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Early Years

Intent

At George Grenville Academy, we believe that our holistic language based curriculum is the key to success for our children. Exposure to a broad range of inclusive books, environmental walks, engagement with our community and exciting clubs, enable our children to develop a wide range of vocabulary.

Communication and language is at the forefront of all we do. Opportunities are maximised through quality interactions, carefully considered learning environments and planned first-hand experiences. Through this approach, our children are enabled to acquire the confidence, knowledge, skills, values, attitudes and behaviours for successful life-long learning.

We understand that all children are unique, have individual interests, needs and learn best in different ways. This all links to “The Characteristics of Effective Teaching and Learning.”

• Playing and Exploring
• Active Learning
• Creative and Critical Thinking

The way children engage with others and their environment underpins learning and development, supporting children to become and remain motivated.
These are carefully considered by staff in our Early Years classes to ensure all children reach their full potential and progress across the seven areas of learning in the Early Years Curriculum:

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Communication and Language
• Physical Development
• Literacy
• Maths
• Expressive Arts and Design
• Understanding the World

Implementation

Language is carefully considered in all aspects of the curriculum. Key texts are thoughtfully mapped out across the years which also compliment seasonal events, experiences and walks the children participate in.
The environment is the third teacher, and each Early Years setting is set up using natural seasonal resources, seeking to bringing the outside world inside.
Careful planning makes links with the current seasonal events, the local area and wider experiences. The children have many opportunity to make links with their local community, instilling a sense of belonging. Different faiths and cultures are represented, ensuring all pupils are able to identify personally with the curriculum.
Quality interactions are sought throughout the day, with a focus on developing vocabulary.

Click on the above buttons to open a long term overview of the Early Years Curriculum

George Grenville Academy’s nursery takes pupils from two years old to school age, which is when they are able to join the school’s Reception class. There is one class of up to 30 pupils in the Reception class.
Leaders use a mixture of Development Matters and Birth to Five to base the progression documents on. These ensure there is coverage and the knowledge and skills taught are continuously built on. 

Please visit our class pages to find out more information about what is happening in each area of Early Years at Grenville.