Early Years Curriculum
The Priory Witham Academy early years philosophy is built on a secure understanding of child development, predictable interests and fascinations and how these ignite children’s natural curiosity and inspire children to explore, investigate and be motivated to continue to develop a love of learning. Rich first-hand experiences, continuous and enhanced
provision indoors and outdoors and thoughtful adult interactions, based on mutually respectful relationships support, facilitate and extend children’s learning and development ,enabling them to reach and exceed their potential.
This approach is supported through the implementation of the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage Learning and
Development Requirements and the characteristics of effective learning.
These are :
Communication and Language
We use quality books and rich experiences to develop children's language and words, listening skills and understanding.
Personal Social and Emotional Development
We support our early years children to share, learn alongside and with each other and understand how to make the right choices when they are learning in our indoor and outdoor learning spaces.
Physical Development
We support children to develop their large muscle control through running, jumping, climbing and when they are 3 they have the opportunity to go swimming. We also focus on developing children’s muscle control in their arms, hands and fingers as they develop their writing skills.
Literacy
We develop children’s phonics skills for reading and writing using Letters and Sounds as our main approach to teaching phonics. We spend time developing the foundations for reading and writing and develop a positive view of reading and writing ensuring quality opportunities to read and write for a purpose across early years.
Numeracy
We develop children’s understanding of number concepts and shape, space and measure through singing rhymes, constructing with blocks, practical activities and games.
Understanding the world
We support children to explore the world around them, looking closely at the changes in the seasons and the environment around them. The children have the opportunity to attend Forest School sessions where they develop their natural curiosity and love for learning outdoors.
Expressive art and design
Children are encouraged to find out and explore the different ways in which they can use and combine resources to create whatever their interests and imagination let them. They develop the skills to introduce a story line in their learning, and to represent their ideas in a number of different ways including through small world, transient art and role play.