Early Years

At St Barnabas CofE Primary school, we aim to provide a rich curriculum that celebrates all children being able to unlock their potential and flourish in our inclusive and inviting EYFS setting. We aim to motivate and inspire children through a curriculum that engages and allows all of our learners the opportunity to work in unity and seek positive transformation in their own world and beyond. 

Our curriculum is designed to deepen knowledge and develop skills, allowing opportunity for progress for all children, ensuring effective progression within each of the areas of the EYFS curriculum and beyond into KS1. Our ambition is to unlock the potential of all children, allowing their talents to shine through and develop. 

The challenge offered to all children develop the opportunity for them to become resilient and successful learners. 

At St Barnabas, we have structured an inclusive curriculum that meets the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum.  Our curriculum, is well-planned and provides literacy-rich, cross-curricular opportunities.  There is an expectation that all children will succeed and flourish.

Each term, EYFS has a ‘focus theme’, which links to the wider curriculum in KS1.  This over-arching 'theme' is used to explore the various points in the term, link to the KS1 curriculum where appropriate and allow for child-led exploration too. 

Vocabulary and experience is key to the curriculum development in our school, with opportunities planned in throughout the year for children to explore in a hands on way. This is carefully set out within our curriculum, with vocabulary and progression to GLD and KS1 mapped out for the year. 

Our curriculum promotes children’s Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development, ensuring that they are reflective and responsible citizens.  Fundamental British Values are actively promoted in order to prepare the children for life in Modern Britain.

Our curriculum is continually shaped and developed to meet children’s interests and needs, and is supported by practices based on credible research. Subject leaders work incredibly hard to lead their subjects, working closely with the Early Years staff to ensure that the mapped learning is progressive and engaging for all. 

At the end of the academic year a parent commented:

"We can't believe how much progress they have made this year."

At the start of the new term a parent commented:

"Thank you for everything you have done to make them feel happy to come to school. We were worried but they are so settled already its great."

"Thank you for everything you have done this week, it has been really great and we are so pleased they are coming out of their shell so soon."

A child commented:

"I talk about school all the time at home. Its great!"

Good level of development data:

National average: 68% of children achieve GLD by the end of Reception. 

2023/2024: 61% achieved GLD

2024/2025: 64% achieved GLD