Learning Through Play

A foundation for lifelong learning

At Franciscan Catholic Nursery & Primary School, our Early Years Programme is based on the UK's "Early Years Foundation Stage" curriculum. We provide an integrated approach to care and education which is play-based, following the interests of the children while nurturing their spiritual development.

This framework ensures a consistent approach to care, learning and development, enabling our educators to plan learning experiences that are appropriate for each child at every stage of their development through a range of engaging activities.

The aim of our Early Years Programme is to help children achieve the five outcomes of the "EVERY CHILD MATTERS" principle while incorporating Catholic values that form the foundation of our educational philosophy.

Learning can be fun

Our Early Years Programmes

Nurturing young minds at every stage

Creche Programme
Age 1

Creche

Our Creche is a fantastic place for your child to take their first steps on the educational ladder and learn to interact with other children in a safe, nurturing environment. Foundation stage for early development and exploration.

  • Safe and stimulating environment
  • 1:8 teacher to child ratio
  • Sensory play and exploration
  • Basic social skills development
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Early Years Programme
Ages 2-4

Early Years (Years 1, 2 & 3)

Our comprehensive Early Years programme includes three progressive levels: Early Year 1 (Age 2), Early Year 2 (Age 3), and Early Year 3 (Age 4). Each level builds upon the previous, preparing children for primary education through structured learning and play-based activities.

  • Progressive learning stages
  • Phonics and early literacy
  • Mathematical concepts introduction
  • Catholic values integration
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Areas of Learning and Development

Comprehensive development for the whole child

Personal, Social & Emotional Development

Developing confidence, self-awareness, managing feelings and behavior, and forming positive relationships with peers and adults.

Communication & Language

Developing listening and attention skills, understanding language, and speaking clearly to express ideas and feelings.

Literacy

Building foundations for reading and writing through phonics, letter recognition, and exposure to a variety of books and stories.

Mathematics

Developing understanding of numbers, shapes, space, and measures through hands-on activities and play-based learning.

Understanding the World

Exploring people, places, technology, and the environment to develop knowledge about the world around them.

Physical Development

Developing control, coordination, and movement skills, as well as understanding the importance of physical activity and healthy choices.

Expressive Arts & Design

Exploring and using media and materials, as well as developing imagination through art, music, dance, role-play, and storytelling.

Spiritual Development

Introducing children to Catholic faith and values through age-appropriate prayers, stories, and celebrations of religious festivals.

Enabling Learning Environment

Enabling Environment

Creating spaces that inspire learning

A rich and varied environment supports children's learning and development, giving them the confidence to explore and learn in a secure, safe, yet stimulating environment.

All our rooms are fully equipped with creative and educational activities to encourage development and stimulate children to develop interpersonal skills. Children will be engaged in our planned activities relevant to their age group. It provides them with opportunity and the means to learn independently to be able to explore their interests, understanding and perception of the world.

Our early years practitioners, who are dedicated to a career in early learning, have a responsibility to offer the children in our care this kind of environment, both indoors and outdoors where they are able to access resources independently, pursue their own interests and be supported in these.

Indoor Play Areas

Safe, stimulating spaces with age-appropriate toys, learning materials, and activity centers that promote exploration and discovery.

Outdoor Play Areas

Secure outdoor spaces with playground equipment, sandpits, water play areas, and gardening opportunities to develop physical skills and environmental awareness.

Creative Areas

Dedicated spaces for art, craft, and messy play where children can express themselves through various media and develop fine motor skills.

Reading Corners

Cozy, quiet spaces with a variety of age-appropriate books where children can develop a love for reading and storytelling.

Construction Areas

Spaces equipped with blocks, building materials, and tools that encourage problem-solving, spatial awareness, and creativity.

Role Play Areas

Themed spaces that allow children to engage in imaginative play, develop social skills, and understand different roles in society.

Our Curriculum Approach

Integrating faith and learning

Our Early Years curriculum framework ensures a consistent approach to care, learning and development and enables educators to plan the learning that is appropriate for each child at every stage of their development through a range of activities. The aim of EYFS is to help children achieve the five outcomes of the "EVERY CHILD MATTERS" principle while incorporating Catholic values.

Unique Child

Every child is a unique child, who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured.

Positive Relationships

Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships with peers, teachers, and family.

Enabling Environments

Children learn and develop well in enabling environments, in which their experiences respond to their individual needs.

Learning & Development

Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates, and all areas of learning and development are equally important.

Integration of Catholic Values

In the spirit of St. Francis, our Early Years Programme integrates Catholic values and teachings in age-appropriate ways. Children learn about God's love, basic prayers, and participate in simple religious celebrations that mark the liturgical year. Through stories, songs, and daily activities, we nurture the spiritual development of each child alongside their intellectual, physical, and social growth.

"Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible."

- St. Francis of Assisi

Parent Partnership

Working together for your child's success

At Franciscan Catholic School, we believe that parents are the primary educators of their children. We value the important role you play in your child's education and development, and we are committed to building strong partnerships with families.

Our parent partnership approach includes regular communication, opportunities for involvement, and support for families in nurturing their child's development at home.

Daily verbal feedback about your child's day

Regular parent-teacher meetings to discuss progress

Digital learning journals shared with parents

Parent workshops on supporting learning at home

Opportunities to volunteer and participate in school activities

Parent prayer groups and faith formation opportunities

Parent and Teacher Meeting

Begin Your Child's Educational Journey

Give your child the gift of a nurturing, faith-based early education that builds a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Explore Creche

Learn more about our programme for children ages 1-2.

Visit Creche Programme

Contact Us

Get more information about our Early Years programme levels.

Contact Us

Primary Programme

Discover what comes next after Early Years education.

View Primary Programme