Early Years

Free Early Years Education

We are now included in the Kirklees list of approved providers of free early years education and care for 3 and 4 year olds. For further details and to apply please click here

We use Tapestry

Tapestry is an easy-to-use and secure online learning journal helping staff and families celebrate their children’s learning and development.

Early Years is the foundation for all future learning and as such we take it very seriously, seeing it as both a responsibility and a privilege working with these young lives.

It is with the ACE curriculum that the reading programmes “Pre-school with Ace and Christie” and “ABC’s with Ace and Christie” prepare students for further learning. It is a mastery system, in which each student builds upon previously learnt work, like stepping stones, and continues right through their time with us. We strive to encourage a love of books and reading, as they are the key to successful learning. A child who is a confident reader will not be afraid of the schoolwork they are facing but will thrive in their education.

Pre-school with Ace and Christie

Pre-school with Ace and Christie starts from the age of three. A child can start at any point in the school year with the programme lasting for approximately one year. The programme is full of animal friends that help us to learn to read, write and do simple maths. At the end of the year the child is tested to see if they are “reading ready”. If so, they move on to the “ABC’s with Ace and Christie”.

ABC’s with Ace and Christie

ABC’s with Ace and Christie lasts 12-15 weeks and builds on the work the children have already completed. It includes various blended sounds and leads the child to independent learning.

Mornings or Full day programmes

Our parents have the option of their child just coming in the mornings when the more formal PACE work is done or coming for full days. The morning PACE sessions are enhanced in the afternoon with any intervention work, investigative learning and “fun” lessons such as cooking, art and PE. Whether they come for the full day or just the morning, there is outside play/learning taking place and times when the students can direct their own play/learning though this is more prominent in the afternoons.

Building positive self-assured young lives

One of the most important things a child needs for success is a positive self-image. Self-image is not something they create for themselves, or are born with, but is developed and shaped by others around them. They need to realise they are made in God’s image and are perfect the way God has created them. It is vitally important that everything that is said and done is constructive. Not only can the words we use destroy a child but also how we say things has an effect on them. At The Branch Christian School we reinforce the belief that the child is made in God’s image and that He has a plan and purpose for their lives. Through Opening Exercises, Devotions and Chapel we turn our eyes back to Him, and seek to encourage and build one another up.

At the end of the ABC’s course, the student will be working independently, and ready to move up to the Junior Learning Centre.