The Early Years at St David’s comprises Nursery and Reception, located together on the ground floor in a warm, welcoming and secure setting. Our experienced Early Years teaching team provides a nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued and ready to explore.
We recognise that every child begins their learning journey with their own interests, experiences and starting points. Through high‑quality interactions, a rich curriculum and carefully structured routines, we aim to help each child grow into a confident, independent and curious learner, ready for life in the wider world.
Nursery
Children join Nursery following their third birthdays. We encourage attendance for a minimum of five morning sessions, as this supports children’s personal, social and emotional development; however, we remain flexible.
Nursery Session Options & Funded Hours
Nursery children may attend:
- Morning session (funded hours) – collection at 11:30am
- Morning and lunch – collection at 1:30pm
- Full day – collection at 3:15pm
Both Nursery and Reception are registered for appropriate Early Years funding.
Nursery Environment
The Nursery offers a secure, stimulating and caring environment with a small class size, enabling highly personalised support. Children learn through play, exploration and hands-on activities that build communication skills, early mathematical awareness, creativity and confidence.
During lunch, Nursery children are closely supervised to support language development, social interaction and safe eating.
All EYFS staff are paediatric first aid trained, with additional safeguarding and food hygiene training.
Reception
Reception children attend school for five full days. The Reception curriculum provides a balance of play-based exploration and more structured learning, allowing each child to flourish at their own pace.
Through well-planned provision, children extend their skills in the seven areas of learning.;
Independence, resilience and problem-solving are at the heart of daily learning.
Arrival
Children may arrive from 8:10am, where they are supervised by staff.
The school day begins at 8:30am, and all children should be in school by this time for registration.
Break Times
Children receive a healthy snack each morning and afternoon and they are provided with water or milk to drink. Nursery and Reception share their playtimes in the Upper Playground and are supervised at all times.
Lunch
Lunch is a calm, social experience. Children sit in class groups with Early Years staff. All dietary requirements are catered for.
End of Day
Children are dismissed from their classroom collection points. If someone other than a parent is collecting, written notification must be received in advance. Children may also attend our after‑school provision, which runs from 7:30am to 6:30pm and includes a holiday club.
For full details, please visit Dragons Wrap Around Care
St David’s follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), offering a broad and balanced curriculum across seven areas of learning.
Prime Areas
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Physical Development
- Communication and Language
Specific Areas
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts and Design
Our curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity and support children to develop independence, resilience and a love of learning.
Reading & Early Literacy
We place a strong emphasis on developing a love of stories, language and books.
- In Nursery, children engage in playful, language-rich activities that develop listening, attention, vocabulary and early phonological awareness.
- In Reception, discussion books are introduced to support book-handling skills, comprehension and enjoyment.
- Daily phonics sessions take place in both classes.
Learning Through Play
Play is central to Early Years learning. Our provision includes:
- Regularly changing role-play areas
- Indoor and outdoor learning zones
- Opportunities for mark-making, construction
and imaginative play.
Children also take part in a carefully planned weekly outdoor learning session at our school field, where they explore nature and develop an understanding of the environment and the world around them.
Visitors & Community
Parents are warmly invited to visit throughout the year to talk to the children about their jobs and roles in the community, helping broaden their understanding of society.
We celebrate a variety of cultural and religious festivals including Diwali, Chinese New Year, Christmas, Eid and others, helping children appreciate diversity and build respect for the wider world.
Tapestry Learning Journal
We use Tapestry, an online learning journal, to share children’s progress with parents and carers. Families receive login details and can view and comment on photographs, videos and observations.
