Silloth Primary School
Welcome to the Early Years!
Reviewed May 2025
'The early years provision is led exceptionally well and children have an excellent start to their education. They are fully prepared for the demands of Year 1.'
(Ofsted 2017)
"Children learn as they play. More importantly, in play, children learn how to learn.”
Fred Donaldson.
At Silloth Primary we aim to provide the highest quality care and
education for all our children thereby giving them a strong foundation
for their future learning. We create a safe and happy environment with
motivating and enjoyable learning experiences that enable all children to
become confident and independent.
We value the individual child and develop strong and caring
relationships with parents and carers to meet their needs and
help every child to reach their full potential.
As outlined in the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation
Stage 2024,
“All children deserve the care and support they need to have the
best start in life. Children learn and develop at a faster rate from
birth to five years old than at any other time in their lives, so
their experiences in early years have a major impact on their
future life chances. A secure, safe, and happy childhood is
important in its own right. Good parenting and high-quality early
learning provide the foundation children need to fulfil their
potential.”
We adhere to the Statutory Framework of the EYFS and the four guiding
principles that shape practice within Early Years settings.
Early childhood is the foundation on which children build the rest of their
lives. We greatly value the importance that the EYFS plays in laying
secure foundations for future learning and development.
However, we also believe that early childhood is valid in itself as part of
life. It is important to view the EYFS as preparation for life and not
simply preparation for the next stage of education.
What is the Early Years Foundation Stage?
The Early Years Foundation Stage applies to children from birth to the end of the reception year.
At Silloth Primary School children are admitted to Nursery in the term following their third birthday
moving into the
Reception class in the September following their fourth birthday.
The Early Years Framework consists of seven areas of learning.
They are split in to Prime and Specific Areas.
The Prime Areas
Communication and Language
Physical Development
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
The Specific Areas
Literacy
Maths
Understanding the World
Expressive Arts and Design
Principles of EYFS
The Early Years Foundation Stage is based on four themes:
A Unique Child
Positive Relationships
Enabling Environments
Learning and Development
The Characteristics of effective learning. (Refer to how children learn)
Playing and Exploring- children investigate and experience things and ‘have a go’;
Active Learning- children concentrate and keep on trying if they encounter difficulties, and enjoy
achievements;
Creating and thinking critically- children have and develop their own ideas, make links between ideas,
and develop strategies for doing things.
The Leuven scales of well-being and involvement are a crucial part of Early Years.
Adults ensure children feel safe and are happy as children with high well-being will be motivated and
engaged, thus highly involved in their learning.
Please see below for links to more information about the Early Years curriculum.
Nursery Intent, Implementation & Impact
Nursery Long Term Plans
Reception Intent, Implementation & Impact
Reception Long Term Plans
"The greatest gifts we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence."
Dr. Maria Montessori
