Early Years

‘We will show everyone love and respect, living and learning with courage and joy.’

Welcome to the Astley Early Years!

We educate the whole child and ensure children are happy, healthy and fulfil their potential in all areas of learning. It is where their crucial foundations towards lifelong learning will begin and where they will be introduced to a wealth of experiences and activities across all areas of the Foundation Stage curriculum.

Staff in Astley Early Years welcome children from the term of their third birthday. Parents can use their allocated 15-hour and 30-hour funding, as well as any additional sessions required by families. Our Reception children join the September following their fourth birthday.

At Astley, we pride ourselves on a highly stimulating and purposeful environment. We believe children learn best when they are engaged in self-chosen explorations and play. Our high-quality provision provides a calm, caring and nurturing environment that enables children to become respectful, resilient and independent learners. Skills and knowledge are developed through relevant and enjoyable play and experiences. We place a strong emphasis on practical hands-on activities and the use of our outdoor areas in school.

Throughout your child’s time in our Early Years classroom, they will have access to:

Continuous provision – high quality resources that are always available

Enhancements - used to introduce, extend or enhance further the children’s interests and skill development

Adult-led sessions - teach explicit new learning, especially during the reception year.

Forest School  - led by our Forest School Leader at least once weekly

Our practitioners continually plan ‘in the moment’, building on guidance from the Early Years Framework and Development Matters documents. Each time they interact with a child, they are observing, assessing, planning for and teaching the individual child. This immediate interaction uses our staff expertise and experience to decide the most beneficial response to consolidate or move the learning forward to meet the Early Learning Goals (ELG).

At Astley, we have an experienced Early Years team led by an enthusiastic and qualified teacher. All additional adults are specialist Early Years practitioners.