Learning through play
Children make discoveries, practise new ideas and build friendships through playful experiences every single day.
Something new to discover every day
A changing mix of experiences gives children room to follow their interests and try something new.
- Puzzles & games
- Role play
- Arts & crafts
- Messy play
- Music
- Stories & reading
- Show and tell
- Outdoor play
- Construction
- Science & investigation
- Maths
- Mark making
Planned moments and child-led adventures
Some activities are planned and shared with an adult; others begin with a child's own question or idea. Both lead to valuable learning, and children practise language, movement, problem-solving and getting along with others as they go.
Exploring through different learning environments
Children move through our rooms as they grow, with activities and routines matched to each stage of their development.
Baby Room
A calm, safe and nurturing space where our youngest children explore through sensory play, music and gentle interaction. We follow each baby's own routine and build the secure attachments that everything else grows from.
Toddler Room
Busy, curious toddlers are encouraged to explore, make friends and do more for themselves. Play-based activities support their growing language, movement and confidence.
Preschool Room
Purposeful play and structured activities get children ready for school, building early literacy, numeracy, creativity, problem-solving and the social skills they'll need in Reception.
The EYFS at First Special Steps
The EYFS is the framework for children's learning and development from birth to five. It has three prime areas and four specific areas, woven into the everyday experiences children have with us.
The three prime areas
These are especially important for building the foundations for learning and relationships.
Personal, Social & Emotional Development
Communication & Language
Physical Development
The four specific areas
These build on and strengthen children's learning as they grow.
Literacy
Mathematics
Understanding the World
Expressive Arts & Design
Our learning environment
Our open-plan rooms are arranged into workshop areas, each offering a different way to explore, create, revisit ideas or find a quieter moment.
Mark Making
Creative & Messy Play
Role Play & Imagination
ICT
Small World & Construction
Science & Investigation
Library & Relaxation
Mathematics
The best way to see our spaces is to visit — come and look around.
Your little one's first steps start here
Come and look around, meet the team and ask everything that matters to your family. We'd love to show you what a day with us feels like.