The Early Years

From the moment our pupils join Acorns, we focus on the whole child, ensuring our curriculum supports cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and language development. Our planning is guided by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, with a strong emphasis on the three prime areas:

• Personal, Social & Emotional Development
• Communication & Language
• Physical Development

These prime areas lay the foundation for success in the four specific areas: Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World and Expressive Arts & Design.

Learning Through Play

Children learn best when they are actively engaged. Our curriculum is rooted in purposeful play, combining child initiated exploration with adult guided learning. This approach fosters creativity, problem solving and a love of learning.

Inclusive and Responsive Teaching

We celebrate diversity and tailor our curriculum to reflect the backgrounds, interests, and needs of every child. Our Early Years team observe and respond to children's ideas, ensuring learning is meaningful and inclusive.

Language and Emotional Development

We prioritise rich language experiences, storytelling and vocabulary building. Social emotional learning is embedded throughout, helping children develop resilience and self-regulation skills.

Key Stage 1

In Years 1 and 2, our Key Stage 1 curriculum follows a topic-based approach to learning. Each half-term pupils explore a new theme, with subjects linked to that central topic. This approach helps children make meaningful connections across different areas of study, allowing them to build on their skills, deepen their understanding and develop enthusiasm and confidence in their learning.

Throughout Pre-Prep, pupils are encouraged to follow their own interests, ask questions and take an active role in their learning journey.

Our Learning Qualities of tenacity, collaboration, independence, curiosity and creativity are woven into our curriculum giving every child the best possible foundation for future success.