In the vibrant and formative world of early childhood education, every moment is a window of opportunity . At Northampton High School our Early Years Foundation Stage lays the  groundwork not only for future success in the classroom, but also for confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. 

During my short time at Northampton High School, I have seen just how transformative this journey can be in a setting that is deliberately and purposefully made for girls. A girls only EYFS environment provides more than just a curriculum. It offers a space where each girl is seen, heard, and nurtured. It is a place where their voices are listened to, their unique strengths are celebrated and the  foundations are laid for truly limitless learning.

What Does Limitless Learning Look Like?

At the heart of any school culture there should be a continuous focus on nurturing curiosity in all children. Across our Junior School, we cultivate an environment where questions are welcomed, mistakes are viewed as valuable stepping stones, and every child is encouraged to explore and experiment.

In our Nursery, Pre School and Reception classes, this means giving our youngest learners the space, time, and support to discover who they are, what they love, and how they relate to the world around them. 

The girls are encouraged to take risks, express themselves, and follow their passions. Whether they gravitate towards the construction area, engaging in expressive arts, or solving puzzles. Through this approach, the girls there are no limits in what they can learn and achieve as they are nurtured, supported and challenged to reach their full potential. 

Why Gender Matters in Early Education

One of the most powerful aspects of a girls only EYFS setting is the freedom it gives girls to grow without the constraints of early gender stereotypes. It may seem like a small moment, a girl reaching for a toy traditionally played with by boys, but in reality, it is much more than that. It’s the beginning of a journey where she is free to explore all interests without boundaries or bias. Without the distraction of gendered expectations, our girls are more likely to confidently engage with a wide range of subjects, from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) to the arts and humanities. This freedom leads to a broader, richer educational experience, where girls feel empowered to ask, imagine, build, explore and lead. All vital qualities for their success in later life. 

Research shows that children develop core beliefs about themselves between the ages of 3 and 7, and early education plays a key role in the development of these beliefs.  They begin to internalise messages that answer questions like: Am I good at this?”, Is it okay to try something new?”, “Do my ideas matter?” 

In a girls only classroom, every child sees herself reflected — in her teachers, her peers, and the learning environment. This visibility means the girls feel a sense of belonging, recognise that their ideas matter and they can do anything they set their minds too.

What Should Parents Look For?

As a Junior School Head, I always encourage parents to consider the following when selecting a setting for their child:

• Does the environment  celebrate individuality? Does the school actively support each child’s unique strengths and interests?
• Is there Freedom from stereotypes:?  Are girls encouraged to engage with all areas of the curriculum, including STEM and physical play?
• Is there a culture where curiosity is valued?  Are children empowered to ask questions, take risks, and learn from mistakes?
• Are there Specialist  teaching facilities and teachers?  – Are there the specialist teachers and teaching rooms coupled with a board and exciting curriculum enabling each and every child to find what they enjoy, what they excel at and reach their full potential.  

In those crucial early years, the right learning environment can shape not just how a child sees school,  but how she sees herself. Our EYFS setting proudly  offers the space, support, and freedom for our  girls to become fearless learners, creative thinkers, and confident individuals.