Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the beginning and most important stage of school life. It covers the development of children from the age of three to the end of the Reception year. Children learn to adapt from the home environment to the new and challenging experiences of school. They meet new people and learn to work together, to share, to co-operate and to solve problems. The EYFS principles which guide the work of all practitioners are grouped into four distinct but complementary themes:
- A unique child
- Positive relationships
- Enabling environments
- Learning and development
The EYFS curriculum underpins all future learning by promoting and developing through the following seven EYFS educational programmes:
3 prime areas:
- Communication and language
- Physical development
- Personal social and emotional development
4 specific areas:
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the world
- Expressive arts and design
Teaching & Learning
We teach the seven educational programmes through a cross curricular approach in Foundation Stage. The prime areas are considered to be the fundamental starting points to achieve any success in the specific areas. If a child is not making progress in physical development, communicate and language & personal, social and emotional development then they will find it more challenging to access and progress in the specific areas of learning. All of the areas of learning are delivered through planned, purposeful play with a balance of adult and child led activities.
Resources are located in designated areas and are easily accessed by the children. Pupils are encouraged to handle equipment carefully and to help with tidying up. We aim to encourage independence and develop a sense of responsibility in the children.
Learning, Development & Assessment
We consider the individual needs, interests and development of each child in our care. We use this information to plan challenging and enjoyable experiences for each child in all areas of learning and development.
Play is essential for children's development, building their confidence as they learn to explore, relate to others, set their own goals and solve problems. Our children learn by leading their own play and by taking part in play which is guided by adults.
We follow the three characteristics of effective teaching and learning. These are:
- Playing and exploring
- Active learning
- Creating and thinking critically