Early years

In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), there are seven areas of learning and development that shape the curriculum. All areas of learning and development are important and inter-connected.

The seven areas of learning are:
  • Communication and Language
  • Personal, Social and Emotional Development
  • Physical Development

These areas are particularly important for building a foundation for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, forming relationships and thriving.

  • Literacy
  • Mathematics
  • Understanding the World
  • Expressive Arts and Design

The children are also supported in four specific areas, through which the three prime areas are strengthened and applied.

The EYFS also promotes the ‘Characteristics of Effective Learning’ which guides staff to reflect on the different ways and rates in which children learn. The characteristics of effective teaching and learning are:

  • playing and exploring – children investigate and experience things, and ‘have a go’
  • active learning – children concentrate and keep on trying if they encounter difficulties, and enjoy achievement
  • creating and thinking critically – children have and develop their own ideas, make links between ideas, and develop strategies for doing things

The staff use their knowledge of the children’s individual needs, interests and stage of development to plan a broad and balanced curriculum which encompasses all of the areas of learning. This is particularly important in developing language and extending vocabulary.

In the EYFS, children learn best through play and first-hand experiences.  Play is essential for children’s development, building their confidence as they learn to explore, relate to others, set their own goals and solve problems. Children learn by leading their own play, and by taking part in play which is guided by adults. We stimulate children’s interests, respond to each child’s emerging needs and guide their development through warm, positive interactions coupled with secure routines for play and learning. As children grow older and move into the reception year, there is a greater focus on teaching the essential skills and knowledge in the specific areas of learning to help children prepare for year 1.

Welcome to Pre-School

Early Years Practitioners: Miss McMahon, Mrs McKenzie, Mrs Steabler-Burke and Mrs Thompson.

Class book: Noisy Farm, Cows in the Kitchen

Our focus songs are:

  • Old McDonald
  • The Grand Old Duke of York
  • Hickory, Dickory, Dock

Home Learning

The children take a book home from our ‘Lending Library’ every Friday which is changed weekly.

A small number of children are chosen every week to take home an activity to support the development of their physical skills.

Welcome to Nursery

Early Years Practitioners: Mrs Howard, Mrs Johnson, Mrs Washington, Miss Stewart, Miss Wilson

Additional adults: Mrs Hutton, Miss Emsley

Our theme is: Families

Class book: Lulu’s Nana Visit, All Are Welcome

Our focus songs are:

  • Where Are My Fingers?
  • Tommy Thumb
  • 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Once I Caught a Fish Alive

Home Learning

The children take a book home from our ‘Lending Library’ every Friday which is changed weekly.

Children are provided with activities to do at home for each half-term linked to what they are learning in school.

A small number of children are chosen every week to take home an activity to support the development of their physical skills.

Welcome to Reception

Class Teachers: Miss Payne (Blue Class), Miss Campbell (Green Class) and Mrs Falvey and Miss Chrys (Pink Class)

Teaching Assistants: Mrs Woodhams (Blue Class), Mrs Smith, Miss Saruni, Miss Wilkinson, Miss Washington (Green Class) and Miss Olley (Pink Class)

Our theme is: Our Families

Class book: Aaaargh Spider!

Our focus songs/poems are:

  • Incy Wincy Spider Climbed Up a Tree
  • OSPA Song
  • October Poem

PE day is Wednesday, please bring your PE kit in a bag.

Home Learning

Homework is handed out every Friday and is due in the following Thursday.

Phonics homework is uploaded to Tapestry every Friday with a focus on consolidating what the children have learnt that week.

Reading books and records should be returned daily with at least 3 reads at home per week.

A small number of children are chosen every week to take home an activity to support the development of their physical skills.