Early Years
To visit the Nursery or Reception classes, please click on an image below.
St Edmund’s is a family school and we know that starting school is not only a milestone in a child's development, but is a big step for each family and therefore, we welcome you and your child. Our aim is to provide a secure, stimulating environment in which young children lay foundations for learning and for life, through their development of skills, which are underpinned by our Faith.
Staff in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), work closely with our Nursery and Reception parents to establish strong links between family, school and the wider parish community. Religious Education (RE), based on the Curriculum Directory, is at the centre of all our teaching and reflects the attitudes outlined in our Mission Statement; “Together we learn and grow through worship and celebration.” There are also regular opportunities throughout the year, for the morning and afternoon Nursery children to attend mass with the whole school.
The EYFS curriculum
At St Edmund’s, our curriculum is designed using Development Matters (2021). There are 7 areas of learning and development.
The 3 prime areas are:
- communication and language
- physical development
- personal, social and emotional development
The 4 specific areas are:
- literacy
- maths
- understanding the world
- expressive arts and design
Children join St Edmund’s with a range of different skills and experiences. Our curriculum is planned with the children’s interests and experiences at the heart. Building on what the children already know and linking it to their own experiences, we endeavour to introduce new and exciting learning at every possible opportunity. Children are taught in a variety of ways including; directed teaching, adults modelling, group work, though observing each other and through play. Children have daily access to both indoor and outdoor learning on a free flow basis. Activities in the indoor and outdoor areas are planned to support and develop the children’s learning by motivating, stimulating and challenging the children. These activities may be adult-led (with a member of staff), adult-framed (planned by an adult but not led by and adult, children access them independently) or child-initiated (activities chosen and completed by the child).
Please click on “Nursery” or “Reception” to find out more details about the year group, their curriculum and how to support your child.