What should a child leave Reception knowing, feeling and believing about herself?

By the end of EYFS, children are becoming confident communicators, enthusiastic readers, curious thinkers and capable mathematicians. They have developed secure foundations in literacy and mathematics, but perhaps more importantly, they have developed the confidence to embrace new challenges, the resilience to persevere when learning becomes difficult and the curiosity to continue asking questions about the world around them.

They leave with a strong sense of belonging, having experienced the warmth of a community where they are known, valued and encouraged to flourish. They understand that effort matters, that mistakes are opportunities for growth and that learning is something to be enjoyed rather than endured. Through rich experiences, meaningful relationships and opportunities to contribute to the lives of others, they begin to understand that success is measured not only by what they achieve, but also by the way they treat people and the choices they make.

Our aim is not simply to prepare children for Year 1.

It is to help them develop the curiosity to explore, the confidence to contribute and the character to make a positive difference in the world around them. We want children to leave our EYFS with a love of learning, an appreciation for beauty, a spirit of gratitude and the quiet confidence that comes from knowing that they are capable, valued and deeply loved.

In a world where it is easy to feel overlooked, we want every child to know that she is seen, known and valued. Childhood matters, and the strongest foundations are built not only through what children learn, but through who they become.