First School

A young child in a blue swimsuit is happily swimming in a pool, surrounded by colorful floating toys and a whimsical underwater landscape.

The children in the early years learn in an extremely vibrant and inclusive environment, inside and outdoors, that supports their many different approaches to learning.

ISQM Accreditation Report
May 2018

Early Years Foundation Stage at Samakee

“Togetherness” is not just our name – it is the heart of everything we do.

At Samakee, our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a joyful, nurturing environment where children aged two to five begin their learning journey in a warm, connected community. We believe that strong, trusting relationships between children, teachers, and families are the foundation of early childhood development. It is through these relationships that our youngest learners build a deep sense of self, feel secure and supported, and are empowered to explore, question, and grow.

Two young girls, covered in colorful paint, stand in a vibrant, artistically decorated room, surrounded by various art supplies and creative materials.

Community and Belonging

At Samakee, we grow together.

Our mixed-age EYFS setting nurtures a powerful sense of belonging. Children learn from and with each other — older ones model, support, and inspire, while younger ones gain confidence as they observe, imitate, and join in. These natural peer-to-peer relationships build a caring, respectful culture where every voice is heard and valued.

We celebrate the joy of curiosity, kindness, and collaboration. Whether it’s building a den together, negotiating roles in a pretend play scenario, or discovering something new side by side, children are part of a community that lifts each other up.

This is more than a classroom — it’s a place where children feel safe, confident, and excited to belong.

Learning Through Relationships: Social & Emotional Growth

At Samakee, everything begins with relationships.

We believe that children thrive when they feel connected, safe, and truly known. From the youngest two-year-olds to our confident five-year-olds, every child in our EYFS community is welcomed with warmth and respect. Building strong, trusting relationships is at the heart of what we do — with children, families, and each other.

Our approach to social and emotional development is embedded in every part of the day. Children are supported in understanding their own emotions, recognising those of others, and developing the language to express themselves. Through shared routines, group discussions, role play, and open-ended play, children practise taking turns, managing big feelings, negotiating, and resolving conflict peacefully.

We value the time it takes to grow socially. We don’t rush moments of social learning — instead, we lean into them, using them as opportunities for connection and growth. Our staff model empathy, kindness, and active listening, helping children learn how to relate to others and contribute to a caring, respectful community.

Emotional Literacy

We use stories, drawing, movement, and conversation to help children recognise and name emotions. We help children learn tools to stay calm, focused, and ready to learn. Whether through a comforting hand hold, a shared laugh, or a whispered plan during a tricky moment, co-regulation comes first — so children can develop the skills to eventually self-regulate.

Collaboration in Learning

From Drawing Club to den-building, cooking, or solving puzzles together, children at Samakee are always learning with and from each other. Collaboration is not an add-on — it is a vital part of every learning experience. Through play, children develop empathy, communication, confidence, and a strong sense of self.

Adult-Led and Child-Initiated Learning

We offer a careful balance between adult-directed learning and extended periods of uninterrupted child-led play.

Phonics, maths, Drawing Club, and personal, social and emotional development are taught through short, focused sessions that inspire imagination, build confidence, and deepen understanding. These sessions are carefully planned and followed by opportunities for children to consolidate their learning through purposeful play and exploration.

One of the most joyful and creative elements of our curriculum is Drawing Club – a magical space where storytelling, art, language, and imagination combine. Through Drawing Club, children are immersed in rich vocabulary, narrative structure, and expressive language, while also learning to share ideas, listen to others, and collaborate – key social skills that are woven naturally into the experience.

Our team works closely to observe each child, reflect together, and plan meaningful experiences that support their next steps — socially, emotionally, academically, and creatively. Every interaction is a chance to grow, connect, and learn.

Play with Purpose

We deeply value play as the primary way in which children learn.

Our educators are experts in observing play, identifying learning moments, and extending thinking through high-quality interactions. We follow the child’s lead, recognising their interests, passions, and curiosity – and from there, build meaningful learning experiences that nurture the Characteristics of Effective Learning:

Playing and exploring – being engaged and curious
Active learning – maintaining focus and persistence
Creating and thinking critically – developing ideas and problem-solving

Whether children are building towers, dressing up as explorers, experimenting with paints, digging in the mud kitchen, or discovering snails on a rainy morning, every moment is rich with potential.

Empowered Learning Through Environment

Our learning spaces – both indoors and outdoors – are thoughtfully designed and constantly evolving.

The environment is the "third teacher", adapting to the children’s developmental stages and interests. Everything is purposefully set up to give children ownership and autonomy over their learning, helping them develop confidence and independence.

We reflect constantly: What does each child need today? What is sparking joy? What is challenging them? Our team adapts spaces, provocations, and resources to meet every child where they are.

There are no resources or collections to display

Communication at the Core

Language development is at the heart of our curriculum.

We model rich vocabulary, encourage children to express themselves, and give them time and space to be heard. We share stories, sing songs, act out tales, and engage in meaningful dialogue throughout the day. Through this daily immersion in communication, children build the foundations for reading, writing, and emotional literacy.

Outdoor Learning and Wellbeing

Nature is not just something we visit – it’s something we are part of.

Outdoor learning is woven into the fabric of our EYFS experience at Samakee. Whether exploring the garden, caring for animals at our School Farm, or enjoying barefoot play in the sand and water, our children engage with the natural world every single day.

Our Farm and Butterfly Garden are living classrooms — places where children observe life cycles, care for plants and animals, dig in the soil, or plant seeds. These spaces provide rich, multisensory experiences that ignite curiosity and build responsibility, empathy, and wonder.

We also recognise the powerful link between nature and wellbeing. We intentionally plan for movement, sensory play, and calming outdoor spaces that allow children to regulate their emotions and thrive in a rhythm that honours their unique needs. Whether they are quietly watching rain drip from leaves, running barefoot through puddles, or cuddling a farm duck, these moments in nature nurture the whole child — body, mind, and spirit.

A Happy Place to Be

Most of all, our EYFS is a happy place. It’s a place where children smile, laugh, talk, sing, build friendships, and develop a deep love of learning. We invite you to come and experience it for yourself – to see the magic that happens when children are truly known, truly heard, and truly loved for who they are.

At Samakee, we are together – and together we grow.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

In This Section