EYFS
Our EYFS curriculum has been designed to ensure children attending our school as younger nursery, older nursery or Reception pupils gain the skills they need at their appropriate age and stage of development. As well as the long-term overview, we have planned a two-year topic cycle of themes to develop knowledge and an understanding of the world around them. We benefit from fabulous indoor and outdoor spaces (including a wild-life garden for forest style school) which we enjoy adapting to reflect our themes and children’s interests. As KS1 children share our space, EYFS children also encounter continuous provision aimed at older pupils which we can involve them in should they express an interest in doing so.
Our overarching motto is ‘Aim High’, and we are committed to continually adapting our practise and adult interactions to ensure the best outcomes for the EYFS. Our children’s best interests are always at the centre of what we do. We value time for talk. Strong and meaningful adult interactions and questioning during child-initiated learning and planned opportunities for language development are embedded into daily practise. Developing caring relationships within small class sizes enables excellent knowledge of our pupils so that we can safeguard them effectively and develop individual plans for those requiring additional help. Bringing the wider world into the classroom and making the most of local opportunities by regularly taking pupils out and about is also at the heart of what we do.
We recognise our role in helping our youngest pupils develop their executive functioning skills to regulate behaviour and to promote the school values of being safe, respectful and ready to learn. We take our lead from Strong foundations in the first years of school – GOV.UK. . With these skills and values embodied and fully understood by all children we are creating excellent learning behaviours and productive and proactive learners for life!
The areas of learning from Development Matters – Non-statutory curriculum guidance for the early years foundation stage underpin our practise and children’s ability to effectively access the specific areas of learning. The balance of child initiated and adult directed learning, along with the promotion of our school values, ensures children gain the expected standard at the end of their Early Years phase.
The transition into Reception is smoothest when pupils attend our nursery provision from the term following their third birthday. They are also welcome from birth to play alongside their carers on the first Monday of the month when we welcome Little Learners (Stay and Play). We will always tailor individualised transition, when necessary, please speak to our dedicated, knowledgeable and caring staff.
