Early Years

Please note this page is currently being updated

All children deserve the care and support they need to have the best start in life. Children learn and develop at a faster rate from birth to five years old than at any other time in their lives, so their experiences in early years have a major impact on their future life chances. A secure, safe, and happy childhood is important in its own right. Good parenting and high-quality early learning provide the foundation children need to fulfil their potential.

The EYFS sets the standards that all early years providers must meet to ensure that children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. It promotes teaching and learning to ensure children’s ‘school readiness’ and gives children the right foundation for good future progress through school and life.

The EYFS is about what children learn, as well as how they learn. Effective practice is a mix of different approaches. Children learn through play, by adult modelling, by observing each other and through adult-guided learning.

What does it look like at Henham?

Our intent at Henham and Ugley is to provide the highest quality care and education for all our children, giving them a strong foundation for future learning. We create a safe, happy and nurturing environment with motivating and enjoyable learning experiences that enable children to become confident and independent. We value the individual child and work alongside families to meet their needs and support, so that every child has the best future life opportunities. We adhere to the statutory framework of the EYFS and the guiding principles that shape practice within early years’ settings.

Curiosity Approach

At Henham we have begun a learning journey of our own with the Curiosity Approach being rolled out throughout our Early Years unit.