Early Years Intent Statement – Nun Monkton Primary School

At Nun Monkton Primary School, our Early Years provision is rooted in our school motto: Be Curious, Be Brave, Believe. We aim to create a warm, nurturing environment where every child feels safe, valued, and loved, enabling them to develop the confidence to explore, question, and learn.

We encourage children to be curious about the world around them through rich, engaging experiences that spark fascination and a love of learning. Our carefully planned environment promotes exploration, creativity, and discovery, allowing children to ask questions, investigate ideas, and develop a deep sense of wonder.

We support children to be brave by building resilience, confidence, and independence. Through meaningful challenges, supportive relationships, and child-led learning opportunities, children are encouraged to try new things, take risks in their learning, and develop the skills they need to become capable and independent learners.

We nurture children to believe in themselves and their abilities. By fostering strong relationships and a sense of belonging, children feel secure and valued as important members of our school community. Our Early Years children are very much part of the wider school family, where older pupils act as positive role models and show kindness and care. This nurturing, family atmosphere helps younger children feel supported, confident, and proud to be part of our school team.

Our curriculum provides rich opportunities for outdoor learning, including regular experiences at our Forest School, where children explore, investigate, and connect with nature. These experiences nurture curiosity, resilience, and a love and care for the natural world, helping children to develop respect for their environment and an understanding of their place within it.

Through our Early Years provision, we aim to develop independent learners who love coming to school, feel nurtured and inspired, and are fascinated by learning. We lay strong foundations for lifelong learning, equipping children with the confidence, curiosity, and independence they need to thrive both in school and beyond.