Early Years

Early Years

In the Early Years at Ponteland Community Primary School, our school vision is rooted in the belief that every child deserves to live life abundantly (John 10:10). We embrace a hybrid educational approach that combines child-initiated and adult-led activities. By blending the best methodologies, we have carefully planned continuous provision that caters to the needs of our diverse cohort, ensuring access to all areas of our rich curriculum. This approach fosters a sense of safety, happiness, and thriving among our students.

Our Aims:

High expectations: We strive for excellence by setting high standards, maintaining expectations, and delivering high-quality teaching. We recognise children’s prior learning and experiences, building upon their existing knowledge. Our coherent and sequenced curriculum allows children to develop skills, face challenges, and consolidate their learning. The stimulating indoor and outdoor environments encourage active learning, exploration, and creativity. Children have time within the continuous provision to revisit, practice, and extend skills. Our skilful staff engages in quality interactions and follows children’s interests to support their learning and progression. We create an inclusive learning community that empowers every learner to flourish, prosper, and develop aspirations for a successful future.

Communication-friendly safe environment: We ignite a passion for learning by inspiring and creating new educational adventures for all our children. We provide diverse opportunities and experiences both inside and outside the classroom. Our open and supportive environment promotes a sense of safety, where children are encouraged to express themselves and discuss their feelings. Our curriculum strikes a balance between adult-led activities and child-led interests, catering to the individual needs of each child, fostering their imagination and creativity. Our approach is rooted in play-based learning, combined with specifically designed learning opportunities that engage children and nurture their knowledge, skills, and understanding across seven areas of learning. Through collaborative partnerships with parents and carers, our teachers develop a deep understanding of each child, celebrating their cultural capital, diversity, and ensuring equality of opportunity. We are a forward-thinking, innovative, and confident inclusive learning community, dedicated to ensuring the happiness, enthusiasm, and purposeful learning of all the children in our care. Daily communication opportunities between parents, carers, and teachers are facilitated through face-to-face interactions, learning journals, school 360 platforms, and diaries.

Unique child: We place great value on recognizing that each child is unique and learns and develops in different ways. We believe in providing every child with opportunities for social, emotional, academic, and physical development, enabling them to reach their highest potential. Our curriculum blends adult-led activities with child-led interests, catering to the individual needs of each child, fostering their imagination and creativity. We create an inclusive atmosphere where every child is valued as an individual, empowering them to develop a positive self-image, self-discipline, and respect for others. Through active engagement in children’s play, making insightful observations, and focusing on individualized next steps, we support their growth and development.