We know how important the first years of school are for you and your child. To help parents of new pupils, any member of the Early Years team or the Head of School is able to provide a detailed description of Early Years provision.
The Early Years classes at St James’ CE Primary aim at all times to be happy (because we know that happy children are responsive, receptive and enthusiastic to learning) and challenging (because we know children are capable and keen to learn, and enjoy the challenge and the achievements that come with it).
Through planned, purposeful play, children are able to discover, practise and refine their skills in literacy and mathematics as well as find out about themselves and their environment. In a broad and balanced way, our provision ensures coverage of the seven areas of learning (see below) and responds to the needs and interests of all our children. At all times, we consider characteristics of effective learning which promote positive attitudes to learning, an enthusiasm for knowledge and the confidence to become successful learners.
We follow the principles set out in:
- Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage: setting the standards for learning, development and care for children from birth to five (Department for Education, March 2014)
- Development Matters in the Early Years Foundation Stage (Early Education, 2012)
- What to expect, when? (4Children, 2015)
The information set out below relates to Early Years specifically. However, there are many other policies and procedures in school of which Early Years staff are aware and which they follow. These include our Policy to Promote Positive Relationships and Behaviour, Relationships and Sex Education Policy and all our safeguarding policies.
Read extracts from our Early Years Handbook. (This is intended for staff, but you might find the pages shown here helpful.)
Supporting your child: home and school working together
Supporting your child: characteristics of effective learning
Supporting your child: expectations for learning
Transition: starting Foundation 1 (Nursery)
Transition: starting Foundation 2 (Reception)
Transition: leaving Early Years
Early Years concepts