Early Years

Early Years caters for children from age 2 to 5 (Nursery to Reception); it is a distinct stage and important both in its own right and in preparing children for later schooling. Learning through structured, carefully planned play is at the centre of our curriculum. Children in early years have exclusive use of a specially designed and shaded outdoor area created to stimulate and excite. Swimming, PE, music, library lessons and cookery add to the variety of learning opportunities. 

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, we have adopted a thematic approach to the curriculum. A theme is taught every half term, and covers the seven areas of learning outlined in the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum.

Three areas are particularly crucial for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, and for building their capacity to learn, form relationships and thrive. These three prime areas are:

• communication and language
• physical development
• personal, social and emotional development

These areas are strengthened and applied through the following four specific areas:

• literacy
• mathematics
• understanding the world
• expressive arts and design