At Arcadia, we believe that the early years are a time of wonder, discovery, and growth; a time when children begin to make sense of the world and their place within it. Our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is built around a simple but powerful vision: “Freedom with Guidance.” This philosophy lies at the heart of everything we do, shaping not just how we teach, but how we connect with children, design our environments, and build our community. The child is at the heart of everything we do. We take a truly child-centred approach, recognising each child as capable, curious, and full of potential. We believe learning unfolds best when it is meaningful and relevant to the child, and our planning reflects this — responsive, flexible, and always centred on the individual child’s needs and interests.
Freedom with Guidance means we value the natural curiosity of young children. We encourage them to explore, play, and follow their interests, knowing that real learning happens when children are truly engaged. They are given the space to make choices, express their ideas, take risks, and develop independence, all within a carefully considered environment that offers security, structure, and support. Play is never just play; it is a vital tool for thinking, for expressing emotions, for building relationships, and for beginning to understand themselves and the world around them.
A key feature of our approach is Explorer Time a dedicated period each day where children are immersed in high-quality continuous provision across our stimulating and engaging learning environments. Here, children follow their own learning paths, exploring open-ended resources and engaging in purposeful play that supports their physical, cognitive, and emotional development.
At Arcadia, our Foundation Stage children benefit from a broad and enriching curriculum supported by a range of specialist lessons designed to nurture every aspect of their development:
Our team is one of our greatest strengths. Deep relationships form the foundation of our practice relationships with children, with families, and with each other. Every member of the EYFS team knows the children well, working collaboratively to respond to their individual needs and interests. High adult to child ratios mean children receive consistent attention and guidance. We observe carefully, interact meaningfully, and extend learning in ways that feel natural, joyful, and intentional.
Parents are our partners in every step of the journey. We value open communication and meaningful collaboration, recognising that families are a child’s first and most important educators. Together, we create a shared understanding of each child, celebrating progress, navigating challenges, and building a sense of belonging within our community. Our learning spaces are designed to inspire and ignite curiosity. Our classrooms and gardens are calming, filled with natural materials, and purposefully arranged to provoke thinking and creativity. These environments invite children to wonder, create, and engage with the world on their own terms, while always being supported by skilled adults who are ready to guide, question, and challenge in thoughtful ways.
At Arcadia, children are not rushed. They are nurtured. We value slow and engaging pedagogy. Children are given the freedom to discover who they are, and the guidance to become who they are meant to be. That is the journey we honour, and the promise we make to every family who joins us.
To learn in more detail about the complete educational programme, we encourage you to download our Primary Curriculum Booklet.
