Early Years - Nursery & Reception
Early Years at Abbey: A Foundation for Flourishing
What Our Early Years Provision Offers
At Abbey, we believe that every child deserves a rich, balanced learning environment—one that nurtures growth across all areas of development. Guided by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) principles, we provide a setting where children feel valued, respected, and inspired to learn. As the EYFS Handbook states:"Children must have access to a rich learning environment which provides them with the opportunities and conditions to flourish in all aspects of their development."We achieve this through a thoughtful blend of teacher-led and child-initiated learning (CIL), where children are encouraged to explore their interests, take the lead, and reach their full potential. Our Early Years classrooms are welcoming, caring, and secure spaces that foster a strong sense of belonging. How We Support Learning We carefully track each child’s progress through ongoing observations, focusing on the three characteristics of effective learning: • Playing and exploring • Active learning • Creating and thinking critically While we record key moments in a child's 'Learning Journey', we intentionally reduce screen time for staff to prioritise real, meaningful interactions. Areas of Learning and Assessment We assess children in both the Prime Areas—communication and language, physical development, and personal, social and emotional development—and the Specific Areas— literacy, mathematics, understanding the world, and expressive arts and design. We also observe how each child learns, known as the Characteristics of Learning, which help us understand their approach to play, engagement, and problem-solving. Using the DfE’s guidance (Development Matters and Early Years Outcomes), we work closely with families to help every child work toward their Early Learning Goals by the end of FS2 (Reception). Continuity and Care Our Early Years team ensures seamless progression from FS1 (Nursery) to FS2 (Reception), building on prior skills while adapting routines to meet the evolving needs of each child. We provide a safe, consistent, and nurturing environment that sets the foundation for success throughout their school journey.
We aim to: • Provide a happy, caring, and inclusive environment where children feel secure and valued. • Build on what children already know, while offering new experiences that challenge and inspire. • Create visually stimulating spaces that encourage curiosity and high standards. • Involve parents as partners in their child’s learning journey. • Celebrate achievements to build self-esteem and independence. • Promote equality, ensuring no child is excluded or disadvantaged. • Offer indoor and outdoor learning tailored to each child’s starting point and interests. • Deliver a curriculum that nurtures social skills, persistence, communication, mathematical thinking, creativity, and physical development—all aligned with the Early Learning Goals. Physical Development and PE Physical education is woven into daily life in the Early Years. Children engage in a wide range of fine and gross motor activities, including planned PE sessions and work with specialist coaches to support their physical growth and coordination. Forest School in Reception (FS2) Our Reception children take part in Forest School sessions—a unique, long-term approach to outdoor learning that develops confidence, independence, and a deep connection to the natural world. Led by trained Forest School practitioners, these sessions follow key principles: • Regular, ongoing sessions rather than one-off visits • Immersion in natural environments • Learner-led exploration and community building • Focus on holistic development • Supported risk-taking • Reflection and continuous improvement by practitioners While children learn practical skills—such as using mallets, cutting tools, saws, and lighting fires — the most valuable outcomes are the behaviours and attitudes they develop. Forest School helps children work as a team, lead and communicate effectively, refine motor skills, and most
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