Our Early Years Vision

Nurturing Curiosity and Growth from the Start

In the vibrant and exploratory phase of Early Years at Drybrook Primary School, we are wholeheartedly dedicated to inspiring our youngest learners to explore, create, and make meaningful connections. We believe in child-led, open-ended play within a safe, stimulating environment that promotes values such as respect, kindness, confidence, resilience, and above all, curiosity as lifelong learners.

Intent: Fostering Well-Developed Executive Function

Our curriculum is designed to lay a solid foundation for 'well-developed executive function', a cornerstone that leads to better educational outcomes and a healthier life. We aim for each child to experience a variety of key developmental opportunities, from expressing emotions through daily interactions to understanding growth mindset within our nurturing Jigsaw programme. 

A Rich Tapestry of Experiences

At Drybrook, we provide an array of experiences to enrich the Early Years journey:

- Engaging with a wide array of books, from picture stories to non-fiction.
- Storytelling through the 'Helicopter Stories' approach.
- Learning about their community with external visits and welcoming visitors.
- Gaining water confidence and basic swimming skills.
- Experiencing a language other than English – Spanish.
- Embracing the outdoors with Forest School experiences.
- Developing cooking skills, understanding healthy eating, and practising fine motor skills.
- Cultivating problem-solving abilities in mathematics through positive experiences and adult modelling.

Cultural Capital and Equality of Opportunity

Our curriculum breaks down barriers of disadvantage, offering a balanced educational experience that opens doors for all children. Through sustained shared thinking and high-quality interactions, we extend children’s vocabulary and encourage independent 'you can do it' learning approaches. Identifying and supporting children early ensures they thrive, benefitting from targeted interventions such as additional reading time with Year 5 mentors.

Partnering with Parents and Carers

Strong partnerships with families are crucial. We utilise tools like Tapestry and Dojo to communicate with parents, sharing insights into their child's learning and celebrating achievements. Parents are welcomed to participate in our morning sessions, and we maintain an open-door policy to foster community within our school.

Inclusivity at Our Core

Inclusive practice is embedded in every facet of our curriculum, with well-being and mental health as top priorities. We rely on resources from the Anna Freud Centre to inform our practice, ensuring every child feels valued and supported.

A Research-Led Approach

Our team remains at the forefront of Early Years education, actively participating in professional forums and discussions, and staying abreast of current pedagogy through continuous professional development.

Impact: Thriving in the Early Years and Beyond

As children progress through our Early Years curriculum, they grow into confident, engaged, and well-rounded individuals. They learn to navigate the world with an inquisitive mindset, respect diversity, and embrace the values and skills that will serve them well in all aspects of their lives. We foster children who not only have a strong sense of self-worth and mental well-being but are also prepared to contribute positively to their community and the wider world.

At Drybrook Primary, our Early Years curriculum is just the beginning of a lifelong educational adventure, setting the stage for every child to dream big and achieve their full potential.