---
title: "The Principles of Early Years"
url: "https://www.gaglebrook.org.uk/the-principles-of-early-years"
school: "Gagle Brook Primary School"
---

# The Principles of Early Years

## The Early Years Curriculum is based upon four principles:

- A Unique Child - Developing resilient, capable, confident, and self-assured individuals.
- Positive Relationships - Supporting the children and becoming strong and independent.
- Enabling Environments - Where opportunities and experiences respond to the individual needs of the child by developing a strong partnership between practitioners, parents, and the child.
- Learning and Developing - An acknowledgment that children learn in different ways and at different rates.

### Characteristics of Effective Learning

Planning for the learning landscape (inside and outside), interest points, and next steps will reflect on the different ways that children learn and echo these in their practice. At Gagle Brook School, we support children in using the three characteristics of effective learning. These are:

- Playing and Exploring - Children investigate and experience things and have a go.
- Active Learning - Children concentrate and keep on trying if they encounter difficulties and enjoy achievements.
- Creating and thinking critically - Children have and develop their own ideas, make links between ideas, and develop strategies for doing things.

### Learning & Education

- [Curriculum Overview](https://www.gaglebrook.org.uk/overview)
- [Subject Areas](https://www.gaglebrook.org.uk/english)
- [Early Years](https://www.gaglebrook.org.uk/introduction)
    - [Introduction ](https://www.gaglebrook.org.uk/introduction)
    - [Our Nursery Provision](https://www.gaglebrook.org.uk/our-nursery-provision)
    - [The Principles of Early Years](https://www.gaglebrook.org.uk/the-principles-of-early-years)
    - [Early Years Curriculum](https://www.gaglebrook.org.uk/early-years-curriculum)
    - [Early Years Prime Areas](https://www.gaglebrook.org.uk/early-years-prime-areas)
    - [Early Years Specific Areas](https://www.gaglebrook.org.uk/early-years-specific-areas)
    - [Important Information ](https://www.gaglebrook.org.uk/important-information)
- [Assessment Information](https://www.gaglebrook.org.uk/assessment-information)
- [Skills Builder](https://www.gaglebrook.org.uk/skills-builder)
- [Learning Links](https://www.gaglebrook.org.uk/learning-links)
- [Pupil Leadership Team](https://www.gaglebrook.org.uk/pupil-leadership-team)
- [House Teams](https://www.gaglebrook.org.uk/house-teams)
- [Wellbeing & Mental Health Support](https://www.gaglebrook.org.uk/wellbeing-and-mental-health-support)

   ![Gagle Brook Primary School](https://files.schudio.com/gagle-brook-primary-school/images/logo/Image_copy.png)

 **Gagle Brook Primary School**
Cranberry Avenue
Bicester
OX27 8BD
Tel: 01869 228750

### Useful Links

- [Privacy Policy](https://thewhitehorsefederation.org.uk/privacy-policy)
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- [GDPR](https://thewhitehorsefederation.org.uk/about-our-trust/gdpr)
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- [Equality Act](https://files.schudio.com/the-white-horse-federation/files/documents/policies/08_SP_V1_Equality,_Diversity_and_Inclusion_Policy_2026.pdf)

### Useful Links

- [Behaviour Policy](https://files.schudio.com/the-white-horse-federation/files/documents/04_SP_V9_Behaviour_Policy_2026(1).pdf)
- [Careers](https://www.gaglebrook.org.uk/about-us/careers)
- [Curriculum ](https://www.gaglebrook.org.uk/overview)
- [Facilities for Hire](https://schoolhire.co.uk/bicester/gaglebrook)
- [Arbor payments](https://www.gaglebrook.org.uk/school-life/arbor-payments)
- [Contact Us](https://www.gaglebrook.org.uk/contact)

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Registered Office: Plymouth St, Swindon SN1 2LB

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