Early Years Foundation Stage

Our Vision

In Early Years at Stanley Grove, we do the basics brilliantly. Through warm, skilled adult interactions and carefully planned enabling environments, we nurture curious, confident and independent learners. We prioritise the essential foundations - communication, personal, social and emotional growth, and physical development, in addition to early reading and number - so that every child is fully prepared for Year 1. We work closely with parents and carers as partners in their child’s learning, valuing their knowledge, strengthening home–school links, and ensuring consistency in learning, care and expectations. Rooted in Accomplish Trust values, we celebrate each child’s uniqueness, care deeply for their wellbeing, and empower them to accomplish great things from the start of their school journey and throughout.

Doing the Basics Brilliantly

Our Early Years curriculum is carefully designed to ensure children master the fundamental skills they need to thrive. We prioritise:

• Early communication and language development
• Personal, social and emotional skills
• Early reading, mark making and number sense
• Independence, confidence and resilience

These foundations support children to become enthusiastic, capable learners as they move through school.

A Strong Focus on Oracy

Oracy is at the heart of our Early Years provision. We create rich opportunities for children to talk, listen, explain, question and share ideas throughout the day. Through stories, role play, songs, group discussions and adult-led interactions, children develop vocabulary, confidence and the ability to express themselves clearly.

Phonics and Reading

We read to the children every day and share our recommended reading lists with parents and children. Phonics is taught with a systematic synthetic programme – Read Write Inc. Staff are regularly monitored and trained in the teaching of early phonics skills. We use decodable books in Early Years and Year 1 to support early reading skills and success. Multiple copies of books are available for shared reading for enjoyment.

Learning Outdoors

Our exceptional outdoor environment is an integral part of daily learning. Children benefit from regular access to outdoor provision that supports physical development, exploration, creativity and problem-solving. Learning outdoors helps children build confidence, resilience and a love of nature.

Enabling Environments

Our Early Years environments are carefully planned to be inviting, purposeful and flexible. Well-resourced areas of continuous provision allow children to explore, investigate and practise skills independently, while skilled adults extend learning through thoughtful interactions and challenge.

High-Quality Staff and Safeguarding

Our Early Years team is highly skilled, experienced and committed to providing the very best start for every child. The Nursery Teacher also holds the roles of SENDCo and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), ensuring:

• Strong support for children with additional needs
• Early identification and effective intervention
• The highest standards of safeguarding and child welfare

This joined-up approach allows us to know our children exceptionally well and work closely with families and external professionals.