Ashbridge Independent School Infants
Infant School begins in Reception at Ashbridge Independent School, the final year of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and continues until the end of Year 2.
Infant School Curriculum
At Ashbridge Independent School, our infant curriculum begins in Reception with a focus on helping children become confident in early numeracy, foster a love of reading, learn to write, and continue to develop essential social and emotional skills, achieving their Early Learning Goals and developing many new skills. Reception children also enjoy lessons with specialist teachers in Music, Forest School and PE and spend time each week in the Kitchen Garden and the Library.
In Years 1 and 2, our TAPESTRY curriculum begins, with children further expanding their knowledge and understanding of the world around them, strengthening their reading writing and numeracy skills and applying those skills more widely. At all stages of our Infant School there is a strong focus on developing core skills in mathematics and literacy to support academic excellence and to open the doors to a wonderful world of learning for the children.
To promote both academic and holistic growth in our pupils, all children attending Years 1 and 2 also benefit from specialist teaching in Music, Outdoor Education, Horticulture, and Sports and have numerous opportunities to take part in extracurricular clubs and activities. This allows them the opportunity to develop their interests inside and outside of the classroom to ensure they enjoy a wide range of learning experiences and adventures.
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Purpose-Built Facilities
Ashbridge pupils benefit from an unrivalled range of facilities, purpose-built to nurture academic excellence and holistic development. All classrooms have direct access to the outdoors, extending learning spaces beyond the classroom. -
Specialist Teaching
Specialist teaching is provided in Music, Outdoor Education, Modern Foreign Languages, Horticulture, and Games, allowing pupils to broaden their skill sets and explore their varying interests. -
Small Class Sizes
Ashbridge Independent School ensures all pupils receive the level of care and teaching they require by only offering small class sizes, helping them flourish socially and academically.
TAPESTRY
Named TAPESTRY, our primary school curriculum programme is all-encompassing to support your child both academically and holistically. By equally developing our pupils’ academic excellence and personal development, we ensure all children leave Ashbridge as confident and well-rounded individuals.
Academic Testing
Ashbridge Independent School pupils undertake comprehensive, low-stress academic testing to closely monitor their development and achievements. Using externally graded assessments each year, our assessment data shows that children across the school consistently achieve within or above the expectations for their age.
FAQs
Discover more information about the Key Stage 1 curriculum at Ashbridge Independent School.
There is a wide range of everyday skills that will help your child transition successfully into their reception year. It is important that children can follow simple instructions, ask for help from an adult when needed, access the toilet independently, use cutlery during mealtimes, and be able to dress and undress themselves.
During the mornings, children will be responsible for taking off their own coats and hanging them alongside their belongings on their pegs. They will also be responsible for collecting their things from their peg again at the end of the day.
Over the summer months, discuss starting school with your child and talk about their feelings. Read to your child every day, and if possible, begin to share some stories about starting school, too. Helping your child to recognise their own name will support their independence within school as they will be able to locate their pegs and personal belongings more easily. We recommend the following books:
- I am Absolutely Too Small for School – Lauren Child
- The Colour Monster Goes to School – Anna Llenas
- Going to School – Usbourne First Experiences
- Starting School – Janet and Allen Ahlberg
- Do I have to Go to School? – Pat Thomas
- Harry and the Dinosaurs Go to School – Ian Whybrow
Whilst children at this age may have begun to show an interest in letter sounds and counting, there is no need to worry if your child isn’t yet writing letters. There are many other skills which must be developed before children are able to form letters and numbers successfully. Children should be provided with opportunities to develop their gross and fine motor skills. The development of these skills will support your child on their future writing journey. Gross motor skills can be practised through activities such as running, jumping, walking, climbing, riding a bike or scooter, and generally being active outdoors.
Fine motor skills include things such as using cutlery, holding and picking up smaller objects, playing with malleable materials such as playdough or sand, using smaller tools like tweezers or scissors, building with smaller construction materials like Lego or magnetic tiles, and colouring or mark marking.
Learn More About Ashbridge
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Juniors
Find out how our Junior School TAPESTRY curriculum fosters academic excellence. Read testimonials and learn more.
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Learning Environment
Discover more about how our unrivalled facilities nurture your child’s holistic development.
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Book a Tour
Prospective parents are advised to book a private tour of our independent school.