Early Years
For Pre-Reception & Reception Children Curriculum Overviews
Government Funded Early Years Childcare
We are pleased to offer both 15-hour and 30-hour Government Funded Childcare for eligible children in our Early Years provision. Funding is available from your child’s 4th birthday until the term in which they turn 5 years old. To access funded hours, parents/carers will need to: 1. Register and apply through the Government childcare website. 2. Receive your eligibility code. 3. Share the code with us so that we can process the funding application on your behalf.
For more information and to apply, please visit:
Government Funded Early Years Childcare
We are pleased to offer both 15-hour and 30-hour Government Funded Childcare for eligible children in our Early Years provision. Funding is available from your child’s 4th birthday until the term in which they turn 5 years old. To access funded hours, parents/carers will need to: 1. Register and apply through the Government childcare website. 2. Receive your eligibility code. 3. Share the code with us so that we can process the funding application on your behalf.
For more information and to apply, please visit:
Government Funded Early Years Childcare
We are pleased to offer both 15-hour and 30-hour Government Funded Childcare for eligible children in our Early Years provision. Funding is available from your child’s 4th birthday until the term in which they turn 5 years old. To access funded hours, parents/carers will need to: 1. Register and apply through the Government childcare website. 2. Receive your eligibility code. 3. Share the code with us so that we can process the funding application on your behalf.
For more information and to apply, please visit:
Early Years Expectations
At The Independent Grammar School: Durham, we believe that strong routines, high expectations and positive relationships are the foundations for success in the Early Years. Our Pre-Reception and Reception classes provide a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment where children are encouraged to develop confidence, independence and a love of learning from the very beginning of their school journey. We have high expectations for all children and encourage them to: • Be kind, respectful and caring towards others • Listen carefully and follow instructions • Develop independence in their daily routines • Take pride in their learning and environment • Try their best and persevere when challenges arise • Build positive friendships and work cooperatively with others We also value the partnership between school and home. Parents and carers play a vital role in supporting children’s development and helping to establish positive habits and routines. Readiness for School Children should arrive at school each day: • On time and ready to learn • With appropriate clothing for outdoor learning eg raincoats, wellies. • With any items requested by staff, such as reading books or water bottles Encouraging children to become increasingly independent with tasks such as putting on coats, organising belongings and tidying away resources helps prepare them for the next stages of education. Learning Through Play In Early Years, children learn through a balance of structured teaching, exploration and play-based learning. Through carefully planned activities and high-quality interactions, children develop skills in: • Communication and language • Early reading and writing • Mathematics • Physical development • Personal, social and emotional development • Understanding the world • Expressive arts and design Our aim is for every child to feel happy, secure and valued while developing the confidence and skills needed for a successful transition into Lower School and beyond.
Early Years Expectations
At The Independent Grammar School: Durham, we believe that strong routines, high expectations and positive relationships are the foundations for success in the Early Years. Our Pre-Reception and Reception classes provide a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment where children are encouraged to develop confidence, independence and a love of learning from the very beginning of their school journey. We have high expectations for all children and encourage them to: • Be kind, respectful and caring towards others • Listen carefully and follow instructions • Develop independence in their daily routines • Take pride in their learning and environment • Try their best and persevere when challenges arise • Build positive friendships and work cooperatively with others We also value the partnership between school and home. Parents and carers play a vital role in supporting children’s development and helping to establish positive habits and routines. Readiness for School Children should arrive at school each day: • On time and ready to learn • With appropriate clothing for outdoor learning eg raincoats, wellies. • With any items requested by staff, such as reading books or water bottles Encouraging children to become increasingly independent with tasks such as putting on coats, organising belongings and tidying away resources helps prepare them for the next stages of education. Learning Through Play In Early Years, children learn through a balance of structured teaching, exploration and play-based learning. Through carefully planned activities and high-quality interactions, children develop skills in: • Communication and language • Early reading and writing • Mathematics • Physical development • Personal, social and emotional development • Understanding the world • Expressive arts and design Our aim is for every child to feel happy, secure and valued while developing the confidence and skills needed for a successful transition into Lower School and beyond.
