Early Years
In our Nursery and Reception classes we follow the Early Year Statutory framework 2021.
We use Development Matters 2021 to support our teaching and to ensure curriculum coverage.
If you would like to know more about the documents mentioned above, please follow the links below.
How We Learn in the Early Years
In the Early Years, we want the pupils to develop their independence, develop self-regulation and have confidence in themselves and their abilities. We want them to develop their love of learning in their first years at school to give them the best start to their school life.
We believe that having a play-based approach is the best way for the children to become independent and build their confidence. We also see the importance of creating awe and wonder for the children in our setting and ensure that we provide opportunities for meaningful and exciting experiences for the children to engage in.
The children have access to daily choosing time in both the indoor and outdoor environment. During this time, the children can choose their own activities, develop taught skills and knowledge and take ownership in their learning. Alongside supportive adults and a supportive environment, the children develop and progress within their learning across all areas of the curriculum.
The children in the early years also learn through planned group work, these groups range in size from whole class to smaller groups and even 1:1. We use these sessions to teach the children specific skills and knowledge from our school curriculum, that they can then apply to their play. The children are also encouraged to complete challenges during their play in Reception to give the children additional opportunities to achieve their goals.
We believe in providing the children with as many opportunities as possible for them to develop their skills and knowledge in order for it to become natural, independent, consistent and embedded.
We value all learning that our children have done prior to joining us and work hard to build on previous knowledge and skills. It is important that are families involved in the learning of their children, as together we can support each child to achieve their full potential.
Subject Progression in the EYFS
There are seven areas of learning and development that shape out Early Years Curriculum. The prime areas are the foundation of success during the Early Years but also further into the child's learning journey. These areas are of high focus and importance during your child's time in the Early Years, but is a particular focus during their time in Nursery. The four specific areas allow the children to develop additional skills and knowledge, in addition to the three prime areas being strengthened and applied.
The prime areas are:
- personal, social and emotional development
- communication and language
- physical development
The specific areas are:
- literacy
- mathematics
- understanding of the world
- expressive arts and design
To find out more about our Early Years provision in school, please click on the link below: