“Children learn as they play. Most importantly in play children learn how to learn.”
O. Fred Donaldson
Nursery Timings
AM session – 8.30am to 11.30am
PM session – 12.15pm to 3.15pm
Reception Timings
Drop off – 8.35am
Pick up – 3.00pm
At St Benedict’s School we believe that all children deserve an education rich in wonder and memorable experiences, allowing children’s creativity and curiosity to flourish.
The intent of our EYFS curriculum is to ensure our children develop the necessary skills, knowledge and attitude to achieve fulfilling lines. The EYFS is the start of our children’s school journey towards achieving this important purpose. We recognise that our children enter the nursery & reception classes with varied life experiences and we aim to plan teaching and learning opportunities to address this.
Early Years Curriculum
Our curriculum is built around stories and rhythms of the year, closely linked to our RE topics. We have highly experienced and motivated staff who see every moment as a learning opportunity.
We adapt our learning environment, both indoors and outdoors to ensure all children have access to a highly stimulating environment with resources to match.
The EYFS is based on four overarching principles. The principles underpin all that practitioners are required to do.
The Unique Child.
Principle: Every child is a competent learner from birth who can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured.
Positive Relationships.
Principle: Children learn to be strong and independent from a base of loving and secure relationships with parents and/or a key person.
Enabling Environments.
Principle: The environment plays a key role in supporting and extending children’s development and learning.
Learning and Development.
Principle: Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates and all areas of learning and development are equally important and interconnected.
The Seven Areas of Learning
‘Play is essential for children’s development, building their confidence as they learn to explore, relate to others, set their own goals and solve problems. Children learn by leading their own play, and by taking part in play which is guided by adults.’ EYFS Framework 2021
At St. Benedict’s, the learning environments are carefully set up so they are enabling, challenging and stimulating. Through purposeful play, high-quality adult interactions, enhancements and adult-led activities, all children, regardless of background, barrier or need succeed in our setting.
To enhance our child-led approach, we have highly skilled, enthusiastic staff who see every moment as a learning opportunity and ensure that all our children are given an ambitious curriculum across all seven areas of learning.
The prime areas of learning are:
- Communication and Language
- Physical Development
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
The specific areas of learning are:
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts and Design
Outdoor Play
We have an open-door access policy in our Early Years where our children have the option to play indoors or outdoors, in all weathers. The children have access to large-scale play such as: large loose parts, large-scale water play and large-scale creative play.
We are Inclusive
We believe that every local child should feel welcomed and that their individual needs should be met.
This means that all staff work with children who have special educational needs and disabilities. It is everyone’s job to support every child so that they progress educationally, emotionally and physically.
30 Hours Funding
We have a limited number of 30 hours childcare places at St Benedict’s.
Eligibility is available for parents on the HMRC 30 hours childcare website: https://www.gov.uk/30-hours-free-childcare
If you are eligible, please follow the steps carefully and once completed, you will be given an 11-digit validation code which you will need to use as proof to a member of our office staff prior to your child starting Nursery.
Please do not hesitate to speak to a member of our EYFS team if you have any questions.
