Our Reception curriculum builds on the strong start children make in Nursery and continues to follow the seven areas of learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
We see every child as a unique learner. Our environment and teaching support children to grow in confidence, curiosity and independence through engaging, high‑quality learning experiences.
Children learn through a mix of play and adult‑led support. They are given time to explore their own interests, while adults carefully guide their learning by asking questions, modelling language, and introducing new ideas and skills. This helps children deepen their understanding and develop key skills for the future.
Prime Areas of Learning
The Prime Areas are fundamental to children’s development and underpin all future learning:
-
Communication and Language
We provide rich opportunities for children to develop their speaking and listening skills through conversations, songs, stories, role‑play and small‑group activities. These experiences build vocabulary, confidence in expressing ideas, and the ability to listen and respond to others. -
Physical Development
Children are encouraged to be active every day, developing gross motor skills such as running, climbing and balancing, alongside fine motor control through activities like mark‑making, threading and using tools. These experiences support coordination, strength and readiness for writing. -
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
We place a strong emphasis on helping children develop self‑awareness, build positive relationships and manage their emotions. Through routines, play and adult guidance, children learn to share, cooperate, show resilience and develop a positive sense of self.
Specific Areas of Learning
The Specific Areas support children to build upon the Prime Areas and deepen their learning:
-
Literacy
Children develop a love of books, stories and songs, alongside early reading and writing skills. Opportunities include sharing texts, exploring sounds and rhymes, and making marks for a variety of purposes. -
Mathematics
Learning in mathematics is embedded through play and everyday experiences. Children explore number, counting, shape, pattern, size and measure, developing problem‑solving skills and early mathematical understanding. -
Understanding the World
Children are supported to make sense of their physical world and community. They explore nature, talk about past and present events, learn about different people and cultures, and engage with simple technology. -
Expressive Arts and Design
Creativity is celebrated through art, music, movement, role‑play and imaginative play. Children are encouraged to explore materials, experiment with ideas and express themselves confidently.
Characteristics of Effective Learning
We observe and support how children learn, not just what they learn, through the three Characteristics of Effective Learning:
- Playing and Exploring – children investigate, experience things first‑hand and develop curiosity.
- Active Learning – children concentrate, persevere and gain satisfaction from achieving their goals.
- Creating and Thinking Critically – children develop their own ideas, make connections and problem‑solve.
Nursery Curriculum Overviews
Assessment and Partnership with Families
Children’s learning and progress are observed and captured using EvidenceMe, which allows us to document significant moments in each child’s learning journey. This enables us to assess development effectively and share meaningful updates with families, strengthening the partnership between home and school and celebrating children’s achievements together.