Our Approach

Our Early Years curriculum gives every child a secure foundation for future learning. Reading is central to our curriculum and shapes the experiences children have from their first days in Nursery. High quality texts sit at the heart of our planning and provide rich opportunities for language, imagination and knowledge building.

We take a practical, playful approach to learning. Children learn through loose themes based on texts, rhymes and seasonal events. These themes help children make links in their learning, build vocabulary and develop curiosity about the world. They give structure to the week while still allowing children’s interests to guide learning.

Our curriculum supports confident communication, early reading, early maths and personal development. Learning is sequenced from Nursery into Reception so children revisit ideas, deepen understanding and build knowledge over time.

We follow the EYFS statutory framework which sets out the seven areas of learning. These are Personal Social and Emotional Development, Physical Development, Communication and Language, Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design. These areas guide our planning and ensure children experience a broad and balanced curriculum.

How Children Learn

Children learn best through play that is purposeful, meaningful and rooted in their interests. We provide a balance of child led play and adult guided activities. Planning is flexible so children’s ideas can shape learning and influence the direction of the week.

We value uninterrupted play and give children time to explore, investigate and revisit ideas so they can build deeper understanding. Children are encouraged to follow their curiosity, try new things and develop independence.

Adults support learning through high quality interactions. Staff model language, extend ideas and help children make connections in their play. They respond in the moment to guide thinking, build confidence and support independence.

High quality texts drive our curriculum. Each week begins with a focus book which children explore in different ways across the week. Stories, songs and rhymes create a language rich environment where children develop confident communication skills.

Children learn individually, in small groups and sometimes as a whole class. This balance supports exploration, independence and challenge.

Early Reading

Reading is central to everything we do. Early reading begins in Nursery where children develop sound awareness, oral blending and a love of stories. Nursery rhymes are used daily to build rhythm, rhyme, memory and early phonological awareness.

In Reception, daily Read Write Inc sessions teach sounds, blending and reading books matched to each child’s stage. Extra support is provided promptly when needed.

Early Mathematics

Reception follows NCETM Mastering Number guidance to secure strong number sense. Teaching focusses on counting, comparison, composition, pattern and mathematical language.

Nursery introduces early counting, sorting, pattern and shape exploration so children have a secure foundation for Reception.

Learning Environment

Our learning environment is practical, purposeful and designed to promote independence. Continuous provision is carefully planned so children can access resources independently and engage in deep, uninterrupted learning. Enhanced provision is added when needed to extend thinking, introduce new concepts or support specific skills.

Indoor areas support reading, writing, maths and creative development. High quality texts are available across the environment so children can revisit stories, act them out, retell them and use them in their play.

The outdoor area is used regularly to develop physical skills, collaboration and problem solving. Children explore natural materials, seasonal changes and real life experiences which help them build confidence, independence and resilience.

Assessment

Assessment is simple, purposeful and closely linked to curriculum goals. Staff observe children as they play and learn, and use this information to plan next steps. Progress is monitored and shared with families throughout the year.

Inclusion

The curriculum is accessible for all children. Staff identify needs early and work with families and external professionals when required. Adaptations ensure every child can participate fully and make progress.

Working With Families

We communicate regularly with families and share information about progress. Parents are encouraged to engage with the curriculum and take part in school life.

Nursery offers stay and play sessions so families can join their children in the Early Years environment. These sessions help parents see how children learn through play, explore the provision and understand the skills children are developing.

In Reception, we provide phonics and maths workshops to help families understand key areas of learning. These workshops give parents practical strategies and clear information so they can support their child’s progress at home.

Transition arrangements are planned carefully so children feel secure and ready for their next stage.

What Children Achieve

Children leave the Early Years as confident learners who are ready for Year 1. They show strong communication skills, secure early reading knowledge and a solid understanding of early mathematical concepts. They demonstrate independence, resilience and positive attitudes to learning.