The first years of school are a special time. In our Early Years classes at St Michael’s, learning is joyful and purposeful. Children are busy playing, talking, building, drawing and imagining. Behind this active scene is careful planning by experienced Early Years teachers who understand how young children grow and learn. Inside the classroom, children may be creating stories in the role play corner, exploring number with loose parts or using paint at the easel. Outside, they may be building obstacle courses, investigating water and sand or searching for small treasures in the playground. Every area has a clear learning purpose, even when it looks like play.

Through this play based approach, children develop early language, social skills and the foundations of literacy and numeracy. When two children agree on the rules of a game, they learn to communicate, take turns and solve problems. When they pour and compare containers in the water tray, they build ideas about capacity and measurement. When a child retells a story with puppets, they practise vocabulary, story order and understanding.

Teachers and assistants join play at the right moment to extend thinking, model new language or add a simple challenge. They observe carefully and ask clear questions. They give just enough support for each child to take the next step. Short, focused whole class and small group times provide direct teaching of phonics, early writing and number. These sessions are always linked back to meaningful play, so children can use new skills straight away.

Families often comment on the warm atmosphere in our Early Years. Relationships matter. Children need to feel safe and known so that they can take risks and try new things. Our small class sizes and strong home school communication help each child settle and thrive, whatever their previous language or school experience.

This blend of structured teaching and rich play helps children leave Early Years ready for the more formal learning of the Primary years. They are confident to talk, keen to explore and able to work with others. For parents considering St Michael’s, our Early Years programme offers a clear promise. We will nurture your child as an individual, build strong learning habits and lay firm foundations for success in English and across the curriculum.