Intent  

In the Early Years at our school and nursery, our curriculum is designed to open horizons for every child and celebrate the rich diversity they bring. We aim to create an inclusive, nurturing environment where all children feel valued and develop a strong sense of belonging within our school and wider community. We strive to build firm foundations in particular in early reading through our Little Wandle phonics programme and ensure children have access to a wide range of high-quality texts to foster a love of reading. We place great importance on communication, language, and vocabulary, ensuring all children—particularly those who may be disadvantaged or have EAL/SEND needs—are supported to develop strong expressive and receptive language skills. We motivate children through challenges, encouraging them to experience enjoyment in learning while developing resilience, independence, and collaborative skills. Throughout our curriculum, we make a commitment for each child to have opportunities to explore character development, well-being, and mental health.  

Implementation 

Our curriculum provides meaningful, hands-on experiences that inspire curiosity and creativity across all areas of learning through a play-based approach. Every area is valued, enabling children to explore their interests and develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions they need to become confident, lifelong learners in a way that uses the children's interests at the pinnacle. Our provision reflects and celebrates Chichester as our local context, helping children make sense of their world through real-life experiences, community connections, and opportunities to learn beyond the classroom. We explicitly teach strategies that help children manage emotions, build confidence, and flourish in a safe, happy, and nurturing environment with a team that builds relationships with the children and the families around them at its heart. Overall, our Early Years curriculum is crafted to ensure every child thrives, develops a positive attitude to learning, and is well-prepared for the next stage of their educational journey.  

Impact  

Our Early Years curriculum ensures that all children make strong progress from their individual starting points and develop the essential knowledge and skills needed for future success. We strive for children to leave the Early Years as confident, enthusiastic learners who are well-prepared for the demands of Key Stage 1. Through a play-based, child-led approach, children develop independence, resilience, and curiosity, showing the ability to collaborate, solve problems, and apply their learning in meaningful contexts. Our commitment to well-being and emotional development means children show strong self-regulation, positive relationships, and an emerging understanding of how to manage their feelings. They develop a strong sense of identity rooted in their local community of Chichester, supported by real-world experiences that broaden their understanding of the world. By the end of Reception, our children are confident, happy, and capable learners who have built secure foundations for lifelong learning and are ready for the next stage of their educational journey.