Early Years Curriculum Overview

We believe every child should experience a strong and nurturing start to their education. Our Early Years curriculum is designed to foster confidence, independence and a genuine enjoyment of learning that children will carry with them as they progress through school. We follow the guidance of the Early Years Framework, which is built on four key principles: recognising that every child is unique, valuing the importance of positive relationships, providing enabling environments supported by skilled adults, and understanding that children develop at their own pace.

The Early Years Framework identifies seven areas of learning and development which shape everything we offer. These are divided into prime and specific areas.

Prime Areas

The prime areas underpin all learning and are essential in helping children develop curiosity, resilience and a readiness to learn:

• Communication and Language
• Physical Development
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Children develop these skills through a balance of focused teaching sessions and rich, play-based experiences within our continuous provision. During these times, children engage in meaningful interactions with both adults and their peers, developing their speaking and listening skills through conversation, storytelling, and collaborative play. These opportunities are key in extending vocabulary, strengthening communication, and building confidence in expressing ideas.

Physical development is carefully supported through both indoor and outdoor provision. Children take part in active play using a range of equipment, as well as more structured sessions such as PE, where they develop coordination, balance and teamwork. Fine motor development is also prioritised, supporting children in becoming ready for writing and other detailed tasks.

Personal, social and emotional development is woven throughout the day, as children learn to form relationships, manage feelings, and develop a positive sense of themselves within a supportive environment.

Specific Areas

The specific areas build on the foundations laid in the prime areas and provide children with opportunities to deepen their knowledge and skills:

• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Arts and Design

Literacy

We place a strong emphasis on developing a love of reading from the very beginning. Children are immersed in a wide range of high-quality texts, including stories, non-fiction, poetry, songs and rhymes. These experiences support language development, enrich vocabulary and inspire imaginative play. Early reading skills are taught daily through a structured phonics programme.

Phonics is taught through the FFT Success for All Phonics programme. Children take home a book to share each week and participate in regular shared reading sessions in school. Music, singing and listening activities further support language development and auditory skills.

Mathematics

Mathematics is explored daily through engaging and practical experiences. Children develop a secure understanding of number, particularly within 10, and begin to recognise patterns and relationships. Mathematical thinking is also encouraged through play, where children explore shape, space and measure in meaningful contexts.

Understanding the World
Children are naturally curious about the world around them. We support this by encouraging questioning, exploration and discussion. Through stories, conversations and hands-on experiences, children learn about their own lives, different cultures and communities, and the natural environment.

Expressive Arts and Design
Creativity is highly valued within our setting. Children are given a wide range of opportunities to explore materials, music and imaginative play. They are encouraged to experiment, create, perform and express their ideas, both independently and with guidance from adults.

The Importance of Play

Children take part in daily adult-led sessions that focus on developing key skills, alongside regular opportunities to share and enjoy reading with adults. In addition to this structured learning, play remains a vital part of each child’s day.

Play is essential for children’s overall development. It provides opportunities for children to explore, create, and make sense of the world around them in a way that is meaningful to them. Through play, children learn to set their own goals, solve problems, build relationships, and develop independence. Importantly, play also plays a crucial role in supporting communication and language development. As children interact with others, they practise speaking and listening, expand their vocabulary, express their ideas, and learn to understand different perspectives.

For these reasons, there is a strong emphasis on play within the early years environment. As children grow and develop, there is a gradual shift towards more structured learning experiences. This helps to ensure that children are well prepared for the expectations of Year 1 and beyond, while still recognising the value of play as a foundation for confident, capable learners.