Foundation

Parkwood Academy

The Best Start: Early Years at Parkwood Academy

At Parkwood Academy, we believe that the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the blueprint for a lifelong love of learning. Here, learning through play is the golden thread that runs through everything we do. We understand that children are most successful when they are deeply engaged, curious, and happy, which is why our curriculum is designed to spark imagination and encourage discovery at every turn.

Our expert EYFS team provides a carefully crafted balance of adult-led instruction and child-initiated exploration. This approach ensures that while children develop essential core skills in literacy and numeracy, they also have the freedom to follow their own interests and develop their independence.

Learning Without Limits—Inside and Out:
  • The Indoor Classroom: A vibrant, resource-rich environment designed to develop communication, physical coordination, and social skills.
  • The Great Outdoors: Our outdoor learning spaces are an extension of the classroom, where children can take risks, explore nature, and engage in large-scale play, no matter the weather.
By prioritising this balance, we ensure every child at Parkwood feels secure, confident, and ready to thrive as they begin their educational journey with us.

A Day in the Life: Exploring and Growing in EYFS

To give you a better feel for how our “learning through play” philosophy works, here is what a typical day looks like for our youngest learners. Every moment is an opportunity for a “lightbulb” moment!

What’s Happening?

08:30 Soft Start & Finger Gym
Fine motor skills! Children might use tweezers to sort beads or playdough to strengthen little hands for writing.

9:00 Maths Mastery (Adult-Led)

Hands-on counting and shape-hunting. We use real objects (and sometimes iPads!) to bring numbers to life. Once the adult input is finished the children are invited to hone their maths skills by carefully planned activities around the classroom both inside and outside, in all weathers

10:00 Snack & ChatCommunication and Language. We sit together to develop social manners and talk about our healthy snacks.

10.30 Phonics Fun (Adult-Led)

Short, snappy sessions of RWI. Children are taught crucual skills of reading and writing in small groups. Children are regularly assessed so they can move through groups according to their ability. Our children make rapid progress!

12.00-1.00 Lunchtime

13:00Creative ExplorationChild-Led Learning. The art easel is open, the water tray is flowing, and the mud kitchen is “cooking” up a storm!

15.00 Story & Song Time Developing a love for reading. We gather on the carpet to dive into a world of imagination before home time.

The “Why” Behind the Play

  • The Mud Kitchen: Teaches capacity, volume, and teamwork.
  • The Construction Area: Develops problem-solving and early engineering skills.
  • The Role Play Corner: Builds empathy, language, and social confidence.