Early Years is housed in our purpose-built building / classroom, providing a safe and happy learning environment for children from the age of three years, including a spacious outdoor environment with a large covered area and an outdoor classroom. The Early Years children at Forest Park are taught by a dedicated team, led by Mrs Richardson, Head of Early Years.
At Forest Park, we work closely with each and every child in order to support them in developing the skills and interests cultivated in the Early Years Foundation Stage. We cover the National Curriculum extensively, and develop each child’s confidence in all areas of learning.
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage guidelines, covering all seven areas of learning:
- Personal, Social & Emotional Development
- Communication and Language
- Physical Development
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts and Design
Our welcoming classrooms are set up for continuous provision, including art and craft materials, sand and water areas and computers. Children can explore materials freely, experimenting with silhouettes, drawings and prints. They are also encouraged to tidy away themselves, and become more independent.
Children in Early Years benefit from specialist teaching in PE, music, Spanish and ICT, allowing them to develop skills and interests in a wide range of areas from an early age.
Physical development involves providing opportunities for young children to be active and interactive, and to develop their coordination, control, and movement. Children must also be helped to understand the importance of physical activity, and to make healthy choices in relation to food.
We arrange three outings each year, which are always hugely exciting and provide rich learning opportunities outside of the classroom. We have recently visited Smithills Farm and Knowsley Safari Park.
The Early Years Foundation Stage teachers are happy to support parents in identifying suitable activities to support children’s learning and development at home.
