In the Early Years at Woodthorpe C of E Primary School, we have designed a broad, ambitious and inclusive curriculum that is rooted in the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework. We believe that children learn best through planned, purposeful play, meaningful experiences and positive relationships, enabling every child to flourish and achieve their very best.

The EYFS framework identifies seven areas of learning and development, underpinned by three Characteristics of Effective Learning:

• Playing and Exploring
• Active Learning
• Creating and Thinking Critically

These principles form the foundation of our curriculum and guide our teaching, learning and provision throughout the year.

At Woodthorpe, we have carefully adapted and sequenced our curriculum to make it meaningful, relevant and engaging for our children. Our learning journey begins with the child themselves, helping them to understand who they are and what makes them unique. From there, children explore their families, relationships and celebrations before developing an understanding of right and wrong, kindness and the impact of their actions on others. As their knowledge grows, they learn about the natural world, where food comes from, their local community and, ultimately, their role as global citizens who can make a positive difference to the wider world. 

Across the year, our enquiry questions include:

• What makes me super?
• How are our families special?
• How can we show kindness?
• How do things grow?
• What happens in our community?
• How can we care for our world? 

Children develop their knowledge and skills across all areas of learning, including Communication and Language, Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World, Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Physical Development, and Expressive Arts and Design. Through carefully chosen texts, visits, visitors, community links and hands-on experiences, children learn about themselves, their local area and the wider world while developing curiosity, resilience, independence and a lifelong love of learning. 

As a Church of England school, our curriculum is underpinned by our vision. We strive to create a nurturing environment where every child feels valued, included and empowered to flourish academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.