Within Meridian Trust we believe that the experiences children have at the very start of their school life are important in ensuring that they grow up as independent and self-motivated learners for life. During this time, children develop their self-confidence, self-assurance and responsibility as well as academic readiness for learning in Key Stage One. There is a strong emphasis on phonics, reading and talk throughout early years.
To ensure that they have the opportunities to do this, we start by developing children’s communication and social skills when they enter their reception class through lots of one-to-one and small group work. The curriculum is tailored to the needs of the children in line with the EYFS guidance.
All of the Meridian Trust schools have inspiring have early years classrooms and outdoor environments to facilitate learning through play and enable children to build on their taught experiences and develop the skills needed to reach the expected outcomes by the end of the year. All schools strive to manage an effective balance of adult led and child initiated learning to maximise the benefits of activities available for their children. Many of our early year setting incorporate access to forest school learning and all settings involve a selection of hands on visits and experiences to help develop children’s cultural capital as well as sheer enjoyment of school and learning about new things.
Our Early Years teams ensure that every individual has their needs met over their initial year at school, building the skills needed to continue learning as they enter Key Stage One.
