At Hillside, we believe the early years play a vital role in shaping a child’s future. Research highlights that a high-quality Early Years experience has a lasting influence on academic success, well-being, and social development. Our commitment is to provide a nurturing, inclusive, and stimulating environment where every child is encouraged to thrive and become the best version of themselves.

EYFS Curriculum

In both Nursery and Reception, we provide a play-based curriculum where learning comes alive through exploration, discovery, and meaningful experiences. Children enjoy a carefully balanced mix of child-initiated play, where they follow their own interests, alongside adult-initiated and adult-led activities that introduce new ideas and extend their learning. Every activity is thoughtfully designed to ignite curiosity, deepen knowledge, and develop the essential skills children need to thrive.

Our Curriculum covers the following areas of learning:

• Communication and Language - Encouraging children to communicate confidently, expand their vocabulary, and develop attentive listening skills.
• Physical Development - Developing strength, coordination, and confidence in both fine and gross motor skills.
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development - Supporting children to develop positive relationships, regulate their emotions, and become increasingly independent.
• Literacy - Laying the foundations for early reading and writing through phonics, rich storytelling, and purposeful mark-making.
• Mathematics - Developing a secure understanding of the number system and strengthening problem-solving skills through hands-on learning.
• Understanding the World - Encouraging children to develop curiosity and understanding of people, places, and nature through purposeful exploration and practical learning.
• Expressive Arts and Design - Developing creativity and self-expression through a wide range of activities including music, dance, role play and art.

By the end of Early Years, our goal is for children to feel confident and ready for the next stage of their education, with secure key skills and a love of learning that will support them in Key Stage 1 and beyond.