At The Sheffield Private School (TSPS), we believe every child deserves the best possible start in life, supported by an environment that allows them to achieve their full potential. Early childhood is a crucial time for development, and children’s experiences between birth and age five significantly impact their future success. A secure, safe, and happy childhood combines good parenting with high-quality early education to lay the foundation for lifelong learning and development.
At TSPS, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, which sets standards for children’s learning, development, and care from birth to age five. The EYFS Framework outlines what and how children will learn to support their growth and development. Throughout their classroom activities, children are introduced to essential High Performance Learning (HPL) skills and attributes to become confident and successful learners.
-Quality and consistency: Ensuring every child makes good progress and no child is left behind.
-A secure foundation: Offering planned learning and development opportunities tailored to each child’s needs and interests, with regular assessments and reviews.
1.A Unique Child: Encouraging resilience, capability, confidence, and independence.
2.Learning and Development: Recognising that children learn in different ways and at varying rates.
3.Enabling Environments: Providing opportunities and experiences that meet individual needs through strong partnerships between practitioners, parents/caregivers, and the child.
4.Positive Relationships: Supporting children to become strong, independent, and confident individuals.
At TSPS, we use this framework to complete an EYFS profile for every child by the end of the academic year in which they turn five. During this stage, children work towards achieving the ‘Early Learning Goals,’ with most students making excellent progress by the end of the Foundation Stage.
Play is central to the EYFS curriculum, and children engage in both indoor and outdoor play daily. While spontaneous play is encouraged, children also receive adult guidance when needed. Through play, children develop intellectually, creatively, physically, socially, and emotionally.
Our dedicated and highly qualified staff ensure that children enjoy their Early Years experiences through a hands-on, stimulating curriculum. The curriculum is divided into the following areas:
Physical Development
Communication & Language
Personal, Social & Emotional Development
Literacy
Mathematics
Understanding the World
Expressive Arts & Design
We foster a love for learning by planning activities around children’s interests, key stories, and engaging topics that inspire curiosity and exploration. Each child’s development is carefully considered during planning to meet their unique needs. Progress is documented in a profile that includes observations, photographs, and samples of work. We also highly value parental input in shaping the learning journey.
First-hand experiences bring learning to life. Our teachers carefully plan enriching activities such as visits to museums, parks, shopping malls, or hosting special visitors like authors and professionals. Children actively engage in themed days, drop-down mornings, charity drives, and other school events that foster learning beyond the classroom.
We use the Tapestry app to create an online record of each child’s Learning Journey, sharing their progress with parents throughout the year. The focus is on the process of learning, celebrating the steps children take to achieve milestones and tasks.
Our Foundation Stage learning spaces are warm, bright, and stimulating. They encourage learning through play, exploration, and focused group activities, both indoors and outdoors, creating an environment where children feel inspired and supported to thrive.
The Primary Stage at The Sheffield Private School covers Years 1 to 6. Children join us in the academic year after they turn 5, and most students graduate to the Secondary phase at age 11.
We assess students at the time of admission to understand their academic abilities and language needs, as we cater to a wide range of learning profiles. This enables us to tailor our approach to ensure that every child’s learning journey is as effective and fulfilling as possible.
At the core of our philosophy is the firm belief, supported by world-class research, that there are no limits to what your child can learn and achieve. From Year 1, we implement a High-Performance Learning Pedagogy, focusing on equipping students with the skills and attributes needed for limitless success. Our approach prepares students not only for academic excellence but also for success in the wider world, fostering attributes like resilience, problem-solving, and creative thinking. Our curriculum is enriched beyond the National Curriculum for England, embracing a dynamic, holistic approach that integrates both values and the skills needed for 21st-century learners. We aim to inspire students to think critically, respect diversity, and actively contribute to their communities, preparing them to become responsible, global citizens.
Our commitment to technology is key in this mission. Students use digital tools and resources throughout their learning experience to develop their digital literacy skills. This includes incorporating interactive learning platforms, coding, and other technology-based activities to engage children and support their learning across subjects.
Our curriculum is designed to be rich and diverse, offering more than just the core academic subjects. We emphasize learning beyond the classroom with a wide range of enrichment opportunities such as school clubs, field trips, guest speakers, and cultural experiences. Students explore different cultures, languages, and global perspectives, building a deeper understanding of the world around them and developing empathy and respect for others.
In Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2), students not only develop strong literacy and numeracy skills but also engage in creative and critical thinking through subjects like Science, Topic, Information Technology, Music, PE, and Art. Our cross-curricular approach to learning ensures that students are encouraged to make connections between subjects, to the UAE and then further apply their knowledge in new, creative ways. We also incorporate projects that connect to important values, such as respect, democracy, and tolerance, promoting these principles in a practical, engaging context.
In Key Stage 2 (Years 3 to 6), students continue to refine their academic skills while also developing leadership abilities. They are encouraged to take on more responsibility, both in the classroom and in extracurricular activities. We provide ample opportunities for students to pursue individual interests, whether through leadership roles in student council, participation in sports, or by exploring subjects like coding or environmental studies.
Technology plays an essential role in preparing our students for the future. In both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, students use digital platforms to enhance learning. They explore educational apps, engage in interactive lessons, and even participate in coding activities and projects that help develop their logical thinking and problem-solving skills.
By integrating technology across the curriculum, we aim to prepare students for an increasingly digital world, where technological proficiency is crucial. This aligns with British values of fairness and opportunity, ensuring that every child has access to the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing environment.
We integrate important core values into every aspect of our teaching and school culture. These values include individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. These values underpin our approach to teaching and learning, ensuring that students not only gain academic knowledge but also develop the social and emotional skills needed to be respectful, responsible, and active members of society.
We encourage students to engage in discussions about democracy and the rule of law, both in classroom settings and through whole-school activities like student elections. Students also explore issues of equality, respect for diversity, and the importance of personal responsibility through assemblies, ensuring they understand their role in contributing to a fair and just society.
At The Sheffield Private School, we understand that a child’s emotional well-being is integral to their academic success. Strong pastoral support underpins the entire learning experience. Our teachers are trained to support each child’s emotional and social development, ensuring they feel safe, valued, and supported throughout their learning journey.
Ireland is where I grew up, always playing school and wanting to be a teacher. I attended the University of Galway and qualified as a Geography and Irish teacher in 2011. I loved my time in the classroom and when curiosity got the better of me, I returned to University of Maynooth, to complete my Masters in Educational Leadership. I began my first leadership position in a starter residential school in Co. Galway. Before joining the team in Britus International School, Bahrain, I worked in the United Arab Emirates as an Deputy Cluster Manager- Academic Advisor.
During my time in Dubai, I led on educational reform and change management as well as establishing, developing and improving teaching and learning. I implemented a nationwide e-learning collaborative practice during the Covid-19 Pandemic. I believe in lifelong learning and I will model my ethos for the students, teachers and parents of BISBH. I am excited about this new chapter in BISBH and it is an honor to be involved in this educational journey.
