Curriculum Information 2026-27 Early Years (Nursery and Reception) Learning through play, curiosity and discovery In Early Years,pupils learn through a blend of child-initiated play, adult-guided learning and meaningful experiences. Learning is shaped by children's interests, helping them develop confidence, independence and a love of learning. Our approach is practical, creative and responsive. Through play, exploration and hands-on experiences, children investigate, imagine and solve problems both indoors and outdoors. Topics often begin with the questions: What do we already know? What do we want to find out? Visits, visitors and real-world experiences bring learning to life, while core skills are developed through every topic.
Our approach to learning Every child begins their learning journey from their own unique starting point. At St Chris, we support our pupils to grow socially, emotionally, physically and academically through play, exploration and carefully planned learning experiences. Learning is guided by the seven areas of Early Years development: • Personal, Social and Emotional Development • Communication and Language • Physical Development • Literacy • Mathematics • Understanding the World • Expressive Arts and Design Child Initiated Learning (CIL) encourages pupils to follow their interests, develop independence and make connections across their learning.
Our Year At A Glance Autumn:
Marvellous Me We explore identity, families and friendships, celebrating what makes each of us unique Celebrations We investigate seasonal change and explore a range of festivals and traditions from around the world.
Spring:
Where Are We? We discover our local area and begin to understand our place in the wider world. Rainforests We learn about rainforest environments and the animals and plants that call them home.
Summer:
Growing Up We explore lifecycles, plant growth and the choices that help us stay healthy. Journeys We investigate transport, maps and adventures through creative play and storytelling.
Tracking Progress Progress is shared with families through Tapestry. Teachers regularly assess learning to build a clear picture of each child's strengths and next steps. Half-termly review meetings help identify where additional support or challenge may be beneficial. Small class sizes and Teaching Assistants enable targeted support when needed. Families receive two reports each year, termly parent consultations and ongoing opportunities to meet with teachers.
Weekly Hours Per Subject This graphic represents a typical week in Early Years.
Child Initiated Learning (CIL) 5 Hours
Maths 1 Hour 30 mins Forest School 1 Hour 45 mins
Literacy & Phonics 4 Hours 50 mins
Understanding the World 1 Hour Expressive Art & DT 1 Hour 30 mins
Communication & Language 1 Hour
French 25 mins
Swimming 30 mins Personal, Social Emotional Dev. 30 mins
Physical Development 1 Hour 30 mins
Music 1 Hour
Core Learning
taught by class teachers
Literacy & Daily phonics + guided reading x 3 per week
Maths 1 Hour 30 mins
Pupils develop early reading and writing skills through the Little Wandle phonics programme, guided reading and meaningful writing opportunities. They learn to decode, read fluently and write with increasing confidence and independence. Focus: Phonics • Reading • Writing • Vocabulary
Pupils build confidence with numbers while developing mathematical thinking through practical exploration and problem-solving. Learning includes number, shape, space and measure, helping pupils understand mathematics in everyday contexts. In addition, maths is embedded throughout the day, providing opportunities for children to develop and apply their understanding through meaningful, childinitiated learning. Focus: Number • Problem-solving • Reasoning • Shape & Measure
Communication & Language 1 Hour
Physical Development 1 Hour 30 mins
Pupils develop their speaking, listening and understanding through stories, conversation, role play and shared experiences. They build confidence expressing ideas, asking questions and communicating with increasing clarity. Focus: Speaking • Listening • Vocabulary • Conversation
Pupils develop both fine and gross motor skills through play, movement and practical activities. They build coordination, strength and independence while learning healthy habits and developing control of their bodies. Focus: Coordination • Dexterity • Balance • Healthy Living
Creative, Personal and Child Led taught by class teachers
Expressive Art & Design 30 mins (adult directed)
Personal Social and Emotional Development 30 mins
Understanding the World 30 mins (adult directed)
Child Initiated Learning (CIL) 5 Hours + daily outdoor play
Pupils develop creativity and imagination through art, design, construction, music and role play. They explore a range of materials and techniques while learning to express ideas and experiences in different ways. Focus: Creativity • Imagination • Design • Self Expression PSHE and RSE support pupils in staying safe, happy and healthy while developing positive and respectful relationships. Following the SCARF programme, Early Years pupils learn about feelings, friendships, healthy choices, safety and belonging in a caring and inclusive environment. Focus: Confidence • Relationships • Wellbeing • Independence Teaching takes place in a safe and inclusive environment, and pupils are never expected to share personal experiences. Parents are informed in advance about RSE content. Through topics and first-hand experiences, our pupils explore people, places, cultures and the natural world. They begin to make sense of their environment while developing curiosity about the wider world. Focus: Exploration • Discovery • Communities • Nature Child Initiated Learning is at the heart of the Early Years curriculum. Through purposeful play, pupils follow their interests, make connections across their learning and develop independence, resilience and confidence. Adults support and extend learning where appropriate. Focus: Curiosity • Independence • Problem Solving • Exploration
Creative and Languages
taught by subject specialist teachers
French 25 mins
Through songs, games and play, pupils are introduced to simple French vocabulary and phrases. Learning focuses on listening, speaking and building confidence with a new language. Focus: Listening • Speaking • Vocabulary • Confidence
Music 50 mins
Pupils explore sound, rhythm and pitch through singing, movement, instrumental play and performance. They develop creativity, confidence and a love of music while building strong foundations for future learning. Focus: Singing • Rhythm • Performance • Creativity
Learning beyond the classroom taught by subject specialist teachers
Swimming 30 mins
Pupils develop confidence and independence in the water through fun, structured activities. They learn fundamental water skills, body control and safe movement while building enjoyment of swimming. Focus: Water Confidence • Coordination • Indepdendence • Safety
Forest School 1 Hour 45 mins
Forest School encourages pupils to explore, investigate and learn through nature. Through practical outdoor experiences, they develop confidence, resilience, communication skills and a growing understanding of the natural world. Focus: Exploration • Resilience • Teamwork • Outdoor Learning
What is Forest School? Forest School is a child-centred, inspirational approach that develops confidence, independence and self-esteem through regular learning in a natural environment. Sessions encourage curiosity, creativity and problem-solving, helping pupils build a meaningful connection with the world around them.