Starting school

Starting school is a big step for both children and their families. It’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and nerves as this new chapter begins. At our school, we understand how important this transition is, and we’re here to make it as positive and smooth as possible.

From the very first day, we aim to create a welcoming, supportive environment where every child feels safe, valued, and ready to learn. Our team works closely with parents and carers to help each child settle in happily and confidently, building strong foundations for their learning journey ahead.

Our learning environment

Our early years learning environment has been designed to inspire, delight and create intrigue, both inside and outside.

The environment is carefully crafted around the children to provide them the opportunity to follow their own interests, rehearse taught skills and deepen existing knowledge through challenge.

The classrooms are positive and nurturing. They are where your child will feel confident to tackle challenges and will not be afraid of making mistakes.

The outdoor area has a natural feel and will encourage your child to explore their learning focuses in a practical and tactile way. For many children, these are the environments to stimulate their learning growth and development.

We place a huge importance on the benefits of physical activity within young children and how the outdoor environment can support physical and also emotional wellbeing for many.

Data and monitoring demonstrate that children across our early years foundation stage setting progress well, regardless of their starting point. In 2024, 100% made good or better progress from their baseline assessment to the EYFSP assessment at the end of the year. This year, 81% of children are on-track to meet the ‘good level of development’ measure at the end of their reception year. We have high expectations of all children and are proactive in providing early intervention and challenge where required.

Meet our EYFS teacher

Miss Makinson, EYFS class teacher

My name is Miss Makinson and I’m the EYFS class teacher at Fowey Primary School. I have loved every minute spent teaching and learning in early years classrooms. My passion for teaching is in EYFS, seeing every day how the children can learn through play, exploration and real life experiences. I learn from the wonderful children and their exciting play-based learning experiences on a daily basis. I have a love for children’s books and my favourite time of the day is story time. I take pride in incorporating authentic, exciting, diverse and inclusive books through every area of learning at Fowey EYFS.

Ready, steady, school!

Parents and carers have an important part to play in preparing their children for school. If parents and carers feel positive about their child starting school, this will quickly translate to their child.

There are a few things that can make your child’s transition into school a little easier. Below you will find key transition dates that will help them build relationships with staff and become more familiar with the school environment.

You will also find some guidance about ways to prepare and support your child in the build up to September.

If you have queries or worries about your child starting school, do not hesitate to contact us. A member of our early years team will be happy to support you and your child. We want to ensure that the move to Fowey Primary School is an exciting and positive experience for every child.