At Orchid Vale Primary School, we are committed to giving every child the very best start to their learning journey. We provide a warm, welcoming and inclusive environment where children feel happy, safe, valued and listened to. Positive relationships with children and families are at the heart of everything we do, enabling us to work together to help every child achieve ‘nothing but the best’.

Our Early Years curriculum is carefully designed to nurture confident communicators, curious thinkers and resilient learners. We recognise that children join us with a wide range of experiences, interests and starting points, and we celebrate each child as an individual. Through meaningful learning experiences, we encourage independence, self-motivation and a love of learning that prepares children for future success.

Across Nursery and Reception, we follow the revised Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, supported by the non-statutory Development Matters guidance. Learning is rooted in play, exploration and first-hand experiences, allowing children to develop socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually. Through a balance of child-initiated and adult-led learning, children are encouraged to explore, discover and make sense of the world around them.

In Nursery, children begin building the essential foundations for learning through secure routines, high-quality interactions and carefully planned experiences. Communication and language development are prioritised, alongside opportunities to develop confidence, independence and positive relationships. As children move into Reception, these foundations are strengthened and extended through more structured teaching alongside continued play-based learning. Reception children are encouraged to apply their skills more independently, preparing them for a smooth and successful transition into Year 1 and the National Curriculum.

Prime Areas of Learning

· Communication and Language

o Listening, Attention and Understanding

o Speaking

· Personal, Social and Emotional Development

o Self-Regulation

o Managing Self

o Building Relationships

· Physical Development

o Gross Motor Skills

o Fine Motor Skills

Specific Areas of Learning

· Literacy

o Comprehension

o Word Reading

o Writing

· Mathematics

o Number

o Numerical Patterns

We teach a broad, balanced and engaging curriculum that supports progress across all areas of learning. Our experienced staff carefully plan stimulating indoor and outdoor opportunities that reflect children’s interests while extending their thinking through purposeful interactions, challenge and skilful questioning. We aim to develop inquisitive, resilient learners who are confident to take risks, solve problems and persevere when faced with challenges.

Curriculum

Across EYFS, we use the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised phonics scheme to develop early reading and writing skills. In Nursery, children begin by developing speaking and listening skills through rhyme, rhythm, songs and storytelling. As they move into Reception, children build upon these foundations through daily structured phonics sessions, learning letter sounds and applying their knowledge to reading and writing with increasing confidence.

Children are read to every day to promote a lifelong love of books, stories and language. Carefully chosen texts enrich vocabulary, develop comprehension skills and inspire imagination and curiosity.

Mathematics is taught through White Rose Maths and NCETM approaches, using practical, hands-on experiences that encourage children to explore, investigate and problem-solve. Through play, discussion, songs and real-life contexts, children develop a secure understanding of number and mathematical concepts.

A valued part of our curriculum is our fortnightly ‘Welly Walk’. Nursery and Reception children explore the natural environment around the school and local area, developing curiosity, confidence and respect for the world around them.

Children investigate seasonal changes, plants, insects, puddles and weather while adults extend learning through discussion, questioning and the introduction of new vocabulary. These experiences support our vision of developing active, engaged learners who enjoy discovering new things.

Partnerships with parents and carers are essential throughout the Foundation Stage. We use Tapestry to record children’s learning and achievements, enabling families to share and celebrate progress both at school and at home. This strong home-school partnership helps us build a complete picture of each child and ensures every child feels supported throughout their Early Years journey.

At the end of Reception, children are assessed against the Early Learning Goals and are judged as either emerging or expected. A Good Level of Development (GLD) is achieved when children meet the expected level in the prime areas of learning, alongside literacy and mathematics