At Brede Primary School, our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Key Stage 1 experience is so much more than just a classroom. It’s a place where curiosity, creativity, and confidence grow — both indoors and outdoors!
What Makes Our Early Years Special?
In Reception, your child’s learning is guided by the Early Years Foundation Stage and Development Matters Frameworks, carefully woven into the National Curriculum. This means a smooth, happy transition as they begin their school journey.
The Four Key Principles That Shape Our Approach:
- A Unique Child: Every child is special, constantly learning, and building resilience, confidence, and independence.
- Positive Relationships: We foster strong bonds, helping children feel secure and supported as they grow.
- Enabling Environments: Our classrooms and outdoor spaces are designed to meet each child’s individual needs, with close partnerships between staff and families.
- Learning and Development: We celebrate that children develop at their own pace and in their own way, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Outdoor Learning — Our Playground is the Whole World! 🌿🐞
Brede Primary is bursting with exciting outdoor spaces that bring learning alive:
- Our Mud & Digging Garden: Little hands get dirty while exploring nature and developing motor skills.
- Sensory & Insect Garden: A peaceful spot to discover textures, smells, and the fascinating world of bugs.
- Forest School: Regular outdoor sessions where children play, explore, and take safe risks in nature — building confidence and resilience.
- Exclusive Use of Brede Village Recreation Ground: Plenty of space to run, play, and enjoy PE and sports.
More Amazing Opportunities for Your Child
- Junior Duke Award: A fun, ten-level challenge that builds independence and resilience beyond academics.
- Beach School Visits: Adventures at Rye Harbour to learn about nature and boost wellbeing by the sea.
- Rights Respecting School: We champion every child’s right to be heard and valued.
- Year 6 Buddy Programme: Older children support and guide younger ones, building friendships and leadership skills.
- Bikeability, Scooter Training: Helping children gain confidence and safety skills on wheels.
…and so much more to make your child’s time at Brede full of fun, learning, and happy memories!
The Early Years Curriculum at Brede Primary — Where Learning Begins with Joy and Confidence!
Our Intent:
At Brede, our Early Years Curriculum is all about laying a strong, joyful foundation for your child’s learning journey. From day one, we spark curiosity and excitement about the world around them. We want every child to leave Reception happy, confident, and skilled in communication — ready to think creatively and critically.
We believe that when children feel safe and supported, their development soars. That’s why we focus on your child’s wellbeing as the key to unlocking their full potential. Our hands-on, holistic approach means learning is meaningful, relevant, and tailored to each child’s interests and needs. We cover all seven areas of learning, nurturing your child’s natural curiosity and love of discovery.
How We Bring Learning to Life (Implementation):
Our curriculum is thoughtfully planned to give your child the best start. During Reception, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), building on the experiences children bring from home, nursery, or preschool. We get to know your child well so new learning connects seamlessly with what they already know.
We love involving parents! You’ll be invited regularly to share your child’s learning journey through special books and activities. Plus, we keep you updated through parent consultations and a detailed end-of-year report.
We use the Cornerstones curriculum to create fun and varied topics that inspire our small classes. This means every child gets personalised attention and a chance to shine. Our daily routines help children settle quickly and feel at home.
Our classrooms and outdoor areas are carefully set up to encourage exploration and challenge — full of exciting resources that match your child’s interests. Whether inside or outside, your child will enjoy a safe, stimulating environment where they learn through play, stories, games, and discovery.
Children learn to listen, cooperate, and work together in pairs, small groups, and as a whole class. Short teacher-led sessions are balanced with lots of time for free exploration, both indoors and out.
What You’ll See (Impact):
From the moment your child joins us, we closely monitor their progress to make sure they get the support or challenge they need. Our results show more children are reaching a Good Level of Development (GLD) at Brede Primary School than the national average!
If your child needs a little extra help, we keep a close eye on their transition into Year 1, ensuring they continue to grow and succeed.
By the end of Reception, children at Brede feel a strong sense of belonging, show a positive attitude towards learning, and are ready and excited for the next stage of school life.
Through our curriculum, children also learn important life skills — understanding safety, making good choices, and respecting boundaries. We nurture independence, resilience, and confidence so your child can become a successful lifelong learner.
In short:
Our Early Years Curriculum is packed with joyful, meaningful experiences that build the foundations for everything your child will achieve at school and beyond. At Brede, your child will flourish — ready to be the very best they can be!
Don’t Just Take Our Word For It - Come and See for Yourself!
We’d love to welcome you and your child to explore the many opportunities that make Brede Primary such a special place to grow and learn. Get ready for an exciting adventure beyond the classroom walls!