Early Years
Early Years in Our Federation: Be the Light- Discover, Explore, Create
Early Years education in our Federation is a vibrant and purposeful journey that begins even before children start school. Our Federation preschool provides high-quality early learning experiences across all four of our schools, ensuring children arrive in Reception ready to thrive. From their first days in preschool, children are encouraged to explore, play, and engage with the world around them, building the confidence, curiosity, and independence that will set the foundations for lifelong learning.
In the EYFS and preschool, children develop the building blocks of learning through our ‘Discover, Explore, Create’ curriculum vision. They discover their potential through self-initiated play, experimenting with materials, exploring sensory activities, and taking risks in a safe environment, building confidence and resilience. They explore both indoor and outdoor learning spaces, engaging with stories, songs, number games, nature, and role-play, fostering curiosity and a love of learning. They create through imaginative play, art, construction, and music, developing communication, problem-solving, and social skills while forming positive relationships with peers and adults.
Children in the Early Years also experience daily opportunities for physical development and wellbeing. They practise balance, coordination, and fundamental movement skills through outdoor play, active learning challenges, and structured activities such as climbing, running, and ball games. They are introduced to early literacy and numeracy through shared reading, mark-making, phonics, and counting activities, preparing them for the more formal learning in Reception and beyond.
Through close collaboration between our Federation preschool and Reception teachers, children benefit from a smooth and consistent transition into school life. Learning is coherent and continuous across all four schools, with every child supported to achieve their potential academically, socially, and emotionally.
We aim to nurture curious, confident, and resilient learners from their very first steps in education. Through our Early Years provision, children begin a journey of discovery, creativity, and connection with the world around them, setting them on a path to shine brightly as they progress through the Federation.
Mrs Middleton is the Early Years Leader. She works closely with all reception teachers in The Upper Wharfedale Primary Federation and also with our The Upper Wharfedale Pre-school based at Grassington Primary.
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