Early maths is taught through a rich blend of hands-on exploration, high-quality teaching and daily opportunities to spot patterns, compare, sort and reason. Reception children follow an ambitious curriculum that focuses on developing deep understanding of numbers to 10 before moving on. Practical materials such as Numicon, counters and bead strings help children build strong conceptual understanding.

Children learn key ideas such as “one more/one less,” conservation of number and commutativity through practical, playful experiences, giving them the strong foundations needed for future success.

A language-rich environment underpins all early literacy learning. Children develop their speaking and listening skills through high-quality interactions, stories, rhymes and communication-friendly spaces. Before formal reading and writing begin, children take part in activities that strengthen auditory and visual discrimination, fine motor skills, coordination and left-to-right tracking.

Reception children receive daily phonics teaching through the use of the Twinkl phonics scheme and practise their skills through reading books matched to their phonics knowledge. Story time is a valued part of each day, helping children develop vocabulary, imagination and a love of reading.

Early writing is introduced gradually and meaningfully. Children only move on to writing captions and simple sentences with adult guidance when they are ready. Continuous provision offers many opportunities for purposeful mark making. 

Our curriculum is knowledge-rich, ambitious and carefully sequenced. Activities are purposeful, engaging and matched precisely to what children need to learn next. Adults weave learning opportunities into play, extend children’s thinking and adapt provision based on careful observation.

Children experience a broad and balanced curriculum enriched with meaningful topics and real-life contexts. Expressive arts, outdoor learning and hands-on exploration are central to our approach.

Adults use ongoing assessment to check understanding, address misconceptions and ensure each child is secure in their knowledge before moving on. Direct teaching of phonics, early reading, writing and mathematics takes place daily and is followed by hands-on practice within continuous provision. This responsive approach ensures all children experience success, make strong progress and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Children have daily access to a wide range of resources across all areas of learning, including construction, small world play, role play, fine motor activities, music, creative arts, outdoor exploration and early problem solving. Every resource has a clear purpose, is accessible, and is presented in an appealing way that encourages engagement.

Each week, carefully chosen enhancements are added to build on children’s interests and provide challenge. These stimulate curiosity, imagination and deeper thinking, allowing children to direct their own learning, follow their ideas and grow as confident, independent learners.

Children are encouraged to make choices, follow their interests, persevere and take pride in their achievements. Adults know when to guide, model, extend learning or step back, allowing children to explore independently while feeling supported and understood.

Clear routines, respectful relationships and well-designed spaces help children develop focus, resilience, problem-solving skills and confidence.