At St Paul’s EYFS, we offer a broad and balanced curriculum through a range of activities and experiences which are both challenging and familiar. To do this successfully, our approach to education is child centred. This enables children to make free choices between various organised activities. Our daily activities are planned around the children’s interests following detailed observations and assessments of each individual child.

The children are able to access a wide range of writing, drawing, painting and/or malleable materials at all times. The same applies to all daily art/crafts activities, which are based on the current experiences we are planning for the children.

We provide unlimited opportunities for imaginative play through props, dressing up and small world play (to name a few!) This develops their creative, communication and language skills as well as building confidence and forming friendships.

The specific areas of learning, such as maths and literacy, are prioritised in a practical and appropriate way through carpet sessions, adult led activities and play activities.

Our large outdoor space is currently being developed and provides ample opportunity for games, gross motor skills, exploration and free play. Much like inside the classroom, the outside area allows the children to develop in all the areas of learning.

We always encourage the children to take turns, be independent and learn to share. Their own ideas and personal preferences are always taken into account and inform the teachers’ planning and next steps.

We keep records of the children’s development using our online assessment tool, SPTO, and in progress books. Parents are given the opportunity to log in to SPTO at home and view photos of their child’s learning. Progress books are kept on the shelf by the door and parents are welcome to view these at any time.