Year 1 marks an exciting new stage in your child’s learning journey as they begin the National Curriculum for Key Stage 1. At this stage, children build on the strong foundations laid in Reception, continuing to develop confidence, independence and a love of learning.

In Year 1, we take great care to make the transition from the Early Years Foundation Stage smooth and positive. Children continue to learn through a balance of adult-led teaching and child-initiated play, supported by a continuous provision approach. This ensures that learning remains active, engaging and appropriately challenging for every child.

Staff plan carefully to meet the needs of all learners, combining structured lessons in core subjects such as English and maths with rich opportunities for exploration, creativity and problem-solving across the wider curriculum.

Year 1 is made up of two separate classrooms, each designed to provide a calm and purposeful atmosphere for learning. The classes share a joint outdoor area, which allows children to move freely between indoor and outdoor activities — developing curiosity, collaboration and independence.

Our learning spaces are thoughtfully resourced to encourage investigation, imagination and hands-on learning. Children continue to learn through meaningful play, as well as through focused group and whole-class teaching.

We recognise that children in Year 1 develop at different rates and that some may still benefit from aspects of the Early Years approach for part of the year. Our experienced staff ensure that every child feels supported and challenged at the right level, helping them to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

By the end of Year 1, children have gained greater confidence as readers, writers and mathematicians and have developed the skills and curiosity they need to continue their learning journey through Key Stage 1.