Early Years (Pre-School and Reception)

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At Whitkirk, the Early Years mark the beginning of an exciting journey where every child’s curiosity, confidence, and love of learning are nurtured. We believe this vital stage lays the foundations for lifelong learning, and we create an inspiring environment where children can explore, grow, and thrive, developing their imagination, independence, and sense of wonder.

Our classrooms and curriculum place play, fundamental skills, and child development at the core. Through a careful blend of adult-led teaching and child-initiated play, we nurture curiosity, independence, and a love for learning. All experiences are developmentally appropriate, engaging, and meaningful.

You can find all essential Pre-School information, including hours, key dates, fees, uniform, and communication, in our Pre-School Handbook.

Our Curriculum

Reading lies at the heart of all we do. We use high-quality, accredited texts to develop rich vocabulary and spark imagination. Our skilled practitioners model effective communication, language, and social skills, responding to each child’s interests and pace.

Learning is organised around a ‘Big Idea’ and guiding enquiry questions each term. While we strategically plan for key knowledge and skills, we remain flexible to follow children’s emerging interests. Educational visits are purposeful and connected to our Whitkirk “golden thread” of community , for example, visits to Temple Newam take place throughout the year observing seasonal change, visiting Temple Newsam Farm in the spring and the gardens in summer, and visits to St Mary’s Church and our local library at Halton.

EYFS Curriculum

Building Confidence, Resilience and Wellbeing

At Whitkirk, children develop confidence, resilience, and a sense of wellbeing through our regular Forest School sessions. These outdoor experiences allow children to take safe risks, explore the natural world, and learn important life skills in a supportive environment. Each week, children take part in:

Welly Wednesdays – Pre-School

Muddy Mondays – Reception

Forest Fridays – Year 1

These sessions give children time to explore, take safe risks, and work together outdoors. Activities like den-building, exploring habitats, and using simple tools encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and independence. Time spent in nature also helps children feel calm, focused, and proud of their achievements.

We are proud that Miss Sanderson is completing her Level 3 Forest School qualification, and Miss Emery holds Level 1, ensuring all sessions are safe, purposeful, and expertly led.

Supporting Self-Regulation

Learning to recognise and manage emotions is an important part of growing and developing. We teach children strategies to help them learn calming strategies, solve problems, and make good choices, building confidence and independence.

To support families, we provide helpful posters and resources showing how to encourage self-regulation at home through simple routines, language, and play.

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Early Reading & Home Support

At Whitkirk, we follow the highly accredited Read Write Inc. phonics scheme, helping children become confident readers by the end of Reception. More information about our approach to teaching phonics can be found on our Phonics Page.

To support your child’s learning at home, we have prepared a set of helpful resources:

Read Write Inc. Booklet 1 (PDF)

Read Write Inc. Booklet 2 (PDF)

Top Tips for Reading with Your Child (PDF)

You can also access guidance directly from the creators of Read Write Inc. via the RWI Parent Guide – Oxford Owl.

Can you practise reading the letter sounds with Miss Sanderson?

Can you practise writing the letter sounds with Miss Emery?

Home-School Partnership

We know children learn best when school and home work closely together. Parental engagement is central to our approach.

Families are involved through:

Weekly “Stay & Play” and “ Secret Reader” sessions

Regular updates via our online platform (Class Dojo)

Open communication with our EYFS team daily at drop off and collection times

Invitations to special events and celebrations

We value every parent as a partner in their child’s learning journey and love sharing those proud moments together.

Reception reading photo reel

Safety in the EYFS

At Whitkirk, the safety and wellbeing of every child in our EYFS is our highest priority. We follow strict EYFS guidance, including food safety and hygiene standards, to ensure a safe, clean, and healthy environment.

Children are able to explore and play safely, with risks carefully managed by trained practitioners. Mealtimes and snack preparation are conducted to the highest hygiene standards.

We have also prepared a poster showing how we maintain these safety measures, and how food is prepared daily for our children.

Contact Us

If you would like to visit our Pre- School or Reception Units or speak to a member of the team regarding admissions, preparing your child for school, or supporting your child while in EYFS, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the main school office.