GEMS FirstPoint School nursery has an embedded holistic, natural, and nurturing philosophy which seeks to provide a well-rounded and supportive environment for young children's development. In addition to emphasising exciting learning opportunities and a love for learning, we also recognise the importance of physical activity and a smooth transition into the next stage of schooling.

A smooth transition into FS1 (Foundation Stage 1) is also a priority for our children. Recognising the significance of early childhood transitions, our nursery works closely with families and the FS1 team to ensure that children feel secure, confident, and prepared for the next stage of their educational journey. This involves familiarising children with the routines and expectations of FS1, facilitating visits from the FS1 teachers, and providing emotional support during the transition process.

The school day starts at 7:30am for all students. The school gates open at 7:15am with all students expected to be in class by 7:28am. Registration takes place from 7:30am – 7:50am, focusing on key skills and morning routines. Students in Year 1 – 6 finish at 3pm. On Fridays, all students finish school at 12:00pm. Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs) take place after school Monday – Thursday from 3:10pm – 4:10pm. Please visit our ECA page for further information.

Depending on their year group, students have various options for snack and lunch. Nursery to Year 2 students can either bring their own snack and lunch or pre-order from our catering company, Slices. Students in Year 4 and above can choose these options or purchase food from our canteen using their Student ID card, which parents top up.

Students from Nursery have access to the School Transport Service. Foundation Stage bus services arrive in time for the start of the school day and leave campus at either 12:00pm or 3pm. On Fridays all bus services leave at 12pm. Our Teaching Assistants and Bus Conductors accompany children to and from the bus daily, ensuring there is always an adult-to-adult handover. CCTV, GPS tracking, live updates and ‘sleeping child’ checks are some of the key safety features on board our STS buses. 

Class Capacity is 18 students

Our small class sizes ensure that all children experience personalised learning to enable them to flourish in their learning. There is one Teacher and one Teaching Assistant in every class from FS1 to Year 4. In Years 5 and 6, there is one Teacher and a Teaching Assistant shared between two classes. For our younger students, our Teaching Assistants accompany students to their specialist lessons with specialist teachers. 

At GEMS FirstPoint School we have an open-door policy so you can speak to your child’s class teacher at pick up and drop off, you have their direct email address, and arrange a face to face meeting or request a phone call within school hours. We also use an online learning journey, Arc Pathways, which is a way to share photographs and videos as well as a clear and concise assessment tracking tool for full transparency of your children progress and development across the seven areas of the EYFS curriculum. We encourage parents to add to this too so we can see achievements from home as well to get a complete insight into your child’s development and application of skills. We share a report termly and also offer parent meetings each term to discuss your child’s learning and progress.

Yes, following the termly assessment weeks, you will receive three reports throughout the year. In Term 1 and 2, you will receive a data report outlining key targets for the upcoming term. Then, in Term 3, you will receive a comprehensive end of year written report, detailing your child's academic progress for the current year and setting targets for the following year. All reports can be accessed conveniently through the GEMSCONNECT app.