Welcome to Early Years
Our large Early Years Unit is home for our Nursery and Reception children. We have a large classroom for each area of the Foundation Stage Curriculum, and our own computer suite and outdoor play area.
Reception
We are a three form entry Reception unit where children make a smooth transition from Nursery. They soon begin to become more independent which allows children to lead their own learning. This is facilitated through our free-flow sessions where children can become little explorers by visiting all curriculum areas during the week and completing lots of activities linked to their topic.
Here is a new video to tell you more about Reception at Devonshire. Watch it to meet the staff that work in Reception and to have a look around the school. This will be useful for children who are starting in Reception in September.
Nursery
The Nursery provides a fun and exciting base upon which children can build their learning. We specialise in providing experiences and an environment where the children can explore, create and learn in such a way that they don’t even realise the progress they’re making because they’re having so much fun!
Here is a short video introducing the staff working in the Nursery and giving you a virtual tour around some parts of the school. It will give you lots of information if your child is starting in the Nursery in September.
In Nursery we follow the same curriculum planning as reception. This is because we function as a unit which provides a seamless transition from Nursery to reception. The children mix across the two year groups for Free Flow sessions, allowing them to engage with other children and adults while experiencing the vast array of activities on offer.
Early Years Curriculum
The children soon settle into school. They learn songs and take part in art and craft activities based on harvest, Diwali, Eid and Christmas during their first term. There is lots of time for speaking and listening activities, such as role play, circle time, puppets and talking to new friends and adults. They will be looking at books, and starting to count and learn their initial sounds.
Children learn to read using a phonics first approach and follow the sequence set out in the Little Wandle scheme. Children read phonic books which are carefully matched to their phonic knowledge. Children also have access to books for interest and enjoyment for parents to read with their children at home.
Children will be able to visit all curriculum areas during the week and complete lots of activities linked to their topic.