Our curriculum has been designed in line with The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework sets the standard for learning, development and care for children from birth to five. The framework details seven areas of learning that informs the Early Years curriculum for Nursery and reception aged children at Waterfield.

The Framework recognises three key areas of learning and development, called ‘prime areas’ that provide the foundation for successful future development. The ‘Prime Areas’ are ‘Personal, Social & Emotional Development’, ‘Physical Development’ and ‘Communication & Language’. The ‘Specific Areas’ are ‘Literacy’, ‘Mathematics’, ‘Understanding the World’ and ‘Expressive Arts & Design’.

Children in the Early Years at Waterfield are supported to progress across the framework and curriculum in each of the Prime and Specific areas of learning.  

Here at Waterfield the children’s learning experiences are tailored around each area of development. We deliver this in an engaging and exciting way through various planned activities that are skills focused. Children learn through exploring, interacting with each other and engaging with skills-based activities during continuous provision both indoors and outdoors.

The children are explicitly taught Phonics, Literacy and Maths, including P.E. and, whole class Circle Time activities linked to Communication and Language, Expressive Arts and design, Understanding the World, Personal, Social and Emotional development. Embedding these adult-led activities ensures that children in our Preschool will be better prepared for their Reception year and that current children in Reception will have the benefit of working towards the Early Learning Goals aligned to the National Curriculum in Year 1 – allowing for a smooth transition to Lower School upon completion of their time within our Early Years Department. 

At Waterfield we explore different exciting topics each half term. We explore a variety of core texts link to each topic including fiction, non-fiction and traditional/well-known stories. They engage in enriching practical activities linked to each topic to ensure each child has a memorable, fun and engaging learning experiences.


Children in the Early Years at Waterfield enjoy half-termly topics, in Nursery and Reception.  

During their time in Early Years at Waterfield the children benefit from a personalised curriculum with opportunities to follow their own interests and fascinations. Alongside this, children in the Early Years benefit from enrichment opportunities, designed and contextualised specifically for the development of children in our locality, including visits and trips that link to the children’s learning experience.

At Waterfield we aim to ensure all children have access to the very best education with varied opportunities to enhance their learning and access to quality first teaching that supports each child to achieve their best in an inclusive and supportive environment.