Teaching and learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage is overseen by Mrs. J. Miles, B.A. (Hons) P.G.C.E. who has been specialising in Early Years Education for more than ten years.

We understand the importance of relating learning to children’s first-hand experiences. Throughout the course of a week, children have access to a wide range of activities including planned P.E. and music sessions.

Children are keen to participate in cooking regularly and are encouraged to learn and experiment with activities such as sand, water, play dough and paint. We encourage children to use their imagination and provide opportunities for dressing up and role play in our purpose built play-house. We also understand the importance of ensuring that children have lots of opportunities to engage in physical activity and we provide a wide range of ride on toys and prams as well as climbing and balancing apparatus which we enjoy using both indoors and outdoors. 

As well as developing their gross motor skills, children are able to improve fine motor skills and co-ordination through learning to use a range of tools and construction materials appropriately.
We introduce children to ‘Literacy’ and ‘Numeracy’  skills at an early stage through the provision of appropriate adult led and ‘free choice’ activities. Nursery children are introduced to the ‘Jolly Phonics’ scheme and have the opportunity to progress to our reading scheme as and when appropriate.

In the Reception year, Literacy and Numeracy activites are primarily taught in the mornings in the reception classroom where the children have their own fully qualified and experienced teacher. Reading is given a high priority.

However, it is vital that our Reception children continue to use many of the ‘hands on’ activities which are based in the Nursery School and they have regular access to these activities. They also have opportunities to work with Key Stage One children enabling them to gradually become accustomed to a more structured environment, facilitating a smooth transition across the Early Years Foundation Stage and into Key Stage 1.

Our children are eligible to receive government funding during their time in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Please telephone the School where we will be able to explain your entitlement in more detail.