Early Years
Hello and welcome to Early Years!
‘Play is the highest form of research’ (Albert Einstein)
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is where the magic of learning begins. At William Shrewsbury Primary School we believe that every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfill their potential. Through a nurturing mix of play-based exploration and structured learning, we ignite curiosity and foster the confidence children need to thrive not just in school, but in life.
Intent
- EYFS at William Shrewsbury Primary School is underpinned by our CARE values: Care, Achieve, Respect and Equity. We aim to provide a happy, safe and nurturing environment where every child feels valued, included and confident to learn.
- We show Care by creating a setting where kindness, gentleness and helpfulness are modelled and encouraged. Children are supported to look after one another, their environment and living things, helping everyone feel safe, happy and secure.
- We encourage children to Achieve by fostering curiosity, creativity and a love of learning. Our curriculum is designed to build on children’s individual starting points, supporting them to explore, ask questions, persevere with challenges and take pride in their achievements.
- Through Respect, we promote positive relationships and an inclusive community where differences are celebrated. Children are supported to listen to others, take turns, use good manners and understand the importance of honesty and responsibility.
- Our commitment to Equity ensures that every child is given the support, opportunities and experiences they need to succeed. We recognise that children learn in different ways and at different rates, and we strive to remove barriers so all children can flourish.
Implementation
- Our curriculum follows the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage Framework and is thoughtfully planned around the seven areas of learning and development. Learning opportunities reflect our CARE values and provide a balance of adult-led and child-initiated experiences, both indoors and outdoors.
- High-quality interactions are central to our practice. Adults model kindness, respectful language and positive behaviour, supporting children to develop strong communication skills, emotional understanding and confidence. Through play, exploration and first-hand experiences, children are encouraged to be independent learners who make choices, share ideas and work collaboratively.
- To support Achievement, children are given opportunities to explore creatively through role-play, art, construction and imaginative play, while developing early skills in reading (following the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Phonics scheme), writing and mathematics. Challenges are carefully matched to children’s needs, encouraging resilience and perseverance.
- We promote Equity through inclusive practice, ensuring all children feel represented and supported. Ongoing assessment, observations and discussions with children and families inform planning and next steps. We work closely with our inclusion team to ensure activities and provisions are adapted so that children with additional needs can access the full curriculum alongside their peers. Strong partnerships with parents and carers help us work together to support each child’s development. We use Class Dojo to share updates of children's learning. We also host phonics workshops and Family Learning opportunities where parents are invited into the classroom to learn alongside their children.
Impact
- Children make good progress from their individual starting points and develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed for future learning. They leave EYFS as confident, motivated and enthusiastic learners who feel proud of their achievements.
- Children demonstrate Care by showing kindness, empathy and responsibility towards others and their environment. They Achieve by approaching learning with curiosity, independence and resilience. Through Respect, they form positive relationships, value differences and communicate effectively. Our focus on Equity ensures children feel included, supported and empowered, understanding that everyone’s voice matters.
- By the end of EYFS, our children are well prepared for the transition into Key Stage 1, equipped with strong foundations for lifelong learning and a positive sense of themselves as learners and members of a community.
In our Early Years Foundation Stage, children learn and develop through seven key areas. These areas work together to support children’s growth, learning and development.
Prime Areas
Communication and Language
Children develop listening, attention and speaking skills through stories, songs, conversations and play, helping them express ideas and build confidence.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Children learn to manage emotions, build relationships, develop self-confidence and understand how to make positive choices.
Physical Development
Children develop fine and gross motor skills through active play, using tools and equipment, and learning about healthy lifestyles.
Specific Areas
Literacy
Children develop early reading and writing skills through phonics, shared reading, storytelling and mark-making. We follow the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Phonics Scheme. This structured approach begins in Nursery to ensure every child builds a strong foundation for reading.
Mathematics
Children explore numbers, shapes, patterns and measure, developing problem-solving skills through practical activities and play.
Understanding the World
Children learn about people, communities, nature and the world around them through exploration, investigations and real-life experiences.
Expressive Arts and Design
Children explore creativity through art, music, dance, role-play and imaginative play, developing their ideas and self-expression.
Click here to visit our Reception Page
Click here to visit our Nursery Page
Useful links about your child's development and starting school
Please click on the link below to access a parent’s guide to the Early Years Foundation Stage. This guide is for parents and carers of children from birth to five years old. It will help you find out more about your child’s learning, detailing the developmental milestones from birth right through to the end of the Reception year.
What to expect in the Early Years Foundation Stage
To help you and your family settle in, we have also included a ‘Starting Reception’ guide, packed with useful advice for beginning this exciting new chapter with us.
Admissions
Online applications for Reception 2026 opened on 1st November 2025 and closed on 15th January 2026. Staffordshire County Council will notify you directly via email on 16th April 2026.
If you have not made an application and wish to do so please contact the Admissions Team at Staffordshire County Council.
Nursery applications for September 2026 will open in February 2026.
Please click the link below for more information about admissions and how to apply for a place at our school.
How to apply for a place at our school
School Uniform
For further information about our school uniform, please click the link below.