Early Years at STM

Welcome to St Thomas More’s Early Years Unit. Our Early Years 1 class (EYS1) takes children from the age of 3 years old and caters for a maximum of 25 children. We have a fully qualified teacher and two experienced teaching assistants working in EYS1. In Early Years 2 (EYS2) we have a cohort of 30 children led by one class teacher and supported by teaching assistants.

Our staff operate as key workers to support your child upon entry and throughout their time in our Early Years provision. We recognise that this is the starting point of a long and positive relationship between our community and the families who join us from the Early Years onwards. We encourage dialogue on both a formal and informal basis, recognising that parents/ carers are the primary educators for their children. We use the Marvellous Me app to communicate between school and home but will discuss most matters face-to-face where possible in order to build a long- lasting bond with families.

Below is a link to our curriculum which details how we approach your child’s learning and our aims for their education in Early Years.

The Early Years are a vital time of development for young children and the skills they learn at this time will form the building blocks for their future academic and personal success in our school and into adult life.

Pease note that, though the 7 Areas of Learning are stated as separate units within the Statutory Framework, (see the link below) we teach these areas holistically and focus primarily on the 3 prime areas until each child is settled and has developed positive relationships within our setting.

Key information

Knowledge organiser - Nursery

Intent Implementation and Impact for Early Years Foundation Stage

Early Learning Goals      

Early Years Curriculum

Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Maths Mastery in the Early Years - Guide for Parents     

Relationships Education - Information for EY2 Parents    

50-Things-to-Do.   

 https://uk-podcasts.co.uk/podcast/my-first-five-years - free parenting podcasts

 https://www.50thingstodo.org/