At Gade Valley, we believe that a purposeful and positive start to school prepares children for their educational journey. On their learning journey here, every pupil will build on their skills and know that they will always ‘Belong, Believe and Achieve’ during their time at Gade Valley school making memories, friends and developing lifelong skills which will prepare them for their future.  

Our goal is to help every child feel happy, curious and confident, while developing key skills such as communication, problem-solving and resilience.  These are the basis for our rationale about what to  teach, how to teach it and when to teach it.

 

In Reception and Nursery , our pupils follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, Developmental Matters and working with subject leaders from across the school. Learning in Nursery and Reception is hands-on and engaging, supporting children to build strong foundations for future learning while growing and developing in confidence and independence. Children work towards Early Learning Goals, which describe what most children are expected to achieve by the end of Reception. These goals are not taught formerly; instead, teachers observe children as they play, explore and learn. 

 

Through our CHAMP values, children are encouraged to be Confident, Helpful, Attentive, Motivated and Perseverant, fostering a love of learning from the very start. 

 

The EYFS focuses on seven areas of learning.  

There are three Prime Areas: 

  • Communication and Language,  
  • Physical Development, and  
  • Personal, Social and Emotional Development) which support children’s overall growth. 

There are four Specific Areas  

  • Literacy,  
  • Mathematics,  
  • Understanding the World, and  
  • Expressive Arts and Design 

Our vision and values are at the core of everything we do. They underpin our teaching and learning and provide an environment which prepares our pupils to be confident and happy citizens. We will prepare all our pupils for the future by giving them the best possible learning experience.  

In order for the pupils to achieve this, we will give them every opportunity to become a learning ‘CHAMP’.  

CONFIDENT – HELPFUL – ATTENTIVE – MOTIVATED - PERSEVERANT 

 Curriculum Ambition  

‘CHAMP’ 

Core Skills 

How it is going to be achieved 

Confident 

  • To have positive self-esteem 

  • To take risks  

  • To be creative 

  • To have high quality effective interactions with all adults.  

  • Every pupil knows their talk and ideas are valued. To place a high value on opportunities to talk throughout the indoor and outdoor environments with their peers and staff. 

  • To create an environment where pupils feel confident to express their own views and ideas, sharing and explaining the process they have used. 

  • To provide every opportunity for children to have hands on experience to be creative in both their indoor and outdoor learning environments.  

Helpful 

  • To have good teamwork 

  • To communicate effectively 

  • To cooperate with others  

  • To be considerate of other people 

 

 

  • To create an environment where pupils are given small responsibilities encouraging independence and helpfulness. 

  • To be taught the right tools to be able to communicate confidently and have time to reflect. 

  • Adults to model sharing and encourage turn taking. 

  • To create an environment where praise and positive reinforcement are commonplace. 

  • To provide an environment where pupils challenge tasks themselves and help their peers. 

  • Recognising and celebrating helpful behaviour. 

Attentive 

  • To be reflective 

  • To listen  

  • To concentrate well focusing on detail 

  • To show interest and involvement in their learning experiences. 

  • To provide engaging and age-appropriate activities both in the indoor and outdoor learning environments. 

  • To be taught how to follow simple instructions and routines including visual or sound cues for increased attentiveness. 

  • Every pupil knows that there will be a variety of hands-on activities which will include following children’s interests. 

Motivated 

  • To work hard 

  • To work independently 

  • To take responsibility 

  • To be curious and enthusiastic 

  • To facilitate independence and resilience through the curriculum approach and environment. 

  • Adults will support and encourage children’s independent self-selection of activities. 

  • Adults will provide reassurance and positive encouragement, supporting children by breaking tasks into small, achievable steps where appropriate. 

Perseverant 

  • To be persistent 

  • To show resilience  

  • To have confidence to ‘Have a Go’ 

  • Adults will praise pupils’ efforts and determination. 

  • Adults to teach strategies for pupils to cope when tasks feel challenging. 

  • Adults will allow pupils to have time to explore and experiment in their learning. 

  • Adults to encourage independence to attempt new or challenging activities. 

 

Nursery and Reception Overviews 2025/2026

Reception Overview Summer Term 2026