Foundation Years

Early Years Foundation Stage

 

Our purpose-built Reception unit consists of two interlinked classrooms where children from Duckling and Cygnet Classes learn together as part of free flow time. Our children love engaging in a wide range of learning opportunities both inside the classrooms and in the outside area. Our children are encouraged to learn outside in all weathers - we provide wet weather clothing and regularly visit our Nature Reserve and Ladywell Fields to extend our children's outdoor learning experiences.

 

Your child's journey to early years

At Prendergast Primary School, we currently do not have a Nursery. However, we place great importance on ensuring a smooth and positive transition into Reception. To support this, we offer a range of opportunities for our new pupils and their families to get to know us before starting school.

During the Summer term, children are invited to take part in several transition events, including:

• Taster mornings

• Our Family Picnic

• An invitation to our Summer Fair

• A home visit from the Class Teacher and Early Years Practitioner

By the time children begin their Reception year, our aim is for them to feel comfortable and confident—familiar with our staff, daily routines, and school environment. This helps them to settle quickly and begin their learning journey with us happily and successfully.

 

Their First Weeks 

Starting school is an exciting milestone, but we understand that it can also feel a little overwhelming for both children and their families. At Prendergast Primary School, we support this important transition by offering a staggered start for our Reception pupils. This allows children to become familiar with their new environment in smaller groups and at a gentle pace, helping them to feel confident and secure.

We use the ClassDojo app as a secure way to communicate with families. Through this platform, we share important updates, celebrate achievements, and provide regular glimpses into children’s learning through photos and messages.

In their first weeks, children are encouraged to explore both the indoor and outdoor learning environments. They engage in a range of activities across the key areas of learning, begin to build meaningful relationships with their peers and adults, and develop a sense of belonging within our school community.

 

The Early Years Curriculum 

Like all Early Years settings in England, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework. This framework places a strong emphasis on providing rich opportunities for children to learn through exploration, play, and secure, supportive relationships.

It is built around seven key areas of learning and development, which are outlined below. Together, these ensure that every child receives a carefully planned, well-rounded foundation for both school and later life.

 

 

Children learn best when they are engaged, interested, stimulated, and appropriately challenged. In our Early Years setting, we provide a wide range of hands-on activities and experiences, both indoors and outdoors, to support active and meaningful learning.

The Characteristics of Effective Teaching and Learning are a key part of the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework. They build on the principles of play-based learning and help us to understand how children learn most effectively—through exploring, persisting, and making sense of the world around them.

These characteristics focus on three key areas:

• Playing and Exploring (Engagement)

• Active Learning (Motivation)

• Creating and Thinking Critically (Thinking)

Together, these guide our teaching and ensure that children are supported to become confident, curious, and independent learners. Further information can be found in the documents on this page labelled ‘COETLs’.

 

Feeling Safe and Confident at Prendergast Primary

At Prendergast Primary, we pride ourselves on helping children grow into confident, happy, and polite young people.

• Reception School Councillors are elected in the Spring Term, giving children an early voice in school life.

• Our children are encouraged to take part in fundraising events and develop a strong sense of good citizenship.

• They can also join our wide range of extra-curricular clubs, including:

  • Drama

  • Choir

  • Arts and Crafts

  • Sports

  • Dance

  • Languages

  • Sewing

These opportunities help children explore their interests, build confidence, and make friends, while enjoying school life to the fullest.

 

Enrichment Outside the Classroom

Trips and visits are an important part of our curriculum at Prendergast Primary. We aim for every child to take part in at least two trips each term, in addition to our exciting outdoor learning opportunities.

These experiences help children connect learning to the real world, explore new environments, and create lasting memories.

Trips in the Early Years:

• Greenwich National Maritime Museum

• Cutty Sark 

• Christmas Pantomime

• Local Park trips

• Seaside Trip

At Prendergast, our students also get regular hands-on fun in our cooking room and explore the wonders of nature in our very own purpose-built nature reserve!