THE EYFS CURRICULUM

The Curriculum for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) underpins all future learning. The EYFS prepares children (aged 2- 5 years old) for learning in Key Stage 1. Both inside and outside structured play is an essential part of the teaching and learning process as children learn in different ways and at different rates.  

In September 2023 the Development Matters document was revised and this document is followed by all staff who work in the nursery and reception classes in our school. It offers the highest view of how children can develop and learn. It allows us to design an effective early year’s curriculum, building on the strengths and meeting the needs of the children in our care.

The EYFS follows seven key areas of learning. The 3 prime areas are: ‘Communication and Language’ ‘Personal, Social and Emotional’ and ‘Physical Development’. These are particularly important for building a foundation for igniting children's curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, forming relationships, and thriving in education. The 4 specific areas are: ‘Literacy’ ‘Mathematics’ ‘Expressive Arts and Design’ and ‘Understanding the World’. 

In Nursery and Reception, we are heavily invested in Early Reading and this includes our shared reading through the use of carefully chosen Big Books. Essential Letters and Sounds is our chosen approach to teaching phonics. Phonics sessions are taught daily and in Reception the children are given a new reading book each week that is consistent with their phonic knowledge and fully decodable. There is a daily guided reading session and children in Reception are heard to read either individually or in a group.

In Reception, we follow the Mastery for Number programme, alongside the White Rose Maths approach. There is an emphasis on studying key skills of number, calculation and shape so that pupils develop a deep understanding and an acquisition of mathematical language.

Our topics are literacy based with well planned activities, both inside and outside, to support our weekly reading book which broadens the children’s knowledge and experiences.

We pride ourselves in working closely with our families to support and help their children to grow and learn.