Early Years Curriculum
Early Years
At Grove Academy, we believe that every child deserves the best possible start in life, no matter their background. Our Early Years setting is a vibrant, nurturing space where children from all walks of life are welcomed, valued, and supported as they take their first steps on the path of learning.
Building Strong Foundations Through Play
Play is at the heart of everything we do. We know that children learn best when they are happy, engaged, and free to explore the world around them. Our dedicated team creates a safe and stimulating environment where curiosity is encouraged, and every child’s unique strengths are celebrated.
Through carefully planned play-based activities, children develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive. Our curriculum is delivered through a blend of child-initiated exploration, adult-directed experiences and practical, hands-on learning opportunities. Whether they are building towers, painting masterpieces, or sharing stories with friends, our children are always learning!
The Areas of Learning: A Holistic Approach
In reception your child will follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Curriculum alongside Development Matters. Each half-term’s learning is centred around a key topic that reflects the children’s interests and developmental needs. Teaching covers the seven key areas of learning and development, with a focus on fostering curiosity and creativity through the characteristics of effective teaching and learning:
Personal, Social and Emotional Development: Children are naturally interested in other people. We help children build positive relationships, develop self-confidence, and learn to manage their feelings and needs. Our caring staff support each child as they grow into kind, resilient individuals.
Communication and Language: Through songs, stories, and conversations, we nurture children’s speaking and listening skills. They learn to follow instructions, to ask and answer questions about their experiences, discuss stories and talk about past and future events. We create a language-rich environment where every child’s voice is heard.
Physical Development: From outdoor adventures to creative movement, we encourage children to be active and healthy. Through everyday routines, we enable children to develop the skills of control, co-ordination and movement. They are supported in learning to effectively manipulate small objects, including pencils for drawing and writing.
We help children gain confidence and independence in managing their own basic hygiene and personal needs and in understanding the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
Literacy: We spark a love of reading and writing from the very beginning. We help children to understand that print can be read and that words can be written down, encouraging them to express their ideas in pictures and words. They use their phonic skills to read and understand simple sentences and their phonic knowledge to write words and simple sentences. We share a rich variety of stories and poetry to help children develop a love for books and language.
Mathematics: Children experience a range of practical activities to help develop their early mathematical knowledge and understanding of; number, calculating, shape and space, pattern, position, money, data and measures (time, weight, length, capacity). We make math engaging and relevant to everyday life.
Understanding the World: Children learn about themselves, the world around them, people both in their community and in the wider world, and about customs and festivals. They talk about past and present events in their own lives, explore the environment and learn about living things.
Children develop knowledge and understanding of materials and their properties; of why things happen and how things work. They design and make models using tools and equipment and use information technology to support their work.
Children are helped to develop enquiring minds and the skills of observation, prediction, problem-solving and experimentation.
Expressive Arts and Design: Creativity flourishes in our setting. Children learn through their senses. They are given time and opportunities to explore and experiment with ideas, materials, tools and techniques. They develop their own ideas through art, music, dance, role play and stories, experimenting with colour, design and texture.
We aim to follow your child's interests and provide an environment and curriculum that is rich, exciting and motivating so that every child enters year one as a confident and independent learner.
Download the Reception Curriculum Map (make link)
Supporting Every Child, Every Day
We understand the unique challenges faced by families in our community. That’s why we work closely with parents and carers, building strong partnerships to support each child’s learning and well-being. Our staff are committed to removing barriers and ensuring that every child has the chance to succeed.
Join Our Community
At Grove Academy, we are more than just a school—we are a community. We invite you to visit us, meet our team, and see for yourself how we help children lay the foundations for a bright and successful future.
Together, we can give your child the best possible start.
For more information or to arrange a visit, please contact the school office.
