Nursery and Reception

In EYFS at Sharow CE Primary School, we believe that children learn best through play. Our approach—Play with Purpose—ensures that every experience is carefully designed to develop knowledge, skills and language over time. Through skilled adult interactions and a well-sequenced curriculum, play becomes the vehicle through which all children achieve. 

Our Intent 

At Sharow CE Primary School, we provide a broad, ambitious and carefully sequenced curriculum that ensures all children develop the knowledge, skills and vocabulary needed for future success. 

We recognise that children learn best through high-quality play, meaningful experiences and strong relationships, underpinned by skilled adult interaction. 

Our curriculum is designed to: 

• develop communication and language as the foundation for all learning  

• build independence, resilience and curiosity  

• ensure progression across all areas of learning  

• provide rich opportunities that broaden children’s knowledge of the world (cultural capital)  

• support all learners, including those with SEND and disadvantaged backgrounds  

We aim for every child to become a confident, capable and motivated learner, ready for Key Stage 1 and beyond. 

Our Implementation 

Our curriculum is delivered through a balance of adult-directed teaching and high-quality continuous provision, both indoors and outdoors. 

Key features include: 

• Language-rich environment where adults model, extend and embed vocabulary through high-quality interactions  

• Well-sequenced curriculum with clear progression over time, revisiting and building on prior learning  

• Purposeful play that is carefully planned and enhanced to reflect current learning  

• Skilled adult interactions that support thinking, challenge learning and develop communication  

• High expectations for behaviour and routines, enabling children to feel safe and ready to learn  

• Responsive teaching and assessment, ensuring all children’s needs are identified and supported quickly  

• Inclusive provision that adapts to meet the needs of all learners  

• Strong focus on prime areas, particularly Communication & Language and PSED  

• Opportunities beyond the classroom, including visits, visitors and community links  

Staff work collaboratively to ensure consistent, reflective, and continually improving provision. 

Our Impact 

As a result of our provision: 

• Children make strong progress from their starting points  

• Children develop rich vocabulary and strong communication skills  

• Children are independent, resilient and engaged learners  

• Children demonstrate positive attitudes to learning and high levels of wellbeing  

• Gaps between groups of learners are identified and diminishing  

• Children are well prepared for Key Stage 1, both academically and socially  

• Children can reflect on their learning and talk about what they know and can do 

• Families are engaged and involved in children’s learning