Early Years at Hutchinson Memorial CE First School
Our priority in Early Years is to ensure that every child feels happy, settled and excited about coming to school. We focus on helping children become familiar with school routines, while nurturing their curiosity and love of learning. Almost all of their learning takes place through rich, purposeful play in our dedicated Early Years classroom and outdoor environment.
Due to the size of our school, our Nursery children share a classroom with our Reception pupils and take part in many whole-school experiences, including worship, PE, lunchtime, snack time, singing, and special events. This shared environment helps them build confidence, form relationships, and feel part of our school family from day one. Nursery children also wear the school uniform and PE kit, giving them a strong sense of belonging and pride.
We are incredibly fortunate to have extensive school grounds, including a dedicated outdoor learning area for Nursery and Reception. Children enjoy activities such as mud-kitchen play, den building, role play, construction, a story circle and much more. We promote outdoor learning wherever possible and encourage children to bring waterproofs and wellies so they can enjoy their weekly outdoor sessions in all weathers.
Our Nursery Curriculum
Our Nursery curriculum is designed in line with the DfE Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage and focuses strongly on early language development, communication and confidence. Through high-quality interactions, storytelling, singing, role play and vocabulary-rich play opportunities, we support children to build the foundations they need for reading, writing and social development.
We design our provision around children’s interests, developmental needs and next steps, ensuring that the curriculum is responsive, engaging and appropriately challenging.
Reception at Hutchinson Memorial CE First School
In Reception, children continue their learning journey within the same nurturing Early Years environment, but with increasing levels of structure as they continue to develop essential early foundational skills. Learning remains active, hands-on and play-based, with opportunities for exploration, creativity and problem-solving at the heart of the curriculum.
Reception children join fully in the life of the school and take part in whole-school worship, assemblies, events and celebrations. They benefit from strong routines, positive relationships and the confidence that comes from having already experienced the environment through their time in Nursery.
Our Reception Curriculum
Our Reception curriculum is carefully planned using the DfE Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guidance, including Development Matters and the Statutory Framework. It focuses on ensuring that children make strong progress in the seven areas of learning, with a particular emphasis on:
- Language and communication development
- Early reading and phonics
- Mathematical thinking
- Personal, social and emotional development
The curriculum is developed by our Early Years team, who plan engaging themes, meaningful learning experiences and targeted support based on regular observations and assessments. This ensures that each child is challenged appropriately and supported to reach their full potential.