LEO Early Years Strategy
Early years lay the foundation for academic success, but also vital lifelong skills in communication, empathy, and self-regulation- all essential for a happy and fulfilling life.
At LEO Academy Trust, we recognise the critical role the early years play in shaping a child's future We champion Early Years as the critical building blocks to future educational success and believe this supportive approach nurtures children who leave ready to embrace future learning opportunities.
Our Early Years Strategy aims to provide an enriching and inclusive education that celebrates each child's unique potential and well-being. We cultivate a safe and stimulating environment that fosters a love of learning, preparing children to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We acknowledge the daily challenge faced by families in the current economic climate and in support of this provide an extended offer in all schools.
Our holistic approach focuses on all aspects of a child's development, prioritisng social and emotional skills, communication and language proficiency, and physical development. This in turn ensures knowledge and skills can be further strengthened in the specific areas as they progress. This equips children with the skills they need to manage emotions, build positive relationships, communicate effectively, and become confident learners
In the Early Years, understanding a child's behaviour is key to unlocking their learning potential Their actions are often a form of communication, expressing needs or emotions they can't yet fully grasp. Setting clear, age-appropriate expectations and boundaries provides a safe and predictable environment. Staff focus on teaching behaviour for learning. This sense of security allows children to explore, experiment, and ultimately, learn and grow with confidence.
Our high-quality curriculum, aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, embraces inclusivity for all our learners and fosters curiosity and creativity, building connections across different areas of development. Activities are carefully adpated and differentiated to cater to a wide range of learning styles and abilities, ensuring all children feel valued and empowered to reach their full potential.
LEO Early Years Strategy
We are committed to providing a warm and welcoming environment for all children, regardless of background or ability We prioritise well-resourced, stimulating learning environments that are enabling for all. We believe in high-quality outdoor spaces that encourage exploration, physical activity, and connection with nature. Technology is used thoughtfully to enhance and complement learning experiences, not replace them
Building strong partnerships with families is a cornerstone of our strategy We offer opportunities for families to actively participate in their child's learning journey and school life. We ensure clear and regular communication, keeping families informed about the EYFS curriculum and their child's progress. We acknowledge families as their child's first educators and involve them in our continual cycle of assessing and reviewing what children have learned to ensure all children reach their potential
We provide strong leadership with a focus on continuous improvement. Our settings are outward-looking and adaptable to best practices We invest in high-quality training and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for all Early Years staff. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing among Early Years practitioners across the Trust is facilitated, fostering a network of support and expertise.
By implementing this strategy, LEO Academy Trust strives to create a nurturing and stimulating environment where every child feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.
What makes a great LEO Early Years?
Secure, engaging, inclusive, and purposeful environments (both inside and out)
Enabling environments that cover all areas of learning and support children to self-select, problem solve and learn through play
Clear curriculum intent based on the EYFS curriculum, which supports the building of skills and knowledge over time and is ambitious for all
Focus on the importance of behaviour expectations to establish behaviours for learning throughout the school
Balance between children being taught skills and having the opportunity to apply their learning independently
Providing opportunities to develop concentration both in adult-led and child-initiated learning
Skilled practitioners who, using ongoing assessments optimise the development and learning potential of every child through careful adaptations
Practitioners who interact with children and teach them how to play, socialise and learn
Positive interactions and relationships between adults and children to maximise learning
A clear prioritising of communication and language
Robust teaching of both phonics and a love of reading
Resources that reflect children’s interests, and next steps in learning
A clear promotion of the characteristics of effective learning
Celebrating, educating and informing on diversity through displays, modeling, books, and teaching resources
Effective routines and smooth transitions
Children’s achievements, both big and small, are celebrated through positive reinforcement, displays of work and ongoing feedback
