Early Years at Durham

In the early years, play is the foundation of development and learning. Play fosters social interaction. It ignites creativity and imaginative thinking and provides the opportunity for children to transform their emerging knowledge and understanding into active, concrete experiences.

Through purposeful play, children explore and discover, create and problem solve, question and find answers, work together and individually, develop physical and perceptual skills.

At Durham, children participate in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor experiences that foster learning while having fun. An abundance of choice is on offer in our classrooms which allow free flow between learning zones to encourage children to lead their own learning, enabling self-expression and personal interests to develop.

We provide a holistic approach to learning that supports children’s overall wellbeing and prepares them for the challenges and opportunities they will face in the future. Children in the Early Years are guided through the seven interconnected Areas of Learning and Development:

Prime Areas

Personal, Social and Emotional Development: Children develop a positive sense of themselves and others; form positive relationships and develop respect for others; develop social skills and a readiness to learn including perseverance and resilience, and the ability to work co-operatively as well as independently.
Communication and Language: Children are provided with a rich language environment to develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves and to speak and listen in a range of situations.
Physical Development: Children are active throughout the day to develop gross and fine motor skills, coordination, balance, stability and control in their movement.

Specific Areas

Literacy: The foundations of literacy are incorporated into every aspect of the daily routine to support emerging reading and writing skills. This includes developing spoken language and vocabulary, knowledge of print, alphabet knowledge, phonological awareness, linking sounds to letters, active engagement in stories and developing a love of reading.
Mathematics: Throughout the day, children actively engage with mathematical concepts and operations through play and hands-on activities, developing early mathematical reasoning, understanding and skills.
Understanding the World: Children’s natural curiosity is encouraged as they make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places and the environment.
Expressive Arts and Design: Children’s creativity is fostered through exploring, trying out new things and sharing their ideas through a variety of activities in art, design, music, movement, dance and role-play.