Early Years Foundation Stage
Termly curriculum planning:
We follow the Statutory Framework from the Department for Education with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.
This has four principles that we follow:
- A Unique Child
- Positive Relationships
- Enabling Environments
- Learning and Development
To enable children to develop:
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development, (making Relationships, Self-confidence and self awareness, Managing feelings and behaviour)
- Communication and Language , (Listening and attention, Understanding and speaking)
- Physical Development, (Moving and handling and Health and self-care)
- Literacy, (Reading and Writing)
- Maths, (Number and Shape, space and measure)
- Understanding of the World, People and communities, The world, Technology)
- Expressive Arts and Design, (Exploring and using media and materials, Being Imaginative)
Areas within the Nursery and Reception classrooms:
- a writing area containing various writing implements and papers as well as envelopes and examples of good writing
- a book corner containing a range of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and class-made books
- a maths resource area which allows children to select appropriate items to help them solve practical problems
- a creative area containing resources for a range of art, design, music and technology activities
- a construction area containing resources for developing fine motor skills, social interaction and problem solving
- a small world area which allows children to extend fine motor skills, engage in imaginative play and develop language
- an area for sand, malleable materials (e.g. play dough) and water play, where children can engage in practical investigations
- a role play area which can be developed along themed line to cover several aspects of learning in “real life” scenarios.
Development & Assessment
The outside area is seen as an extension of the classroom and the above opportunities will be available outside as well as inside.
Through all of our strands we aim to develop the children as they Play and Explore, be an Active Learner and to have Creative and Critical Thinking.
The staff are constantly assessing the children in their everyday activities, play and through more focussed work. We use observations of the children, photos, the work that they do, feedback from parents and comments made by the children, as well as a new ipad app to decide where we believe the children are working in the 17 areas of learning.
This is based on the Development Matters document which gives statements for the ages of the children. We share this with parents and base the next steps for the children on this.
The planning each term and each week is taken from the previous week’s findings, the interests of the children and the next steps.
‘He has settled in soooooooooooo well at primary school.’
‘He has made lots of friends, is extremely happy and developed lots of confidence and independence.’
‘It has been fantastic watching his learning grow and he loves gaining new skills, particularly reading. Thank you’
‘She has come on leaps and bounds and we will continue to support her at home’
‘Excellent. We have been kept informed of any areas that need support at every stage throughout the year.’
‘She has made many friends at school and is always happy to put her uniform on and go to school.’
‘The nativity, Easter service and sports day have all been wonderful, and it is brilliant how you give every child confidence to get involved in front of an audience.’
‘Her confidence and enjoyment has grown for reading which is lovely to see.’
‘I feel that the education my son has received has been exceptional.’
‘He talks about his day at school with a smile on his face.’
‘We are very happy with the high standards that the school tries to achieve.’
‘His SENCO and TAs have done an amazing job. He needs a lot of extra help…although he doesn’t feel “different” or any other way than the other children which I fully appreciate.’
‘Come on leaps and bounds in confidence and ability. Given the opportunity to flourish.’
‘I am happy with his education because he is obviously very happy, secure, keen to learn, and enjoying his achievements.’
‘Very pleased with the education that my child has received.’