Early Years

EYFS Overview

At Rickley Park School, learning through play is at the heart of everything we do in our early years setting. We believe young children learn best when they are actively engaged, curious, and enjoying what they are doing, so we provide plenty of time for uninterrupted play that allows children to become fully absorbed in their learning at their own pace. Our carefully planned indoor and outdoor environments offer a wide range of open-ended activities that encourage exploration and creativity, while children are supported to develop independence by choosing their own activities, accessing resources independently, and following their own interests. This approach helps to build confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Our curriculum is carefully planned to give children the essential skills and understanding they need to feel confident and ready for Year 1 and beyond. It is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and Development Matters guidance, while also taking into account each child’s interests, developmental needs, and the unique context of our school. As the year progresses, we gradually introduce more adult-led activities alongside play-based learning, including key learning experiences and focused phonics and maths sessions. Please visit the curriculum pages to find out more.