EYFS
Intent:
Our curriculum is carefully planned to provide a broad and balanced Early Years education which meets the needs of all pupils, regardless of their starting point. It enables our children to gain confidence and independence, to build social skills and to broaden their knowledge and understanding of the world around them. All children in EYFS will develop physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively whilst also developing a love of learning. Children will have the opportunity to learn in all areas of the Early Years classroom, both inside and outside all whilst gaining important skills needed for the next step in the learning journey.
The EYFS curriculum is split into 7 areas of learning which fall into two main categories, the prime areas and the specific areas. The prime areas underpin the specific areas whilst together they help children to be ready for the next stage of their development.
The Prime Areas:
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Communication and Language
- Physical Development
The Specific Areas:
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts and Design
We aim to fulfil all areas of learning by providing a curriculum that is coherently planned and sequenced to support children’s transition into school and then on into Year 1.
Implement:
Our curriculum is split into different themes throughout the year which we are constantly developing based on the children that we have. They change regularly and help children to build upon their prior knowledge and to make links across the year. There is also room for flexibility within our themes so that we can take on board the interests and ideas of the children.
In Literacy we use a bank of core texts as a basis for our planning and many of these texts link in with our current themes. We find that making links between different areas of the curriculum engages the children and helps them to develop an interest in their learning.
Phonics is taught daily using the Bug Club phonics program and new sounds are introduced regularly whilst also allowing time for children to practise and apply their prior learning. Phonics activities also form a part of our literacy lessons as well as featuring in our continuous provision. Children are provided with regular opportunities throughout the week to practise and apply their phonic knowledge.
In Maths we follow the White Rose Maths scheme of learning in line with the rest of the school. Our daily Maths sessions are carefully planned to allow for practical experiences throughout the different phases of learning, children use concrete resources and are given opportunities to learn new skills whilst also building on their prior learning.
We share the children’s leaning regularly with parents through weekly diary notes, newsletters, and regular stay and play sessions where parents can join in with their child’s learning. Parents are also invited in for workshops which relate to Phonics and Maths, this gives them the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills of how they can support their children at home.
Impact:
By the end of Reception all children will have made significant progress in each area of learning. A high percentage of children will have achieved a good level of development in both the prime and specific areas and above all children will have developed a love of learning. Positive relationships will be built between school and home, helping parents to have the confidence to support their children with their learning. Children will leave Reception as well-rounded individuals who are ready to progress into Year 1.
