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Welcome to The Nest - Our EYFS Department

Our wonderful team:

Mrs Hutcheson (EYFS Department Lead, Teacher RH)

Miss Chesters(Class teacher RC)

Mrs Bolshaw (Teacher RH)

Mrs Mears (Teaching Assistant)

 

Starting school is an important milestone, and we are delighted to welcome your child to The Nest, our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) community.

Our EYFS curriculum is intentionally designed to provide strong foundations in Literacy, Numeracy, Physical, Social, and Emotional development, ensuring that every child leaves Reception ready for Year 1 with confidence, curiosity, and resilience.

In The Nest, children are encouraged to explore, investigate, and engage with their environment in meaningful ways. We combine curiosity-led play, structured skill development, and nurturing relationships to inspire a lifelong love of learning.

Here is a website that is useful for information about starting school and the early years:

Best Start in Life

You will have heard from us by April 20th if you have been offered a school place. We still have some spaces available if your child is starting in September 2026, please contact the office to apply or look around our school. 

Follow us on Instagram: the_nest_at_newton

Thank you!!!!!!

Our Classroom Culture

In The Nest, we believe that strong foundations include not just academic skills, but also character, values, and positive behaviour.

Our whole-school values are GROW:

Gratitude- appreciating and acknowledging the help and kindness of others

Respect- showing care, kindness, and consideration in all interactions

Opportunity- having a go, taking risks, and embracing new challenges

Wonder- asking questions, exploring, and being curious about the world

Emotional Wellbeing and Connection

Children thrive when they feel seen, valued, and connected. Each day begins with a morning greeting, fostering confidence and a sense of belonging.

We use the Zones of Regulation, noticing boards, and reflective discussions to help children recognise and manage emotions. Consistent routines, class rituals, and a nurturing environment support independence, resilience, and self-confidence.

Learning Through Play and Exploration

Play is at the heart of The Nest. Our children:

• Explore, experiment, and engage with resources creatively
• Collaborate and build relationships with peers
• Develop curiosity and ask questions that guide their learning journey
• Engage in immersive role-play and storytelling that builds imagination and understanding

Our Values:

In EYFS, we make these values and rules visible and meaningful for our youngest learners through tools such as our Star Noticing Board. Here, we celebrate the positive choices, attitudes, and behaviours children show every day, and explicitly link them to our values:

⭐ Gratitude “I said thank you when someone helped me.”

⭐ Respect “I used kind words and listened carefully.”

⭐ Opportunity “I had a go at something new.”

⭐ Wonder “I asked a thoughtful question.”

Our rules:

 🌟 Be Ready- ready to learn, ready to listen, ready to try

 🌟 Be Respectful- kind hands, kind words, listening ears

 🌟 Be Safe- walking feet, gentle hands, careful choices

This approach helps children connect their everyday actions to the values we want to nurture, supporting social-emotional skills, positive relationships, and a sense of belonging in our school community.

A Child-Centred, Curiosity-Led Approach

Our open-plan EYFS environment allows children to explore all areas of learning freely. Using natural, open-ended resources, children follow their interests, experiment, and develop problem-solving skills in a safe and stimulating environment.

We are objective-led, ensuring purposeful learning while fostering creativity, critical thinking, and independence. We balance adult-guided activities with child-initiated play, giving children opportunities to investigate, create, and reflect.

Strong Foundations for Learning and Development

We prioritise the development of key skills, knowledge, and understanding to give every child a strong start:

• Communication and Language: storytelling, songs, and rhymes build confidence in speaking and listening.
• Personal, Social, and Emotional Development: routines, class rituals, and reflective discussions develop self-regulation, empathy, and responsibility.
• Physical Development: children develop coordination, fine motor control, and physical confidence.
• Literacy and Phonics: we follow the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds programme to build confident early readers and writers.
• Mathematics: we use Mastering Number and Power Maths to develop number sense, problem-solving, and reasoning skills.
• Understanding the World & Expressive Arts: children explore their environment, cultural experiences, and creative expression through art, music, drama, and role-play.

We also focus on providing strong foundations across the Prime Areas of Learning- Communication & Language, Personal, Social & Emotional Development, and Physical Development, as these underpin every other aspect of learning.

Creating a Home Away from Home

Children learn best when they feel safe, valued, and connected. The Nest is designed to feel welcoming and homely:

• Family photos and personal touches help children feel a sense of belonging.
• A home corner replicates familiar environments, encouraging imaginative and cooperative play.
• Our snack routine encourages children to practise social skills, set the table, and use real plates, cups, and tablecloths- turning snack time into a calm, restaurant-style experience that promotes etiquette, responsibility, and independence.

Outdoor Learning and Exploration

We recognise the importance of outdoor learning in developing curiosity, resilience, and physical skills:

• Weekly Forest School sessions allow children to explore nature, problem-solve, and develop confidence.
• Our extensive outdoor area provides opportunities for imaginative play, construction, gardening, and active learning, allowing children to apply their learning in a natural environment.

Fostering the Characteristics of Effective Learning

At The Nest, we nurture the characteristics of effective learning so children become confident, independent learners:

• Playing and Exploring: curiosity, engagement, and risk-taking in learning
• Active Learning: persistence, motivation, and resilience
• Creating and Thinking Critically: problem-solving, imagination, and decision-making

Embedding these habits into everyday learning ensures children develop the skills and mindset needed for lifelong success.

Strong Parental Partnerships

We value parents as partners in their child’s learning journey. At The Nest, we use Seesaw, a digital learning journal, to:

• Keep parents informed about their child’s learning and progress
• Celebrate achievements and milestones
• Share photos, observations, and activities from the classroom
• Facilitate communication between parents and staff

We also encourage direct parental involvement:

• Choosing library books with your child before and after school on Mondays
• Our weekly ‘Spotlight’ focus, highlighting particular children’s learning and achievements. Parents complete a Spotlight form to share accomplishments, skills, or interests.

Insights shared through Spotlight forms, library choices, and Seesaw help us tailor experiences to each child’s strengths and interests, connecting learning meaningfully to home life.

Preparing Children for the Future

Our EYFS approach ensures that children leave Reception ready for Year 1, equipped with strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, social-emotional skills, and curiosity about the world.

Every child’s learning journey is celebrated, and the guidance, support, and challenge provided ensures they thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Your child’s early years at The Nest will be full of exploration, joy, and discovery - setting the stage for a lifetime of learning.