At Cottage Grove Primary School and Nursery, our Early Years curriculum provides children with the very best start to their educational journey. We create a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment where children are encouraged to explore, play, investigate and develop a love of learning. We recognise that every child arrives with different experiences, strengths and needs, and our curriculum is carefully designed to build upon these starting points, ensuring that all children can succeed and thrive. 

Our curriculum is centred around developing the whole child. Through a balance of child-initiated exploration, purposeful play and carefully planned adult-led learning, children develop key knowledge, skills and behaviours across all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage. We place a strong emphasis on communication and language, personal, social and emotional development, physical development, early reading, writing and mathematics, ensuring that children build the foundations needed for future success. 

Reading and writing are at the heart of our Early Years provision. Children develop early literacy skills through daily phonics teaching, high-quality stories and rich language experiences. We aim for all children to become confident and competent writers by developing secure pencil control, accurate letter formation and the ability to use their phonics knowledge to write meaningful words and sentences. Writing opportunities are carefully woven throughout both indoor and outdoor provision, allowing children to apply their skills in purposeful and engaging contexts. 

We recognise the importance of physical development in preparing children for learning. From Nursery onwards, children are provided with extensive opportunities to develop their gross and fine motor skills through activities such as outdoor play, practical exploration and daily activities designed to strengthen the muscles needed for writing and self-care. This helps children develop independence, resilience and confidence as learners. 

A key feature of our EYFS curriculum is the strong relationships we build with children and families. We believe that learning is most successful when school and home work together, and we value the important role parents and carers play in supporting children's development. Through positive partnerships and a strong sense of belonging, children quickly become confident members of our school community. 

Our aim is that every child leaves Reception as a confident, curious and capable learner who is ready for Key Stage 1. By fostering independence, creativity, communication and a love of learning, we ensure that our children are well prepared for the next stage of their education and continue to embody our vision of Success for All.