At Woodlands Primary Academy, our Early Years practice is guided by the four core principles of the EYFS: A Unique Child, Positive Relationships, Enabling Environments, and Learning and Development. These principles shape everything we do to ensure each child receives the best possible start to their educational journey.

Curriculum

Our  EYFS curriculum is designed to spark curiosity, inspire wonder, and create lasting memories. We are committed to providing a vibrant and engaging learning environment where children are encouraged to explore, take on challenges, and develop a genuine love for learning.

Our curriculum is built around seven key areas of learning and development, all of which are interconnected and equally important:

Prime Areas

• Communication and Language
• Physical Development
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Specific Areas

• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Arts and Design

Our curriculum lays a strong foundation of knowledge, skills, and positive learning behaviours that prepare children for a smooth and confident transition into Year 1. It supports every child in becoming an enthusiastic, capable, and independent learner, ready to thrive in the next stage of their education.

At Woodlands Primary Academy, we offer a balanced approach to learning that combines a variety of teaching methods to support every child’s development:

• Child-led Play: We believe uninterrupted play is essential for young children to explore, express their understanding, and apply what they’ve learned. Through child-initiated activities, children reveal their interests and knowledge. Our skilled staff observe and interact with children during these moments, extending learning in real time to ensure it is meaningful and impactful. These interactions also help staff assess each child’s next steps and tailor support accordingly.
• Direct Teaching: Children participate in focused ‘carpet sessions’ where specific skills and knowledge are explicitly taught—for example, phonics or  maths. These sessions provide structure and introduce key concepts in a clear, engaging way.
• Adult-led Activities: These focused sessions are designed to help children develop specific skills and knowledge. Delivered through engaging and purposeful play, they target key learning areas ensuring that every child continues to make confident and consistent progress.

At Woodlands Primary Academy, we recognise play as a powerful and essential part of early learning. Through play, young children explore, discover, and begin to understand the world around them which is why play lies at the heart of our Early Years curriculum. Each day, children are given extended periods of uninterrupted play, allowing them to fully engage in rich, meaningful learning experiences that support their development and spark their natural curiosity.

 

 

 

 

 

Characteristics of Effective Learning

Throughout their time in Nursery and Reception, children are supported in developing the Characteristics of Effective Learning, which are essential for becoming confident, independent learners:

• Playing and Exploring – Encouraging children to investigate, experiment, and ‘have a go’
• Active Learning – Supporting perseverance, focus, and the joy of achievement
• Creating and Thinking Critically – Helping children to develop their own ideas, make connections, and find their own ways of doing things

These characteristics underpin our approach, ensuring that every child is empowered to take ownership of their learning journey and grow into a thoughtful, resilient, and curious learner.

 

Parents as Partners

We highly value the strong, respectful partnerships we build with parents and carers. By working closely together, we ensure each child is supported in their development both in school and at home.

At Woodlands we do this by:

• Hosting open evenings and transition events to support smooth starts and changes

• Using Tapestry to celebrate and share children’s achievements both at home and in school
• Communicating regularly via Class Dojo
• Posting weekly updates on Class Dojo to share highlights of the children’s learning
• Organising themed Story Café events 
• Offering Stay and Play sessions 
• Inviting families to special events and celebrations
• Providing home learning support, such as guidance on reading and phonics
• Maintaining an open-door policy at drop-off and pick-up times for informal conversations
• Welcoming parent volunteers on school trips
• Holding Parents’ Evenings to discuss progress and next steps
• Sharing end-of-year reports to celebrate achievements and reflect on growth