Our Nursery and Reception classes form the Early Years Foundation Stage, which caters for children from 3-5 years old. They follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Curriculum.
We followed the revised EYFS framework launching in September 2021. Having been an early adopter of the framework in 2020-21 our staff are fully trained and are confident in their knowledge of the reforms.
The staff are constantly assessing the children in their everyday activities, play and through more focussed adult-led interactions and sessions. We use observations of the children, photos, the work that they do, feedback from parents and comments made by the children to assess where the pupils are working.
The new EYFS Framework and Development Matters documents are used. The new Development Matters 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 focus for each term and each week is taken from the Long Term Plan, the agreed focus, the previous week’s findings, the interests of the children and the next steps.
There are 4 key principles that underpin our practice:
We recognise that all children are different. We identify and celebrate their strengths and support their areas for development.
Our pupils interact well with each other and with the adults in the school. We encourage parents to be involved with their child’s education.
Our indoor and outdoor areas encourage exploration, investigation, and independent learning. Our displays and resources are well maintained and reflect current learning.
Pupils achieve well and make good progress from their starting points. Learning is playful, practical, and purposeful and builds upon prior attainment. Our children enjoy coming to school.
The 7 areas of learning and development are broken down into Prime and Specific areas. These are as follows;
Prime Areas
Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED)
Communication and Language (C&L)
Physical Development (PD)
Specific Areas
Literacy
Mathematics
Understanding the World (UW)
Expressive Arts and Design
We believe that these 7 areas are of equal importance and depend on each other to support a rounded approach to child development. However, emphasis is placed on the Prime Areas when children start in our Nursery to ensure they are personally and socially confident and comfortable to develop and grow in learning. We place high emphasis on developing Communication and Language skills right through the Foundation Stage.
In the Reception year, more emphasis can then be placed on developing reading, writing and mathematical understanding so that children are prepared for their next stages in learning into Key Stage 1.