Early Years

Early Years Foundation Stage

At St Clements Academy, our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) includes both our Nursery and Reception classes, providing a warm and nurturing environment where young children can thrive. We believe that children learn best when they are playing, exploring, and actively engaging with the world around them. Our play-based approach allows children to develop a love of learning in a rich and stimulating environment, guided by experienced adults who skilfully facilitate their learning and support their progress.

We provide a balanced mix of child-led play, teacher interactions, and adult-led activities. This approach ensures that children have the freedom to explore their interests while also benefiting from structured learning experiences that build essential skills. Our dedicated staff carefully observe each child’s play to understand their unique needs, allowing them to provide meaningful interactions that extend learning. Whether through imaginative role-play, creative arts, or outdoor exploration, children are encouraged to become confident, curious learners.

Building strong relationships is at the heart of our EYFS approach. We place great emphasis on getting to know each child as an individual, particularly during the first term. This helps children feel secure and valued, fostering a positive environment where they can form friendships and develop important social skills. We also focus on nurturing children’s characteristics of effective learning, including resilience, independence, and high expectations, to help them become enthusiastic and motivated learners.

Our curriculum prioritises the development of key areas, including communication and language, physical development, and personal, social, and emotional development. We help children build strong social skills, enhance their gross and fine motor abilities, and develop independence and confidence. Our language-rich environment supports the growth of communication skills and oracy, laying the foundation for literacy through phonics, reading, and writing. Mathematical skills are nurtured through playful activities that develop number sense, problem-solving abilities, and reasoning skills, ensuring children are well-prepared for the next stage in their learning journey.

We use a range of observation methods, including photographs and anecdotal notes, to capture each child’s unique learning journey. These are recorded in individual Learning Journey books, which celebrate their achievements and document their progress. We value the partnership with parents and actively involve them in their child’s learning, ensuring they feel informed and engaged. At St Clements, we are committed to providing a joyful, inclusive, and inspiring start to every child’s education.