Early Development Pathway

We believe that every child possesses a natural curiosity and a desire to explore. Our EDP curriculum is designed to nurture that spark, fostering independence, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning through highly personalised, sensory experiences. We provide a happy, safe and supportive learning environment in which the contributions of all children are valued, and our community strives to meet its full potential.

Who is this Pathway for?

The Early Development Pathway is for children in Reception up to year two.

Our Curriculum Approaches

We follow a play-based, sensory-rich curriculum that recognises that children learn best when they are valued, listened to, and actively engaged. Our Early Development Pathway is based on the four principles of EYFS. See below.

A Unique Child

We believe that every child is unique and will learn in a non-linear way. We prioritise meeting each child’s individual needs in a safe, inclusive environment.
Positive Relationships

Our welcoming environment and supportive staff build strong, trusting relationships with parents and carers and creates an ‘I can do it’ ethos.
Enabling Environments

Our exciting and stimulating indoors and outdoors environment offer a range of experiences and opportunities for learning across our site and in the community. It responds to individual children’s interests and needs.
Learning & Development

Our focus on the Characteristics of Effective Learning and the Prime Areas of learning support children to develop the key skills needed to achieve in all areas of school and beyond.

Key Areas of Learning

Our curriculum covers the seven areas of development, with a heavy emphasis on the Prime Areas which form the foundation for all future success:

Prime Areas

Communication and Language: Focuses on developing a child's communication, language and listening skills.
Physical Development: Develops both gross motor skills (climbing, running) and fine motor skills (using scissors, holding a pencil), as well as understanding healthy lifestyle choices.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED): Helps children develop self-confidence whilst gaining understanding of how to manage their feelings and build positive relationships.

Specific Areas

Literacy: Introduces early reading and writing skills, including in to sounds around them and building a love for storytelling.
Mathematics: Encourages number sense, counting, and an understanding of shapes, patterns, and measurements through exploration.
Understanding the World: Supports children to explore their local community, the natural world, different cultures, and use simple technology.
Expressive Arts and Design: Develops creativity and imagination through art, music, dance, and simple role-play.

Assessment & Progress

Progress in Early Development is tracked through small steps in all seven areas of learning. Progress is captured through Evidence for Learning, where we use photographs, videos, and narrative observations to build and celebrate a chronology of your child’s achievements.

Working Together

We know that parents are a child’s first educators. The EDP team works closely with families, as well as our onsite therapists to ensure a holistic approach that supports your child's health, wellbeing, and education in one joined-up package.