Welcome to Early Years

Here at Durrington, we believe that all children should be able to develop and grow in a nurturing environment and secure in the knowledge that they are valued as individuals.  Our philosophy is to support children to develop a love of learning and for them to be aware of how much they can achieve and the difference that they can make.

The children’s learning is at the heart of everything we do and this inspires our planning, activities and daily provision.  We encourage the children to become independent learners and to take on new challenges with confidence.  Our school values: love learning, have fun, never give up, and care and respect underpin our daily teaching so that we are all working together to succeed and enjoy school life.

We aim to provide a balanced curriculum that is stimulating, creative and of high quality that is delivered by a committed team.  Our school day consists of a balance of adult led activities and free play with resources designed to promote independent learning.  Adult led activities are completed during carpet times and in small groups and the children carry out their self-initiated play during ‘mix up times’.

Meet the classes - Nursery and Reception

Both nursery and reception have enclosed outdoor areas, and children are able to move freely between the indoor and outdoor spaces.  Being outdoors offers the children opportunities to explore, use their senses, develop their language skills and be physically active. We plan activities and resources both inside and outside enabling the children to develop in all the areas of learning. Reception children do not have set ‘playtimes’ as they have access to their own outside area throughout the day. However, they do have lunchtime play sessions on the large playground which they share with the older children.   

We recognise that parents play an important role in their child’s education and therefore, we hope to establish a strong working partnership with you all. This will be seen through our daily chats, Learning Together sessions, clever at home slips and regular communication in your child’s reading record book.

Early Years team