Welcome
A very warm welcome to Hempland Primary School Early Years page.
At Hempland, our approach is built upon our core values: respect, opportunity, ambition, and resilience. We are committed to fostering an environment where every child shows respect for themselves and others, seizes every opportunity for learning and growth, develops the ambition to achieve their very best, and builds the resilience needed to face challenges with confidence.
Each year, we welcome an intake of 60 children into our Reception year. These pupils are then divided into two classes of 30, with each class having their own teacher. Teaching input is delivered in classes, however pupils have access to provision areas, both inside and outside, across the whole setting. This structure allows us to embed our values while maintaining a supportive and stimulating environment where every child can flourish.
Intent
At Hempland Primary School, our curriculum is designed to give every child the best possible start by building upon their prior learning and home experiences, in partnership with parents and nursery settings. We prioritise developing strong foundational skills, especially Oracy (speaking and listening), Personal, Social and Emotional Development, and Communication and Language, as these skills are crucial for building resilience, self-confidence, and overall well-being. By providing an engaging curriculum, with meaningful cross-curricular links and opportunities for sustained play and exploration, we aim to foster a lifelong love of learning and ensure that all pupils make excellent progress and are fully prepared for their transition into Year 1.
Implementation
Our curriculum follows the revised EYFS framework and Early Years Development Matters guidance. Our staff work collaboratively to create detailed long-term, medium-term, and weekly plans, which ensure clear progression across the seven areas of learning, aiming for all children to reach the expected level by the end of Reception, while also tailoring activities to children’s immediate needs and interests. We teach Phonics daily using the Little Wandle Phonics scheme. The learning day balances adult-led instruction (delivered through whole-class and small-group sessions) with child-initiated, play-based learning; children are also offered extended daily access to both indoor and outdoor environments. Staff continually observe and interact with children during play and in guided sessions, making ongoing assessments that inform the next steps in their learning, with parents actively contributing to this process via Tapestry.
Impact
Percentage of pupils achieving GLD (Good Level of Development)
| 2025: 76% | 2024: 75% | 2023: 69% | 2022: 78% |
Specific Areas 2025:
Reading: Comprehension 92%, Word Reading 86%
Writing: 76%
Maths: Number 86%, Numerical Patterns: 88%
Early Years Curriculum
Early Years Curriculum statement
Early Years Autumn 1 Medium Term plan