Early Years

All children deserve the care and support they need to have the best start in life. Children learn and develop at a faster rate from birth to five years old than at any other time in their lives, so their experiences in early years have a major impact on their future life chances.

St Helens Virtual School supports children in care through collaborative working to ensure every child is supported to achieve their full potential and overcome barriers.

The Early Years Foundation Stage

All nurseries, pre-schools, reception classes and childminders must follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)  which sets the standards that all early years providers must meet to ensure that children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. It promotes teaching and learning to ensure children's 'school readiness' and gives children the right foundation for good future progress through school and life.

What to expect in the Early Years Foundation Stage: This guide is for the parents and carers of children from birth to five years old. It will help you find out more about your child's learning and development in the EYFS. 

Early Years PEPs:

In St Helens we complete a Personal Education Plan (PEP)  every term for all children from the age of two, or earlier than that if they already attend an educational setting.   The PEP is a personalised plan to meet the child's educational needs, raise aspirations and improve their life chances. There is a termly meeting attended by the nursery setting, the carers and the social worker and targets are agreed at the meeting. Early Years Pupil Premium funding of around £130 a term is given to the setting to support children to work towards their targets.

Please contact Chris Dixon at the Virtual School for any help and support for children in the Early Years 

virtualschoolforsthelens@sthelens.gov.uk