Early Years Foundation Stage

Education at Dunalley School starts in our Nursery and Pre-school, where children start their learning in a play-based, child-led, active environment, supported by experienced and qualified Early Years educators.

'Play is the work of the child' Maria Montessori

The Early Years Framework informs our early years curriculum, adapted each year for the individual and unique learners. We have a welcoming and nurturing environment which allows our children to learn through purposeful play. We aim for our continuous provision, both inside and outside, to be as high quality as the adult led provision – ensuring that quality play provides children with the opportunity to 

  • Revisit 
  • Rehearse 
  • Consolidate 
  • Learn 

We ensure that children develop knowledge and skills within the 3 prime areas of learning - Communication and Language, Physical Development, PSED - through: 

  • our high-quality continuous provision and enhancements throughout the year 
  • a mix of direct teaching and adult interactions 
  • building positive relationships with families 

We are equally focussed on supporting all learners through their development in the specific areas of 

  • Mathematics  
  • Literacy 
  • Understanding the World 
  • Expressive Arts and Design 

Our long-term planning, ensures full curriculum coverage, delivered through the use of quality texts, real-life experiences and subject knowledge shared with the wider school. This is adapted for our individual and unique learners - taking into account specific personal interests, areas of strength and development and ongoing assessment - to deliver our teaching and learning.  

Please click on the links below to find out more about our EYFS educational programmes.

Positive Play Partners

06 Dec 2024

Our PPP children are relishing supporting our OPAL play initiative, ensuring children have role models to help resolve issues and have happy...

Winter Coats - Does your child need one?

02 Dec 2024

We have warm, winter coats for children of families struggling with the cost of living.
Please contact us for more details.

Dunalley Pantry

20 Nov 2024

We would like to remind our families about Dunalley Pantry.
Set up to help families who are struggling with the cost of living crisis.

Coffee, Cake, Cheese & Wine - Thank you

18 Nov 2024

Thank you for joining us to discuss the work of Jonathan Haidt and his book The Anxious Generation, more information can be found HERE.

Donations for OPAL

25 Oct 2024

If you are thinking of having a pre-Christmas sort out please keep OPAL in mind for the usual donations.

OPAL Stay & Play

27 Sep 2024

We would like to invite all of our families to join us for an OPAL Stay & Play on Saturday 5th October from 10am - 12pm.

Free Uniform

01 Sep 2024

We have lots of unclaimed uniform items here at school, should you need anything for your child(ren) please pop along and see us.

Back to School

08 Aug 2024

We are looking forward to seeing everyone on Wednesday 4th September

Dunalley Pantry

31 Jul 2024

Our Dunalley Pantry will be open during the school holidays.
9am to 10.30am on Thursdays 1st, 8th & 29th August


Helping where we can.

Exceptional Learners

22 Jul 2024

Thank you to all of our children for their hard work and perseverance this year. Visitors to our school always comment on our focused learners.