Vision
Working together so every child succeeds.
Broad and exciting learning opportunities to achieve the best we can.
A rights respecting, nurturing and positive learning community.
Values
- Educates the whole child through a world class curriculum.
- Emphasises the rights of everyone and the importance of community.
- Works in partnership with parents, carers and all stakeholders, including the local community.
- Nurtures all children and actively cares for their wellbeing and social and emotional development.
- A curriculum that educates pupils about the wider world and different cultures.
Aims
We are resilient and tackle challenges.
We are polite and kind.
We are proud of our heritage.
We are confident and try new things.
We are happy and friendly.
We are artistic.
We respect the rights of others.
It is our pledge that, in EYFS, your child will:
Have cultural experiences
Learn to play an instrument
Represent the school in the community
Understand other cultures and religions
Take part in termly visits outside of the school environment
Learn in a Forest School
Learn to swim
We welcome children and families of all abilities and backgrounds to join us at Airy Hill Primary School. Starting school is a major stepping stone in any child’s life, and it is our intention to make the transition as smooth as possible. We aim to develop each child to their full potential as an active, happy and confident learner working in partnership to build on the foundations that parents have already laid.
Educating the Whole Child Through a Play-Based Curriculum
At Airy Hill Primary School, we believe in nurturing the whole child through our Rights Respecting ethos and an engaging, play-based curriculum. Our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum is built around the statutory framework, underpinned by the belief that every child is capable, creative, and intelligent.
We aim to lay strong foundations for lifelong learning by fostering wonder, exploration, and inspiration. Extended periods of play and sustained shared thinking help children develop resilience, confidence, independence, and a love of learning. We recognise that every child is constantly developing and can be resilient, confident, strong and independent. Our stimulating environment ensures every child has the opportunity to thrive and develop a love of reading.
Our aim is that children that leave Reception are:
- Resilient and willing to take risks.
- Confident learners that are positive about school.
- Able to form positive relationships and self-regulate.
- Work collaboratively and respect others.
- Able to express themselves.
- Be prepared to take on the challenges of Key Stage One and beyond.
A Curriculum That Inspires
Our approach is implemented through our play-based curriculum which follows the EYFS curriculum. Learning at Airy Hill is meaningful, hands-on, and exciting. We introduce new concepts in ways children can relate to, creating a curriculum that grows with them and sparks curiosity. Real-life experiences, special celebrations, and outdoor learning are woven throughout. Children will learn new skills and knowledge across the seven areas of the EYFS curriculum:
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Physical Development
- Communication and Language
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts and Design
Children enjoy Forest School sessions, grow fruit and vegetables, observe tadpoles turning into frogs, and take care of our school chickens. They take safe risks—climbing trees, building obstacle courses, riding bikes and scooters, and cooking in our mud kitchens. Indoors and outdoors are equally valued, ensuring a rich variety of experiences.
Above all, our curriculum is inspiring, rooted in play and purposeful activities. This approach allows us to respond to each child’s interests and extend their learning, helping them stay motivated, curious, and excited to come to school every day.
Reading at the Heart of Learning
Reading is at the heart of everything we do. Airy Hill is proud to have been a showcase school for the Little Wandle phonics programme, which we deliver with fidelity to ensure excellent outcomes. Children enjoy poems, rhymes, and high-quality texts daily, building vocabulary and a deep love of stories.
Take a look at our reading and phonics offer here
Real-life Meaningful Mathematics.
At Airy Hill, Mathematics in Early Years follows the White Rose Mathematics Programme. Key aspects of the EYFS curriculum are taught through short, daily, teacher-led sessions as well as planned and structured play situations, both independent and alongside teachers as play-partners. Maths is further embedded with real-life experiences in daily routines such as snack time, self-registration, lining up and carpet time.
Take a look at our mathematics offer here
Working in Partnership with Parents
We know parents and carers are children’s first educators, and children learn best when there is a strong partnership between school and home. Parents are regularly invited to spend time playing alongside their children on themed mornings and story sessions. Parents meetings are held each term to talk about children’s progress and next steps and workshops are provided to help parents/carers to support children at home. We use an online Learning Journey app, Tapestry, which allows us to share observations with parents. We encourage parents to comment on these and share their own observations, through photos and videos of their children at home.
Wraparound Care
We offer flexible wraparound care for all pupils from Nursery to Year 6, giving families peace of mind and children a safe, happy place to learn and play beyond the school day.
- Breakfast Club – Early Birds
Runs daily from 7:50am. Children enjoy cereals, toast with toppings (including beans or spaghetti), and a drink.
Small charge applies. Book via MCAS. - After School Club – Night Owls
Runs from 3:15pm to 6:00pm. Activities include arts & crafts, cooking, Lego, mindfulness, and games. Children staying after 4:30pm receive a snack and drink.
Small charge applies. Book via MCAS.