Intent

At Boughton Leigh Infant School, we believe every child deserves the very best start to their education. Our Early Years curriculum is ambitious, inclusive and carefully designed to develop secure foundations in communication and language, personal, social and emotional development, physical development, early reading and mathematics.

We recognise that children's experiences in the early years have a significant impact on their future success. Through nurturing relationships, high expectations and a language-rich environment, we foster curiosity, independence, resilience and a lifelong love of learning.

Our curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of our children and our community, taking account of children's individual starting points, interests and experiences. We provide a broad, balanced and engaging curriculum that develops children's knowledge, skills and understanding whilst building the cultural capital they need for future success.

We value the importance of play, exploration and outdoor learning. Through our OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) approach, children benefit from rich opportunities to develop physically, socially, emotionally and creatively through meaningful outdoor experiences.

Early reading is at the heart of our curriculum. Children begin their reading journey in Nursery through high-quality stories, songs, rhymes and language experiences before progressing through the Read Write Inc. Phonics programme. Alongside this, children develop strong mathematical foundations through a mastery approach, enabling them to build confidence, fluency and problem-solving skills from an early age.

Our aim is for every child to leave the Early Years Foundation Stage as a confident, capable and enthusiastic learner, fully prepared for the next stage of their education.

Implementation

Our Early Years curriculum is delivered through a carefully planned balance of direct teaching, adult-guided learning, high-quality continuous provision and purposeful play.

Learning is based upon the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework and Development Matters guidance, whilst also reflecting the needs and interests of our children. Through carefully sequenced learning experiences, children progressively develop the knowledge, skills and vocabulary needed to become successful learners.

Communication and language development underpins all aspects of our curriculum. Staff use high-quality interactions, questioning and modelling to extend children's thinking, develop vocabulary and support communication skills. We recognise that strong language development provides the foundation for success across all areas of learning.

Children learn through meaningful first-hand experiences, both indoors and outdoors. Our carefully planned environments encourage exploration, investigation, creativity, collaboration and problem-solving. Through our OPAL approach, children benefit from rich outdoor learning opportunities that promote independence, resilience, physical development and wellbeing.

We place great importance on developing the Characteristics of Effective Learning by encouraging children to:

• Play and explore

• Be active learners

• Think creatively and critically

Early Reading

Reading is a central part of daily life in our Early Years provision. Children are immersed in stories, rhymes, songs and high-quality texts which develop vocabulary, comprehension and a love of reading.

We teach early reading and writing through the Read Write Inc. Phonics programme. Children begin by developing listening skills, speaking and language through stories, nursery rhymes, songs and oral blending activities. As they progress, they learn sounds systematically and develop the skills needed to read, write and communicate confidently.

Regular assessment ensures that teaching is closely matched to children's needs and supports all children to make strong progress.

Mathematics

Mathematics is taught through a mastery approach that develops children's understanding of number, pattern, shape, measure and mathematical relationships.

Children engage in practical experiences, mathematical talk and problem-solving opportunities that help them develop deep understanding and confidence. Daily Maths Meetings from Nursery onwards support children in consolidating key mathematical knowledge, including counting, number recognition, patterns, days of the week and months of the year through songs, rhymes and engaging activities.

Learning is carefully sequenced to ensure children build secure mathematical foundations that prepare them for future learning.

Impact

The impact of our curriculum is seen in the confidence, independence, resilience and enthusiasm demonstrated by our children.

Children develop secure foundations across all areas of learning and make strong progress from their individual starting points. They become effective communicators, enthusiastic readers, confident mathematicians and active learners who are ready for the challenges of Year 1 and beyond.

Assessment is an ongoing part of teaching and learning. Through careful observation, professional dialogue, WellComm language screening, the Leuven Scales of Wellbeing and Involvement, ongoing formative assessment and statutory assessments, staff gain a deep understanding of each child's development and next steps.

Assessment information is used to inform teaching, identify children who may need additional support and ensure that all children continue to make progress. Regular moderation within school and with other settings helps ensure assessment judgements remain accurate and consistent.

Children's learning is celebrated and documented throughout their Early Years journey through Learning Journeys, observations and examples of work, including writing and mathematics books in Reception.

By the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage, children leave Boughton Leigh Infant School as happy, confident and successful learners with the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to flourish in Key Stage 1 and throughout their future education.