Intent

At Northleaze Church of England Primary School, our Early Years curriculum provides children with the best possible start to school life, supporting their development both intellectually and emotionally. We aim for all children to leave the Early Years as happy, confident and resilient learners who are motivated, curious and ready for the next stage of their education.

Our curriculum is child‑centred and inclusive, recognising that every child is unique. We build carefully on children’s prior learning, experiences and interests, including those gained through our on‑site Nursery, to create meaningful and motivating learning opportunities. Wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do, as we believe children learn best when they feel safe, valued and secure.

We believe that children thrive best when school and families work closely together in a positive, trusting partnership. By building strong relationships with parents and carers from the very start, we create a happy, secure foundation for learning. Open communication, shared celebrations and a genuine understanding of each child help ensure that children feel confident, supported and excited about coming to school each day.

Implementation

Our EYFS team works collaboratively to create a positive, caring and welcoming environment where children feel confident to explore, take risks and make ‘marvellous mistakes’. High‑quality interactions, strong relationships and responsive teaching underpin daily practice.

We follow the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage, delivering a broad and balanced curriculum across the seven areas of learning:

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Communication and Language
• Physical Development
• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Arts and Design

Learning is planned through a balance of adult‑led and child‑initiated experiences, supported by high‑quality continuous provision both indoors and outdoors. Daily phonics, mathematics and literacy sessions are complemented by rich opportunities for play, exploration and enquiry.

Children who attend our Nursery benefit from a smooth and familiar transition into Reception, with strong continuity of practice, shared expectations and a consistent focus on communication, independence and emotional readiness. For children joining us from other settings, we work closely with families and feeder nurseries to ensure individual needs are understood and supported.

Staff are skilled observers who use ongoing assessment to identify children’s next steps and adapt teaching accordingly. Subject‑specific vocabulary, early reading, problem solving, independence and collaboration are explicitly developed through purposeful activities and guided support.

Wellbeing and self‑care are prioritised through daily routines and dedicated opportunities for mindfulness, physical activity and reflection. Children are encouraged to develop confidence, resilience and independence within a nurturing and structured environment.

Partnership with Families and Transitions

We place great importance on strong, respectful relationships with families and recognise that starting school is a significant milestone. Our induction process is carefully planned and includes parent meetings, stay‑and‑play sessions, home visits and opportunities to meet the EYFS team and wider school community.

Parents and carers are actively involved in their child’s learning journey through regular communication, online learning journals, weekly updates and opportunities to celebrate achievements. We work closely with families to support transitions into Nursery, Reception and onwards into Key Stage 1, ensuring continuity, familiarity and confidence for both children and parents.

Impact

Children’s progress is monitored from entry and throughout the year to ensure appropriate challenge and timely support. Assessment is used effectively to inform teaching and ensure that all children make good progress from their individual starting points, with targeted support provided where needed.

By the end of the Early Years, children demonstrate strong personal, social and learning behaviours. They are confident communicators, resilient learners and enthusiastic participants who enjoy learning, collaborate well with others and talk positively about their experiences.

Children transition into Key Stage 1 with a secure foundation of knowledge, skills and attitudes. They are confident, curious and independent learners, ready to meet new challenges and continue their learning journey successfully.

 

Please see below for Reception class long term plans 

• Curriculum Overview

Please see below for progression of skills in Foundation Stage 2

• PSED Building Relationships
• PSED Self-Regulation
• PSED Managing Self
• Physical Development - Gross Motor Skills
• Physical Development - Fine Motor Skills
• Expressive Arts and Design - Being Imaginative and Expressive
• Expressive Arts and Design - Creating with Materials
• Understanding of the World - People Culture and Communities
• Understanding the World Past and Present
• Understanding the World - The Natural World
• Music skills and knowledge (Charanga)