Ormiston Herman Academy has adopted a child-centred approach in Year 1 with positive results, says teacher and early years specialist leader of education Amy Jackson

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Children transitioning from Reception to Key Stage 1 at Ormiston Herman Academy in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk are having all the benefits of the EYFS but with a ‘little more grown-up’ style of learning, thanks to our overhaul in teaching practices that were implemented in September last year.

Gone are the classrooms filled with tables at which children are expected to sit in their assigned place for most of the day. In their place is a newly designed learning environment which consists of:

Children undertake small-group guided work at the clusters of tables which are dotted around the room, or in the cosy book area, which has a sofa and soft lighting. However, essentially, we have moved away from the traditional ‘teacher-at-the-front-of-the-classroom’ style of learning and created an environment based around challenge and self-motivation, with areas of continuous provision to which enhancements are added. For example, a cupboard has been turned into a Secret Cave where special objects like a Time Machine have been added, which cause excitement and intrigue.
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