St. Mary's C.E. Primary School, Washington

What is Early Years?

The Early Years Foundation Stage applies to all children from birth to five. The children spend the final year of the EYFS in school as Reception children in Willow Class.

Our approach to teaching children in the Early Years: At St Mary’s Primary School 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 children to become confident and independent. We value the individual child and work alongside parents and others to meet their needs and help every child to reach their full potential. As outlined in the EYFS framework  ‘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.’ 
We adhere to the Statutory Framework and the guiding principles that shape practice within Early Years settings and place great emphasis on the unique child, postive relationships and enabling enabling environments.