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Early Years Curriculum at Haydon Abbey School and Pre-School
At Haydon Abbey, we believe that every child is unique and that their first steps in education set the foundation for a lifetime of learning. Our Preschool curriculum is designed to be a 'free-flow' experience where children feel safe, happy, and inspired to explore the world around them both indoors and outdoors.
Our approach is guided by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, ensuring that your child’s learning is relevant, fun, and rooted in real-life experiences.
Your child’s development is supported across seven key areas. These are divided into Prime areas (the building blocks) and Specific areas (where those skills are applied).
| The Prime Areas | The Specific Areas |
| Communication & Language: Developing conversation and listening skills. | Literacy: Building a love for stories and early mark-making. |
| Physical Development: Developing core strength and fine motor skills. | Mathematics: Exploring numbers, shapes, and measures. |
| Personal, Social & Emotional: Building confidence and relationships. | Understanding the World: Learning about people and nature. |
| Expressive Arts & Design: Being creative with color, music, and dance. |
We balance child-initiated play with adult-led learning to ensure every child makes excellent progress.
Our classrooms are "additional teachers." We provide stimulating areas such as Mud Kitchens, Construction Zones, Role Play, and Cosy Reading Nooks. We prioritise 'open-ended' resources (like blocks and loose parts) that encourage children to solve problems and think critically.
Our staff are trained to interact with your child using the SHREC method to boost language development:
Sh: Share Attention – Getting down to the child's level.
R: Respond – Following the child's lead.
E: Expand – Adding words to what the child says.
C: Conversation – Encouraging back-and-forth talking.
Early Reading: We use the Little Wandle program to introduce 'pre-phonics' through rhyme, rhythm, and tuning into sounds.
Early Maths: Following White Rose Maths principles, we focus on practical, real-life experiences with numbers and patterns.
Our curriculum follows the 'Natural Rhythms' of the year. Here is a snapshot of our themes:
Autumn: All About Me and Our Journey (Settling in and celebrating families).
Spring: Helpful Heroes and How Does it Grow? (Learning about our community and signs of Spring).
Summer: Embracing Kindness and Where Could I Go? (Focusing on transitions to Reception and future dreams).
We believe you are the expert on your child. To keep you involved, we offer:
The Key Person: A dedicated staff member to care for your child’s pastoral and learning needs.
Seesaw: An online platform where we share photos and updates of your child’s learning.
Stay & Play: Termly sessions where you join your child for activities like "Dough Disco" or "Mindfulness."
Keeping You Informed: Regular updates on your child's progress, including the statutory Progress Check at Age Two.
We are committed to identifying and providing for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) through a 'graduated approach' of support. Above all, we maintain a vigilant culture of Safeguarding, adhering to the latest Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance to ensure every child is protected and happy.