Early Birds follow the Foundation Stage Curriculum through a structured and diverse programme which considers individual needs. The curriculum consists of six learning areas known as the EARLY LEARNING GOALS. Children explore these goals in every session in a variety of ways.

Each session begins with a greeting time when children have the opportunity to develop self-confidence by sharing ideas with their friends and adults in the setting.

Usually twice a week we take part in Junior School Assembly, and sometimes we present it! This helps Early Birds to feel proud of themselves and their school.

Talking and listening are important in Early Birds. Children have lots of stories, rhymes and poems and learn to love books. When they are ready children can have fun learning sounds by using the Jolly Phonics scheme. This naturally progresses to early reading. Lots of activities are covered to help with the early stages of writing.

Numbers are everywhere and it’s fun to count and spot them in all sorts of ways and places. As Early Birds get older they try to write and recognise their numbers and use them in everyday situations. Early Birds learn shape names and use them in pictures. Sand and water play is fun and a great help to Early Birds’ maths.

Children are naturally curious and learn best when investigating. Every month Early Birds explore a new topic and over the course of a year broaden and develop their experiences. Hands-on learning takes place both inside and outside the setting. We make full use of our wonderful School garden and grounds and enjoy regular visits in our local area.

It’s important to stay fit and healthy; Early Birds do this in a variety of ways. Children are provided with fruit snacks, fruit juice or milk at break times and are able to have a nourishing school lunch in the Dining Room and are encouraged to clean their teeth afterwards.

Early Birds get plenty of exercise from outdoor activities and by using large and small apparatus in the Junior School gym. They enjoy using the ride-around toys in our play area and like to use their imaginations moving to music. It’s also possible for children to be taught dance / ballet.

Children explore their creative side through art, music and role-play. They enjoy painting, collage, modelling and clay-work at a level appropriate to them. Early Birds encounter music throughout their week and have a programmed music session. Role-play naturally extends from play and the children benefit greatly from it.