Early Years Foundation Stage

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) offers a gentle beginning to education through play and discovery. This is reinforced by continual development throughout the school. Lessons are lively and purposeful. The EYFS Department’s ‘hands-on’ nature provides a stimulating and highly motivating environment where talent is recognised and encouraged.

Early identification of learning problems and subsequent support is possible as classes are small.

The EYFS Department regularly receives excellent reports from the ISI Inspectorate on the quality of teaching and the learning environment.

All the children benefit from the facilities available in a school with an age range from 4 to 16. These include extra subjects such as ballet, IT, instrumental music and drama.

Starting school is an important step in a child’s life. We believe that the happy and settled environment of the EYFS class provides a gentle introduction to education, working in partnership with the parents. Entry to EYFS is at 4 years old. Each child is admitted for up to nine sessions per week, depending on both the needs of the parents and child. The EYFS class offers the opportunity to learn in a structured play environment whilst continuing to follow the school routine. A multi-sensory approach is used and children learn pre-reading and pre-number skills appropriate to their individual stages of development. The EYFS class is an important part of the Lower School, laying the foundation for future learning. The EYFS fees are eligible for partial funding under the LEA Nursery Grant Scheme.

Classes 1 and 2

Classes 1 and 2 offer boys and girls an introduction to a more formal education. Particular emphasis is placed on literacy skills and the school's reading scheme is followed. Throughout their work, children are encouraged to develop their own thoughts and imagination. Numerical skills form an important part of the curriculum, involving introduction to both practical and theoretical mathematics. Keyboard experience on computers takes place within each classroom.

Project work, music and art frequently draw on the child's own experiences and are an integral part of the syllabus. Physical education also plays an important part in the curriculum.

Small class sizes help us to give children individual attention, enabling them to work at their own pace.

“Outstanding pastoral care”

ISI Inspection Report 2010

Parents play an important part in the education of their children. The staff are always willing to meet the parents to discuss their child's progress. Appointments at short notice may be arranged. In order to absorb the friendly, caring atmosphere which makes Cransley such a happy school, we invite you to visit with your child.