Early Years - Acorns Nursery & Reception
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Acorns Nursery
Early Years Leader: Claire Rogers RogersCL@wps.org.uk
Nursery Teachers:
Mrs Griffin, Mon/Tues/Wed pm (griffina@wps.org.uk) & Mrs Gowland, Wed/Thurs/Fri (gowlandla@wps.org.uk)
Nursery Practitioners:
Mrs Davies, Mrs Fry, Miss Palmer
Further Information about Acorns Nursery
Starting school is a big milestone for both children and their families. In this section, you’ll find a collection of helpful guides designed to give you a clear picture of what life is like in our Early Years classrooms. From our approach to learning and play, to practical information about routines and enrichment opportunities, we hope these insights help you feel informed and excited about the journey ahead.
Please have a read of our Early Years Policy which can be found here
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Reception
Early Years Leader: Claire Rogers RogersCL@wps.org.uk
Apple Class Teacher: Mrs Rogers/ Mrs Loasby
Cherry Class Teacher: Mrs Williams
Reception TAs: Miss Stroud, Miss Leahy and Mrs Robbins
Further Information about Reception
Starting school is a big milestone for both children and their families. In this section, you’ll find a collection of helpful guides designed to give you a clear picture of what life is like in our Early Years classrooms. From our approach to learning and play, to practical information about routines and enrichment opportunities, we hope these insights help you feel informed and excited about the journey ahead.
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Our Curriculum Maps for 2025 - 2026
| Nursery Phonics Skills | Pencil Grip Skills | Cutting Skills |
Our Themes for 2025 - 2026
Autumn 1
Magical Me
In our Magical Me topic, children explore what makes them unique and special. They learn about their new school, build friendships and begin to understand their emotions, families and identities. Through stories, art and purposeful play, children celebrate similarities and differences, recognise their own talents, and develop confidence as part of our school community.
Texts:
Mouse’s Big Day by Lydia Monks
Super Duper You by Sophy Henn
The Bear and the Piano by David Litchfield
All are welcome by Alex Penfold
The Dot by Peter Reynolds
Monkey and Me by Emily Gravitt
Autumn 2
Leaves, Lanterns and Lights
As the seasons change, children investigate the natural world through autumn walks, light and dark explorations, and celebrations from different cultures. They take part in creative projects such as firework art, lantern making and seasonal crafts, while learning about festivals, community traditions and how the world around them transforms during autumn and winter.
Texts:
Little Glow by Kate Sahota
Leaf Man by Lois Ehlberg
The Little Red Hen – Classic tale
We’re going on a bear hunt by Michael Rosen
Rosie’s Walk by Pat Hutchins
The Christmas Jolly Postman by Allan Ahlberg
Spring 1
Community Heroes
This exciting topic helps children discover the many people who help us every day. Through real‑life visitors, role‑play and hands‑on experiences, children learn about jobs in the community, emergency services, tools and vehicles, and how teamwork keeps us safe. They explore the past and present, practise using their voices to ask questions, and begin thinking about what they might like to be when they grow up.
Texts:
Real Superheroes
What will I be by Frances Strickley
What job could you do? by Catherine Barr
A practical present for Phillippa Pheasant by Briony May Smith
Superhero like you by Dj Ranj
Spring 2
Hop, Hatch and Roar
Children explore growth, change and new life in this nature‑rich topic. With weekly farm visits, lifecycle investigations and close‑up observation, they learn how living things begin, grow and thrive. From eggs hatching to animals roaring, children develop curiosity, care for living things, and an understanding of habitats, springtime changes and the wonders of the natural world.
Texts:
Busy Spring by Sean Taylor
The very hungry caterpillar by Eric Carle
Growing Frogs by Vivian French
Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell
A Good Place by Lucy Cousins
Summer 1
Once upon a tale
This magical storytelling topic invites children into the world of traditional tales, nursery rhymes and imaginative adventures. Through drama, Drawing Club, story-telling, puppets and creative art, children meet familiar characters, explore different settings and retell well‑loved stories. They build vocabulary, develop narrative skills, and learn that stories can teach us, inspire us and connect us across time and cultures.
Texts:
Three Little Pigs
Jack and the Beanstalk
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Summer 2
Ocean Explorers
Children will dive into the wonders of the ocean and discover the mysteries beneath the waves. They explore different water environments, learn about sea creatures and how they live, and investigate how we travel across water. Through books, storytelling, imaginative play and hands‑on exploration, EYFS will create their own sea adventures while developing early map skills, scientific thinking as well as an understanding of water safety.
Texts:
Tiddler
Lost and Found
The Night Pirates
Our Themes for 2026 - 2027
Autumn 1
This Is Me
In this topic, children develop a strong sense of belonging within their class and school community. Through stories, discussion and play, they explore their feelings, relationships and what makes them unique. This topic places a strong focus on personal, social and emotional development, helping children build confidence, independence and positive relationships with others as they start school.
Autumn 2
Houses, Homes and High Towers
Children explore the places where we live and the buildings around us. They compare different homes and structures, learn about the local area, and discover how buildings have changed over time. Through stories, creative play and exploration, children begin to recognise similarities and differences between people, places and celebrations, including cultural and religious festivals.
Spring 1
Winter Wonders
In Winter Wonders, children investigate seasonal change and the fascinating features of winter. They explore ice, cold weather and the natural world, learning about animals that hibernate and how living things adapt to winter conditions. Hands‑on experiences encourage curiosity, observation and early scientific thinking.
Spring 2
It’s Showtime!
This expressive topic celebrates creativity and imagination. Children explore art, music, storytelling and performance through drama, dance, puppetry and role‑play. They develop confidence in expressing ideas, using their voices, and working collaboratively, while discovering how stories and performances can entertain and communicate feelings and ideas.
Summer 1
From Seed to Supper
Children learn where food comes from and how living things grow. They explore planting, growing and harvesting, make connections to healthy eating, and learn how food helps our bodies stay strong and well. This topic encourages care for the natural world and an understanding of healthy choices.
Summer 2
Sun, Sand and Suitcases
This topic takes children on a journey around the world. They explore seaside environments, holidays and travel, and learn about different countries, climates and habitats. Through stories, maps, technology, imaginative play and discussion, children develop an early understanding of the wider world and the similarities and differences between places.