Early Years

 

 

Our Early Years provision is rooted in the belief that every child is unique, capable and full of potential. We provide a nurturing, inclusive and stimulating environment where children feel safe, valued and ready to learn, laying strong foundations for future success.

 

Partnership

We believe children thrive when there is a strong and trusting partnership between home, school and early years providers.
We work closely with parents and carers, local pre-schools and other professionals to ensure continuity and shared understanding of each child’s needs, interests and development.
Parents are actively involved in their child’s learning through stay and play sessions, where families are invited into school to:
  • join in with phonics sessions and learn how early reading is taught
  • hear practical guidance on how to support reading and language development at home
  • take part in Forest School sessions to see how children develop independence, confidence and problem-solving skills through outdoor learning
These opportunities help parents understand not only what children are learning, but why particular approaches are used and how they support long-term development.
Transitions into Reception are carefully planned so children feel confident, secure and excited about starting school.

Provision

Our Early Years environment is designed to promote language, communication and social development, while also supporting children’s physical, emotional and sensory needs.
Indoor, outdoor and Forest School provision are of equal importance and work together to create a rich, enabling environment. Learning is sensory-integrated and movement-rich, supporting children to regulate, engage and explore confidently.
Our provision includes:
  • environments that encourage talk, storytelling and shared play
  • specialist support for speech and language development where needed
  • a mud kitchen area that supports imaginative play, vocabulary development and collaboration
  • soft surfaces with loose parts to encourage creativity, problem-solving and risk-taking
  • a large sandpit that develops gross motor control and muscle strength, essential foundations for later fine-motor skills and handwriting
  • opportunities for collaborative projects that build social skills and teamwork
This carefully planned provision supports inclusion by enabling all children to access learning in different ways, laying the foundations for knowledge acquisition across all areas of the curriculum.

Personalisation

We are ready to meet children where they are, whoever they are.
Every child arrives with their own experiences, strengths and interests. Through careful observation and responsive teaching, we personalise learning so children can:
  • follow their interests and curiosity
  • develop confidence and independence
  • build strong relationships and communication skills
Children are encouraged to make choices, explore ideas and take ownership of their learning, while adults support and guide learning purposefully.

Early Years Policy

Curriculum

Our Early Years curriculum is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework and guided by Development Matters. It is designed to give children the best possible start by building strong foundations for learning, wellbeing and independence.
Intent
We want children to:
  • feel safe, happy and confident
  • develop secure foundations in communication, language, early reading, writing and mathematics
  • build independence, curiosity and resilience
  • develop positive relationships and emotional wellbeing
Implementation
Learning is delivered through:
  • high-quality interactions and modelling
  • play-based and exploratory learning
  • explicit teaching of early skills, including phonics, mark making, number and language
  • sensory-rich, movement-based experiences
  • regular opportunities to revisit and deepen learning
Approaches such as Drawing Club, movement-based phonics and structured play support early writing, language development and imagination.
Impact
As a result of our Early Years curriculum:
  • children develop confidence, independence and curiosity
  • foundational skills in communication, language and early maths are securely established
  • children are socially and emotionally ready for learning
  • transitions into Key Stage 1 are smooth and successful
We monitor progress carefully to ensure every child is supported and challenged appropriately.
Summary
Our Early Years provision is inclusive, nurturing and ambitious.
Through strong partnerships, purposeful provision, personalised learning and a carefully designed curriculum, we ensure that every child feels valued, confident and ready to thrive.