‘Every child deserves the best possible start in life and support to fulfil their potential. A child’s experience in the early years has a major impact on their future life chances. A secure, safe and happy childhood is important in its own right and it provides the foundation for children to make the most of their abilities and talents as they grow up.’

Early Years Foundation Stage Profile - Department for Children, Schools and Families 2012

The Early Years Foundation Stage applies to children from birth to the end of the reception year. At Christ the King Primary School children are admitted into nursery following their third birthday and into reception following their fourth birthday. Early childhood is the foundation on which children build the rest of their lives. At Christ the King Primary School we greatly value the importance that the early years foundation stage plays in laying secure foundations for future learning and development. However, we also believe that early childhood is valid in itself as part of life. It is important to view the early years foundation stage as preparation for life and not simply preparation for the next stage of education.

Children in our nursery and reception classrooms learn through play. They learn best from activities and experiences which interest, inspire and motivate them. We always use the children’s interests as a starting point, we provide children with stimulating, active play experiences in which they can explore and develop their learning. We provide opportunities through their play to think creatively and critically alongside other children as well as on their own. Play gives our children the opportunity to pursue their own interests and inspire those around them. The children learn to adapt, negotiate, communicate, discuss, investigate and ask lots of questions. We believe it is important that adults take an active and engaging role in child initiate play through observing, modelling, facilitating and extending their play.

During children’s time in the Early Years Foundation Stage at Christ The King: 

• We aim to support all children to become competent and confident independent and collaborative learners.

• We aim to provide a safe, stimulating learning environment where everyone is valued and children thrive, enabling them to reach their full potential.
• We aim to provide a broad and balanced curriculum that will enable each child to develop personally, socially, emotionally, spiritually, physically, creatively and intellectually.