Our Vision for Early Years

At Woodsetts Primary School, we believe the early years are the foundation of a child’s lifelong learning journey. Our Nursery and Reception provision is designed to be a place where children feel safe, valued and curious, where they belong, grow and thrive. We aim for every child to leave our EYFS as a confident, curious communicator and explorer, ready to take their next steps into Key Stage 1 with enthusiasm and resilience.

Our Early Years Ethos: Belong – Thrive – Grow

In everything we do in our Nursery and Reception, we strive for children to:

  • Belong — feel safe, valued and connected

  • Thrive — enjoy learning, grow in confidence and well-being

  • Grow — build knowledge, skills and curiosity for lifelong learning

What Underpins Our Early Years Provision

Our approach to Early Years is shaped by the best available evidence, statutory guidance and a clear intention to meet the needs of our community. In particular:

  • We follow the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) — covering its prime areas (communication & language; physical development; personal, social & emotional development) and specific areas (literacy; mathematics; understanding the world; expressive arts & design).

  • We structure our curriculum with clear intent, coherent implementation and strong impact — a three-part approach that aligns with inspection and best-practice guidance. 

  • We build on what research and expert guidance shows supports high-quality early learning: rich language environments, play-based exploration, adult-led input and responsive, adaptive teaching.

  • We use the latest research and external expertise to help continually shape and improve our curriculum offer for the children.

Our Early Years Curriculum: What We Offer

Warm, Welcoming Start & Secure Belonging

From the moment children and families enter our Nursery or Reception, they are welcomed into a friendly, caring environment. We prioritise children’s sense of security and comfort, recognising that belonging and wellbeing are essential foundations for learning and development.

Broad, Balanced and Purposeful Learning

Our EYFS curriculum offers a rich mix of child-initiated play and teacher-led learning, giving children the opportunity to explore, experiment, enquire and learn through both independent and guided experiences.

We ensure daily opportunities across all areas of development:

  • Communication, language, and early literacy — through stories, songs, talk, play and carefully planned activities.

  • Early mathematics and understanding of the world — through play, exploration, counting, comparing, investigating and problem solving.

  • Physical development — both fine and gross motor skills, through indoor and outdoor play, movement, and exploration of our outdoor environment.

  • Personal, social and emotional development — supported through friendly relationships, clear routines, modelling, reflection and encouragement of independence.

  • Creativity and expressive arts — through imaginative play, art, music, role-play, storytelling and experiences that allow children to express themselves.

High-Quality Adult Interaction & Responsive Teaching

Our staff play a central role in helping children learn and grow. Through:

  • Observations and assessment of children’s interests and needs

  • Targeted support and scaffolding where needed

  • Language-rich interactions and modelling

  • Well-chosen, stimulating resources and learning environments

We adapt our teaching to help each child build knowledge, skills and confidence. This ensures learning is inclusive, accessible and ambitious for all children, including those with additional needs or disadvantage.

Meaningful, Engaging, Real-Life Learning Contexts

We plan topics, activities and “wow” experiences that connect to children’s lives — their community, local environment, seasons, nature and family. This helps learning feel relevant, engaging and memorable.

Our curriculum helps children develop big ideas and schema — patterns of understanding about the world, relationships, change, belonging, identity and community — giving them a growing sense of themselves in the world.

Partnership with Families

We know parents and carers are children’s first and most important educators. We work closely with families through:

  • Stay-and-play sessions, transition visits and home-school visits

  • Regular progress updates and informal conversations

  • Shared resources and guidance so parents can support learning at home

This partnership ensures children feel secure, supported and ready to learn.

What Children Develop: Our Early Years Impact

As a result of our Early Years provision, children will:

  • Feel safe, welcomed and proud to belong at Woodsetts

  • Become confident communicators — able to talk about their ideas, ask questions and listen attentively

  • Explore creatively, think critically and take risks — trying new things with confidence and curiosity

  • Be ready for their next stage: leaving Reception with the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed for Key Stage 1

  • Develop social skills, confidence, independence, emotional awareness and resilience

  • Build a foundational love of learning, enquiry and exploration

We expect, from their various starting points, children to make strong progress — academically, socially and emotionally — so they are well-placed to thrive as they move through school.