Foundation Stage

Welcome to the Foundation Stage at Pye Bank Primary School. We hope that the information here gives you a clear and helpful insight into our Early Years provision.

We are proud to have a dedicated, enthusiastic, and highly experienced team who work closely together to support and nurture every child. Our aim is to guide children through their early years with care and expertise, helping them develop confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning so that they can reach their full potential.

Pye Bank Primary School is a two-form entry school, with each Reception class accommodating up to 30 children. We welcome children into our Nursery from the age of three, where we offer places for up to 52 children in both morning and afternoon sessions, providing a strong and supportive start to their educational journey.

To find out more about our Nursery provision, please click here.

Meet Our Staff

Our Learning Environment

Our Foundation Stage unit provides a welcoming, well-organised, and communication-rich environment where children thrive both indoors and outdoors. In line with the EYFS, we place a strong emphasis on developing Communication and Language through high-quality interactions and purposeful opportunities for speaking and listening.

Children are encouraged to explore freely during child-initiated play, supporting independence, confidence, and the characteristics of effective learning. They also benefit from access to wider school facilities, including Forest School, the sports hall, and the library, enriching their experiences across all areas of learning.

Our indoor environment is thoughtfully organised into purposeful areas, such as a home corner, creative space, and construction area, where learning through play is central. Our outdoor provision is equally valued, offering a range of opportunities to support physical development, exploration, and imagination, including bikes, scooters, a climbing frame, rope bridge, mud kitchen, and twigloo.

The Foundation Stage Curriculum

Our Foundation Stage offers a balanced, engaging curriculum that supports children’s development across all areas of learning. Children take part in daily maths, phonics, and reading sessions, alongside broader learning experiences including PSHE, RE, music, PE, and ICT through themed topics.

We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework, which sets the standards for learning, development, and assessment.

The EYFS is made up of seven areas of learning:

Prime areas: Communication and Language, Physical Development, Personal, Social and Emotional Development.
Specific areas: Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World, Expressive Arts and Design. The prime areas are especially important as they form the foundation for all future learning.

For more information about our  Foundation Curriculum click here.

Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage

What Our Families Say

We are proud of the strong relationships we build with our families. Here is what some of our parents and carers say:

Pye bank is a great school. All four of my children have attended the nursery/school. I have three children who currently attend. They are all doing brilliantly, more importantly they are happy. The school has always been kind and caring, they have ensured that the children are in an excellent environment for learning and play.

The teachers are fantastic, they are always available. I have found all of my children’s teachers to be approachable and understanding. I have always been kept updated about my children’s learning and progress. My children have made great friends which is one of the reasons they love going to school.

I am delighted with how the school has supported the development of my children. I really believe this is due to the fact that Pye Bank school has so many wonderful, dedicated staff who are committed in helping all the children achieve their full potential.

My son started at Pye Bank school in reception, he is now in year 6 and soon to be a school leaver. He has enjoyed his time at Pye Bank and is also doing well academically. This due to the positive encouragement he gets from the teachers and school.

The teachers at the school are friendly and welcoming. And happy to help with any concerns you may have about the school or your child's education.

The special education needs team are exceptional, and really go far and beyond to help children with extra needs make the most of their school experience.