The Early Years curriculum at Beechcroft St Paul’s is carefully designed around our three key curriculum drivers: Broadening Our Horizons, Understanding Our Place in the World, and Becoming Responsible Decision Makers. It provides a rich and ambitious foundation that nurtures children’s curiosity, identity and sense of belonging from the very start of their educational journey.

Through purposeful play, high-quality interactions and meaningful learning experiences, children develop communication, creativity, empathy and confidence. Rooted in Christian values and shaped by the unique context of our school, the Early Years curriculum supports children in becoming reflective, compassionate learners who are well prepared for Key Stage 1 and beyond.

Broadening Our Horizons

From the beginning of their time in Early Years, children are encouraged to explore beyond what they already know. The curriculum is designed to spark curiosity, inspire creativity and develop an early awareness of the wider world.

Through rich conversations, engaging activities and carefully planned adult interactions, children are introduced to new vocabulary, ideas and experiences. Purposeful play and real-life learning opportunities help them make connections between their learning and the world around them.

Strong partnerships with families and a focus on language development help children grow into confident learners with a developing understanding of themselves and the possibilities around them.

Understanding Our Place in the World

Children are supported to explore who they are, where they belong and how they connect with others. Through experiences across all areas of learning, they begin to understand their role within their family, school and wider community.

Stories, play-based learning and carefully chosen themes help children explore ideas about identity, relationships and the environment. Experiences such as learning about festivals, exploring nature and taking part in school and community events encourage children to develop respect for others and an appreciation of diversity.

These early experiences help children begin to understand their place in God’s world and develop a sense of belonging within their community.

Becoming Responsible Decision Makers

From the start of their learning journey, children are encouraged to think about the choices they make in their play, learning and interactions with others.

Through adult-led activities and well-planned learning environments, children develop important skills such as independence, resilience and self-regulation. They learn to solve problems, reflect on their actions and understand how their behaviour can affect others.

Opportunities to work together, share ideas and manage social situations help children develop a sense of fairness and responsibility. These experiences, rooted in Christian values, support children in becoming kind, thoughtful individuals who are beginning to make positive choices for themselves and those around them.

Our Curriculum

We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, offering a broad and balanced range of learning experiences.

Eden Nursery/Pre-School Curriculum Overview

Reception Class Curriculum Overview

Early Reading

Reading is a priority at Beechcroft St Paul’s. We encourage a love of books and stories and teach phonics using a clear, structured approach using the 'Sounds Write' approach. We place a strong emphasis on oracy, supporting children to talk confidently, listen carefully and speak in full sentences. This strong focus on language helps children develop early reading skills and prepares them well for the next stage of school.