Welcome to our Early Years

 

Our Early Years classroom is bright, spacious and stimulating, providing an ideal environment for children to learn through purposeful play. Children are supported to engage in a wide range of learning experiences based on the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework. The class teacher is Mrs Thacker, Mrs Watson is the teaching assistant for both Reception and Nursery, and Mrs Desmond is the Nursery Key Worker.

Our children love learning, and our dedicated staff provide an inspiring environment where all children learn through play, both indoors and outdoors. We have high expectations for academic achievement and model excellent behaviour, encouraging every child to be the best they can be.

Tours

We warmly welcome prospective parents and carers to visit our Early Years setting and enjoy a tour with our Early Years Lead, who will be delighted to answer any questions you may have. CLICK HERE to view our ‘VISIT AND TOURS’ page.

Our Curriculum

Our curriculum is centered around carefully chosen stories that enrich learning and provide meaningful opportunities for children to explore a wide range of fiction and non-fiction texts. At The West Grantham Church of England Primary Academy, we strive to foster a lifelong love of reading from an early age.

 

A typical day in the Early Years classroom involves a range of activities designed to support learning across all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

  • Children begin their day with a ‘Funky Fingers’ activity to develop their fine motor skills. These activities strengthen the muscles in their hands and arms, helping them to develop the control needed for writing when they are ready.
  • Children in Nursery follow the Phase 1 phonics programme, which focuses on the prime areas of learning within the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. Developing a secure understanding of Phase 1 phonics provides a strong foundation for future phonics learning.
  • Children in Reception are taught phonics and reading through the Read Write Inc. Phonics programme.
  • Children have access to both the indoor and outdoor learning environments, where they can explore, learn and develop. Adults carefully plan activities that engage and inspire children, while supporting them to take the next steps in their learning.
  • Children in Nursery and Reception follow the White Rose Maths scheme of learning for their year group. Practical activities are carefully planned within the environment to provide opportunities for children to apply and develop their mathematical understanding independently.
  • Whole class lessons are based on our topic, they begin with a whole class activity before the children work in smaller groups in an adult led activity to embed the new learning.
  • We love to sing throughout the day, learning new nursery rhymes and enjoying the children’s favourite songs and rhymes. Our dedicated nursery rhyme area in the EYFS classroom also allows children to enjoy singing with their friends and adults at any time of the day.
  • Story time is an important part of our daily routine. We enjoy at least two story sessions each day, further promoting a love of reading. Fiction and non-fiction books are available throughout the learning environment for children to access independently and to support their learning. Within our EYFS classroom, you will find a warm and inviting book area where many children choose to share a story with a friend.

 

Food and Drink

In our EYFS unit, we have a daily snack time, during which each child receives a piece of fruit and a carton of milk. We teach the children the importance of washing their hands before handling and eating food. Snack time also provides a valuable social opportunity for children to enjoy their snack while talking and interacting with their friends.

Lunch is provided for all children in Reception. Parents and carers order meals in advance, choosing either the main meal or the vegetarian option. We cater for all dietary requirements.

Nursery children who attend the afternoon session or a full day may either bring a packed lunch or purchase a hot meal each day.

 

Trips and Visitors

Educational visits are a valuable part of our curriculum and provide memorable learning experiences that children greatly enjoy. We carefully plan trips and welcome visitors into school to enrich learning and bring the curriculum to life. Some of the places we visit include the Christmas Tree Festival at St Wulfram’s Church, Belton House and Little Jack’s Farm.

 

Class Dojo

We regularly communicate with parents and carers both in person and through Class Dojo, sharing updates about the children’s learning, important messages and upcoming events, as well as providing ideas and guidance to support learning at home.

Children with special education needs and disabilities

Children with special educational needs and disabilities are fully supported within our setting through targeted provision that meets their individual needs. Learning experiences are carefully planned and delivered to ensure that all children can access the curriculum and make progress. Adults are effectively deployed throughout the setting to support children during their play and learning, helping them to achieve their full potential.

The Early Years team works closely with the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENDCo) to ensure that every child has access to high-quality teaching and a personalised approach to learning. This enables children to receive the support they need to thrive and succeed.

 

Opening times

All Nursery children are entitled to 15 hours of funded provision. This can be arranged in a way that best suits the needs of the child and their family. Additional hours can be purchased at a cost of £6 per hour.

The Nursery morning session runs from 8:40am to 11:45am.

The Nursery afternoon session runs from 12:00pm to 3:10pm.

Children who attend the afternoon Nursery session may bring a packed lunch or purchase a hot school meal.

A full Nursery day runs from 8:40am to 3:10pm.

Families who meet the eligibility criteria may be entitled to 30 hours of funded childcare.

The school day for Reception children is from 8:40am to 3:10pm.