Early Years

At St John's, we believe that every child deserves the very best start to their education. Our Early Years curriculum is carefully designed to provide a rich, engaging and ambitious learning experience that supports all children to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to succeed both now and in the future.

Most of our children join us in pre-school and we take children from aged 2.

Through a balance of adult-led learning, purposeful play and meaningful first-hand experiences, children develop across all seven areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. Our curriculum is sequenced to build knowledge over time, ensuring that children make strong progress from their individual starting points and are well prepared for the transition into Key Stage 1.

We place a strong emphasis on communication and language, early reading, vocabulary development and positive relationships, recognising that these are the foundations for future learning. Our nurturing environment encourages curiosity, independence, creativity and resilience, enabling children to become confident learners who are willing to explore, take risks and persevere.

Staff carefully assess children's learning and use this information to plan experiences that meet individual needs, challenge thinking and deepen understanding. We work closely with families to ensure that every child feels safe, valued and supported throughout their Early Years journey.

Our aim is that every child leaves Reception with the confidence, knowledge and skills needed to flourish in the next stage of their education and to develop a lifelong love of learning.

At the bottom of the page you will find documents laying out how our curriculum is sequenced across the Early Years so that children have the best experience and make great progress in these most important of years at school.