Art

At Herne, we feel believe that to create art and be creative is paramount in the early years. It allows children to develop lifelong skills such as experimenting and exploring, practise, perseverance, evaluating, using their imagination and gaining a sense of pride. In art there is no right or wrong, but a chance for the children to express themselves in a way they chose, using the tools they need.

Through the teaching of progressive art skills, the children explore different ideas and techniques that will inspire their future creations. These skills are developed across each year and built upon from prior learning. Here is an example of what that looks like, although some skills may be taught in a different term depending on topic.  

The school environment allows children to develop their skills and creativity by ensuring materials, media and resources are readily available and independently accessed by all children, including those in the Nursery. Every child has access to these resources throughout the day particularly during our Learning Through Play sessions.

Children’s artwork is valued and promoted through dialogue and displays, both in school and the wider community. Examples of this include the Whitstable Horsebridge Art Gallery, Westgate Gardens in Canterbury, Herne Bay Library and the Be Creative Hub in Herne Bay. Parents and families are welcomed into school and Nursery three times a year for a ‘Come and See’ afternoon to celebrate their child’s creations.