EYFS

Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil their potential. Children develop quickly in the early years and a child’s experiences between birth and age five 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 together provide the foundation children need to make the most of their abilities and talents as they grow up. (‘The Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage.’ DfE September 2021).

At St. Bernadette’s, we recognise the importance of every child having the best possible start in life which then supports them to fulfil their full potential for their whole educational journey. Research shows that children learn and develop more from birth to 5 years old, more than any other time in their life – which is why our investment and priority in the Early Years is fundamental to our philosophy at St. Bernadette’s.

We follow the ABC approach which focuses on high quality, open ended play and quality interactions between pupils and adults in the environment. From Little Gems through to Topaz Class the children engage in child initiated learning through play both indoors and outdoors continuously developing early vocabulary, language and social skills.

We have spent a considerable amount of time designing and planning an exciting, engaging, ambitious curriculum, through the seven areas of learning, to spark a child’s love of learning whilst ensuring that children experience the awe and wonder of the world in which they live.

We Love Reading

View our Virtual Library here.

Secret Storytellers

In Topaz Class we have Secret Storyteller sessions where a special visitor surprises the children by coming into class to read a story to them. Our children are always so excited to find out who the Secret Storyteller is, and they have a wonderful time listening to the stories.

We strive to foster a love of reading both in school and home and the aim of Secret Storyteller is to show children that adults love reading too. We invite parents, grandparents and other family members to come into our class to read a children’s story.

Please get in touch if you or a member of your family would be willing to be a Secret Storyteller.

Reading Pets

Favourite Books From Home

We have enjoyed sharing our favourite books from home with the class.

Super Six

Our ‘Super Six’ books for each half term can be found here. Books we will share, enjoy, read and re-read until we know them really well.

Poetry Basket

We learn to recite and act out poems throughout the year.

Story Rangers

Interactive sessions are designed to fully immerse children in the world of the story. Using drama, props, music, games, sensory play and (most importantly) our imaginations, they will meet dinosaurs, dive under the sea, hunt for bears and blast off to space among many other exciting quests. The great thing about Story Rangers is that each session a new story means a new adventure entirely! Children will also be given the chance to improve their confidence to begin to tell and act out their own stories. Any stories shared by the children will be scribed (written down for them) to take away as a precious keepsake of the children’s first tales.