The Early Years Foundation Stage

The Early Years Foundation Stage
Our curriculum is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). We place a strong emphasis on children developing the characteristic of effective learning as this cultivates children’s ability to be learners. The characteristics of effective learning are playing and exploring; active learning and creating and thinking critically.

Playing and Exploring
We encourage the children to be curious and want to find out about the world around them, to have a go at new experiences and to engage in imaginative play.
Active learning
We help the children to develop their concentration so they will focus on an activity for a length of time that is appropriate to their age. We help the children to develop persistence, to keep on trying and to be proud of what they achieve.
Creating and Thinking Critically
Over time we help the children to develop their thinking skills, to celebrate their ideas and to find different ways to solve problems.

The EYFS is split into 7 areas of learning
The Prime Areas Personal, social and emotional development Making relationships
Self-confidence and self-awareness
Managing feeling and behaviour
Communication and language Listening and Attention
Understanding
Speaking
Physical development Moving and handling
Health and self-care

The Specific Areas Literacy Reading
Writing
Mathematics Numbers
Shape, space and measures
Understanding the world People and communities
The world
Technology
Expressive arts and design Exploring and using media and materials
Being imaginative

We always focus on the prime areas of learning first, as research shows these are the essential building blocks of future attainment – children need to be able to listen and communicate, paying attention to the people around them, and be able to handle pencils and IT equipment to learn the skills for reading, writing and number work.

Practitioners plan experiences and challenges based on children’s individual interests and fascinations such as vehicles, nature or things that spin around. All the children’s learning is very practical and playful.