At Stanley Grove, we enjoy an idyllic setting with views over the school’s extensive grounds and large playing fields. The areas of continuous provision are well resourced and provide children with carefully planned educational activities, with an emphasis on learning through hands on experiences.  Play is a key way in which children learn.  We provide a wide variety of play experiences both indoors and out with a friendly and caring atmosphere in which the children feel secure.

Each child is valued and encouraged.  Careful planning and assessment means that we can plan the next steps for the individual’s learning journey, which allows them to develop at their own pace.  This information is shared with parents on a regular basis.

Children in Early Years frequently take part in educational visits. Examples of this are: walks in the local area, going to the farm and visiting the library. We also have visitors in school to tell us about different things for example, the rain forest and road safety.

To support the children in their transition into nursery, we have sessions prior to the children starting, where parents can opt to stay to play and interact with the resources we use in school.

We read to the children every day and share our recommended reading lists with parents and children. Phonics is taught with a systematic synthetic programme – Read Write Inc. Staff are regularly monitored and trained in the teaching of early phonics skills. We use decodable books in Early Years and Year 1 to support early reading skills and success. Multiple copies of books are available for shared reading for enjoyment.

On a daily basis both the Nursery and Reception classes take part in a ‘Little Big Maths Session’ which makes Maths progress in Early Years fun for children. Little Big Maths ensures there is a press on progression within the context of the child’s play, self-discovery and personal learning journey and it is characterised by accurate steps of progression which makes new learning obvious to children.