At St Dunstan's Junior School, pupils are directors of their own learning. Using the Early Years Curriculum as a basis for our planning, each child is stimulated and challenged through a personalised and bespoke curriculum.
In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS – Nursery and Reception) we are a community of learners: teachers undertake investigations with pupils, encouraging curiosity, awe and wonder in order that they can discover the excitement of learning, whilst modelling positive learning behaviours such as asking questions, taking risks and learning from mistakes. Pupils develop key skills through experiences, which are based on their personal interests, where they feel safe and secure asking questions at this critical stage of development.
The EYFS staff at St Dunstan’s understand the importance of developing the key social, emotional, communication and physical skills that underpin all areas of the curriculum and which children need to experience academic and social success throughout their school life.
Teachers and teaching assistants have a high level of knowledge and regard every moment and observation as a teaching and learning opportunity.
Spontaneous moments such as playing in the snow, a child getting a new pet, or observing nature in our Woodland Classroom, are used as a basis for planning rich learning experiences. In essence, our curriculum is bespoke to a particular cohort and their needs; it is ever evolving and we respond to what we see and know about the children in order that everyone is able to achieve their very best.
Our highly experienced teachers and teaching assistants (three are trained teachers themselves) provide children and families with a continuity of care throughout the foundation stage, in preparation to begin Key Stage 1. The strong communication between teachers ensures that our pupils are well supported and prepared for their transition from Nursery to Reception.
Pupils who attend our Nursery enter Reception confident and ready to learn because their emotional and social needs are considered and catered for. Our EYFS pupils benefit from the wonderful resources on offer at St Dunstan’s, including science laboratories, visits to our kitchen, the Sports Hall, the Woodland Classroom and the swimming pool, providing our Nursery and Reception pupils with a variety of rich experiences outside of the classroom setting. Each classroom extends into the outdoors, with large balconies to provide outdoor learning experiences in all areas of the curriculum.
Our outdoor learning spaces in Nursery and Reception have been designed to provide numerous opportunities linked to the early learning goals, such as climbing areas for physical development, a water reservoir for understanding the world and a performance stage for expressive arts and design.
Each week our children receive lessons from specialist staff in PE, swimming, languages and music, as well as optional after-school activities such as football, multi-sports, drama and dance. Pupils relish the opportunity to share their learning and positive experiences with their families throughout the year during assemblies, performances, at our St Dunstan’s Festival and on Sports Day.
We really see the EYFS as the first stepping stones of what will be an exciting and individualised St Dunstan’s College journey.
With experienced and knowledgeable practitioners, who engender a culture of discovery, achievement and cement a love of learning at the very first stages, every pupil is able to thrive in the nurturing environment that we create, where we build upon the natural curiosity children have at this young age.
Woodland Classroom
Wraparound Care
Open Events
In the early years, there is a wide-ranging and ambitious programme of activities for children which extends beyond the key areas of learning. This is done through enquiry and play-based approaches to learning. Children are encouraged to be independent. They choose activities that are based on one of the seven areas of learning.
- Independent Schools Inspectorate, April 2024
Nursery and Reception
There are no resources or collections to display