At Sherfield Early Years, we inspire happy, kind and confident children from birth to five. Our youngest learners flourish in an environment where curiosity is encouraged, friendships are nurtured, and a love for the outdoors blossoms.
We emphasise helping each child develop their academic, physical and social skills. All Early Years children have a designated person to help them settle in and liaise with parents.
Our youngest children enjoy a nurturing and caring learning environment with our encouraging Early Years staff. With frequent walks and outdoor activities, the children experience nature and enjoy wildlife in Sherfield’s beautiful surroundings.
You are welcome to visit our Early Years Centre to see them learn and play, and to take in the stunning grounds and buildings.
Contact us on admissions@sherfieldschool.co.uk or on the Admissions Main Tel: +44 (0) 1256 884 816 or Admissions Mobile No: +44 (0) 7593 185 675 to arrange a visit.
Our Approach to Learning
Learning is guided by the Early Years Foundation Stage framework alongside Engaging Learning, a reflective tool that supports child-led practice.
We use a play-based approach that responds to each child’s developmental needs and interests. Through exploration and discovery, children become confident storytellers, enthusiastic readers and creative problem solvers.
Every child is supported to achieve meaningful outcomes at their own pace, building a lifelong love of learning. We also value the experiences your child brings from home and work in partnership with families to create a shared journey.
Partnering with Families
Children thrive when they are truly known and valued. Our Key Person approach ensures each child has a dedicated member of staff who provides care, security and a strong sense of belonging.
We keep families closely involved through Tapestry, our secure online platform, which shares photos and updates on your child’s progress. We also hold Spotlighting weeks where we review your child’s development in detail, meet with you to celebrate progress, and agree next steps together.
We also carry out statutory assessments, including the two-year-old progress check and the Early Years Foundation Stage profile at the end of Reception.
Outdoor Learning
Our extensive grounds are at the heart of daily life. Children spend time outdoors every day, in all weathers, exploring woodlands and open green spaces.
They build dens, splash in puddles and discover the natural world while learning to take safe risks and grow in confidence.
We are proud to partner with Learning through Landscapes, supported by Sir David Attenborough, to enrich children’s experiences and deepen their connection with nature.
Healthy Minds and Healthy Bodies
Children’s health and well-being are central to our provision. We work with Thomas Franks, our catering partners, to provide fresh and nutritious meals.
Cooking is also a learning experience. Children prepare snacks, cook in their own kitchen, and enjoy chef-led masterclasses, such as bread-making and soup preparation. From age three, children begin to eat in the dining hall, choosing their own meals and learning independence.
Food is also a way we celebrate our diverse community, with themed menus and celebrations including Diwali and Lunar New Year. Reception children can even become Master Tasters, helping chefs trial new dishes for the menu.
The Sherfield Community
Joining Sherfield Early Years means joining a warm and active school community. Families are invited to enjoy a rich programme of events such as:
- Parents’ coffee mornings
- World Book Day dress up
- Family fun day
- Christmas fair and market
- Breakfast with Santa
- Fireworks night
These events create lasting memories and strengthen the bonds between families across our school.
Our Team
Our dedicated and experienced team is committed to nurturing every child. Staff benefit from regular professional development, visits from early years experts and training to ensure we continue to provide the highest standards of care and education.
Early Years Centre Structure
Caterpillars
Our Caterpillar room is for children aged 3 to 19 months. In this room, we encourage the children to learn through sensory and explorative play. With this, we are inspired by the curiosity approach, which aims to create a natural and curious environment for children to thrive and flourish, aligning with our pedagogy.
“He always has the best time!”
Caterpillars Parent
Ladybirds
Our Ladybird room is for children aged 18/19 to 30 months. In this room, we encourage children to further their learning through discovery and adventure as they explore schemas and create strengthened relationships with others.
“Harry absolutely loves his time there. He is flourishing and the staff always comment on how happy he is. I am particularly impressed with the activities they undertake and and how much time they spend outside enjoying the beautiful grounds.”
Ladybirds Parent
Butterflies
Our Butterflies room is for children aged 30 months to the September before they go to school. In this room we develop their independence and confidence.
Our outstanding staff encourage children as their learning develops and they become used to structure. Children have regular visits to the school library. They enjoy music and movement sessions in the dance studio. Sherfield’s young children also love our outdoor spaces. The Early Years garden has a superb range of outdoor equipment. There are areas to dig and play, and trails to explore.
Throughout their time in Butterflies, children learn independence as they prepare for Pre-Reception.
They are given chances to make more choices, which increases confidence and communication. Regular visits to the school library and hands-on sessions with our Clever Touch Smart Boards ensure that children learn through play in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum.
“I believe the centre is run very well and the proof is that my child always loves to go.”
Butterflies Parent
Beyond the Early Years Centre
Children enter into Pre-Reception the September following their third birthday. They are joined by a few additional new pupils. They work and play closely with our Reception class, making the transition seemless.
Please click here to learn more about our Pre-Reception and Reception.
Early Years Admissions
You are welcome to visit our Early Years Centre to see them learn and play, and to take in the stunning grounds and buildings.
Contact us on admissions@sherfieldschool.co.uk to arrange a visit.
Click here to view the fees.
"A relaxed, friendly facility in the school’s former boarding house...The carer to child ratio is high, and it was nice to see some little ones simply being cuddled. The outdoor area is well-equipped, with a mud kitchen and lots of toys. Children spend a lot of time outdoors and use a good deal of the grounds for supervised nature walks (when I arrived, they were walking hand-in-hand through the daffodils). Children have regular visits to the school library and enjoy music and movement sessions in the dance studio. Pre-reception children have timetabled activities including PE lessons and yoga."
Maya Boyd, Muddy Stilettos Reviewer
