EYFS

Early Years Foundation Stage

In our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), we believe that every child deserves an exciting, nurturing start to their education. We aim to foster curiosity, independence and a love of learning, helping children to grow in confidence as they take their first steps on a lifelong learning journey. Through high-quality teaching, enriching experiences and supportive relationships, we provide children with the foundations they need to flourish both now and in the future.

Our EYFS Curriculum

The Early Years curriculum is built around the seven areas of learning and development, which work together to support children's growth and achievement.

Prime Areas

These areas provide the essential foundations for learning, relationships and development:

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Communication and Language
• Physical Development

Specific Areas

These areas build upon and strengthen the prime areas:

• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Arts and Design

We are committed to providing an ambitious and engaging curriculum that enables every child to thrive. Knowledge, skills and understanding are thoughtfully planned and sequenced to ensure clear progression and meaningful learning opportunities throughout the year. Learning experiences are planned to build upon prior understanding, enabling children to make strong progress towards the Early Learning Goals by the end of Reception while establishing secure foundations for future learning.

Our curriculum celebrates the diversity of our school community and helps children develop an understanding of the world around them. We value the experiences, cultures and backgrounds that families bring and work closely with parents and carers to create strong partnerships that support children's learning. Through our curriculum, children develop a sense of belonging within their local community while gaining an awareness of the wider world.

Alongside academic development, we place great value on the Characteristics of Effective Learning. These underpin how children engage with their environment, explore new ideas, solve problems and develop resilience. Through play, exploration and meaningful learning experiences, children learn how to become confident and capable learners.

We recognise that children learn best when their interests and experiences are valued. As a result, our curriculum remains responsive to the needs, strengths and fascinations of each cohort. By capturing children's natural curiosity, we aim to inspire enthusiasm, creativity and a lasting passion for learning.

We offer a themed based approach to our curriculum. These themes have been carefully selected to provide the children with broad, rich and meaningful learning opportunities.

In Nursery our broad themes are:

• Nursery Rhymes
• Food
• People who Help Us
• Traditional Tales
• Minibeasts
• Journeys and Transport

In Reception our broad themes are:

• I am special, I am me!
• Night and Day
• Modern Tales
• Traditional Tales with a twist
• In the Garden
• The Farm

Each theme begins with an exciting launch activity (Wow Starter) designed to spark children's interest and curiosity. Themes conclude with a celebration of learning (Fantastic Finsih), giving children opportunities to share their achievements and reflect on what they have discovered.

Throughout the year, a range of enrichment experiences enhances children's learning and helps bring the curriculum to life. These might include visits, visitors, animal encounters, life-cycle projects and hands-on experiences that create memorable learning opportunities.

Learning Environment and Provision

We provide a carefully planned environment that encourages exploration, creativity and independence. Children learn through a balance of child-initiated play, adult-guided activities and direct teaching, all supported by skilled practitioners who nurture, challenge and extend learning.

Our environments are language-rich and designed to promote communication, critical thinking and problem-solving. Adults play an active role in modelling language, extending children's thinking and supporting them to take the next steps in their learning.

We believe that first-hand experiences are essential for young children. Opportunities to investigate, create, collaborate and take appropriate risks help children develop confidence, resilience and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Indoor Learning Environment

Our indoor provision includes a variety of carefully planned areas which support all aspects of learning and development, including:

• Reading and Story Areas
• Small World and Imaginative Play
• Construction and Block Play
• Role Play and Home Corner
• Creative Arts
• Mark-Making and Early Writing
• Malleable Materials
• Investigation and Discovery Areas

These spaces are designed to encourage independence, communication, creativity and sustained engagement in learning.

Outdoor Learning Environment

Outdoor learning is a valued and integral part of our EYFS provision. Our outdoor spaces provide children with daily opportunities to explore, investigate, create and challenge themselves in a stimulating natural environment.

We encourage children to develop a sense of wonder, take managed risks, solve problems and engage in imaginative play while benefiting from fresh air and physical activity. Children have access to outdoor learning throughout the day and in a range of weather conditions, helping them develop confidence, resilience and a connection with the natural world.

Outdoor learning opportunities include:

• Water Exploration
• Loose Parts Play
• Mud Kitchen
• Climbing
• Investigation and Discovery Activities

By combining high-quality indoor and outdoor learning experiences, we create an environment where children can thrive, develop independence and build the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed for future success.