Our EY unit is located on the school grounds and is integrated into all areas of school life. The Early Years class has three dedicated staff members who are skilled at providing varied and exciting learning opportunities to ensure all children have the best possible start to their school journey.
"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."
Kate PakthyiendraLead Teacher - DHT
Early Learning Group and Key Stage 1 Lead
Ana HerreraSupport Staff
Fay O'NeillSupport Staff
EYFS Framework click here
Early Years Outcomes click here
Welcome to our exciting world of exploration and discovery, the ideal start to life in St Jude's.
Our Early Years Unit provides exciting and stimulating learning opportunities for children aged 3 years (Nursery) to 5 years (Reception).
We follow the Early Years Curriculum which is based upon the seven areas of learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) with specific focus on the three core areas of Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Communication and Language and Physical Development.
It is important that the Characteristics of Learning (engagement through playing and exploring, being motivated through active learning, and creating and thinking critically) that underpin these curriculum areas are specifically planned for. Skills such as independence, curiosity, resilience, collaboration and reflection are critical for success as a 21st-century learner.
We fully embrace ‘free-flow’ learning, which means that children are able to move freely between the classroom and outdoor area. This allows the children to experience learning with many different pupils, thus extending their friendship groups as well as allowing them access to many different learning experiences.
Our aim is to build upon every child’s natural curiosity, inspiring a love of learning, exploration and creativity. We offer a safe and well-resourced environment designed to stimulate imagination, social interaction and the development of a range of skills, ensuring that your child will grow in confidence.
We promote a caring, happy ethos and value working in partnership with families to meet the needs of each child. Our vibrant learning environment and our dedicated staff combine to support all our children through their first steps of development.
At St Jude's Early Years Unit, your child will be encouraged to become articulate, confident and independent. We have high expectations of all those in our community and we encourage all individuals to pursue their dreams and actively support them in achieving their goals.