Harrow Gate Primary School in Stockton-on-Tees has a 39-place nursery class and has been delivering the extended hours since January 2010. It now offers parents full flexibility from 8.15am during school terms. The experience of introducing the flexible model has been a reflective journey for the nursery, which has learned lessons, implemented changes and been able to review and improve its practice as it has progressed.
STAGGERING ARRIVAL TIMES
Previously, when offering the traditional sessional model, the nursery had identified that there may have been up to 40 parents wanting to speak with the teacher at the start or end of a session. The introduction of staggered arrival times has worked extremely well, as the staff team now has time to speak with parents about their child's progress or discuss issues at home.
Parents have been positive about this change and there has been a growth in their confidence and willingness to approach staff to talk about their child, improving parental involvement and partnership in their children's learning. The nursery suggests parents found the concept of the extended hours difficult to understand initially. A year and a half later, they can appreciate the benefits, especially those parents who work, are at college or have other commitments.
CHANGES FOR STAFF
To ensure adult:child ratios are always maintained, staff rotas had to be amended to provide staggered lunch and break times. When staff rotas changed, to maintain good levels of communication, the nursery introduced weekly staff meetings. These give staff time for reflection and for detailed discussions about individual children's progress and help the nursery to take a whole-team approach to planning.
The nursery has also amended and altered its planning processes three times since it started the extended flexible delivery model.
It has been a learning experience. The changes have been beneficial to children and to staff who now have a clear focus on the individual child within their planning.
Reflection on observation and tracking of children's progress has influenced additional changes, which now ensure the individual needs of children are met.
The process has not been without its challenges. It has provided the nursery team with an opportunity to reflect and develop new working practices. The flexibility now being offered is helping families to work in partnership for their child's learning, and to balance their home/work lives.
Further information: James Hempsall is director of training and research provider Hempsall's (www.hmpsallconsultancies.com)