Early Reading at Abbeyfields
Abbeyfields Early Years Curriculum
Abbeyfields Nursery Long Term Planning
Abbeyfields Reception Long Term Planning
Finding the right place for your child to thrive
At Morpeth Explorers and Abbeyfields First School we believe a brilliant childhood isn’t about rushing towards the next milestone. This welcoming learning environment nurtures children, while providing enriching experiences as they explore the world around them. Think muddy knees, happy faces and big questions. From sparking their imagination and encouraging new friendships to helping your child solve problems and gain the confidence to say: “I’ll have a go.”
A holistic approach to learning
At Abbeyfields First School, our commitment to developing the whole child closely reflects the approach we have at Morpeth Explorers, our Forest School nursery within Abbeyfields. Our youngest children are given the space and encouragement to explore their surroundings, lead their own learning, develop independence, build resilience and learn through real experiences.
Having these shared values across Explorers and Abbeyfields creates an approach to childhood that begins long before reception and recognises that confidence, curiosity, relationships and emotional wellbeing are every bit as important as academic development.
Why choosing a reception place matters
One of those parenting decisions that feels enormous, choosing a reception place is also about choosing the community in which your child will grow, build friendships, develop confidence and begin to discover who they are.
For families approaching the reception application process, there is a lot to think about. Where will my child be happy? Will they feel understood? Will they be encouraged to explore, be curious and independent? Will their teachers see the whole child, rather than simply focusing on what they can do academically? And perhaps most importantly: does the ethos of the school feel right for our family?
At Abbeyfields First School, these questions matter enormously to us. The things that are sometimes hardest to measure can be what matters most: whether your child feels safe walking through the door, whether their personality is understood, whether curiosity is encouraged and whether there is space for them to grow into themselves.
How do you know when a reception is right for your family?
The best way to know when a school is right is to visit in person. This allows you to look beyond the displays and the prospectus and notice how the school feels. By watching how adults speak to children, you can see whether they seem comfortable being themselves. You’ll also have the chance to ask how the school supports children who need reassurance or additional time to settle and find out how play, independence, creativity and outdoor experiences fit into everyday learning.
After all, reception marks the beginning of an extraordinary new chapter. Children will learn to read and write and understand the world around them, but they will also learn something much bigger… what it feels like to be a learner, a friend and a valued member of a community.
It takes a village to raise a child
That village begins with a warm welcome and grows through the close partnership between families, Morpeth Explorers (Our Forest School setting for children aged from 0-3 years old) and Abbeyfields First School. Nestled within the school community, we offer far more than childcare. We create a circle of familiar, caring people around every child and family, where each child is truly known, every new discovery is celebrated and parents and carers feel supported every step of the way.
Email [email protected] or call 01670 513582 to book a visit today