Our Early Years Foundation Stage is made up of Nursery (including space for 10 two-year-olds) and two Reception classes. Our Nursery offers 15 hour (half day) morning and afternoon sessions, as well as full time (30-hour) places. Children at our school come from a wide range of backgrounds, and we celebrate the diversity of our children and families. This contributes to the strong sense of community that is at the heart of our school.

Our Early Years Vision

Our vision was shaped collaboratively by the EYFS staff, reflecting our shared commitment to nurturing, inspiring, and empowering every child’s learning journey.

• Together, we nurture happy, confident, and capable learners who are ready for their future.
• We know every child as an individual, celebrating their uniqueness and potential.
• Our natural indoor and outdoor environments spark curiosity, creativity, and independence.
• Our knowledgeable staff are reflective, research-led, and committed to every child’s success.
• We provide rich and memorable experiences that build the foundations for lifelong learning.
• We prioritise staff wellbeing, fostering a culture of support and balance.
• We deliver inclusive SEND provision, ensuring all children thrive and feel valued.
• We build strong partnerships with parents, recognising them as children’s first educators.
• Our curriculum is built around purposeful, play-based learning, creating meaningful experiences led by each child.

Curriculum: 

Click here to see our EYFS curriculum 

Skills Progression Documents: 

Nursery 0-3 Skills Progression 

Nursery 3-4 Skills Progression 

Reception Skills Progression 

Click here to see our EYFS in action! 

To find out more about Nursery and Reception classes click here:

Welcome meetings: 

Click here to see the Welcome to Reception Meeting 

Click here to see the Welcome to Nursery Meeting 

EYFS: How we keep you informed of your child’s development

Our main priority is spending time and interacting with your children. At our setting, we use Tapestry to share your child’s learning journey with you in a fun yet personal way. It’s a secure online journal where we upload photos, videos, and little stories about what your child has been doing and achieving. You can log in anytime to see what they’ve been up to, leave comments, and even add your own special moments from home. It’s a lovely way to stay connected, celebrate your child’s progress, and share those “wow” moments together as they grow and learn.

For more information and some tutorials on Tapestry click the link here.

When your child starts at King Athelstan you will receive a letter, QR code and/or link to give permission for us to set you up an account. At the end of your child’s time with us in EYFS you will be able to download a copy of your child’s journal to print as a keepsake. The journal will include their observations and pictures. If you would prefer, you can purchase a professionally printed version from publisher: Group Hugs.

We provide opportunities for parents and carers to come in and observe learning taking place, as well as workshops on literacy and maths. We also hold two parents/carers evening consultations and an end of year written report.

Workshops and Presentations available throughout the year:

• Welcome to King Athelstan Presentation
• A Day in the Life of a Reception Child Presentation
• A Day in the Life of a Nursery Child Presentation
• How to Support Phonics, Reading and Writing at Home Presentation
• Reception Maths Workshop Presentation
• Nursery and Reception Stay and Learn Sessions 

Useful Documents and links to other websites: 

Click here for EYFS Statutory Framework

Click here for the Government's advice and support on your child's development