Early Years

At Dunston Hill, we believe every child deserves the best possible start to their education. In Early Years, encompassing both Nursery and Reception, we provide a safe, nurturing, stimulating and inclusive environment where children feel valued, confident and excited to learn.

Our EYFS curriculum is designed to develop curious, independent and resilient learners through meaningful play, exploration and high-quality interactions. We recognise that children develop rapidly in the early years and we aim to build strong foundations that support future learning and success.

We follow the Early Years Birth to Five Matters Framework and ensure learning opportunities are carefully planned to meet the needs and interests of all children. Our curriculum promotes the development of the whole child through the seven areas of learning, with a strong emphasis on communication and language, personal, social and emotional development, and physical development.

We aim for all children to:

• Develop a love of learning and curiosity about the world around them
• Build positive relationships with adults and peers
• Become confident communicators
• Develop independence and resilience
• Be prepared socially, emotionally and academically for Year 1 and beyond

We value the importance of strong partnerships with families and work closely with parents and carers to support every child’s development and wellbeing.

Our EYFS curriculum is delivered through a balance of adult-led learning, child-initiated play and carefully planned continuous provision. Learning experiences are designed to be engaging, practical and responsive to children’s interests and developmental needs.

Staff carefully observe, assess and plan next steps to ensure all children make progress from their individual starting points. High-quality adult interactions support children to deepen their thinking, extend vocabulary and develop confidence.

Our enabling environments, both indoors and outdoors, encourage exploration, creativity and independence. Children have opportunities to learn through:

• Play-based activities
• Small group teaching
• Whole-class sessions
• Investigation and exploration
• Stories, songs and rhymes
• Practical and hands-on experiences
• Children learning through their own play

In Nursery we promote a love of reading, stories and rhymes. There are a range of mark making opportunities throughout the provision both indoors and outdoors. Early maths is promoted through counting in our daily routines using number rhymes and real-life play based activities.

In Reception early reading is prioritised through daily phonics teaching using Read Write Inc, shared reading and the promotion of a love of books. Writing is taught in Reception, through Ready Steady Write, focusing on linking writing outcomes to high quality texts. Mathematics is taught through Mastering Number (NCETM) that focuses on developing strong ‘number sense’ in order to build firm mathematical foundations for our children.

We place a strong emphasis on developing communication and language skills through rich conversations, storytelling and purposeful interactions. Children are encouraged to express themselves, ask questions and share ideas confidently.

Assessment is ongoing and informs future planning. Staff use observations, interactions and assessment opportunities to identify achievements and next steps, ensuring all children are supported and challenged appropriately.

Children in our Early Years develop into happy, confident and enthusiastic learners who are well prepared for the transition into Key Stage 1.

Through our engaging curriculum and nurturing environment, children make good progress from their starting points across all areas of learning. They develop key skills including communication, independence, resilience, cooperation and problem solving.

By the end of Reception, children are equipped with the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed for future learning. They demonstrate:

• Strong foundations in early reading, writing and mathematics
• Confidence in communicating and expressing ideas
• Positive relationships with others
• Independence and resilience when facing challenges
• Curiosity, creativity and enthusiasm for learning

We strive for all children to reach their full potential and leave EYFS as capable, motivated and successful learners ready for the next stage of their education.