THREE-YEAR OLD CLASSROOM
Children in the Nursery class follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. This includes the Early Learning Goals set out by the Department for Education, providing a strong foundation for future learning in a nurturing and stimulating environment.
We create a safe, supportive environment where every child is encouraged to explore, question, and enjoy learning.
LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
We support children in developing their English language skills through a wide range of engaging activities. These include:
• Speaking and listening with both adults and peers • Expressing their thoughts, needs, and feelings • Participating in songs, rhymes, and musical activities • Exploring the link between letters and sounds (phonics) • Recognising and using familiar words in everyday contexts
MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT
Our approach to early maths is hands-on and playful, helping children build confidence and curiosity. Children develop mathematical understanding through:
• Stories, songs, games, and imaginative play • Using number names in sequence and counting objects • Recognising numerals and their meaning • Identifying and sorting colours • Matching and naming simple shapes
FOUR-YEAR OLD CLASSROOM
In Reception, all areas of the curriculum are carefully planned to create a safe, welcoming environment where children feel happy, confident, and engaged in their learning.
LITERACY
Developing early literacy and language skills is a key focus in Reception. We follow the Jolly Phonics programme to support children in building a strong foundation in reading and writing. Activities are designed to be interactive, fun, and engaging. Children learn to:
• Recognise and say letter sounds, linking them to the alphabet • Read and write some familiar words • Use a pencil with increasing control and coordination
NUMERACY
Children are introduced to the early concepts of mathematics through practical, hands-on activities that make learning meaningful and enjoyable. These include:
• Comparing and sorting objects • Matching and ordering items • Sequencing events and counting with confidence
Our Reception class supports each child’s development through play-based learning, encouraging curiosity, independence, and a love of learning from the very start.
FIVE-YEAR OLD CLASSROOM
At St John’s, Year one marks the first year of primary school and the final year of the Key Stage 1 Early Years transition. In this year, children begin to experience a more structured approach to learning, with literacy and mathematics taught in line with the English National Curriculum.
LITERACY
• Speak clearly and confidently • Recognise and name the letters of the alphabet • Begin to read and write independently • Use language to explore and describe their experiences • Use capital letters, finger spaces, and full stops in sentences • Read and spell familiar words
NUMERACY
• Count reliably and accurately • Count forwards and backwards • Count in tens to 100, forwards and backwards from zero • Read, write, and order numbers • Use mathematical vocabulary to compare and order numbers • Understand and use addition and subtraction • Explore basic concepts of shape, measurement, and data handling
