Our Early Years team provide the highest quality care and education for all our children, giving them a strong foundation for future learning. In line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework, we offer a safe and happy creative environment with a wide range of motivational and enjoyable learning experiences each day, enabling children to become confident and independent learners. We value individuals and work closely with parents and carers to meet every child’s needs and help them reach their full potential.

We believe that children learn best through play, enjoyment, and memorable experiences. Each child’s Early Years experience is designed to be happy, active, fun, and exciting, supporting their development and learning needs.

Our approach is inspired by the philosophy of Early Excellence, creating purposeful, inspiring spaces that promote independence, curiosity, and creativity. This environment supports children in making choices, following interests, and engaging deeply in learning, while ensuring that provision is rich, varied, and accessible.

We adopt a free-flow enhanced provision model, with children moving freely between indoors and outdoors to access a wealth of opportunities. Outdoor learning is a central part of our curriculum, offering children daily chances to explore, investigate, and connect with the natural world. Through our Forest School sessions, children develop resilience, teamwork, and a love of nature, while gaining confidence in managing risks and solving problems in a safe and supportive environment. Children enjoy a balance of teacher-led, guided, and independent activities. They are introduced to the foundations of Power Maths through practical exploration and begin their Little Wandle phonics journey through the daily phonics programme, supporting the DfE Writing Framework by building strong foundations in communication, reading, and early writing.

Our curriculum is built upon the three Characteristics of Effective Learning: engagement through playing and exploring, motivation through active learning, and creativity and critical thinking. These characteristics underpin the seven areas of learning and development outlined in the EYFS statutory framework, subdivided into the prime areas (Personal, Social and Emotional Development; Communication and Language; Physical Development) and the specific areas (Literacy; Mathematics; Understanding the World; Expressive Arts and Design). At Penruddock, these areas are taught through a cross-curricular approach, aligned with themes in Years 1 and 2, ensuring progression and continuity. We plan for the Characteristics of Learning across provision areas to develop independence, curiosity, resilience, collaboration, and reflection, which we believe are essential skills for success.

Assessment in the Early Years is purposeful, light-touch and designed to support children’s progress. The statutory Reception Baseline Assessment is undertaken within the first six weeks to establish each child’s starting point. Ongoing assessment happens naturally through professional observations, interactions and dialogue, enabling staff to respond to children’s needs in the moment and plan next steps effectively. This approach ensures that assessment enhances learning rather than interrupts it, allowing staff to prioritise high-quality interactions and teaching. At the end of Reception, the EYFS Profile provides a clear picture of each child’s achievements and readiness for Year 1, with moderation ensuring accuracy and consistency.

Children begin their compulsory schooling in Reception in the Autumn Term after their fourth birthday, attending full-time from September. We offer Stay and Play sessions each half term for families to explore our learning spaces and meet staff, and in the summer term, transition sessions and a parent information evening prepare children and families for the Reception year.

EYFS Gallery