West Grove Primary School, London

Nursery and Reception Classes

This London primary school is investigating the benefits to their younger children of Alistair Smith and Nicola Call's ALPS Approach.

Much of the focus of the project is on Learning to Learn and skill development, but every aspect of the children's environment is being considered. Fruit and water are provided, music is an integral part of lessons, and a programme of outdoor play has been devised.

The school is monitoring each child's progression in attainment, attitude and motivation. Primarily, for the latter two criteria, the children's comments about their learning are being recorded. Their parents are also involved, evaluating performance through questionnaires and informal networks. In school, attendance figures are being monitored and a portfolio of classroom observations is growing. All these inputs will be analysed in addition to the school's assessment policy and eventually the SAT results.