Welcome to Early Years at Kettlefields Primary School

At Kettlefields Primary School we believe that all children deserve the best possible start in life, and that that the most effective way to provide this, is through planned, purposeful play, both in the classroom and outdoors.

Planned, purposeful play is the foundation of development and learning for young children. It is the way skills are developed and practised. It is essential for physical, intellectual, linguistic, emotional, and behavioural and social development. It is the process through which children can explore, investigate, recreate and come to understand their world.

We deliver learning for all areas of the Early Years Curriculum through purposeful play and learning experiences, with a balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities. We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework, which sets out statutory guidance on the standards that schools and childcare providers must meet for the learning, development and care of children under 5.

For more information on the EYFS framework, please see our 'Introduction to Reception' leaflet or click here to read the DfE's Statutory Framework for the EYFS.

A happy start to school: How can you help at home?

Children develop quickly in the early years and a child's experiences between birth and age five have a major impact on their future life chances. A secure, safe and happy childhood is important in its own right. Good parenting and high quality early learning together provide the foundation children need to make the most of their abilities and talents as they grow up.

Many parents find that knowing what to expect when their child reaches a particular age or stage is a great help. The booklet http://www.foundationyears.org.uk/files/2015/03/4Children_ParentsGuide_2015_WEB.pdf  provides a clear guide to parents and carers.

In addition, you can help your child in many ways:-

• Talk to them and answer their many questions!
• Enjoy sharing a variety of books together
• Encourage your child to talk about the pictures and tell you the stories in their books
• Let them see you enjoying reading - sit and read a book, magazine or newspaper in their company
• Sing songs and nursery rhymes
• Encourage your child to draw and write with a variety of materials
• Let your child use catalogues, cards or leaflets to cut out, paste, colour and paint

We want your child to have a happy and confident start to school life - it would be most helpful if your child can:

• Take off and put on shoes independently
• Use the toilet independently
• Dress and undress for PE

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Reception Team.