At Kings Lander Primary Academy, we welcome children from the age of 2 into our nurturing Early Years setting. We pride ourselves on creating a happy, safe and stimulating environment where every child feels valued, confident and excited to learn.

Our experienced Early Years team understands that young children learn best through play, exploration and positive relationships. We take time to get to know each child as an individual and work closely with families to ensure children feel settled, secure and ready to thrive.

We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework, which supports children’s learning and development from age 2 to the end of Reception. The curriculum is carefully planned to help children build strong foundations for future learning.

Children learn across seven areas of learning:

Prime Areas

• Communication and Language

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development

• Physical Development

Specific Areas

• Literacy

• Mathematics

• Understanding the World

• Expressive Arts and Design

Learning is play-based, practical and engaging, with lots of opportunities for children to talk, explore, investigate and create.

Children in Early Years learn through a balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities.

Adult-led learning
Adults plan purposeful activities to introduce new skills and knowledge, such as:

• daily phonics and early reading

• early maths and number work

• small-group activities to develop language and thinking

• fine motor and writing skills

Child-initiated learning (learning through play)
Children also have time to explore activities they choose themselves. Staff carefully observe, join in play and extend learning through high-quality interaction. For example:

• developing language through role play

• solving problems in construction and small world play

• building early maths skills in sand, water and outdoor play

Our staff are highly experienced in supporting children’s development through play and interaction. They model language, ask thoughtful questions, and help children move their learning forward in meaningful, child-friendly ways.