In our Foundation Stage unit we provide a warm, welcoming and supportive environment which helps to make the move from nursery/home into school as comfortable as possible. At Bedford we believe the key to achieving the very best for our children is a shared education approach between school and home. We work hard to develop a trusting relationship with our families and welcome you into school as often as possible. Family members are welcome into the unit at any time and we also offer specific times to read, learn and play together.

Children of this age are naturally inquisitive and through their play will explore, experiment and find out new things about their world. They develop and acquire skills and knowledge, not just by being told about things, but by experiencing them using all of their senses. We offer lots of opportunities for them to learn in this way.

They are encouraged to explore their own ideas and interests and generally move about a great deal both indoors and outdoors in a well planned play based, challenging environment. Often the children get wet, muddy and messy but have lots of fun.

Teaching children in this way encourages them to become active enthusiastic independent learners. It also means they love coming to school! There are times when the children need to take part in more formal taught sessions but as all children learn in different ways and at different rates, we plan and organise activities to match the needs of the individual.

Throughout the Foundation Stage, we work hard to ensure that all our children gain a wide range of skills. We aim for children to develop their knowledge and understanding of early Literacy and Numeracy, developing physical skills, good imagination, creativity, social skills but, most importantly, enjoy school and want to learn more, giving them a great start to their learning journey at Bedford Primary School.

Foundation (4-5 years)

Teachers: Mrs Marshall, Ms Metcalfe

Support Staff: Miss Reeves, Mr Barwise, Mrs Toner, Mrs Bunclarke