At Preston Candover, our Early Years curriculum gives children the very best start to their learning journey.

We provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where children can grow in confidence, independence, and curiosity.

 

    

Our Early Years Curriculum

Our Early Years provision is fully aligned with the whole-school curriculum, with clear expectations for what children should know and be able to do. It provides a rich balance of knowledge, skills, and opportunities that promote independence, and enable both academic and personal progress. The curriculum is carefully designed and sequenced to ensure a smooth progression into Key Stage One and provide the foundations upon which all later learning is built upon.

Areas of Learning and Development

Our curriculum is built around the seven areas of learning, supporting children as they develop and progress towards the Early Learning Goals.

               The 3 Prime Areas

               · Communication and language

               · Physical development

               · Personal, social and emotional development

               The 4 Specific Areas

               · Literacy

               · Mathematics

               · Understanding the World

               · Expressive arts and design

We also embed the Characteristics of Effective Teaching and Learning, supporting children to:

               · Play and explore – investigate, experience, and ‘have a go’

               · Learn actively – persevere through difficulties and celebrate achievements

                · Think creatively and critically – generate ideas, make connections, and develop strategies

 

Building Young Leaders in Early Years

Alongside the seven areas of learning, we nurture children’s personal growth through the 'Leader in Me' habits. These habits help our youngest learners build independence, confidence, and positive relationships as they begin their school journey.

· Habit 1: Be Proactive – Children learn to take responsibility for their actions, make choices, and develop independence in everyday routines.

· Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind – Even in play, children are encouraged to set simple goals and see activities through to completion.

· Habit 3: Put First Things First – Children start to understand the importance of following routines, taking turns, and focusing on what matters most.

· Habit 4: Think Win-Win – Friendships are built as children learn to share, cooperate, and find solutions where everyone feels valued.

· Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, then to Be Understood – Listening skills are developed through stories, conversations, and group activities.

· Habit 6: Synergise – Teamwork is encouraged through play and projects where children work together and celebrate each other’s strengths.

· Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw – Children learn the importance of looking after themselves, balancing learning with play, rest, and creativity.

By weaving these habits into daily life, we help children grow not only as learners, but also as kind, confident, caring and capable individuals.

 

Implementation

Our curriculum is carefully structured to ensure pupils acquire the knowledge and skills needed for success. Provision is thoughtfully planned and sequenced, indoors and outdoors, with opportunities shaped by children’s interests. High-quality adult–child interaction underpins progress and support children to develop the knowledge and skills needed to achieve their Early Learning Goals.

Assessment informs ongoing adjustments, both with the Reception Baseline Assessment and regular reviews ensuring the curriculum meets the needs of all learners.

How we teach

Learning in Early Years blends learning through play with carefully planned teaching. Children enjoy a balance of:-

              · Free play – exploring and discovering on their own

              · Guided play – activities led or supported by adults

              · Focused teaching – building early skills in all areas of learning.

We place a strong emphasis on children’s personal, social and emotional development, communication and language, daily phonics lessons, and developing a secure understanding of number. Every child is encouraged to ‘have a go’, persevere, and take pride in their achievements

We believe that every child’s first experiences of school should be joyful, inspiring, and filled with opportunity. Our Early Years provision lays strong foundations not only for academic success, but also for a lifelong love of learning. By working hand in hand with families, we ensure that every child feels valued, supported, and ready to shine—both in school and beyond.