It’s an exciting first step for the youngest children in school. The most important part is we take on the adventures together, we make memories together, and we help each other along the journey.
