Early Years
At Benhall St. Mary’s Primary School, we understand the vital importance of giving children the very best start to their educational journey. Our Early Years provision is built on the principles of nurturing, curiosity, and high-quality learning experiences, carefully planned to support every child in reaching their full potential.
We recognise that each child joins our Reception class with a unique set of experiences, interests, and ways of learning. Our teaching is thoughtfully designed to build on what children already know and can do, and to create an engaging and inclusive environment where all learners feel valued and inspired.
Early Years education plays a crucial role in laying the foundations for future success, and we are committed to ensuring that our children are well prepared for the next stage of their learning. We provide a safe, stimulating and well-resourced learning environment, both indoors and outdoors, where children can explore, create, and grow.
Strong partnerships with parents and carers are central to our approach. We believe that by working closely together and sharing knowledge about each individual child, we can provide a richer, more supportive learning experience.
At Benhall, we have high aspirations for every child. We aim to foster independence, resilience, kindness and a love of learning, helping each child develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to be the best they can be.
What will my child be learning?
We plan and deliver learning opportunities using the EYFS Framework. This covers the seven areas of learning and development:
Prime Areas
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Personal, Social and Emotional Development
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Communication and Language
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Physical Development
Specific Areas
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Literacy
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Mathematics
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Understanding the World
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Expressive Arts and Design
How will my child be learning?
At Benhall St. Mary’s Primary School, we believe that meaningful learning begins with curiosity, creativity, and active engagement. Our Early Years provision is designed to spark children’s natural sense of wonder and to offer learning experiences that encourage them to question, explore, problem-solve, collaborate, and imagine.
We carefully plan a continuous provision that is both stimulating and challenging, providing children with opportunities to develop essential skills, deepen their understanding, and grow their knowledge across all areas of learning.
Play lies at the heart of our approach. We value the importance of first-hand, practical experiences and ensure that our daily routine offers a thoughtful balance between structured learning and child-initiated exploration. High-quality adult interactions support and scaffold children’s development, helping to extend thinking and embed learning through meaningful conversation and guidance.
Outdoor learning is an integral part of each day. Children are encouraged to connect with the natural world, to explore the changing seasons, and to build confidence and independence in a variety of outdoor environments.
What will my child's transition to primary school be like?
As soon as your child’s place at Benhall St. Mary’s Primary School is confirmed, we begin the process of getting to know you and your child to support a smooth and positive transition into school life.
We invite all new families to an Information Afternoon, where you will have the chance to visit the classroom, meet key members of staff, and learn more about the daily routines, curriculum, and expectations for the Reception year. This is followed by a Parents/Carers Evening, offering a more in-depth opportunity to ask questions and share any relevant information about your child’s needs, interests, or development in a relaxed, informal setting.
To support continuity and a sense of familiarity for your child, our Reception teacher will also visit local nurseries and pre-schools to meet your child in their current setting. This allows us to talk with their Key Person, learn more about your child’s learning and development within the EYFS curriculum, and begin building a picture of their unique strengths and needs. Any records shared from nursery or pre-school help ensure a smooth and informed transition.
Children will also be invited to attend transition sessions during the summer term. These visits give them a chance to explore their new classroom, meet their peers, and begin to build relationships with the adults who will be supporting them in September.
What is the buddy system?
At Benhall St Mary’s, we pride ourselves on being a close-knit, caring school community where everyone supports and looks out for one another. We understand that starting school can feel a little daunting - for both children and their families - which is why we’ve put special support in place to help ease the transition.
As part of this, each new Reception child is paired with a Year 6 buddy who will help them settle in and feel at home. Buddies offer guidance and reassurance during key times such as playtimes and lunchtimes in the first few days, and continue to be a friendly and familiar face throughout the year.
Our buddy system is more than just a welcome gesture - it’s a meaningful connection. Children meet regularly for shared activities like reading sessions, sports days, and other school events, building positive relationships and a sense of belonging across age groups.
Buddies are introduced during the transition process, with staff support to ensure it’s a calm, encouraging and enjoyable experience for everyone. It’s just one of the many ways we help every child at Benhall St Mary’s feel valued, confident, and secure from the very start.