Early Years

Summer 1

OUR LEARNING THIS HALF-TERM

This half term, our learning will focus on growth, change and making healthy choices. As the seasons continue to change, the children will observe the weather and explore how this links to the world around them. We will also be thinking about how we can keep our bodies healthy, supported by stories such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Handa’s Surprise.

A key highlight this term is learning about the life cycle of a butterfly. We are very excited to have our own caterpillars in the setting, which the children will observe closely as they grow and change in real time. This hands-on experience will support children’s understanding of change and development in a meaningful and memorable way.

We will also be welcoming a special animal visit, where the children will have the opportunity to meet and hold a range of animals, including rabbits, lizards and snakes. This will encourage curiosity, confidence and respect for living things.

In RE, we will be exploring the stories The Lost Sheep, The Good Samaritan and Noah’s Ark, helping children to develop their understanding of kindness, care and helping others.

Our Talk for Writing story this half term is Little Red Riding Hood. The children will spend the first 1–2 weeks immersing themselves in the story through hands-on, sensory experiences. We will then move on to developing oracy skills, supporting the children to join in with repeated phrases and begin to retell the story with growing confidence.

OUTDOOR LEARNING

In Early Years, we value outdoor learning as an important part of child development. Spending time outdoors supports physical development, wellbeing, curiosity and learning through real life experiences in all weathers. To ensure that children can fully enjoy outdoor play safely and comfortably, please make sure your child comes to Nursery in weather appropriate clothing and suitable footwear each day.Thank you for sending your child to school with spare clothes and for clearly labelling all items of uniform. While we always encourage the use of aprons and puddle suits, children can sometimes still get a little wet or messy as they explore and learn. We really appreciate your understanding and support in allowing them to fully engage in these valuable experiences. send your child to school in wellies or shoes that can get muddy on Wednesday's.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Wednesday 29th April - Early Years Incursion (Animal Visit)

Wednesday 13th May - Nursery Forest School Session (externally led) (1.30 -3pm)

HOME LEARNING

Nursery

Home Learning tasks will be available via Tapestry every Friday.

Reception

Every Friday, your child will come home with a handwriting sheet which should be returned to school by the following Wednesday.

Please support your child to ensure that their home learning task is the best that it can be. You can do this by:

encouraging your child to “say the sounds” as they write them
put their pencil on the dot and follow the direction to form the letter correctly

In addition to their weekly homework, your child will need to read aloud to you everyday. Book change day is Wednesday.

TAPESTRY

Tapestry is our secure online learning journal used to record and celebrate your child’s development. Miss Tempest regularly uploads photos, videos and observations of your child’s learning, linked to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

Parents and carers can log in at any time to see their child’s progress, comment on observations, and share special moments from home. This helps us build a fuller picture of each child and strengthens the partnership between home and school.

Tapestry is a simple and effective way to stay connected and involved in your child’s learning journey.

Tapestry Online Learning Journal

If you have any problems accessing Tapestry, please contact Miss Tempest or the School Office.