Early Years Provision

At St. John's School, we believe every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil their potential. 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. High-quality early learning provides the foundation children need to make the most of their abilities and talents as they grow up. We recognise that the Early Years are critical to a child’s development. We believe all children should have the opportunity to receive the best possible start to their education. Children learn best when they are healthy, safe and secure, when their individual needs are met and when they have positive relationships with the adults caring for them. 

We are a large Early Years setting with 45 reception children split into 2 classes, a 52-place nursery with funded 15- and 30-hour places, and a 2-year-old provision (Little Saints) with up to 10 funded spaces.

At St. John's, we want children to achieve a good level of development, demonstrating a secure grasp of the basic skills of reading, writing and maths, and developing the prime skills needed to be successful lifelong learners. We believe that developing children’s communication and language skills is crucial to ensuring success in all other areas. We value the diversity of individuals within the school and do not discriminate against children because of ‘differences’. All children at St John's School are treated fairly regardless of race, religion or abilities. All children and their families are valued within our school. 

Curriculum

We follow the statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage and the non-statutory guidance on Development Matters. Staff in Early Years work closely with subject leads throughout the school to ensure the EYFS curriculum prepares children for the next stage of their education.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/development-matters--2

The curriculum is split into 7 areas of learning. The Long Term Plan sets out learning intentions for the year through broad topics, and we work hard to harness children’s natural enthusiasm by planning activities that link to their interests. Each topic has related texts, possible interests and celebrations. In addition, children follow the Winning with Numbers maths programme and the Ruth Miskin phonics scheme.

We work hard to ensure the environments within the EYFS have defined, accessible areas/zones that offer a range of play opportunities, experiences and continuous provision. These enabling environments promote curiosity and create positive attitudes to learning.

Outdoor Learning

Learning outside provides children with unique opportunities and experiences and at St Johns we believe outdoor learning has equal value to indoor learning.  With adult support, our children enjoy exciting outdoor learning experiences.  All the EYFS classrooms have access to outdoor learning environments, and we also make good use of our forest, and enjoy Forest Schools sessions.

Parents as Partners

At St. John's, we highly value the input and contributions of our parents and enjoy developing warm, positive working relationships with our families.

Each week a learning overview is shared with parents 'Parent Prompt' to support parents to consolidate learning at home. Staff regularly post information, helpful tips and modelled examples of activities on Class Dojo, our information-sharing platform. 

Workshop sessions give you a clear understanding of how the children are taught and how you can best continue supporting them at home. 

Breadth of Experiences

We love to give our children the widest range of learning experiences possible – be it an autumn walk to collect fallen leaves, a road safety walk or a visit from the “Farm on Wheels”.  

For 3-year-olds, we offer funded places for both 15 hours (8.45 am - 11.45 am) and 30 hours (8.45 am - 2.45 pm), depending upon eligibility. You can check your eligibility at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.

For children staying 30 hours per week, there is the option to stay until the end of the school day for a small charge. 3-year-olds can also access our Before & After school club (The Den) from 7:45 am-5.30 pm.

Children either have school lunch or bring their own packed lunch. Funding begins the term after your child’s 2nd or 3rd birthday and is dependent on spaces available. 

The daily sessions and prices are as follows:

• No cost for lunch if children bring a packed lunch

• £2.10 per school meal.

• 2:45-3:25 pm 3-year-olds in 30-hour provision – optional session at £3 a day.

• £1.00 per week fund money. 

Please note that prices are reviewed annually and may be subject to change.

Please note that we require an eligibility code before your child starts in order to offer a funded place. Funding begins the term after your child’s 2nd or 3rd birthday.