At Dovecote, we want every child to have the best possible start to their education.

Our Early Years provision provides a safe, happy and stimulating environment where children can explore, play, learn and develop as individuals.

Our approach reflects Dovecote's values of Knowledge, Nurture and Enrichment, helping our youngest children build the foundations they need to thrive throughout their time at school.

Our Aims

We want every child to:

• feel safe, happy, valued and a strong sense of belonging;
• be recognised and celebrated as an individual;
• develop confidence, independence and resilience;
• become curious, resourceful and motivated learners;
• develop positive relationships, friendships and kindness towards others;
• enjoy coming to school and develop a love of learning; and
• develop the skills they need to understand and interact with the world around them.

Learning in Early Years

Young children learn through a combination of purposeful play, exploration, adult-led activities and high-quality interactions.

Our adults support and challenge children's learning through conversation, questioning, modelling and encouragement. We provide opportunities for children to investigate, make choices, solve problems and develop their own ideas.

Our learning environment is designed to be welcoming, stimulating and accessible. Children are encouraged to explore independently, develop their interests and take pride in what they achieve.

We place particular importance on the prime areas of learning, which provide essential foundations for children's future development and learning.

Growing in Confidence and Independence

Throughout Early Years, we support children to develop the personal and social skills they will need as they grow.

Children learn to make choices, understand their responsibilities, consider how their actions affect others and develop empathy and self-regulation.

We encourage children to persevere when something is difficult, learn from mistakes and become increasingly confident and independent.

Preparing for Year 1

Children's learning builds throughout Nursery and Reception, with appropriate support and challenge for every child.

We work to ensure that children develop strong foundations across all areas of learning and experience a positive and successful transition into Year 1.

Our aim is for every child to leave the Early Years as a happy, confident and curious learner, ready for the next stage of their education.