LEARNING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 2018–19
Learning and Professional Development
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Contents Welcome
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The Riverside Way
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Individual Learning Grants
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Training for all Riverside Educators
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Riverside Nursery Expert Programme (RNE) 12 - 13 Your Mental Health
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The Dukes Leadership Programme
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Learning and Development Resources
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Our People
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“Learning is the only thing the mind never exhausts, never fears, and never regrets.� Leonardo da Vinci 2
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Hello
flexible thinkers
I
am delighted that you are a colleague here at Riverside Nursery Schools. Our mission is to shape children’s lives in the years that are the most important.
We are a different and unique type of family of nursery schools. We focus on education and character as well as childcare. The most important asset to the nursery schools is our people. It all comes down to that precious moment of magic between you and your children. At Riverside Nursery Schools, our focus is on developing you, enabling you to become the best educator you can be. I’m delighted to share with you our Learning & Development Programme and the other ways in which we ensure continual reflection, learning and development for all of our valued staff.
Aimee Kimbell Principal
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The Riverside Pedagogy Educating Excellence for Generations
Resilience
Imagination
Veracity
Empathy
Responsibility
Getting up when we fall down, brushing ourselves off, and trying again
Seeing magic in the world and conjuring our own unique interpretation
Learning and respecting the truth about ourselves, others, and the world around us as we learn and grow
Sharing feelings and experiences to create a nurturing and comforting learning environment for all
Developing autonomy and integrity of self and the abilities to work both independently and collaboratively
discover R
iverside Nursery Schools have been educating children for over forty-five years. We have created a bespoke curriculum that draws inspiration from a range of established and time-proven pedagogies including Montessori, Reggio Emilia and Forest School. The education we provide is steered by our experience and expertise, combined with the most up-to-date knowledge of the latest scientific breakthroughs in both child development and neuro-development. Whilst incorporating the seven areas of learning in the Department for Education’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the Riverside curriculum goes far beyond it, with a focus centred on developing the five Riverside Nursery Schools Dispositions in each and every child.
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The Riverside Curriculum 1 Character and Resilience In the first years of life, a child creates the fundamental elements of their personality and character, the mind-set and attitudes that will accompany them into adult life. They learn to make decisions, to persevere, gain selfdiscipline, experience success, and consider the needs of others. In a well-balanced, nurturing community of children and the adults who guide them, these qualities emerge effortlessly. Through both play and structured learning, your child is set up for success.
5 Number Theory and Logic
2 Communication and Confidence
Simple number songs and rhymes introduce our learners to mathematics. Activities in the classroom, including Montessori Maths materials, ensure children are familiar with sorting, matching, ordering, sequencing, and counting, forming a solid foundation upon which to build a lifelong understanding of mathematical mechanisms. Our unique Maths curriculum is the only programme based upon a child’s natural instinct to move and explore. By making Maths an integral part of a child’s day, a love of number theory and logic evolves with ease.
6 Observing and Exploring
Riverside Nursery Schools foster a language-rich environment guaranteeing the enjoyment of both the spoken and written word. Educators take every opportunity to encourage dialogue with even the youngest children and the exploration of thoughts and ideas through verbal discourse. Children learn that their ideas matter, whatever their age, and enjoy eye-to-eye conversations with adults, dialogue with those around them, and countless opportunities to listen and learn.
Young children are full of curiosity and have an innate, insatiable interest in the world around them. They are hard-wired to explore, using every opportunity to expand their knowledge. This natural interest and sense of adventure is stimulated with an introduction to topics from the realms of Science, Geography, Botany, and Zoology.
4 Imagination and Empathy 3 Healthy Body, Healthy Mind A wide range of beautifully crafted equipment and carefully curated activities refine motor skills and physical development. Riverside’s physical development syllabus helps children discover and develop a healthy lifestyle through cooking activities, outings, sports classes, and outdoor nature lessons. 8
One of the most important dispositions we foster and develop in our children is their ability to use imagination and empathise with others. We do this through imaginative play, exploration of characters in stories, and, of course, ensuring strong reading abilities. Throughout Riverside Nursery Schools, the Montessori method is utilised to teach children to read. When each child is ready, we begin exploring sounds of the alphabet and finding objects in the environment that relate to those sounds. Once a child has discerned that words have beginning, middle and end sounds they are shown the value of “sounding out” words (c-a-t), and in the process effortlessly begin both to read and write.
7 Self-Expression and the Arts At Riverside Nursery Schools, children have access to an extensive range of art materials and equipment. They learn about different artists and their styles and are free to recreate these styles or develop a flair of their own. They explore crayons, chalks, paints, and glue with a range of modelling items always available for harnessing creativity. A daily music activity gives the children the opportunity to express themselves through dance and song. 9
Individual Learning Grants
Training for all Riverside Educators
At Riverside Nursery Schools, we want to support you in your own learning. If you aspire to undertake your own study, e.g. a masters degree or vocational diploma, please apply to us and we’ll do all we can to contribute financially.
A programme of four twilight zoom sessions led by Martin Pace & Deb Wilenski (Reflections Nursery) covering outstanding pedagogy, standards & ensuring a compelling education
Leadership and Management Skills Programme Dukes Education offers leadership and management programmes at all levels. The first is our Leadership and Management Skills Programme, designed for individuals who are in a middle or senior leadership position and are looking to refresh their leadership approach and develop new leadership and management skills. The Leadership and Management Skills Programme will bring together a group of highly motivated individuals who have been recognised as the future leaders of their organisations.You will have the opportunity to reflect on your own and your team’s performance and will be given tools to improve it. The programme will also give you networking opportunities.
Session 1 - 17th November Session 2 - 8th December Session 3 - 12th January Session 4 - 26th January All at 6:30 for 1 hour.
The programme begins in Spring 2021. It involves a two day kick off covering the foundations of personal leadership. This is followed by a further five one-day modules, requiring a commitment of seven working days in all.
In summary, the course is structured as follows: • 2-day non-residential on 18th & 19th February 2021 (Spring Half Term) • 2-day non-residential on 31st March & 1st April 2021 (Easter Break) • 2-day non-residential on 3rd & 4th June 2021 (Summer Half Term) • 1 day non-residential on 21st June 2021 (Summer Term)
Email applications should be sent to richard.fletcher@dukeseducation.com
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The Riverside Nursery Expert programme Riverside Nursery Schools values and believes in their people, striving for excellence by investing in them. The Riverside Nursery Expert (RNE) Programme offers highly motivated individuals the opportunity to step forward and contribute to the future of their organisation. The programme will give you the tools and confidence to manage your own self-development in education in the Riverside Nursery Schools way. The programme focuses on you as an individual. Understanding yourself, through reflective practice and understanding your impact on the world around you. What is referred to as the Cosmic Education in Montessori. The programme will expand your knowledge of the child and the environment and how you are an important link between the two. We explore most recent research and innovative approaches to deliver a programme that will support you to lead your practice.
The programme is designed for those individuals who are interested in leading and inspiring their nursery to continue growing, developing, and promoting exceptional education for their children in the Riverside Nursery Schools. The immersive and intense programme requires delegates to devote time and energy before, during, and after to make the most of the support and resources provided. Whatever your challenges and goals are, we aim to deliver a holistic experience that ensures you, your nursery, and your organisation develop the skills and mindset to push the boundaries of education.
The programme begins in October 2020. It involves five-one day modules as well as practical placement modules. The sessions will be delivered by a variety of speakers, presenters, and facilitators who are experts in their specialism.
Learning Principles
The programme is designed around a 70:20:10 framework, to fit around your existing role at Riverside Nursery Schools. This learning and development model captures three types of learning: 10% learning through courses; 20% learning through others, 70% learning through doing. The Learning Through Courses aspect will take shape in workshop and “classroom style” sessions led by a facilitator. Course reading material and supporting materials will support this aspect of the course. The Learning Through Others aspect will be delivered through 1:1 coaching, mentoring, and peer networking. The Learning Through Doing aspect is down to you. The programme really comes to life when you put into practice what you have learned by applying the new tools and frameworks to your day to day life.
Programme Structure
Beginning in October 2020, successful applicants will attend a monthly session, followed by placement tasks in your nurseries in between each session. The sessions will be delivered by in-house tutors, and speakers who are experts in their specialism. The location of these will be at St Margarets Montessori School or Zoom depending on current Government guidelines.
In summary, the course is structured as follows: One Saturday per month from November 2020 to March 2021 Session Session Session Session Session Session
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7th November 10am-1pm 12th December 10am-1pm 9th January 10am-1pm 6th February 10am-1pm 6th March 10am-1pm 27th March 10am-1pm
Application
Stage 1 - Application Form A completed application form should be submitted to the Principal, Aimee Kimbell. Stage 2 - Interview Successful Stage 1 applicants will be asked to a 30-minute interview to determine suitability and interest in the programme and to provide an opportunity for any questions to be asked.
1:1 coaching will happen throughout the course, mentoring and peer networking.You will be supported fully for the duration of the course by external coaches and organisation heads. The entire cost of the programme and any associated travel will be covered by Dukes Education.
What we need from you:
We expect your commitment to the course to be wholehearted.Your presence at all the course sessions is essential and once the dates for the sessions have been agreed we expect you to make every effort to attend them.
Outcomes
The RNE programme will: • Give you a deeper, more holistic understanding of the child • Equip you with skills to understand yourself, your strengths and weakness and how to develop those • Improve your understanding of your role as an educator and facilitator of children’s learning in a prepared environment • Empowering you to use reflective practice in your personal and professional development • Give you the opportunity to build relationships with a diverse network of like-minded individuals across the Riverside Nursery Schools
‘The real preparation for education is a study of one’s self. The training of the teacher… is something far more than a learning of ideas. It includes the training of character; it is a preparation of the spirit.” Maria Montessori
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Your Mental Health Employee Assistance program - Health Assured
Adult Mental Health 1st Aid Course
This Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is available to all staff and provides a confidential telephone service with trained counsellors available 24/7 365 days a year. The telephone calls are 100% confidential and can support you in dealing with personal and professional problems that could be affecting your home or work life, health or general wellbeing.
Key support features across wellness, wellbeing, engagement and recognition include:
Instructor: Juliet Adloune (Licensed Adult MHFA Instructor)
In addition Health Assured also offers a virtual library of wellbeing articles, self-help guides, and assessment tools, including:
• Work life assistance
• Four-week self-help programmes
• Weekly mood trackers
• Mini health checks
• Health trackers syncing with your Apple Health app
• Interactive health assessment providing tailor-made dietary tips and fitness plans
• Interactive leaderboards
What is the cost: The cost of the course is fully covered by Dukes Education How do I book: Contact Richard Fletcher on richard. fletcher@dukeseducation.com
• Perks and discounts
Overview
• Fitness and lifestyle advice, such as detoxing methods • Financial wellbeing articles You can call the free 24-hour telephone line on 0800 030 5182 You can access the website https://healthassuredeap.co.uk/ and use the following passwords User ID – Dukes Password – eap You can also download the Health Assured app called ‘My Healthy Advantage’ from the App Store or Google Store. Sometimes it can be difficult to balance the pressures of everyday responsibilities.When daily life feels overwhelming, help and support is on hand from Health Assured: My Healthy Advantage.
• Wellbeing videos and webinars • Mini health checks • Four week health and wellbeing plans • Home life support and advice • Physical and emotional health support • Four week wellbeing challenges
Through our expertly designed user interface our app can help you resolve and manage issues that may be impacting your mental, financial, social and physical wellbeing. Free to download worldwide, you can discover in-app comprehensive advice and proactive support, practical solutions and tips, expert health and wellbeing information. Make a positive change in your wellbeing today with the tools, relevant information and support that enable you to make a real, positive impact. Enjoy the latest wellbeing videos, read articles and pick up tips or advice on a variety of topics through media-rich content, filtered and displayed according to your preferences, goals and interests. With our fourweek programmes, you can make positive changes to your health and wellbeing today. You can choose an individual wellbeing area, set yourself targets, complete meaningful activities and track your progress, all from the comfort and convenience of your phone; at a time that suits you.
How long? Two full days max (we can normally fit around a standard school day) Course Dates: Autumn Term Course - 3rd & 4th December 2020 Spring Term Course – 4th & 5th March 2021 Participants: 16 per instructor (The number of participants may be reduced due to social distancing restrictions)
This two day course qualifies you as a Mental Health First Aider, giving you: • An in-depth understanding of mental health and the factors that can affect wellbeing • Practical skills to spot the triggers and signs of mental health issues • Confidence to step in, reassure and support a person in distress
Format • Two day face to face course across four manageable sessions • Learning takes place through a mix of presentations, group discussions and workshop activities • Each session is built around a Mental Health First Aid action plan • We limit numbers to 16 people per course so that the instructor can keep people safe and supported while they learn
Takeaways
Everyone who completes the course gets: • A certificate of attendance to say you are a Mental Health First Aider • A manual to refer to whenever you need it • A quick reference card for the Mental Health First Aid action plan • A workbook including a helpful toolkit to support your own mental health For more information about the modules covered on the course, please visit: https://mhfaengland.org/individuals/adult/2-day
• Enhanced interpersonal skills such as non- judgemental listening • Knowledge to help someone recover their health by guiding them to further support - whether that’s self-help resources, through their employer, the NHS, or a mix
Follow the steps outlined in the doucment below ‘MHA - How to download and Register’. The Dukes Code is: mha145999
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Your Mental Health Intro to Mindfulness
Certified 8 week Mindfulness Course Online
Instructor: Richard Fletcher How long? 1 hour Participants: No limit (Online or Face-to-face) What is the cost: There is no cost to you How do I book: Contact Richard Fletcher on richard.fletcher@dukeseducation.com
Instructor: James Gibbs (Certified .b mindfulness trainer) How long? 8 sessions over the course of 8 weeks Participants: 16 per instructor What is the cost: The cost of the course is fully covered by Dukes Education How do I book: Contact Richard Fletcher on richard.fletcher@dukeseducation.com
Overview
Mindfulness has become increasingly popular as a skill to understand how and why we think the way that we do. It helps us to step back and observe the workings of our mind, and to become more adept at choosing which thoughts we follow and which ones we leave to one side. This can be super helpful in learning how to work with the worries, anxieties and stresses of life at school and at home. It can also help with difficulties around sleep, becoming more appreciative and more aware of how we communicate with others in everyday life.
PLEASE NOTE: The course is open to teaching and non-teaching staff. Places are limited so first come, first served!
Overview
Following successful courses at Eaton Square School and Knightsbridge School in 2019, We are pleased to announce the first online version of the 8-week mindfulness course at Dukes. The course is designed by the Mindfulness in Schools Project, is evidence-based and has been taught to many thousands of school staff across the UK and beyond.
Takeaways
• Feel happier, calmer and more fulfilled • Get on better with others, including students and colleagues • Work more effectively by bringing increased awareness to their role • Increase resilience in the face of stress and difficulties • A certificate of attendance The 8-week mindfulness course also counts as the first step of formal teacher training with the Mindfulness in Schools Project, should you wish to go on to learn to teach .b and Paws b to students.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Workshops
How long is the course/session?
There is no specific length of time for these workshops. Workshops can be built and delivered around your time requirements. To give some indication of how long to allocate to the workshops, a standard workshop covering Context, Anxiety & Depression (signs, symptoms and response to) and Positive Coping Strategies needs approximately 2 hours. Participants: No limit (Online or Face-to-face) What is the cost? There is no cost to you How do I book? Contact Richard Fletcher on richard.fletcher@dukeseducation.com
Who is it for?
These workshops are for anyone in your school, college or organisation who wants to develop their knowledge and skills in the following areas: • Raising awareness & Reducing stigma
• Q&A
Mindfulness has become increasingly popular as a skill to understand how and why we think the way that we do. It helps us to step back and observe the workings of our mind, and to become more adept at choosing which thoughts we follow and which ones we leave to one side. This can be super helpful in learning how to work with the worries, anxieties and stresses of life at school and at home. It can also help with difficulties around sleep, becoming more appreciative and more aware of how we communicate with others in everyday life.
Format
Format
This workshop is a simple introduction which covers the following areas: • Context – Why Mindfulness? • What is Mindfulness (and what it’s not)? • Benefits of Mindfulness • Basic Principles • Some techniques to take away
• 1 hour workshop online or face-to-face
Takeaways
• A deeper understanding as to the role that mindfulness can play in maintaining positive mental health and wellbeing • A better understanding as to what mindfulness is and is not • Three mindfulness practices to take into your everyday life
• Confidence in reassuring and supporting- someone in distress • Giving people practical skills to spot the triggers and signs of mental health issues • Giving people the tools to look after their own wellbeing
What will I learn?
Workshops are best designed with your needs in mind. They can be built from any of the following topics/areas:
8 sessions over the course of 8 weeks to take place online. You will need to be available between 5:00pm – 6:00pm on Thursdays on the dates below:
• The context of mental health (including the Stress Container Model & the Mental Health Continuum)
• October 8th and 15th
• Anxiety & Depression
• November 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
• Suicide
• December 3rd and 10th
• Psychosis • Self-Harm • Eating Disorders • Positive Coping Strategies • Resilience • Recovery
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• Supportive Conversations
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The Dukes Leadership programme Dukes Education’s continued success and reputation is founded on the quality of our people. The Senior Leadership Programme brings together a group of highly motivated individuals who have been recognised as having the potential to make a significant contribution to the future of their organisation. The programme will give you the tools and confidence to manage your own self-development as a leader in education. The programme begins with you, working closely to understand your personality styles, leadership preferences and individual business context. We then blend innovative insights, the latest research, and inspiring teaching to deliver a programme which will unlock your leadership potential. The programme is designed for those individuals who are in a senior leadership position and are looking to refresh their understanding of leadership and their leadership approach. The programme has attracted school, college and business heads over the last few years. The immersive and intense programme requires delegates to devote time and energy before, during, and after to make the most of the support and resources provided. Whatever your challenges and goals are, we aim to deliver a holistic experience that ensures you, your team, and your organisation develop the skills and mindset to push the boundaries of education business excellence.
In summary, the course is structured as follows: • 3-days on the 15th, 16th & 17th February 2021 (Half Term) • 1 x 1-day sessions on the 12th March 2021 (Spring Term) • 2-days on the 27th & 28th March 2021 (Easter Break) • 2 x 1-day sessions on 7th May & 18th June 2021 (Summer Term) • 2-days in the Autumn Half term of 2021 (dates TBC) • 2-day wrap up and presentations in December 2021 (dates TBC) Each participant will be allocated a qualified coach and will receive 6 x 1:1 coaching sessions over the course of the programme. The programme is designed to work around your current role, and time will be allocated for you to attend sessions and online seminars.You will be supported fully for the duration of the course by external coaches and organisation heads. The entire cost of the programme and any associated travel will be covered by Dukes Education. Email applications should be sent to richard.fletcher@dukeseducation.com
The programme begins in Spring 2021. It involves ten one-day modules and requires a commitment of twelve working days. The programme concludes with a twoday wrap up and presentation weekend in December 2021. The sessions will be delivered by a variety of speakers, presenters, and facilitators who are experts in their specialism.
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Learning and Development Resources
Our people
EYFS
https://www.foundationyears.org.uk/files/2012/03/Development-Matters-FINAL-PRINT-AMENDED.pdf https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2 https://www.reach4skills.co.uk
Montessori
https://www.montessoritraining.org.uk https://www.themontessorinotebook.com http://www.michaelolaf.net https://www.mariamontessori.com https://www.montessori.org.uk
Early Years
https://moodle.ndna.org.uk https://www.pacey.org.uk https://www.eyalliance.org.uk/early-years-foundation-stage https://www.earlyyearseducator.co.uk https://www.ndna.org.uk (Please ask your Head Educator for membership details) https://www.myeducare.com/login/index.php (Please ask your Head Educator for membership details) https://www.theearlyyearstraininghub.co.uk https://www.noodlenow.co.uk (Please ask your Head Educator for membership details)
Other Pedagogies
https://nurturestore.co.uk Forest or Garden School https://reflectionsnurseries.co.uk/events Reggio Emilia https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/nov2015/emergent-curriculum Reggio Emilia https://sites.google.com/site/tourosgottesman/theories-of-early-childhood An Overview of Theorists http://complexneeds.org.uk/modules/Module-1.1-Understanding-the-child-development-and-difficulties/All/ m01p020c.html Complex Needs Theorists
Dukes Hub
Please visit the new section on the Dukes Hub specifically for early years education. www.dukeshub.com
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Richard Fletcher
Claudia Neves
Martin Pace
Richard has been at Dukes Education since September 2018. He is a qualified teacher and has worked in education for 20 years having spent most of his career in teaching and pastoral leadership in secondary school settings.
As a child, Claudia knew she wanted to be a teacher, but life kept her from committing until she discovered Montessori. It was then that she realised that she did not want to be a teacher, but a Montessori Directress.
Richard is a licensed Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor through MHFA England and is also ASIST trained (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training). Richard is also a volunteer counsellor for the Crisis Textline SHOUT.
What is the difference? The Montessori Directress does not teach. Each child has the inner teacher and our job is to guide or direct them towards their full potential.We allow the children to develop their gifts and talents by encouraging them to listen to themselves and believe in themselves.
Martin has worked in childcare and education since 1994. He is Director of Reflections Nursery & Forest School which operates a 160-place nursery and a 24-place independent infant school in Worthing, West Sussex. The nursery has been awarded ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted at the last four inspections.
Director of Performance
Richard also looks after leadership development and training at Dukes Education. Having worked with both young people and adults over the course of his career and having also experienced anxiety and depression in his twenties, Richard is a keen advocate of mental health and wellbeing training.
Head Teacher, Learning & Develpoment Lead
Claudia is passionate about Montessori education and has been lucky enough to travel the world with Montessori. Claudia has learnt from many amazing Montessorians since her Montessori journey began in 2002. In her role as Learning and Development Lead Claudia has the opportunity to spread the word about this amazing pedagogy.
Founder of Reflections Nursery and Forest School
Martin has attended twelve study tours of the pre-schools of Reggio Emilia since 2003 and is part-way through an MA in Early Childhood Studies at the University of Roehampton. Martin is author of, I Love Forest School:Transforming early years practice through woodland experiences, published by Bloomsbury in 2014. He is a regular conference speaker on topics including: Project-based learning; the Reggio Approach; Forest School & risk in children’s play, and children’s creativity. Since 2011, Martin has led Professional Development Days which have been attended by over 5,000 early years and primary educators from 16 countries. 21
Contact Us
hello@riversidenurseryschools.com riversidenurseryschools.com
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