The Foundation Stage at Thorneyholme School includes Nursery and Reception Pupils. They are taught in small groups by Mrs Tomlinson and Mrs Murphy. We have been presented with 'The Step into Quality' Mark for the Early Years. The classroom has access to approximately 2 acres of outdoor space, where children have free access to our wonderful outdoor continuous provision.

Children work on a child-initiated activities, whenever possibly along with an over-riding topic each half term. They cover The Foundation Stage learning goals through varied lessons and continuous provision. In addition to the carefully planned activities, they have a daily story and counting activities. 

In Reception children are taught phonics using Letters and Sounds. They are also heard reading individually every day. Each child will follow their own individualised pathway through the reading boxes which match their phonics phase and age-related book bands. Children learn their sounds quickly and learn to read with confidence and enjoyment.

We have dedicated time for Forest learning with Mrs Tomlinson and Mrs Entwistle who is a qualified Level 3 Forest School Leader (other additional opportunities to learn in the forest are also planned into the weekly timetable).  Forest school is an inspirational process, that offers ALL learners regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland environment. After each session the children fill in a floor book showing and explaining what they have learnt or done that afternoon.