At Watchlytes Primary School, we know how important your child’s early years are. That’s why we offer a warm, nurturing and exciting environment where children thrive—both academically and personally.
We believe that children learn best when they are happy, engaged, and having fun. That’s why play is at the heart of everything we do. Through carefully planned play-based learning, children explore new ideas, develop key skills, and make sense of the world around them. Whether it’s building with blocks, dressing up, reading stories, or investigating outdoors, children are always learning—through doing, exploring, and imagining.
We combine this rich, hands-on learning with high-quality teaching in early reading, writing and maths. Our children make excellent progress because we know how to make learning enjoyable and meaningful. Every child is seen as unique, and we support them to grow socially, emotionally, physically, and academically.
Our Aims (Intent)
Our aim in the Early Years is simple: to give every child the very best start to their school journey. We want children to:
- Develop a love of learning through meaningful play and exploration.
- Make excellent progress in reading, writing and maths.
- Build confidence, independence, and resilience.
- Develop key life skills like communication, problem-solving and teamwork.
- Be well-prepared—emotionally, socially and academically—for their move into Year 1.
How We Learn (Implementation)
In our EYFS classrooms, learning is carefully balanced between structured teaching and child-led play. Children take part in focused lessons in phonics and maths each day, but also have plenty of time to explore, be creative, and follow their interests.
Key parts of our approach include:
- Daily phonics and early reading through Read Write Inc., helping children become confident, fluent readers.
- Early writing and letter formation taught through fun, purposeful activities.
- Mastering Number, a maths programme that gives children strong foundations in number and problem-solving.
- Learning through play, where children experiment, make choices, build relationships, and develop their imagination.
- Outdoor learning, including Forest School sessions, where children explore nature, take safe risks, and build physical confidence.
- Supportive adults who know each child well and adapt learning to suit individual needs and interests.
We see play as the vehicle for learning in the Early Years. Through play, children make sense of the world around them, practise new skills, and develop socially, emotionally, and intellectually. Every activity—whether it’s painting, building, storytelling, or role-play—is designed to help children grow in all areas.
The Difference It Makes (Impact)
We know our approach works because we see the progress our children make every single day.
By the time children leave Reception, they:
- Have strong early reading, writing and number skills.
- Can talk about their learning, ask questions, and explain their thinking.
- Show confidence, curiosity, and independence in their learning.
- Work well with others, take turns, and manage their feelings.
- Are excited and ready to move on to Year 1.
We track each child’s development carefully to make sure they’re achieving their best—academically and in their personal growth.
Our Values: Kindness, Respect, Determination
These values are central to life at Watchlytes and guide everything we do in the Early Years:
- Kindness – We help children understand how to be kind, caring and thoughtful towards others.
- Respect – Children learn to value themselves, their friends, and their environment.
- Determination – We encourage a “can-do” attitude, helping children feel proud when they try hard, take on challenges and succeed.
Getting ready to start Reception
Please see this guidance for things you can do to support your child to get ready to start Reception.
If you have any urgent enquiries or questions about the topic of this page please contact the school’s office for further details – 01707 886222 or emailing admin@watchlytes.herts.sch.uk
