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: Mrs Mussell, Mrs McKenzie, Miss Wilson, Mrs Steabler-Burke and Mrs Thompson.

Class book: Noisy farm and Cows in the kitchen

Our focus songs are:

Grand old juke of York
Old McDonald
Hickory dickory dock

Home Learning

Parents are invited to come in and choose a book with their child to take home.

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

There are no additional charges for Pre-School

Pre school Booklet 2026-27 Download

Welcome to Nursery

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

Badgers, Foxes, Squirrels, Owls, Hedgehogs, Rabbits

Class book: Lulu’s Nana Visit / All Are Welcome / The Great Big Book of Families / All About Families

Our focus songs are:

Tommy Thumb
Where Are My Fingers
Once I Caught A Fish Live

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.

Additional charges for Nursery are £2 per week towards snack. If your child has a full time place, you are able to order a school dinner for £2.50 per meal.

Nursery Booklet 2026-27 Download

Welcome to Reception

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

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

Our theme is: Arrggghhh Spider

Class book: The Detective Dog/ Hospital Dog

Our focus songs/poems are:

October Poem
Incy Wincy Spider
Oats and Bean and Barley Grow
OSPA Chant

PE day is Tuesday, your child may come in their PE clothes on this day.

Home Learning

Homework is handed out at the start of the term and your child may choose one from the options provided. Please hand in their homework every Friday or upload it to tapestry for this to be discussed during circle time.

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.

Welcome

Academy Day

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Curriculum Overview

Early years

The seven areas of learning are: