Welcome to Our Nursery

At Sol Academy, we believe every child deserves the very best start in life. Our nurturing Nursery provides a safe, happy, and stimulating environment where children feel valued, inspired, and excited to learn every day.

Following the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework, we encourage every child to develop confidence, curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. Through engaging play, meaningful experiences, and supportive relationships, we help each child grow socially, emotionally, physically, and academically.

Our Vision

Our aim is to help every child flourish by providing an environment where they can:

• Feel safe, secure, and happy
• Develop confidence and independence
• Build strong communication and language skills
• Learn through play, exploration, and discovery
• Develop positive relationships with others
• Reach their full potential academically and personally

We celebrate every child’s unique abilities and ensure learning is tailored to their individual stage of development.

Our Curriculum

Children experience all seven areas of learning within the EYFS curriculum:

Prime Areas

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

Specific Areas

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

Learning takes place through a balance of child-initiated play, adult-led activities, themed learning, continuous provision, outdoor exploration, and phonics.

Language and Communication

Strong communication skills are at the heart of everything we do.

We place a particular emphasis on developing children’s vocabulary, speaking, listening, and confidence through conversations, storytelling, songs, role play, and carefully planned learning experiences.

Developing these skills supports children’s wellbeing, confidence, resilience, and future success both in school and beyond.

Literacy and Phonics

We develop early reading and writing skills through daily phonics lessons using the Twinkl Phonics Programme, alongside the DfE Letters and Sounds guidance.

Nursery

Children begin with Phase 1, focusing on:

• Listening skills
• Speaking confidently
• Recognising sounds
• Oral blending and segmenting

Reception

Children also practise handwriting, progressing from pre-cursive to cursive writing when ready.

Reading at home is strongly encouraged, and children regularly read with adults in school.

Mathematics

We follow the Twinkl programme to build strong mathematical understanding through practical experiences.

Children learn through:

• Games
• Songs and rhymes
• Practical activities
• Problem-solving
• Manipulating real objects

They develop confidence in counting, recognising numbers, understanding patterns, comparing quantities, and solving simple mathematical problems in everyday situations.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Children explore the wider world through exciting experiences in:

• Science
• Art and Design
• Music
• Role Play
• Construction
• Outdoor Learning
• Understanding the World

Educational visits and visitors to school enrich learning and provide memorable real-life experiences that inspire curiosity.

Assessment

Every child is unique, so we continually observe, assess, and celebrate their progress.

Our staff use:

• Baseline assessments
• Daily observations
• Learning journeys
• Photographs
• Regular phonics assessments
• Ongoing teacher assessment

This allows us to plan learning that meets each child’s individual needs while providing additional support where necessary.

Learning Environment

Our classrooms are carefully designed to encourage exploration and independence.

Children enjoy a wide range of learning areas, including:

• Sand and Water Play
• Creative Arts
• Construction
• Small World
• Role Play
• Writing Area
• Mathematics Area
• ICT
• Fine Motor Skills
• Outdoor Learning Environment

Children choose activities independently while experienced practitioners guide, extend, and challenge their learning.

Physical Education

Children participate in regular physical activities each week.

football: Monday (PE Kit required)

PE: Friday (PE Kit required)

Reading at Home

Children receive 2–3 phonics books each week, which are linked to their classroom learning.

We encourage families to read together at least three times each week to support children’s confidence, fluency, and enjoyment of reading.

Children also visit the school library regularly and should bring their library books to school each week.

Homework

Homework supports classroom learning and includes:

• Reading
• Phonics
• Spelling
• Mathematics
• Handwriting

Homework activities are designed to be enjoyable and reinforce children’s learning at home.

Healthy Eating

We encourage healthy eating habits by asking families to provide balanced packed lunches.

Packed lunches should include:

• Fruit and vegetables
• Protein
• Carbohydrates
• Dairy products
• Healthy drinks such as water or milk

Please avoid:

• Fizzy drinks
• Sweets and chocolate bars
• Peanut products (due to allergies)

We kindly ask parents to support our healthy eating policy to help children develop lifelong healthy habits.

Funding

Eligible families may receive government-funded childcare.

Available funding includes:

• 15 hours for eligible two-year-olds
• 30 hours for eligible working families with three- and four-year-olds

Our team is always happy to help families understand their eligibility and complete the application process.

Childcare Support

We accept childcare vouchers from major providers and also support families using the Government’s Tax-Free Childcare scheme.

If you would like advice about funding or childcare support, please contact the school office—we’ll be happy to help.