Our Early Years Department is closely aligned with the whole school approach and is linked to the Characteristics of Effective Learning in Early Years. At the heart of our teaching philosophy are our Leadership Habits - Motivation, Engagement and Thinking, which guide both how we teach and how children learn. We believe that knowing how a child learns is just as important as what they learn, and we strive to achieve this through everything we do.

Our Early Years provision is made up of three carefully structured phases, each designed to meet the developmental needs of children at every stage of their early learning journey:

Nursery (2–3 years)

A warm, home-from-home environment led by an experienced team of qualified Early Years professionals. With high staff-to-child ratios, our Nursery focuses on the three Prime Areas of learning: Communication and Language, Personal, Social and Emotional Development, and Physical Development. Children have the opportunity to eat, sleep, play, and toilet train all under one roof, giving them a consistent and nurturing routine to build a strong foundation for future learning.

Pre-School (3–4 years)

Building on everything offered in our Nursery, our Pre-School provides a more structured approach to early learning whilst maintaining a strong focus on learning through play. Children are introduced to our Read Write Inc. (RWI) phonics scheme, supporting early reading skills and preparing them for their transition into Reception.

There is a stronger emphasis on number sense, helping children to develop an early understanding of number and laying the groundwork for future mathematical learning.

Finger gym activities and a focus on gross motor development support muscle strength and control, providing the essential foundations for future handwriting and fine motor skills. Children also continue to grow in independence, confidence, and social awareness through carefully planned experiences and routines.

Reception (4–5 years)

Reception continues to build on all that has been established in Pre-School, with a strong emphasis on growing independence and encouraging children to take more responsibility for their learning and routines.

The Early Years curriculum remains at the heart of our approach, with a progressive focus on literacy, writing, and mathematics, ensuring children are well-prepared for Key Stage 1. Children enjoy IT and French lessons, designed specifically for their age group to make learning fun, interactive, and engaging.

Learning remains play-based, supporting development through children’s own interests and curiosity. Small class sizes and a well-staffed team allow for tailored support, helping every child make strong progress from their individual starting points.

From the very beginning in Nursery right through to the end of Reception, each child benefits from an individualised learning plan, ensuring that their needs, interests, and potential are fully understood and nurtured throughout their time in Early Years.

 

What our Early Years department offers

Our Early Years team offers a nurturing, play-based environment focused on how children learn as much as what they learn. Aligned with our school’s Leadership Habits of Motivation, Engagement, and Thinking, we support every child’s unique journey from Nursery (2–3 years) through Pre-School (3–4 years) and Reception (4–5 years).

• Nursery provides a warm, home-from-home setting focused on communication, emotional development, and physical growth.
• Pre-School builds on these foundations, introducing phonics (RWI), number sense, and motor skills to prepare children for Reception.
• Reception continues with a focus on independence, literacy, maths, IT, and French - delivered through fun, play-based learning.

We offer specialist lessons from 2 years old including swimming, football, music, woodland learning, yoga & mindfulness, plus wrap around care and Reception after-school clubs. Our tailored support helps children develop confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.