Early Years: where learning begins

At Warkworth, Early Years is at the heart of our school. We love the curiosity, conversation, laughter and determination young children bring, and the privilege of helping them discover what they can do. From the moment children join us, from age two through Nursery and Reception, they are known, welcomed, encouraged to have a go and supported to flourish. The relationships and foundations formed here shape how children see themselves, others and learning for years to come.

We want every child’s first experience of school to be joyful, secure and full of possibility. Warm relationships sit alongside high expectations: adults take time to listen, build children’s confidence, introduce new language and help them make sense of the world. Stories, songs, rhymes, rich conversation, daily routines and outdoor exploration all create opportunities to develop communication, early literacy and mathematics, curiosity and care for others. Shaped by our Christian vision of life in all its fullness, this is the Warkworth Way in action, lived through Love, Peace and Courage.

Books and reading are at the very heart of our Early Years curriculum. We want children to delight in stories and discover books as a source of pleasure, ideas and understanding. From the earliest stages, adults share and revisit books with children, developing vocabulary, comprehension and a growing love of reading. Songs, rhymes, rhythm, and playful listening help children notice and enjoy the sounds in words. This early phonological awareness lays important foundations for formal phonics, word reading and becoming a confident reader.

Our Nursery Curriculum at the bottom of the page explains how we build this carefully planned curriculum: how books, songs, rhymes, vocabulary and first-hand experiences shape learning across six half-terms, and how weekly planning responds to the children in our care. To explore how EYFS learning connects with each subject, visit the relevant subject page; each explains its EYFS links and how this early learning leads into what comes next.

Reception builds on the foundations children have developed in their earlier provision, strengthening their confidence, knowledge and readiness for Year 1. As the year progresses, children encounter increasingly explicit teaching and distinct subjects, giving them a strong introduction to the learning they will continue through Key Stages 1 and 2 and beyond.

Our vision for Early Years below shows how our research-informed, high-expectations approach is in line with our school’s mission and how we put that mission into practice through warm relationships, purposeful teaching and responsive support for every child.