The Early Years Foundation Stage
At Caterham Prep, we believe that the Early Years lay the foundations for a lifelong love of learning. These precious years are a time of extraordinary growth and development, when curiosity knows no bounds and every experience offers an opportunity to learn. Our aim is to provide a happy, nurturing and inspiring environment where every child feels safe, valued and confident to explore, discover and flourish.
Our Reception children learn in two classes, each led by an experienced teacher and supported by a team of Early Years Assistants. Our dedicated Early Years team includes staff with specialist expertise in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), emotional literacy support and outdoor learning, enabling us to recognise each child’s strengths, respond to their individual needs and support them to thrive.
Play is at the heart of our approach. We understand that young children learn best when they are actively involved, curious and excited by the world around them. Through a carefully planned balance of purposeful play, exploration and direct teaching, children develop creativity, independence, resilience and problem-solving skills. Communication and language are central to everything we do, with meaningful conversations, storytelling and rich interactions supporting children’s early brain development and growing confidence.
Our broad and ambitious curriculum combines traditional early learning with innovative and creative experiences. Alongside their class teachers, children benefit from specialist teaching in Modern Foreign Languages, Sport, Music, Drama and Outdoor Learning. Our extensive woodland and dedicated outdoor learning areas provide wonderful opportunities for exploration, collaboration and imaginative play, with learning flowing naturally between indoor and outdoor environments.
Children’s personal, social and emotional development is equally important. Through positive relationships and the values of the Caterham Way, we nurture kindness, responsibility and respect for others. Children learn to understand their emotions, build friendships, embrace challenges and develop the confidence to try new things. Strong partnerships with parents ensure that we work together to support each child’s learning and development.
Above all, we believe childhood should be filled with wonder, joy and discovery. By the end of Reception, our children have developed strong foundations in reading, writing and mathematics, alongside the confidence, curiosity, independence and friendships that will support them as they move into Year 1 and beyond.
Our ambition is not simply to prepare children for the next stage of their education, but to lay the foundations for a lifetime of limitless learning.
