BRIXINGTON Primary School will mark the official opening of its foundation stage unit (FSU) with the presentation of a special plaque by county education bosses in a special ‘badging’ ceremony next Tuesday.

BRIXINGTON Primary School will mark the official opening of its foundation stage unit (FSU) with the presentation of a special plaque by county education bosses in a special ‘badging’ ceremony next Tuesday.

A FSU is when nursery classes and reception classes in integrate to meet the needs and interests of all children.

The school embarked on its bid for FSU status nearly four years ago- in Brixington nursery and primary provision has run alongside each other for years.

After establishing a dedicated early years team a year was spent visiting other Devon nurseries, foundation classes and units to gather ideas.

The unit was then set up on a new site in the school grounds, and the nursery and foundation classes amalgamated.

For the past three years the unit, with the strong support of parents, school staff and its immediate community, has gone from strength to strength, with children’s progress and achievements continually improving.

The school will be presented with a plaque by David Lowes, Devon County Council’s Professional Lead for Schools and Setting Improvement.

Lara Stead, Brixington Primary’s Foundation Stage Leader said: “This has been a long journey and throughout the process we have strived to establish a quality foundation stage unit whilst continuing to create that supportive, nurturing and stimulating early years environment which Brixington staff believe starts a successful life long learning journey.

“Thanks must go to many people, including Eric Howard our former head teacher for initiating the development of the FSU, all our school staff, Headteacher Jon Galling, school governors, the Early Years Team at Devon County Council, and, of course, all the parents and children of Brixington Primary.

“Badging is only the beginning. The plan is to continue to develop our practice further and ensure that children starting at our school get the child-centred, play-based learning that will enthuse and inspire them.”

Councillor Christine Channon, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Schools and Skills, said: “Congratulations to Brixington Primary for reaching this milestone.

“By working together staff, governors and parents can improve the quality of service for children and work together to develop specialist skills.

“The foundation stage unit accreditation process can help to increase parents’ understanding and awareness of how children learn and help with the transition from nursery into main school.”