Nursery is led by Ms Brookes and Reception is led by Mrs Khan

In our Early Years classrooms, there is time for child-initiated and free flow play, exploration and investigation as well as lots of opportunities to work with an adult in one to one and small group sessions.

During the day,  we also have whole class and small group teaching sessions for phonics, reading, writing, handwriting and mathematics. Each day the children are exposed to and can choose from a wide range of exciting, stimulating and challenging activities. The children learn many skills which provide a firm foundation on which to build future learning. We aim to provide a happy, fun, safe, caring and stimulating environment for children in which they can develop physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially.

Children are encouraged to develop their own theories about the world and how it works. Their ideas and opinions are valued and respected by adults, and the other children, thereby creating an environment in which children can develop and grow not being afraid to make mistakes and learn.

Our Learning

In the Early Years Foundation Stage children learn best when they experience learning first-hand, through meaningful interactions with others, through physical activity and through play. Our Early Years practice is based on on-going observation and assessment of the children and their interests.

The Early Years Curriculum

Prime Areas of Learning

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED)
• Communication and Language (CAL)
• Physical Development (PD)

Specific Areas of Learning

• Literacy (L)
• Mathematics (M)
• Understanding the World (UTW)
• Expressive Arts and Design (EAD)

At the end of Reception, the children will be assessed against the 17 Early Learning Goals and their progress is shared with parents.  Characteristics of Effective Learning (CEL)

• Playing and Exploring
• Active Learning
• Creating and Thinking Critically

Our Early Years principles are based on EYFS statutory guidance and the four overarching principles of good practice:

• Every child is a unique child, who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured.
• Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships.
• Children learn and develop well in enabling environments, in which their experiences respond to their individual needs and there is a strong partnership between school and home.
• Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates. The framework covers the education and care of all children in early years provision, including children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Also see more useful advice and documents in our Teaching Phonics section.