Early Years at Allithwaite Primary School

 

At Allithwaite Primary School, our Early Years provision offers a nurturing, inspiring and joyful beginning to school life. We believe every child is unique, capable and full of potential, and we are committed to helping them see themselves as confident, curious learners from the very start. Through a carefully planned, play‑rich curriculum, we build strong foundations for children’s future learning, wellbeing and success.

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Our Early Years curriculum is designed to spark children’s natural curiosity and support their development across all areas of learning. We provide a thoughtful balance of child‑initiated exploration and purposeful adult‑led experiences, enabling children to develop essential skills in communication and language, early literacy, mathematics, physical development and personal, social and emotional growth. Through meaningful, hands‑on experiences, children learn to make sense of the world around them, developing independence, resilience and a genuine love of learning.

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Learning in Early Years is active, engaging and rooted in high‑quality interactions. Our indoor and outdoor environments are carefully organised to promote exploration, creativity and problem‑solving. Children have access to rich opportunities for imaginative play, investigation, storytelling, mark‑making, construction and early scientific enquiry. Skilled practitioners observe, question and scaffold learning, ensuring that every child is challenged, supported and celebrated.

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Communication and language sit at the heart of our Early Years approach. Through stories, songs, talk‑rich activities, show and tell sessions and shared experiences, children develop vocabulary, listening skills and confidence in expressing themselves. Early reading and writing are nurtured through high‑quality texts, systematic phonics and plentiful opportunities for purposeful mark‑making and early writing.

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Our curriculum is enriched by the unique local environment of Allithwaite and the wider Morecambe Bay area. Children explore the natural world through outdoor learning, seasonal walks, gardening and opportunities to observe wildlife and changing landscapes. As part of our involvement in the Morecambe Bay Curriculum project, developed in partnership with Lancaster University, pupils engage in meaningful place‑based learning that connects them with the coastline, habitats and cultural heritage of Morecambe Bay. These experiences deepen children’s understanding of their local environment, strengthen their sense of place and belonging, and foster an appreciation of the beauty, diversity and fragility of the natural world. Through this work, children begin to develop the knowledge, curiosity and responsibility needed to care for and protect their environment.

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Positive relationships underpin everything we do. We work closely with families to ensure every child feels safe, secure and understood. Through strong partnerships, we support children’s wellbeing, confidence and readiness for learning, ensuring that each child’s voice is heard and their individuality celebrated.

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We value opportunities for children to share their learning and achievements. Through play showcases, celebrations, performances and family events, children develop pride, confidence and a strong sense of belonging within our school community.

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By the time children leave the Early Years at Allithwaite, they are confident, curious and enthusiastic learners. They have developed strong foundations in communication, early literacy and mathematics, alongside the personal and social skills needed to thrive. Most importantly, they leave with a love of learning and a readiness to embrace the challenges and opportunities of Key Stage 1.