Our Early Years Offer

West Newcastle Academy offers a nurturing environment for our youngest learners. Our aim is for every child to achieve their full potential through our holistic teaching and our ambitious and unique curriculum. Learning environments are purposeful and children enjoy, own and drive their own learning. Our children build up knowledge and foundational skills at a pace that is right for them, enabling all children to have strong start to school life.

Our purpose is to nurture curious and creative minds, strong characters, independent thinkers and loving humans in a culture that allows mistakes, failure and experimentation.

Our process builds:

• Connections to self
• Connections to a wide variety of environments
• Connections to family, peers, our team and community
• Connections to learning for life

In March 2026 WNA were awarded a gold award from the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom-which is the highest award on offer. WNA were praised for the wealth of learning opportunities offered to children. Learning Outside of the Classroom is a core value of ours and we are committed to sustaining this offer for our children.

Our Early Years Curriculum

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) prepares children for learning in Key stage 1. Our team recognise that every child develops at their own rate and progression looks different for all. Our curriculum offers meaningful learning opportunities and rich enviroments, in and out of the classroom. Children are able to develop their skills and knowledge in all areas of learning throughout their time in the EYFS.

Areas of Learning

The EYFS curriculum is split into 7 areas of learning:

Prime Areas:

• Personal Social and Emotional Development
• Physical Development
• Communication and Language

Specific areas:

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

Staff ensure all aspects of the EYFS curriculum are covered across the year, allowing all children to develop and grow. Nursery and Reception involves lots of play based learning where purposeful interactions are at the heart of everything we do. Children are provided with engaging and language-rich learning enviroments enabling children to wonder, explore and learn.