Welcome To Early Years

Early Years (Nursery and Reception) at Hook Norton C of E Primary School

Your child’s education begins at birth (or some say even before this!) We at Hook Norton will be continuing and developing what you have already begun at home. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers the learning, development and care of all children from birth to five. This includes the Nursery and Reception years.

At Hook Norton we believe there are fundamental principles which underpin our practice

  •  Early childhood is the foundation upon which children build the rest of their lives
  •  Children develop at different rates and in different ways
  •  All children have abilities which should be identified and promoted
  •  Young children learn from everything that happens to them and is around them
  •  Children learn most effectively through actions rather than instructions
  •  Children learn best when they are actively involved and interested
  •  Children who feel confident about themselves and their own ability have a head start in learning
  •  Children need time and space to produce work of quality and depth
  •  Play and conversation are the main ways in which the children learn about themselves and others
  •  Children who are encouraged to act for themselves are most likely to act independently
  •  The relationships which children make with other children and adults are of central importance to their development
  •  What children can do should be the starting point for their learning

Starting school, whether in the Nursery or Reception Class is a significant milestone for a child and their parents alike. We believe in working in partnership with parents to help children to reach their full potential and we work carefully to ensure that this transition is a happy one for all involved.

Visits are arranged for parents and children and our experienced staff meet with each family prior to joining us. Home visits help to foster the link between home and school. Seeing children at home in their own environment has been shown to help them to settle into their new class and establish a confident relationship with staff. Parents have the opportunity to ask questions, and we can in turn get to know more about your child and their interests. Whether it be a love of Bluey and painting or a dislike of bananas or wearing hats, we are ready to listen.

Our Early Years Garden

The well-established outdoor area is shared by the Nursery and Reception children. Staff work together to provide many exciting opportunities to support children’s learning through play across the seven areas of the curriculum.

  • Personal, social and emotional development (PSED)
  • Communication and language.
  • Physical development.
  • Literacy.
  • Maths.
  • Understanding the world.
  • Expressive arts and design.

We learn outside in all weathers. There is a large, covered area, some established trees, raised beds for planting and growing vegetables and flowers and a large wooden climbing structure to challenge all abilities, which is always popular! Children also love to work in the sand pit, create interesting recipes in the mud kitchen and enjoy imaginative play with the large bricks and in the den. Scooters, tricycles, water play, number stepping stones and giant tunnels are just some of the exciting provision on offer each day.