Rated Outstanding, our EYFS provision offers the foundations for a lifetime of learning, curiosity and confidence. We offer a safe, nurturing and inspiring environment where every child is valued and celebrated.

At South Lake, we foster independence, resilience, and creativity, ensuring every child develops a love for learning from their very first steps into education.

'The school has meticulously planned a wealth of opportunities that enable pupils to celebrate their various strengths.' Ofsted 2025

We place a significant emphasis on language and oracy. We promote this through giving prompts for questions, targeted questioning, echo talk and group discussions. Integrating oracy as a central element in developing the steps to success, aligned with the four strands of oracy (cognitive, linguistic, physical and emotional) is paramount to children's learning.

The principles that guide the work in the EYFS are grouped into 4 themes:

• A unique child
• Positive relationships
• Enabling Environments
• Learning and Development

The EYFS Curriculum consists of the seven areas of Learning and Development; three core and four specific areas.

Core areas

The three prime areas of learning are:

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Communication and Language
• Physical Development

Specific areas:

• Mathematics
• Literacy
• Understanding of the World
• Expressive Arts and Design

Inspiring learning through play

At South Lake Reception, every child is part of one nurturing community. With the freedom to explore both classrooms and outdoor spaces, children enjoy a creative curriculum that celebrates individuality, encourages curiosity, and inspires sustained learning through play.”

"We provide a thoughtfully planned continuous provision that offers children a consistent, safe, and stimulating environment in which to explore and extend their learning. This approach encourages independence, supports confident decision-making, and promotes curiosity.

Welcome to South Lake Nursery 🌟

At South Lake, we believe every child is unique, curious, and full of potential. Our nursery provides a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn.

Through our carefully designed creative curriculum, children enjoy the freedom to explore, discover, and develop at their own pace. From engaging indoor activities to rich outdoor learning experiences, we encourage imagination, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Our supportive adults nurture each child’s confidence, communication, and creativity while celebrating their individual interests. Through play-based learning, children build strong academic foundations and develop the social and emotional skills essential for future success.

Reading / Phonics

In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), we teach reading through a systematic synthetic phonics approach, following the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds programme. This approach is consistently embedded across the school to strengthen and consolidate pupils’ learning. During daily phonics sessions, children revisit prior knowledge while also developing and applying new skills through carefully structured, engaging activities.

Reading is nurtured through regular shared book experiences, where adults model fluency, expression, and the exploration of new vocabulary. Children have access to a rich and diverse collection of carefully chosen core texts to inspire a love of reading and broaden their experiences. In addition, adults work with small groups of pupils, providing focused support to ensure steady progress in reading skills.

Maths

At South Lake, we follow the Mastering Number and White Rose Maths programmes, designed to help every child understand, enjoy, and succeed in mathematics. Our approach focusses on building deep understanding, taking learning one step at a time to ensure strong foundations. Through practical activities, children develop confidence and a genuine enjoyment of maths that supports their long-term success.

Forest School

At South Lake, our Forest School offers every child the chance to explore and learn through engaging, hands-on experiences in the natural environment. These sessions help children build confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of responsibility for both their surroundings and one another. We encourage them to make thoughtful, independent choices and to take appropriate, calculated risks, helping them develop awareness, resilience, and care for their own and others’ safety. 

At South Lake we follow these exciting themes:

	Nursery	Reception
Autumn 1	Marvellous Me	Marvellous Me
Autumn 2	Traditional fairy tales	Festivals
Spring 1	Animals	Earth and the universe
Spring 2	Growing	Earth and the universe
Summer 1	Out and About	Living World Minibeasts and Plants
Summer 2	Superheroes	Living World Minibeasts and Plants