Ruspini House

Ethos and Curriculum

We understand that every child is unique, so our curriculum allows individuality to blossom. Through child-initiated learning and exploration, our children develop active learning skills, creativity and critical thinking; empowering them to pursue their own ideas and interests. We go wherever they take us!

We link activities to seven key educational programmes: communications and language, physical development, personal, social and emotional development, literacy, mathematics, understanding the world, and expressive arts and design.

Outdoor Learning

Outdoor learning is a crucial part of your child’s wellbeing and development, so we ensure our nursery children spend time outside every day, come rain or shine! In our spacious (300 acres!) and inviting outdoor spaces, our children can explore, discover new passions and learn to take appropriate risks. There’s a method in the mudness! Research shows that time outdoors improves concentration, encourages higher levels of social interaction and builds self-esteem.

Beyond the Classroom

Learning doesn’t just take place in the classroom. We offer a wide range of co-curricular activities to ensure our children have broad horizons and happy minds.

We organise a wide range of enrichment opportunities ranging from Spanish lessons and farm experiences to science experiments and library trips.

We regularly welcome teachers from our Prep and Senior schools to lead specialist lessons, which contributes to a sense of community and belonging.

Dance, Drama and Music

Music, dance and drama allow our children to express themselves; they are practical, fun and energetic subjects empowering children to explore new ideas and bring their imagination to life. Our Prep school music teacher leads singing, sounds and rhythm sessions weekly.  Harvest, Easter and Christmas performances are highlights of the calendar for both children and their families!

Sport and exercise

We are eager for our children to develop a love of sport and exercise from an early age. In our Nursery, PE sessions focus on developing motor skills, which gradually progress into sports skills and participation in team games. All lessons are taught by our specialist PE staff, with swimming sessions led by professional coaches and lifeguards in our on-site swimming pool.

Nurturing Relationships

At Ruspini House we provide a safe, secure and caring environment where every member of our Nursery feels valued and respected. Whatever children learn in their early years has a lasting effect, which is why our team is committed to providing a solid foundation full of love and support, building lifelong confidence, self-esteem, and a love for learning.

“I am extremely happy with the care my daughters have received at Ruspini House. They settled in quickly due to the nurturing and stimulating environment provided by the staff. They have both looked forward to every day and I have been impressed by how they have developed as a result of the positive messages and the wide variety of opportunities.”
Ruspini Parent

Considering others

As children develop they learn about boundaries and to consider the views, feelings, needs and rights of others. They begin to understand the impact that their behaviour has on people, places, and objects. In Ruspini House, our pupils learn to play cooperatively through responsive teaching, encouragement, and appropriate modelling.

Learning about feelings

Emotional literacy and self-regulation are essential skills for children’s learning and healthy development. We prioritise these skills by supporting the children when they have feelings they are struggling with, alongside modelling and storytelling so that children begin to recognise and label their emotions. We also help our children build relationships through listening to what others have to say, sharing and taking turns.

Encouraging independence

Every day, our children are encouraged to try new things. We explain the reasons for rules and support children in making good choices to follow them. Our children learn to manage their personal needs including dressing, going to the toilet, and promoting the importance of healthy food choices early, so they are well-prepared to manage the transition to Reception when the time comes.

Parents and staff together

It is vitally important for parents and early years staff to have a strong and respectful partnership built on trust, transparency, and responsibility. We have an open-door policy where parents and teachers share a joint interest in, and responsibility for, children’s development and learning. This partnership lays the foundations for our children to thrive.

Staff

Our high staff-to-pupil ratio allows time for high-quality interaction with teachers. Led by experienced Early Years teachers, our nursery team are caring professionals who are experts in the development of nursery-aged children.

“The teachers and staff are friendly, enthusiastic and dedicated to caring for and nurturing the children. I’m extremely grateful to all the Ruspini House team for the excellent care they have provided both of my daughters with.”
Ruspini Parent

Inclusion

At RMS our Inclusion department is called PALS (Provision of Assisted Learning and Support). Our aim is to support students with additional needs to access the mainstream curriculum, reach their academic potential, and thrive at our school.

What types of need can be supported at RMS?

At RMS, we support our pupils across the four broad areas of need: 

• Communication and interaction. For example; autistic spectrum disorder, speech and language difficulties
• Cognition and learning. For example; dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia
• Social, emotional, and mental health difficulties. For example; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Sensory and/or physical needs. For example; hearing impairments, processing difficulties

Students at RMS need to be able to access our mainstream school environment independently, but we appreciate that some may need supportive strategies.

Who can the parents talk to about their child’s needs?

Head of Ruspini House, Mrs Greig, and SENCo Mrs Manning, would be more than happy to discuss any questions regarding your child’s development.