At Abberley we believe that the Reception year at school is crucial to each child's development and their future engagement with school. 

It is our aim to provide an enriched and stimulating curriculum which covers the seven areas of learning of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

• Personal, social and emotional development (prime area)
• Communication and language (prime area)
• Physical development (prime area)
• Literacy (specific area)
• Mathematics (specific area)
• Understanding of the world (specific area)
• Expressive arts and design (specific area)

The 3 prime areas of learning are particularly important for learning and forming relationships and building a foundation for children to thrive and providing the basis for learning in all areas. The 4 specific areas help strengthen and develop the three prime areas, and ignite children’s curiosity and enthusiasm. All areas of learning are interconnected. Our curriculum covers 3 broad themes (Being me in my world, Explorers and Growing and Changing) and is designed to be adapted to the needs and interests of the children. 

We have a large indoor classroom and a dedicated outside early years classroom and the focus is on allowing the children to develop through positive interactions with staff in a secure environment. We also make use of our wonderful school grounds with weekly outdoor learning sessions.

Our curriculum is delivered through a range of different approaches, including learning through play, modelling by adults, collaborative learning through children working together and observing each other and through adult-guided learning.  Our focus is to support children’s learning and development through their time in Reception by promoting the Characteristics of Effective Learning. 

• Playing and exploring (children investigate and experience things and “have a go”) 

• Active learning (children concentrate and keep on trying if they encounter difficulties and enjoy achievements) 

• Thinking critically (children have develop their own ideas, make links between ideas and develop strategies for doing things) 

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Continuous provision activities covering the 7 areas of learning are always available allowing the children to access and take ownership of their own learning. 

Weekly “Rainbow Challenges”  enhance our continuous provision and provide the children with the opportunity to consolidate, extend and make connections in their learning.  

Adult-led teaching activities are also an integral feature of our EYFS curriculum.  Phonics is taught on a daily basis through the Little Wandle phonics programme.  Structured RE, PE, music and PSHE lessons are taught in line with the school policy for these subjects.   

For more information on Abberley's Early Years' curriculum please follow the links below.

Department for Education

On 1 September 2025 we launched the Best Start in Life website, as part of our Plan for Change and giving every child the Best Start in Life. This improved support for families builds on the proud legacy of Sure Start and will help more children be ready to start school. The Best Start in Life website will officially replace the Childcare Choices website as the main source of information for early education and childcare support - offering a broader range of resources for families, including eligibility for childcare offers, information about free breakfast clubs and Best Start Family Hubs in their area, and support on pregnancy through to starting school and beyond.