Furze Platt Infant School is a well-established and nurturing primary school located in Maidenhead, Berkshire, United Kingdom. Known for its strong focus on early years education, the school provides a caring, inclusive, and stimulating environment for children aged 4 to 7 years. The school plays a vital role in helping young learners build a solid foundation in literacy, numeracy, creativity, and social skills. With a dedicated team of staff and a vibrant learning atmosphere, Furze Platt Infant School is a key institution within the local community that prioritizes every child’s personal development and educational progress.
Overview of Furze Platt Infant School
Furze Platt Infant School offers education from Reception to Year 2, supporting pupils through the crucial early years of their formal learning journey. The school is committed to providing a safe and joyful learning environment where children are encouraged to be curious, confident, and kind. It has built a strong reputation for high academic standards combined with a child-centered approach to learning and personal development.
Key Information
- Location: Maidenhead, Berkshire, England
- Age range: 4 to 7 years
- Type: Community Infant School
- Curriculum: Follows the English National Curriculum for Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1
Learning Environment and Facilities
The learning environment at Furze Platt Infant School is carefully designed to support young children in all areas of development. Classrooms are bright, welcoming, and equipped with age-appropriate resources that stimulate imagination and creativity. Outdoor spaces are also a key feature of the school, allowing for regular play, exploration, and outdoor learning activities. The playground, gardens, and interactive play areas offer pupils opportunities to develop physical skills and social interaction in a natural setting.
Facilities Include:
- Modern classrooms with interactive learning tools
- Outdoor learning areas and playgrounds
- Library with age-appropriate books
- Dedicated areas for art, music, and sensory activities
- IT and digital resources for early tech engagement
Curriculum and Teaching Approach
Furze Platt Infant School follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Key Stage 1 frameworks of the National Curriculum in England. The curriculum is broad, balanced, and designed to meet the developmental needs of young learners. The school places strong emphasis on the core subjects of English and mathematics while also integrating subjects such as science, geography, history, art, music, and physical education.
Teachers adopt a child-centered approach, focusing on each pupil’s individual learning journey. The school encourages a growth mindset, where children are praised for effort, perseverance, and creativity, rather than just results. Lessons are interactive and hands-on, allowing children to explore and understand concepts through play and real-life experiences.
Main Curriculum Areas:
- English (reading, phonics, writing)
- Mathematics (number, patterns, shape, space, and measures)
- Science (exploring nature, materials, and basic experiments)
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Understanding the World (simple geography and history topics)
- Expressive Arts and Design (drawing, music, role play)
- Physical Development (movement, games, and coordination)
Focus on Wellbeing and Inclusion
One of the strengths of Furze Platt Infant School is its commitment to inclusion and emotional wellbeing. The school ensures that every child feels valued, safe, and supported. Pupils with special educational needs (SEND) or English as an additional language (EAL) receive targeted support to help them thrive in the classroom. Pastoral care is seen as essential, and there is a strong emphasis on emotional intelligence, kindness, and respect.
Wellbeing Support Programs Include:
- Social-emotional learning activities
- Friendship groups and peer support
- Access to school counselors or wellbeing mentors
- Parent workshops and family support services
Parental Involvement and Community Engagement
Furze Platt Infant School places high value on building strong relationships with parents and the wider community. The school encourages parental involvement through regular communication, newsletters, open days, and special events. Parents are invited to participate in school life through volunteering, attending workshops, and supporting school trips and activities.
The school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) plays an active role in organizing events such as fairs, fundraising activities, and community gatherings. This helps foster a strong sense of belonging and partnership between home and school, which greatly benefits the children’s learning and confidence.
Assessment and Progress Tracking
Assessment at Furze Platt Infant School is ongoing and formative, allowing teachers to adapt instruction to suit each child’s needs. Pupils are observed during activities, and their progress is tracked against developmental milestones and national standards. Teachers use both formal assessments and daily observations to monitor understanding and guide lesson planning.
Parents are regularly informed of their child’s progress through parent-teacher meetings, written reports, and informal feedback. The aim is to create a supportive environment where students can develop at their own pace while still achieving their best.
Transition to Junior School
Furze Platt Infant School works closely with nearby junior schools, particularly Furze Platt Junior School, to ensure a smooth transition for pupils as they move from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2. Transition activities include joint events, orientation visits, and meetings between staff. These steps help prepare children emotionally and academically for the next stage of their education.
Transition Support Includes:
- Visits to junior schools before term starts
- Information sessions for parents and pupils
- Opportunities to meet new teachers and classmates
- Transfer of pupil records and assessment data
Ethos and Core Values
The school operates on a set of core values that guide everyday learning and behavior. These values are embedded into school life and taught through assemblies, classroom activities, and positive reinforcement.
Core Values Often Emphasized:
- Respect
- Responsibility
- Kindness
- Honesty
- Perseverance
Children are encouraged to apply these values in their interactions with peers, teachers, and the wider community.
Furze Platt Infant School stands out as a nurturing and engaging environment for young learners in Maidenhead. With its focus on early years education, inclusive practices, and community collaboration, the school ensures that every child receives the support and inspiration needed to build strong academic and social foundations. By combining high-quality teaching, thoughtful care, and active parental involvement, Furze Platt Infant School prepares its pupils for a successful and joyful educational journey ahead.