Welcome to EYFS at Bawdsey.
In our Trust, Early Years is where curiosity leads and learning follows. We create irresistible environments and deliver expert interactions that secure foundational skills for every child. Our provision balances explicit teaching with discovery, ensuring each child builds confidence, independence, and a love for learning. Grounded in autonomy, integrity, and partnership, we ensure every child thrives, every voice is heard, and every potential is realised.

 

Our EYFS curriculum is thematic and book-led, designed to inspire curiosity, engagement, and a lifelong love of learning. The curriculum is carefully structured to ensure that all children have meaningful opportunities to develop and demonstrate the characteristics and skills essential for their future learning.

At Bawdsey we create welcoming and engaging spaces that reflect children's interests and support their development. Our clear learning areas, both indoors and outdoors, help children make choices, develop independence and enjoy new challenges. Children are encouraged to explore and learn through sustained opportunities for play and thoughtfully planned adult-led learning opportunities. Our experienced staff work closely with the children, using high-quality interactions to scaffold learning and extend thinking.

Curious to see more? Please view our classroom tour.

Reception

Most children begin primary school at the start of the school year in which they reach 5 years old.
Starting school is an exciting milestone for both children and their families, though it can feel a little daunting. At Bawdsey Primary, we understand how important those first experiences of school are. Our caring and dedicated team takes the time to get to know each child as an individual—meeting them where they are and nurturing their confidence, curiosity, and development right from the start.

Our presentation 'Welcome to EYFS' (below) shares a little more about starting your child's school journey at Bawdsey. 

Nursery Admissions:

Places will be available for up to 30 hours per week, partly funded by the Local Education Authority (LEA). From the term following a child’s 3rd birthday, funding for up to 15 hours will be provided by the LEA. For example, if a child was born in October 2018, this funding would become available at the start of the following term i.e. January 2022. However, if the child was to start nursery immediately after their third birthday, Bawdsey Primary School would be in a position to subsidise the period October 2018 to January 2022.

In addition, if parents / carers using our nursery class wish to exceed their funded 15 hours, we shall not request top up fees for these additional hours (up to a maximum total of 30 hours per week, including lunch.) These 30 hours will be available as 3hr sessions i.e. 5 x morning sessions 8.45am-11.45pm and 5 x afternoon sessions 12.15pm-3.15pm. Children attending the afternoon sessions can either bring a packed lunch, or a school dinner can be purchased. Application forms to secure a nursery place for up to 15 hours per week from the term following a child’s 3rd birthday are available from the school office.

Completed application forms should be handed back to the school, and these will be sent for consideration. Nursery provision and LEA funding for up to 15 hours per week can be split between providers. Places for 2 year olds have to be approved by governors in line with our admission policy. Another form will need to be completed if additional hours are required for either or both of the following: the period immediately following a child’s 3rd birthday up until LEA funding is available (the following term)/hours in excess of 15 per week.