EARLY YEARS
Early Years Aims
Our aim is to have happy, engaged, independent and active learners, who feel supported and confident to follow their own interests. The adults encourage and nurture the children’s inate curiosity, playing alongside them and challenging them to explore and discover things for themselves.
At Stanley Road we have two classes for our EYFS children; a mixed Nursery/Reception class and one Reception class. We have engaging, interesting classrooms, an outdoor learning area and a wonderful on-site Forest School area, which all Early Years classes visit every week.
Our Early Years Team
We have a dedicated and hard working team working to support your children..
Acorns Class Team (Mixed class)
Donna Marshall- EYFS Lead & Teacher
Helen Prove- EYFS TA
Claudia Da Graca- EYFS TA
Shajna Begum – SEN TA
Naima Akhtar- SEN TA
Yasmin Azam- EYFS TA
Holly Class Team (Reception)
Donna Marshall – EYFS Lead
Vikky Jones – Holly Class Teacher
Farida Akhtar – TA
Yasmin Azam- TA
Nursery funding
We offer funded, tem time places for children the term after they turn three. All children are eligible for 15 hours free each week. We also offer 30 hour funded hours for those families eligible. See information below.
We support working families and can be flexible with the days your child attends. We offer morning, afternoon and full day sessions. Parents can also choose to pay for additional hours. See below.
Families may also be eligible for Early Years Pupil Premium or additional funding to support children with Special Educational Needs.
You may be able to get 30 hours of free childcare a week through the Free Childcare for Working Parents scheme.
To be eligible for Free Childcare for Working Parents, you (and your partner if you have one) will need to be in work or about to start a new job. You (and your partner) will also need to earn over a certain amount.
You’ll need a National Insurance number to apply.
All children are able to have free fruit and milk while attending.
There are no additional charges, except for special occasions when we may go on a trip. You would be given the option to opt in/ out.
If you would like your child to attend more than their free, funded hours, we may be able to help. We charge £5.37 per hour. Please ask a member of staff for more information.
Nursery sessions run 8.30 am – 11.30 am, 12.15pm-3.15pm or children can attend all day.
Children arrive and self-register, then head into free learning- choosing where they would like to play within the classroom.
Carpet time- the whole group join in with our nursery rhyme of the week. We also discuss the theme for the week and Concept Cat word. We then move into…
Family Groups- children are in small groups with an adult. We supervise tooth brushing, then move onto our activities which including cooking, craft, discussions, maths etc.
Snack time- we stop mid morning for snack, offering children milk or water and a piece of fruit or savoury snack.
Free Learning- children access the learning environment both indoors and outside, supported by our fabulous staff.
Whole group activity- we share poems and stories, act them out on our ‘Story Stage,’ sing songs and play instruments.
Home time
Special Days
Monday PM/ Thursday AM- we have PE in the big hall; dance, gymnastic and games.
Tuesday AM / Friday PM- Forest School (on site).
Friday end of session- Family Book Share
We also take part in whole school events such as World Book Day, Sports Day and Celebration days.
Reception children attend from 8.35 am – 3.15 pm.
Children arrive and complete morning activities and read books.
Whole class learning time- Talk 4 Writing, children learn a story by heart, retell them, act them out and innovate new stories.
Free learning- children access the learning environment both indoors and outside.
Phonics- We use the Little Wandle synthetic phonics scheme.
Snack time- a choice of milk, water and fruit.
Free learning
Group reading
Rhyme of the day/ Concept Cat/ Music/
Lunch time- children eat their lunch in the hall, then play outside.
Handwriting- following Kinetic Letters scheme.
Maths – We use the White Rose Maths scheme.
Free learning
Whole class carpet time- topic based learning
Whole class carpet time- Talk through Stories.
Home time
Special Days
Tuesday PE
Welly Wednesday- Forest School session
Dojo
Within Early Years we use an online platform called Class Dojo. You can register for an account where you can access photos and videos of your child’s learning, combined with any news and updates.
We are very keen for parents and carers to share the valuable learing and activities that you do at home with us using this website too. The children enjoy sharing special events with the class.
Tapestry uses a website and there is also an app available.
Statutory Framework for early years foundation stage 2021
This document lays out the expectations for an early years setting. Our curriculum is based on it’s over arching principles and the areas of learning and development.
Prime Areas: Click for document Specific Areas:
Communication & Language Literacy
Physical Development Mathematics
Personal, Social & Emotional Development Understanding the World
Expressive Arts & Design
Development Matters 2021
We use this document to support planning and monitor the progress of our children.
Birth to 5 matters
We also use this document to support planning and guidance.
Reading and Phonics
Reading is such an important lifelong skill, which opens up the curriculum and opportunities later in life. We begin the children’s journey to reading through sharing quality stories and texts, every day. This develops a love of reading and stories right from the start. We begin phonics in nursery, listening carefully to environmental sounds and beginning to hear sounds in words, as well as singing nursery rhymes every day. In Reception, children begin structured daily phonics lessons, teaching children to recognise sounds and develop the skills needed to read and write.
Children also have access to quality picture books to take home and share with their families in both nursery and reception. Reception children take part in group reading sessions three times a week, using specially chosen books to suit your child’s level. These books are then sent home for you to share. Children also have visit our school library regularly too.
Phonics- Little Wandle for parents
Follow the link to find the Little Wandle website, where you will find useful information to support you at home. Working together will enable your child to make the best progress and develop a love for reading.
Kinetic Letters- handwriting
Across the school we use Kinetic Letters handwriting scheme. This ensures that children develop their core strength which is essential for effective letter formation, through learning the animal poses. We then learn how to form each letter using consistent phrases to support the children’s recall and automaticity.