Welcome to Early Years at Esh Winning Academy


As a WISE Academy ‘We Inspire Success in Everyone’, especially in our youngest members of our school family.  In our 2 Year Old Provision, Nursery and Reception you will see children who are happy and cared for, children who are excited to learn and they do so in a safe, stimulating  and nurturing environment.  

We offer a high-quality, continuous early education experience for children from age two right up to their move into Year 1. Our dedicated Early Years setting provides a secure and nurturing environment where children work, play and learn supported by an exceptional team of qualified and experienced staff.

Our provision is divided into three distinct stages, each with its own purpose-built area tailored to the needs of that age group:

  • 2 Year Old Provision:  From the term after your child's 2nd birthday up to Nursery age.

  • Nursery: From the term after a child's 3rd birthday up to Reception age.

  • Reception Classes: From the September after a child's 4th birthday.

Learning and Environment

Across all groups, we balance short periods of focused teaching with extended access to a variety of activities in both our indoor and outdoor areas. This encourages independence, interaction and play.

  • Our Nursery and Reception classes are led by qualified teachers.

  • Our 2 Year Old provision is managed by 2 suitably qualified and experienced Teaching Assistants.

  • All staff are supported by highly skilled and qualified Teaching Assistants/Key Workers, ensuring excellent adult-to-child ratios: 1:5 in 2 Year Old provision and 1:13 in Nursery (and often better in Reception than the required minimum of 1:30). We also have additional SEN Teaching Assistants to provide support where needed.

Admissions and Funding

2 Year Old Provision (Ages 2–3)

Feature

Details

Start Date

The term after your child turns 2!

Sessions

We offer 5 x 3-hour sessions per week 

(8:45am–11:45am or 12:30pm–3:30pm).

Funding

Your child may be eligible for 15 hours per week of government funding. 

You can find out if you are eligible for any funding here

Ratio

1 adult to every 5 children

Nursery (Ages 3–4)

Feature

Details

Start Date

The term after your child turns 3.

Sessions

All children are eligible for 15 hours per week for free (8:45am–11:45am). 

We offer 5 x 3-hour sessions per week.

Funding

Free 30-hour government funded places are available (depending on 

eligibility). You can find out if you are eligible for 30 hour funding here

Flexibility

Parents can add on a payable lunch session or pay for additional sessions 

if needed.

Ratio

1 adult to every 13 children

Reception (Ages 4+)

Feature

Details

Start Date

The September after your child turns four.

Sessions

Full-time (8:50am–3:10pm).

Meals

All Reception children are eligible for 

Free School Meals.

Wrap- Around Care

Children can attend Breakfast and Tea Club.  

Early Years Areas of Learning


We ensure that pupils in the early years are provided with a stimulating, knowledge rich curriculum. We ensure that all areas of learning are meticulously mapped so that pupils acquire the knowledge and skills they need to be ready for the next stage of their education.

Early Years Long Term Planning


Early Years Medium Term Planning


Maths in Early Years


Literacy in Early Years