Learning in Nursery and Reception is built around the seven areas of learning and development outlined in the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (click here) which are grouped into Prime Areas, which form the foundations of early learning, and Specific Areas, which build on these foundations as children progress. These areas are interconnected and provide a broad, balanced foundation for every child’s development, supporting not only early academic learning but also emotional, social and physical wellbeing.
Our teaching is shaped by high-quality interactions, purposeful play and a carefully planned environment that enables children to explore, imagine and flourish. We offer a thoughtful balance of child-led learning and adult-guided teaching, ensuring each child is supported to make meaningful progress across all areas of the curriculum.
Communication and Language
Language sits at the heart of our provision. Children become confident communicators through rich opportunities for conversation, storytelling, role play and high-quality talk woven throughout the day. We nurture attentive listening, broaden vocabulary and support children to express themselves with clarity and confidence, enabling them to connect with others and share their ideas thoughtfully and purposefully.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Children’s wellbeing, self-belief and sense of belonging are prioritised from the moment they join us. We support children to develop positive relationships, understand their emotions and build resilience. Through daily routines, turn-taking opportunities, conflict resolution modelling and circle-time discussions, children learn to collaborate, celebrate differences and show empathy, respect and care for others.
Physical Development
Children develop strength, control and coordination through a wide range of indoor and outdoor experiences. From climbing, balancing and movement activities to fine-motor challenges, construction and early mark-making, children build the physical readiness needed for writing and self-care. We empower children to take responsibility for their personal wellbeing, make healthy choices and develop increasing independence in looking after themselves.
As children grow in confidence, these areas build on the prime foundations and extend their understanding of the world.
Literacy
A rich culture of language and story lies at the heart of our Early Years provision. Children encounter high-quality texts and storytelling experiences that ignite imagination and build strong foundations for reading and writing. Early mark-making and physical readiness for writing are strengthened through Write Dance and Dough Disco sessions, while daily Read Write Inc. phonics teaching provides children with the skills needed to read and spell with growing fluency. Our use of Literacy Tree ensures children engage deeply with carefully chosen texts that broaden vocabulary and deepen comprehension. Drawing Club brings stories to life through creativity, illustration and inventive language, empowering children to tell, adapt and write their own narratives. Through these rich experiences, children see themselves as readers and writers with ideas worth expressing.
Mathematics
Children experience maths in a way that feels accessible, engaging and relevant to everyday life. Practical exploration, playful investigation and mathematical language enable children to develop a secure feel for number, pattern, shape and measure. We take time to establish deep understanding and confidence so children can apply their thinking in a variety of situations. Through high-quality interactions and intentionally designed learning opportunities, children begin to use the language of maths, notice relationships and develop a positive attitude towards mathematical thinking.
Understanding the World
This area broadens children’s sense of identity, belonging and awareness of the world around them. We draw upon children’s own experiences and interests as a starting point for exploring people, places, cultures, nature and the passage of time. Learning includes personal and family history, our school’s heritage and our strong link with the church, alongside encounters with the local community and wider world. Time spent outdoors, observing seasonal change, caring for living things and engaging in early scientific enquiry encourages children to ask questions, form ideas and develop a growing understanding of their place in the world.
Expressive Arts and Design
In Ruby Class, creativity is treated as a vital part of children’s development rather than an add-on. Children are encouraged to explore ideas, materials and media in open-ended ways, as well as through experiences linked to our class learning. The Design and Make area is a hub of imagination, where children experiment, refine and proudly share their work. Music is woven through our provision and enriched through specialist teaching with Mrs Miller, giving children varied opportunities to sing, compose, move and respond to music. Children learn to express themselves confidently, appreciate the work of others and develop originality in their artistic choices.
Every area of learning is underpinned by our school values — confidence, compassion, forgiveness, endurance, justice and respect — helping children to grow not only as learners but as kind, curious and capable individuals.