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Manor Wood Primary School is no stranger to winning this award – the Reggio Emilia and Scandinavian Forest School-inspired setting also scooped the title in 2021.
It continues to be a place full of wonder, curiosity and creativity. A great deal of thought is put into creating beautiful spaces, with an emphasis on the joy and benefits that flow from spending plenty of time outdoors. Importantly, the Foundation Unit’s fundamental belief is that children are competent, powerful individuals who are full of potential. Educators ensure that children have plenty of time and space to conduct their own research and offer them all they need to further their investigations while deepening understanding of the world around them.
The setting’s spaces are constantly evolving to reflect the ever-changing interests of the cohort of children, including the outdoor provision. Children spend a considerable amount of time in the large garden where they are fortunate to have an area of woodland, a riverbed constructed by the children, woodwork workshop, outside atelier, polytunnel, water pump and a big sand pit.
Educators continuously reflect on the challenges offered in the outdoor space, ensuring that children have many opportunities to hone their physical skills. Children’s views are at the centre of the Unit’s work, helping them to feel valued, respected and empowered. They have twice-daily family group meetings to share their thoughts and theories and to plan their play. Staff observe, document and reflect.
Regular parent partnership meetings are held to discuss children’s progress, and families are actively welcomed into the setting throughout the year.
Children undertake short- and long-term projects which culminate in a grand finale, often with them presenting their work to their families. Previous years have seen the children hire a cinema to screen their own film, organise a demonstration in the city centre in support of refugees, and curate their own ‘Museum of home’.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Great Corby School and Nursery – Carlisle
Forming a new early years team inspired staff to rethink their approach and begin working towards ‘Curiosity Approach’ accreditation, which has given them the knowledge and skills to create a culture of curiosity, awe and wonder. Staff want children to be able to think for themselves, make their own choices and direct their own learning, and have undertaken Anna Ephgrave’s training on ‘In the moment’ planning to support this.
They want the environment to feel like an extension of home and have created a calm and tranquil space filled with real-life objects, loose parts and treasures. They believe their homely environment acts as a ‘third teacher’.
FINALIST
• Diamond Wood Community Academy – Dewsbury
CRITERION
For Early Years Foundation Stage or equivalent provision in primary schools which have developed high-quality practice for nursery and Reception children.
