Our Early Years Curriculum

At Moresby Primary School, our Early Years curriculum is designed to give children the best possible start to their school journey. We want every child to feel happy, secure and valued, developing a strong sense of belonging while building the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to thrive and flourish.

Our curriculum is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and follows a carefully sequenced two-year programme, adapted from the United Curriculum for EYFS. Our themes provide children with opportunities to learn about themselves, their families and communities, the natural world and the wider world around them. We make the most of our local environment and experiences, helping children to connect what they learn in school with the world they know.

A rich and carefully sequenced curriculum

Across the two-year cycle, children explore a range of themes and concepts, including

• Identity, belonging and community – learning about themselves, their families, friendships and the people who help our communities.

• Homes, buildings and habitats – exploring where people and animals live and how places meet different needs.

• Change and new beginnings – noticing how people, seasons, places and objects change over time, and exploring celebrations and traditions.

• Our place in the universe – beginning to understand our planet, the Solar System, day and night, and the wonder of space.

• Living things and healthy choices – learning about plants, animals, life cycles, food and how healthy choices help us to grow.

• Growth and responsibility – caring for plants and other living things and understanding that growth takes time, care and attention.

• Castles and the past – discovering how buildings and ways of life have changed over time.

• Minibeasts, plants and seasonal change – observing living things closely and learning about their needs and life cycles.

• Seaside, pirates and journeys – exploring the coast, maps, travel and how we can care for our coastal environments.

The themes are not simply topics to be covered. They provide a context for developing children's knowledge and vocabulary, encouraging them to ask questions, make connections and talk about what they discover.

Reading, writing and mathematics

Alongside our wider curriculum, children receive a strong foundation in early reading, writing and mathematics.

We use Read Write Inc. to develop children's phonics, reading and early writing. Children build their knowledge systematically, developing their confidence in recognising sounds, blending them to read words and applying their phonics knowledge when writing.

In mathematics, we use Power Maths, alongside practical experiences and mathematical exploration. Children develop a secure understanding of number, shape, space, measure and pattern through purposeful activities, discussion and play.

Learning through play and experience

Play is at the heart of our Early Years curriculum. Children have opportunities to explore, investigate, create, communicate and solve problems through a balance of adult-led teaching and carefully planned continuous provision.

Our staff use children's interests and experiences to extend their learning, while deliberately introducing new vocabulary, ideas and challenges. We encourage children to become increasingly independent, resilient and curious learners.

Above all, we want our Early Years children to develop a love of learning, a strong sense of belonging and the confidence to have a go. By the end of their Reception year, we aim for every child to have the strong foundations they need to continue to thrive and flourish throughout their school journey.