Why is our RSP Classroom called 'The Nest' and the class is called Eagles?

Our RSP classroom is "The Nest" with the class name being "Eagles" because, like the eagle, our children are strong, courageous, and capable of rising above challenges. Eagles are known for their resilience, sharp focus, and determination—qualities we nurture and celebrate in our pupils every day.

Just as eagles soar at great heights despite the winds, our children are supported to overcome emotional and social difficulties, build self-esteem, and grow in confidence. The eagle reminds us that everyone has the potential to fly high in their own way, with the right guidance, support, and belief in themselves.

Philosophy

It is the aim of the team within The Nest that every child feels happy, heard and seen. Our school's trauma informed approach is a gold thread throughout everything that happens in The Nest; our relationships with each other and the children, the language we use and our curriculum.

We believe that every child can achieve anything they want to, with the right support and pace that suits them. Using our school values of Care, Courage and Curiosity, we support every child to develop personally, socially, emotionally and academically. The learning environment in The Nest is a low-arousal, safe area that supports and challenges every child to achieve their goals and reach their full potential.

The team with The Nest here to help and guide the children during their time at Waltham Gateway Academy, supporting the holistic development of every child. Positive behaviours for learning will be embedded within a caring, supportive and predictable environment.

The team are here to help you too, and are willing to discuss any issues or concerns that you may have. Please do not hesitate to contact us. By working together and sharing information, we will be able to provide consistent support between our setting and home.

Environment

At Waltham Gateway Academy, we provide a safe, supportive and stimulating learning environment that promotes the fulfilment of our values; Care, Courage and Curiosity alongside engagement and enjoyment. Our Eagles are supported to challenge themselves within familiar routines of play and learning every day. Our outdoor learning environment includes a playground where play and learning can continue, whatever the weather, and carefully planned activities as well as child-led learning are incorporated into the Early Years Curriculum offer.

RSP Curriculum

All areas of the RSP curriculum are planned based on the needs of the children and with a broad, balanced and progressive curriculum in mind. We encourage motivating learning experiences which are based upon each child’s interests. The children learn new skills, acquire knowledge and demonstrate understanding through a thematic curriculum.

Our curriculum is also child-centred, based upon experiences and topics which engage our children. We aim to provide our children with opportunities to enable them to develop the skills needed to self-regulate and engage within a mainstream classroom setting, successfully making this transition when the time is right for them.

Daily guided activities are planned and taught that cover different areas of the RSP curriculum and allow children to develop their next steps in learning. There are also a range of stimulating and engaging activities which the children can access independently and a variety of opportunities for child-initiated play.

In planning and guiding children's activities, we reflect on the different ways children learn in our practice. Many children in The Nest learn best by playing and exploring, being active, and through creative and critical thinking which takes place indoors and outside. Our outdoor area is therefore used all year round and in all weather conditions.

The teaching team in The Nest make regular observations of the children’s learning to ensure their next steps are met. Personal targets and next steps are identified for all children and these are addressed through targeted interventions to ensure every child has the best opportunity to make good or better progress.

Working in partnership

By working in partnership with parents, carers and external agencies, where appropriate, we support all of our Eagles to develop the skills and attributes to ensure they are ready for their next stage of learning. Our ‘open door’ philosophy is important to us; working together ensures every child has the best opportunity to thrive.