Poppies

A bit about the room...

The Poppies room is our Foundation 1 classroom, and is designed for children in their step before 'Big School'.

Children join Poppies from the age of three, with access to government-funded sessions offering fifteen hours per week during term time starting the term after their third birthday.

Sessions are available in the morning and afternoon, featuring a structured yet flexible routine that includes breakfast, free play both indoors and outdoors, group activities, and story time—all aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) learning framework.

The learning spaces are arranged into clearly marked resource areas that encourage children to explore, follow their interests, and develop skills across all seven EYFS areas. Children are encouraged to engage fully in activities designed to promote cognitive, social, physical, and emotional development.

Regular local outings to places such as libraries, parks, museums, and shops enrich the curriculum, fostering a deeper understanding of the community. Additionally, more extensive educational trips to farms, zoos, or safari parks offer exciting experiences that broaden children’s knowledge of the world.

Poppies places strong emphasis on fostering independence and self-help skills. Children practice using cutlery correctly at mealtimes, wash and dry their hands independently, dress themselves, and enjoy opportunities to prepare snacks or bake. The room celebrates children’s achievements by displaying their work and providing opportunities to meet developmental goals.

Children also participate in annual Harvest and Christmas performances that are well-attended by staff, families, and visitors.

Developmental progress is closely monitored through individualised profiles maintained by each child’s key person, who ensures consistent care and maintains strong communication with parents.

The room adopts a school readiness ethos with helping to ensure that children learn the skills needed to start their next step to Foundation two.

Online daily diaries keep parents informed about their child’s meals and activities, ensuring open communication and partnership in their child’s growth and development.

Intent of the Poppies room

For children to be introduced to phonics and their vocabulary to be extended.
To encourage children to be fully independent when self-serving meals and with their personal hygiene.
Children to become more aware of their wider community and become involved in what happens around them.
To ensure school readiness and supporting their confidence of transitioning to a new school.
To regulate their own emotions and emphasise with others about how they may be feeling and why.