In the nurturing environments of Nursery and Reception (Shell), our primary focus is to provide an environment which is positive, inclusive and safe. Within the Early Years, we are committed to providing a diverse range of stimulating, practical activities which allows each child to learn through firsthand experiences.
Nursery & Reception Curriculum (EYFS)
Tailored Learning Environment
Young children are naturally lively and curious about the world around them. As we welcome girls alongside boys, our learning environment is designed to spark that curiosity in every child: dynamic, hands-on and interactive, and tailored to how our youngest learners thrive.
The Curriculum at RGS Prep
We follow the statutory framework provided by the Department for Education for Early Years providers, and our approach supports learning and development from birth to five years old.
Communication and Language: Rich opportunities to listen, talk and build vocabulary, through stories, songs, discussion and imaginative play, lay the foundations for confident speaking and early reading.
Literacy: Daily phonics, shared stories and plenty of mark-making develop early reading and writing, moving gently from a love of books in Nursery to more formal phonics and handwriting in Reception (Shell).
Maths: Practical, hands-on activities introduce number, shape, pattern and measure, alongside the mathematical language children need to reason and solve simple problems.
Understanding the World: Children explore the natural world, their local community in Guildford and the wider world, developing curiosity through first-hand experiences and our outdoor learning programme.
Expressive Arts and Design: Art, music, dance and role-play give children the freedom to create, perform and express their ideas, supported by specialist teaching.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development: Through our buddy system, House activities and School Values, children learn to build friendships, manage their feelings and grow in independence.
Specialist lessons: From Reception (Shell), children also enjoy weekly Spanish, dedicated music, art and drama with subject specialists, PE on the Prep School grounds and a weekly swimming lesson.
Classroom Learning
Pupils begin their learning for the two-year rolling topic in their classrooms. They delve into specific themes such as the Arctic, building a comprehensive understanding over time and developing a foundation for future learning.
Outdoor Learning
Pupils enjoy frequent visits to our Outdoor Learning area, where they take part in activities that consolidate their classroom learning as well as everything from roasting marshmallows over the firepit to building minibeast houses.
We recognise the value of practical activities in the Early Years. Engaging with the natural environment enhances cognitive and sensory experiences, while hands-on activities build motor skills and problem-solving abilities. Outdoor activities foster creativity, imagination and social skills.
Co-Curricular
Beyond the curriculum, pupils enjoy engaging trips and events, and an extensive clubs programme. Learn about our co-curricular opportunities and wraparound care here.
Transition – moving up to Year 1
Because our Nursery, Reception (Shell) and Years 1 to 6 all sit within RGS Prep, children move through the early years and into Key Stage 1 and 2 without changing school. Our dedicated Pre-Prep building ensures that our youngest learners are always in familiar surroundings with Early Years and KS1 teachers to look after them.
Nursery children step up into Reception already familiar with our staff, routines and grounds; and as Shell pupils move into Year 1, they carry those friendships and learning habits with them. It is a settled, confident journey through the founding stage of an RGS education.
Throughout Pre-Prep, our pupils regularly make use of the facilities of the Prep school across the road ensuring that they move onto Key Stage 2 confident in themselves, their learning and their environment.
Curriculum FAQs
What curriculum does the Nursery follow?
Our Early Years provision follows the statutory EYFS framework, covering the seven areas of learning through play based and child led activities.
What specialist lessons are included?
Music and games from Nursery, with Spanish, art, drama and swimming added in Reception (Shell).
What are the class sizes?
Our Early Years classes are small, with a class teacher and teaching assistant in every class. Typically a ratio of 1 adult to 8 children is the norm.
How is my child's progress assessed?
Children are observed and assessed in line with the EYFS framework. We regularly share pupils work and progress via our online app, in teacher: parent meetings. In Nursery we encourage parents to visit for a Stay and Play session where the children can show you what they have been learning.