The Early Years Foundation Stage (Dallington Nursery & Reception) forms the basis of learning throughout the school. We have developed a curriculum that offers a rich montage of opportunity and extends well beyond the classroom: it is learning that makes sense, encourages exploration, investigation and research: learning that motivates children to question and reason. We firmly believe that learning is much more than just the gaining of knowledge and the passing of exams, and so endeavour to maintain as much freedom as possible from the pressures of homework and testing. We teach our children confidence by setting challenges, encouraging discussion and debate, and create curiosity and empowerment through experiences and opportunities. We are guided by the National Curriculum, but allow ourselves the freedom to pursue other topics if a teacher wishes to. The curriculum is underpinned by academic rigour and quality. Cross-curricular themes and topics are studied each term and children can make real, meaningful links between subjects, and develop deeper conceptual understanding of what they are learning.