The Early Years

The Early Years Foundation Stage

Our EYFS curriculum and approach to learning is guided by the EYFS Statutory Framework (include hyperlink) which: sets the standards that all early years providers must meet to ensure that children learn and develop well; ensures children are kept healthy and safe; ensures that children have the knowledge and skills they need to start school.

There are seven areas of learning and development within the early years; these are split into the prime and specific areas. The prime areas are: communication and language, physical development and personal, social and emotional development. These three prime areas reflect the key skills all children need in order to develop and learn effectively. They ensure that when children leave Reception, they are ready for the move to school. We focus strongly on the three prime areas, as we know they are the basis for successful learning in the specific areas. The four specific areas are: literacy, mathematics, understanding the world and expressive arts and design. All seven areas of learning and development are important and inter-connected through our progressively mapped and sequenced EYFS curriculum. This curriculum is carefully aligned with our Key Stage One and Two curriculum.

Each area of learning and development is implemented through planned, purposeful play and through a mix of adult-led and child-initiated activity. Play is essential for children’s development, building their confidence as they learn to explore, to think about problems, and relate to others. Children learn by leading their own play, and by taking part in play which is guided by adults. Our fantastic team respond to each child’s emerging needs and interests, guiding their development through warm, positive interaction. In planning and guiding children’s activities, adults reflect on the different ways that children learn and incorporate these into their practice. There are three characteristics of effective teaching and learning which underpin our provision: 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.

Nursery

Our continuous provision allows children to play and learn in different areas whilst developing and targeting skills and knowledge that will underpin their journey through primary education. The Nursery day includes short carpet sessions where the children begin to develop their phonics, mathematics skills and explore the world around them through our topic-based approach. We know that the youngest members of our school community thrive when they are a part of the wider school and this provides them with many opportunities to learn and grow from their older peers.

Reception

We firmly believe that in order for children to succeed during their time in primary education, the Reception year must provide every child with an excellent start to school life.  The Reception day allows the children to fully explore our continuous provision and also includes short and specific lessons. Pupils are taught using the same pedagogical approaches we follow across the school. There are focused lessons in phonics, reading, writing and mathematics every day alongside topic-based lessons to support their developing understanding of the world around them. This rich learning environment provides every one of our pupils with the core skills and knowledge they need to succeed.