Our EYFS Curriculum 

Children can start Patterdale CofE Primary School in Nursery the term after their third birthday where we provide fifteen hours of education per week during term time. In Reception children, after an initial induction, are in for five full days.

Nursery and Reception follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. There are four guiding principles that shape our practice at Patterdale Cofe Primary School, and these are:

• Every child is a unique child
• They will learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships
• Children learn and develop well in enabling environments with teaching and support from adults
• The importance of learning and development

This is broken down into 7 areas of learning of learning & development which are then split up into three Prime areas and four Specific areas:

Prime Areas

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Communication and Language
• Physical Development

Specific Areas

• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding of the World
• Expressive Arts & Design

Underpinning these seven areas of learning and development are the characteristics of effective teaching and learning.

• Playing & exploring - children investigating and experiencing things (having a go at stuff!)
• Active learning - children concentrate and keep on trying if they encounter difficulties and enjoy achievements
• Creating and thinking critically - children have their own ideas, make links between ideas, and develop strategies for doing things.

We provide an exciting and challenging curriculum based on children's needs, interests and stages. We do this through play which is crucial in enhancing children’s ability to learn. It provides children with important opportunities to socialise and talk about what they are doing. Outdoor learning is particularly important in our curriculum and children make use of our engaging and spectacular local environment. We pride ourselves in working closely with parents and carers so that we can meet every child's needs.

Assessment

The children take part in baseline assessment on entry into Nursery and Reception within the first six weeks. Continuous assessment occurs throughout the year through observation, photos, and group/class/individual work. At the end of Reception year, the teacher and teaching assistant will have built up a profile of assessments, which will then be discussed with the parents or carers, in readiness for year 1 of the National Curriculum. Please note a full policy statement on the EYFS curriculum is available on request.

To view the current term’s Topic Webs and photographs of some of the activities that we do to cover the seven areas of learning, please visit the 'Class Pages' section of our website which can be found under the 'Children' button at the top of the Home Page.

Ullswater Nursery

From September 2019 Ullswater Nursery became a formal part of Patterdale CofE Primary School.  A separate prospectus and curriculum are available on request. We were rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted in 2016.

Children can come to Ullswater Nursery the term after their 3rd birthday and stay with us for up to five terms before transferring to Patterdale C of E School. Ullswater Nursery is a 12 place Nursery pleasantly situated in the Lake District National Park at the head of the Ullswater Valley. We offer up to 30 hours of nursery education.

For academic year 2024/2025 opening hours are:

Monday - Friday 8.45am - 3pm

For more information about the Nursery please contact us by phoning 017684 82383 or by emailing info@patterdale.cumbria.sch.uk