A woman is clapping hands with a young boy in a classroom.

Kindergarten

Ages 3 & 4 years old

Class Teacher: Mrs L Ellis

Teaching Assistant: Mrs Harry

Our Kindergarten welcomes children from the age of 3, providing a nurturing and stimulating springboard into formal education. Whilst following the EYFS framework, we enrich learning with early Phonics and Maths, alongside specialist teaching in areas like Forest and Eco-schooling and Science, making it an inspiring start for any bright young learner.

Book a tour

Early Development of Children

Our early years provision is designed to nurture curiosity, build confidence, and lay strong foundations for lifelong learning. Through play-based, hands-on experiences, children begin to develop across the prime and specific areas of learning as outlined in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.

Prime Areas of Learning

Personal, Social and Emotional Development
  • Develop confidence and independence
  • Build positive relationships with adults and peers
  • Learn to share, take turns, and manage emotions


Communication and Language
  • Expand vocabulary and use language to express thoughts
  • Listen attentively and follow simple instructions
  • Engage in conversations and enjoy stories, songs, and rhymes


Physical Development
  • Improve gross motor skills (e.g., climbing, running, balancing)
  • Strengthen fine motor skills (e.g., mark-making, cutting, threading)
  • Begin to understand and follow healthy routines


Specific Areas of Learning

01

Literacy

  • Enjoy books and begin to understand story structure
  • Recognise their name and begin to link sounds to letters
  • Begin mark-making with meaning (early writing)


02

Mathematics

  • Count reliably to 5, then 10
  • Recognise simple shapes and patterns
  • Explore concepts like 'more/less', 'big/small', and 'full/empty'.

03

Understanding the World

  • Explore the natural world through play and observation
  • Talk about themselves, their families, and their communities
  • Use simple technology (e.g., toys with buttons, tablets under supervision)


04

Expressive Arts and Design

  • Experiment with colour, texture, and materials
  • Use imagination in role play, music, and storytelling
  • Sing songs, dance, and explore different instruments

Specific Areas of Learning

01

Literacy

  • Enjoy books and begin to understand story structure
  • Recognise their name and begin to link sounds to letters
  • Begin mark-making with meaning (early writing)


02

Mathematics

  • Count reliably to 5, then 10
  • Recognise simple shapes and patterns
  • Explore concepts like 'more/less', 'big/small', and 'full/empty'.

03

Understanding the World

  • Explore the natural world through play and observation
  • Talk about themselves, their families, and their communities
  • Use simple technology (e.g., toys with buttons, tablets under supervision)


04

Expressive Arts and Design

  • Experiment with colour, texture, and materials
  • Use imagination in role play, music, and storytelling
  • Sing songs, dance, and explore different instruments

At Charlton House these objectives are taught in a nurturing environment where every child is encouraged to explore, ask questions, and develop at their own pace. Our kindergarten children are also able to access age-appropriate phonics and maths lessons, specialist science and forest and eco-schooling lessons, and can learn in spaces such as our gym, library, art studio and music room. Our goal is to build a joyful foundation for learning where every child feels happy, safe, and valued.