How we support learning in Early Years

Our Early Years Foundation Stage is built on play‑based learning, with children exploring well‑planned indoor and outdoor spaces supported by caring, skilled adults. Storybooks shape much of our curriculum, helping children build knowledge across themes like seasons, growing and celebrations while developing a love of reading and storytelling.

Communication, language and wellbeing sit at the heart of our approach. From age two to Reception, children are nurtured by calm practitioners who prioritise talk, vocabulary and personal development.

Outdoor learning is part of everyday life, giving children space to be active, explore nature and develop physical skills. We follow the Little Wandle phonics scheme and provide daily maths sessions to build early reading and number confidence.

Our aim is for every child to leave Early Years as an independent, resilient and enthusiastic learner, ready for the next stage of school.

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Learning at home

Homework in Early Years and Key Stage 1 is designed to gently support your child’s learning and help them build positive study habits. Each day, we ask that children read at home with an adult using their school reading book, which is carefully matched to their phonics level. They will also bring home a reading‑for‑pleasure book to enjoy and share together as a family.

Alongside reading, children receive a short maths task linked to what they’ve been learning in class, as well as a weekly phonics activity to reinforce new sounds and skills. These tasks are intentionally brief and manageable, focusing on quality rather than quantity.

Most importantly, homework offers a lovely chance for children to share their learning with you and for families to be part of their school journey in a relaxed, enjoyable way.

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Beyond the classroom

Reception children enjoy enriching experiences beyond the classroom. Visits to our school garden and local parks provide opportunities to explore the natural world and learn about seasons and wildlife. We partner with community organisations to bring engaging workshops, such as animal handling sessions and storytelling events, into school. Children enjoy visiting our school library each week,

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How you can help your child

Reception children enjoy enriching experiences beyond the classroom. Visits to our school garden and local parks provide opportunities to explore the natural world and learn about seasons and wildlife. We partner with community organisations to bring engaging workshops, such as animal handling sessions and storytelling events, into school. Children enjoy visiting our school library each week,

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Our team

The Belham employs only the very best individuals who enjoy working with children and bring out the best in them and in their colleagues.

We employ specialists alongside our core staff where most appropriate, for example to support special needs, and develop skills in music and sport.

Our Facilities

All classrooms are well-equipped and spaces within the building tailored for specialised activities such as cookery and music. We invest in the latest technology and fill shared spaces with stimulating learning displays and artefacts.

Outdoor play spaces include a hardcourt playground and roof-top garden, and we are currently developing the laneway at the front of the school to become a growing and planting area. We have exclusive use of the Latter Rain Church garden at Copleston Road for outdoor learning and play. Children are regularly taken toWarwick Gardens and other local green spaces.

Community Links

The school site is at the heart of a creative, passionate and rapidly evolving community. The community should and will influence what is taught and how it is taught.

We draw on the incredible talents and experiences of local people, bringing learning to life with the help of artists, writers, scientists and other professionals, and building links with local organisations.

Our vision is to provide a building which is not only an inspirational educational space, but can also be opened up to the community outside school hours. The central hall, some of our indoor spaces and outdoor areas are accessible in the evenings and at weekends for local people to use in a variety of ways, from exercise classes to exhibitions and public meetings.

Reception

Reception is a time of discovery, where children build the foundations for a lifetime of learning. Through play and guided activities, they develop essential skills and a love for exploring the world around them.

How we support learning in Early Years

Learning at home

Creative Arts

Beyond the classroom

How you can help your child

Our team

The Belham employs only the very best individuals who enjoy working with children and bring out the best in them and in their colleagues.

We employ specialists alongside our core staff where most appropriate, for example to support special needs, and develop skills in music and sport.

Our Facilities

Community Links

Have a question?
Get in touch

Reception

Reception is a time of discovery, where children build the foundations for a lifetime of learning. Through play and guided activities, they develop essential skills and a love for exploring the world around them.

How we support learning in Early Years

Learning at home

Creative Arts

Beyond the classroom

How you can help your child

Our team

The Belham employs only the very best individuals who enjoy working with children and bring out the best in them and in their colleagues. We employ specialists alongside our core staff where most appropriate, for example to support special needs, and develop skills in music and sport.

Our Facilities

Community Links

Come and visit Loughborough in action!

Have a question?Get in touch

The Belham employs only the very best individuals who enjoy working with children and bring out the best in them and in their colleagues.

We employ specialists alongside our core staff where most appropriate, for example to support special needs, and develop skills in music and sport.

Have a question?
Get in touch