EYFS at Napier

Here at Napier, we know that young children learn best through play as ‘play motivates all areas of learning and stimulates our desire for learning' (Rigby). We are committed to creating a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment, where children feel cared for and encouraged to achieve their full potential no matter what their starting point.

We want our children to experience the best learning opportunities so pride ourselves in evidence informed research at the core of our practice. We have been working along side Early Years professional and author, Greg Bottrill to ensure we can provide our children the best start to their journey at Napier. Greg has helped shape our play based learning as ‘We need to keep children in their world of wonder for as long as possible'.

We believe that early years education is fundamental to igniting a love and excitement for learning; it should be natural and inspiring for our children. We encourage children to be independent and we get our children involved in shaping their own learning and taking responsibility for it both within the indoor and outdoor provision.

'The gift of play is the greatest thing we can ever possibly give a child'- Greg Bottrill 

We want to give children independence and agency over their own learning and we can do this through our inquiry lead approach which is at the heart of what we do. By having an inquiry approach, our children have the freedom to lead their learning and to discover the endless possibilities of the world around them. Learning here at Napier goes above and beyond, making sure no limits are placed on the power of our children. 

Children take control over their learning and are able to take their understanding to the next step within our indoor and outdoor provision. We have complete free flow between all 2 classrooms and the outside area and the environment is set up and ready to be the extra teacher to our children. All of our spaces are well thought out, planned and prepared so the children can follow their own interests and build on their knowledge. Our provision is stimulating as 'we need brains to light up as much as possible as brain activity and synapse formation are at their highest when a child is deeply engrossed in something which fascinates, challenges and make them happy' (Ephgrave).  

Napier children are happy and are provided with a nurturing and positive start to their education. Throughout our EYFS area there is a real buzz and such a love of learning in every space as the children are enthusiastic and independent in driving their understanding forward. We can't wait for our next adventure and welcome more children and families to our community.