EARLY YEARS

In Early Years we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and the development matters curriculum in order to support children towards achieving the Early Learning Goals at the end of Reception class.

We take on a holistic approach to learning allowing children to develop fully in the prime areas of Communication and Language, Personal, Social and Emotional Development and Physical Development. We ensure that we are preparing children for future learning through planning for a range of activities that cover the specific areas of Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design.

We ensure that our curriculum meets the needs of our children by using termly observations and assessments and planning activities that extend the children's prior knowledge through well thought out small steps.

IN EARLY YEARS WE LET OUR LIGHT SHINE:

At St Catherine’s we believe the early stages of a child’s development are vital, therefore we have a strong emphasis on building the foundations for long term well-being and life-long learning. We work to embed a love, passion and excitement for all, so that from the earliest stages our children let their light shine.

At St Catherine’s we believe that children learn best, and develop a wide relevant vocabulary, through practical, hands-on experiences and through interactions with others. Having high aspirations, promotes the best outcomes for children- learning occurs where there is a balance of child-initiated exploration, activities scaffolded by adults and through focused teaching. Adults guide learning through rich and meaningful activities and by talking with, and working alongside, children.

In the Early Years we provide an exciting, stimulating and caring environment where children’s interests are used to enhance learning opportunities. Opportunities to explore and experiment, enable children to consolidate and extend skills and concepts and to deepen their understanding. We believe that confident, resilient children can succeed and thrive, whatever challenges they may face. We work to support children to build positive learning behaviours, focusing on independence, autonomy and problem solving.  We celebrate the uniqueness of our children and support them to thrive in confidence and flourish in individuality.  We encourage children to build positive relationships with each other and with the adults in school, to develop new language through talking, singing and storytelling and to explore and engage in new experiences, where they are able to practise new skills with independence.

NURSERY PROVISION:

We are delighted to announce from September 2024 we will be offering 30 hours provision for Nursery aged children.

From September our Nursery will be open Monday - Friday 8.45am - 3.15pm.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch with the school office on 0191 2326083