Early Years 2026 - 2027

Welcome to our Early Years Foundation Stage Unit

Welcome to Early Years at Richmond Academy. Our Early Years unit provides a safe, stimulating and language-rich environment where children are encouraged to explore, investigate, play and develop their independence. We place a strong emphasis on communication, reading, early writing and mathematical development, alongside developing children’s confidence, relationships and wider understanding of the world.

Meet the Early Years Team

Miss E. Robinson: Unit Lead, Amber and Diamond Class Teacher,  EYFS SENDCo

Hello, I'm Miss Robinson and I am so excited to begin the year together.  I am the Early years unit leader, EYFS SENDCo and Diamond class teacher. I am really looking forward to getting to know all of the nursery and pre-school children and families. I am to make sure every child feels safe, heard and loved when they come to school.

Mrs F. Begum: Teaching Assistant

Hi, I’m Mrs Begum and I work with our Nursery children in the mornings. I love being part of those important first experiences of school and helping children to feel happy, safe and confident in their new environment. My favourite part of working in Early Years is watching their little personalities shine through and celebrating all the small steps that mean so much!

Mrs F. Ahmed: Teaching Assistant

Hi, I’m Mrs Ahmed and you’ll find me in Nursery during the afternoons. I love creating a calm, happy environment where children feel comfortable to explore, play and just be themselves. One of the best parts of my job is seeing that proud smile when a child achieves something new – whether it’s a new skill, a new friendship or simply having the confidence to give something a go!

Miss M. Khatun: Pre-School Leader

Hi, I’m Miss Khatun and I’m one of our Pre-School Leaders. For me, working in Early Years is all about building those special relationships with children and their families. I love getting to know each child as an individual, finding out what makes them smile and helping them feel like they truly belong. Watching their confidence grow during their time with us is incredibly rewarding.

Miss T. Arshad: Pre-School Leader

Hi, I’m  Miss Arshad and I’m one of our Pre-School Leaders. I love how much fun, curiosity and discovery there is in Early Years – no two days are ever quite the same! I’m passionate about giving children opportunities to explore their interests, become more independent and develop a real love of learning. Seeing how much they grow and change during their time in Pre-School is my favourite part of what I do. 

Miss A. Byron: Ruby Class Teacher

Hi, I’m Miss Byron, and I am delighted to be your child’s Reception teacher. I’m passionate about creating a fun, nurturing, and engaging environment where every child feels happy, safe, and excited to learn. I’m looking forward to a wonderful year of learning, exploring, and growing together! 

Mrs C. Vickerstaff: Teaching Assistant

Hi, I’m Mrs Vickerstaff, I will be working in Ruby class Monday to Wednesday and I am excited to support the children throughout their learning journey. I’m looking forward to a wonderful year together! 

Miss A. Wopling: Apprentice Teaching Assistant

Hi, I’m Miss Wopling and I’m really excited to be starting my journey in Early Years as an apprentice! I’m looking forward to getting to know all of our children and families. I love seeing children happy, confident and enjoying their learning, and I’m excited to be part of all the special little moments that happen every day!

Miss S. Hinde: HLTA

Hi, I’m Miss Hinde, I cover in EYFS where I love supporting our little learners and helping  them grow and shine! I have a passion for all things creative, especially fabrics, textiles and bringing their imaginative ideas to life. I love making learning fun, colourful and full of exciting opportunities for our children! I look forward to spending Thursdays and Fridays with them every week! 

Amber and Diamond Class

A very warm welcome to our Nursery and Pre-School!

We know that starting Early Years is a big and exciting step for both children and their families. Our priority is to create a happy, nurturing and welcoming environment where every child feels safe, valued and ready to explore.

Our days are filled with play, curiosity, friendships and lots of opportunities to learn and grow. We take the time to get to know each child as an individual – celebrating who they are, following their interests and supporting them to develop confidence and independence at their own pace.

We are so excited to be part of your child's Early Years journey and can't wait to see all the wonderful things they will achieve!

Key Information

Home Learning Rubric

Ruby Class

Welcome to Ruby Class! We are so excited to have you here. In Ruby class we are kind, caring, curious, brave and brilliant learners. We will enjoy phonics, maths, reading, creative activities, role play, construction, outdoor learning and investigations. We look after each other, use kind hands and words, listen carefully and try our best, even when things are tricky. Most importantly, we have fun, learn and grow together!  

Key Information

Home Learning Rubric