All Saints’ Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Reception Staff Miss Finley, Mrs Bridgewater & Miss Anderson
The Early Years Foundation Stage at All Saints’ primary school is formed from our Nursery and two Reception classes. Although separate classes, there are many opportunities throughout the day for children to work and play together, and the staff team work to ensure that children’s early years experiences are happy, active, safe and challenging and that children leave the EYFS well prepared for the next stage in their learning journey.
Our Curriculum
Children in the EYFS learn skills, acquire new knowledge and demonstrate their understanding through 7 areas of learning and development. These areas are organised into two areas: prime and specific.
The 3 prime areas are:
- Communication and language; developing children’s listening and attention, understanding and speaking skills.
- Physical development; developing gross and fine motor skills and helping children become confident early writers.
- Personal, social and emotional development: fostering children’s confidence, independence and social skills with peers and adults.
As children grow and move through the EYFS, the prime areas will help them to develop skills in 4 specific areas. These are:
- Literacy: reading and writing. Phonics is taught daily in the EYFS, following the Read Write Inc Programme and children have regular opportunities to listen to stories and read one: one with an adult. Children learn to write their names and start to read and write simple words and sentences in Reception class. In Reception, children begin to take home story books, moving on to simple reading books from the Read Write Inc programme Programme. In Nursery, parents are encouraged to share a story sack each week with their children at home, which is provided. This includes puppets, props and ideas for questioning for the children to bring the story alive.
- Mathematics; number and shape, space and measure. Children enjoy taking part in hands-on, practical activities which prepare them for the next stage in their learning.
- Understanding the world; people and communities, the world and technology. Children learn tolerance and respect for others and start to develop their understanding of the differences and similarities between themselves and others. Children acquire simple skills in using technology.
- Expressive arts and design; exploring and using media and materials and being imaginative. Children take part in a range of art activities and enjoy making models and representing their experiences through a variety of different media. Children enjoy role play and music and movement opportunities.
These 7 areas are used to plan children’s teaching and learning and activities. The EYFS staff make careful observations of children’s learning which are recorded on an interactive learning diary called Tapestry. Parents are also encouraged to contribute to this to build a picture of what children know and can do. The staff team use this information to support your child to make sure that the activities are suited to your child’s unique needs.
Our EYFS vision
The Early Years Foundation Stage is a very exciting time for both parents and children. All Saints’ children are offered the very best start to their education by being provided with rich opportunities and experiences. Our curriculum is based on the framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage as mentioned and we deliver this through a mixture of structured and unstructured activities, both adult led and child initiated. We adopt a play-based approach, ensuring play is planned for and purposeful to the children’s development. The curriculum is organised in a way which meets each child's individual needs, interests and fascinations, often resulting in staff planning 'in the moment' rather than through a 'one size fits all' plan.
Throughout the year, the children will have fun, make friends, learn and develop at a pace matched to each child's stage of development. We work hard to foster positive relationships with parents and value just how important these partnerships are. Right from the start, we endeavour to ensure that caring, nurturing and warm relationships are developed between all members of staff and the children in our care. We promote calm, positive interactions with all children in order to enable them to quickly grow in confidence and independence.
We encourage children to take risks, be curious and explore. We want them to become resilient individuals who are able to problem solve and persevere with tasks even when they find them a challenge. By doing this, we can rest assured that each child will be equipped with the skills to be a life-long, independent and effective learner.
What can you do to support your child’s development?
Children learn a great deal from their parents and teachers. Home and school are the two most powerful influences on your child and they should be seen to be always working together.
Attend meetings when requested
Help with homework and read at home daily
Attend parental workshops and school events throughout the year.
Please ensure if your contact details change, you let the school office know as soon as possible
The school website is updated regularly with school information, class information, photographs, videos etc and we will also contact you via letters/text messages so please stay updated.
We are really enjoying getting to know you and your children this year and we hope you are excited too!
Take a Tour around our Virtual Classroom
https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=utD67tLhFu
