Our aim throughout the school is to fan this flame and feed this curiosity, with an engaging, child-led and child-centred curriculum catering directly for the needs, strengths and interests of every child.
In embracing the best early years practice globally, our new learning environment, the Hive, has been designed to ensure our youngest children feel safe and secure, and are able to learn in a variety of ways both indoors and out. We recognise that every child learns differently, and adopt a range of approaches to encourage our children to grow in independence.
Strong relationships with families are encouraged and this partnership between home and school allows us to make the most of every learning opportunity for our youngest learners.
Early Years Curriculum
Based on the EYFS framework for England, learners in our Early Years Hive explore, use their imagination and learn through play, allowing them opportunities to take risks in a safe environment and find joy in learning. For children, play is serious learning and our skilled practitioners plan for a balance of play and more structured learning opportunities as students are developmentally ready. Specialist staff support learning in PE, Performing Arts and Languages.
Within our Hive, there are two Early Years year groups, Early Years 1, ages 3-4, and Early Years 2, ages 4-5. Students from both year groups interact with one another frequently throughout the day with opportunities to share, make new friends and practice navigating social situations. Through close observation, responsive planning and interactions with our experienced staff, our school values are actively promoted as we nurture our youngest global citizens.
Early Years - Key Points Within The Curriculum
- A focus on experiential learning, incorporating opportunities for sensory development, creativity, curiosity and enquiry.
- A focus on early reading and writing. Our phonics focus begins in EY with a particular focus on environmental sounds and CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words.
- Opportunities to learn both inside and outside of the classroom regardless of the weather!
- Time to develop individual skills and talents.
- Interaction with Teachers and Assistant Teachers that facilitate learning opportunities and ask questions to support continuous, individualised learning.
- Discrete Performing Arts, Languages and PE sessions delivered by specialists.
- Learning invitations are created by staff to pique the children’s interest and are linked to the Early Years Goals.
- An opportunity to be involved in extracurricular after-school activities.
- Apple iPads are available in the classroom to document and support children’s learning.
- Staff use a platform called ‘Tapestry’ to regularly assess and share pictures illustrating children’s individual progress.