The Early Years Foundation Stage
The EYFS is the curriculum for 5 year olds and under.
In the Foundation Stage, staff work collaboratively to ensure that all children are provided with equal opportunities to learn and thrive. Daily phonics sessions are delivered and adapted to meet the individual needs of pupils where necessary. Children’s learning is further supported through a themed, cross-curricular approach, which follows a clear learning journey aligned with the wider school curriculum. This thoughtful planning process enables us to meet the needs of every child and support their development at an appropriate and engaging level.
There are three prime areas of learning:
Communication and Language
This includes:
- Speaking
- Listening
- Understanding
Physical Development
This includes:
- Gross and fine motor skills
- Using malleable materials
- Mark making
- Putting on shoes and coats
- PE (which includes being able to get themselves changed)
- Dance
- Outdoor play
- Pencil control
Personal Social and Emotional Development
This includes:
- Making friends
- Learning rules
- Learning daily routines
- Learning about and respecting other cultures
- Understanding boundaries
- Making relationships with adults
The prime areas run alongside all learning.
There are also four specific areas of learning:
Literacy
This includes:
- Phonics
- Reading
- Writing
Mathematics
This includes:
- Counting
- Understanding numbers
- Calculation
- Shape
- Pattern
- Problem solving
- Measuring
Understanding of the World
This includes:
- Exploring
- Investigating
- Learning about other cultures, places, things that happened in the past and living things
- ICT
- Constructing
- Educational visits
- Outdoor area
Expressive Art and Design
This includes:
- Role play
- Art
- Painting
- Drawing
- Dance
- Music
- Singing
- Story
- Imagination
All areas of learning are reflected during inside and outside activities.
The children are assessed against an early learning goal in each of these areas throughout the year.