Early Years Foundation Stage

Early Years at Blackfield

At Blackfield Primary and Nursery School, we believe that the Early Years provide the foundations for a child's entire learning journey. Our curriculum begins in Nursery and develops progressively through Reception, ensuring children build the knowledge, skills, confidence and independence they need to thrive as they move into Year 1.

Relationships are at the heart of our Early Years curriculum. We want children to feel safe, valued and confident, developing strong relationships with adults and other children. Through nurturing interactions, purposeful play and carefully planned learning experiences, children learn to communicate, collaborate, explore, question and become increasingly independent.

In Nursery, our curriculum has a strong focus on developing children as confident relators and communicators. Children learn through play, exploration, stories, songs, rhymes, meaningful interactions and first-hand experiences. Our environment encourages curiosity and supports children to develop socially, emotionally, physically and academically at a pace appropriate to their development.

Reception builds progressively upon these foundations. Children continue to learn through an engaging environment and meaningful play, alongside increasingly structured teaching in areas such as phonics, reading, writing and mathematics. High-quality texts, rich language, practical experiences and carefully planned opportunities across the environment enable children to apply and deepen their learning.

Forest School is an important part of our Reception experience, giving children regular opportunities to learn outdoors, explore the natural world, solve problems, take appropriate risks and develop their confidence, resilience and independence.

Across Nursery and Reception, children develop through the seven areas of learning within the Early Years Foundation Stage: Communication and Language; Personal, Social and Emotional Development; Physical Development; Literacy; Mathematics; Understanding the World; and Expressive Arts and Design.

Ultimately, we want children to leave our Early Years as happy, confident, curious and independent learners, with a love of learning and strong foundations for the next stage of their education.

Expressive Arts & Design
→ EAD Progression

Early Years Foundation Stage

Early Years at Blackfield

Our Nursery Curriculum

Nursery– Curriculum Progression

Our Reception Curriculum

Reception – Curriculum Progression