Children in our two Reception classes follow the ‘Early Years Foundation Stage’ (EYFS) curriculum.  Good communication with our feeder nurseries enables us to provide a welcoming and safe environment for children on entry to Reception. We pride ourselves on the positive relationships we have formed with our feeder nurseries. In the summer term, we aim to meet our new children and always ensure we hold valuable transition conversations with key members of staff.

EYFS planning provides a broad and ambitious curriculum, accessible by all children. Activities are carefully planned, to support all children to make their next steps by building on their existing skills and knowledge. Following children’s interests, we are able to ensure activities are motivating for them.

Our expectations are high and we give our children the tools to develop as independent learners and to instil a lifelong appreciation of the awe and wonder of learning independently.

There are seven areas of learning and development that shape educational programmes in our early years setting. All areas of learning and development are important and inter-connected. Three areas are particularly crucial for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, and for building their capacity to learn, form relationships and thrive. These three areas, the prime areas, are:

• communication and language
• physical development
• personal, social and emotional development

We also support children in four specific areas, through which the three prime areas are strengthened and applied. The specific areas are:

• literacy
• mathematics
• understanding the world
• expressive arts and design

Educational activities and experiences for children are planned to support learning in the following areas:

Communication and language development involves giving children opportunities to experience a rich language environment; to develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves; and to speak and listen in a range of situations.

Physical development involves providing opportunities for young children to be active and interactive; and to develop their co-ordination, control, and movement. Children must also be helped to understand the importance of physical activity, and to make healthy choices in relation to food.      

Personal, social and emotional development involves helping children to develop a positive sense of themselves, and others; to form positive relationships and develop respect for others; to develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings; to understand appropriate behaviour in groups; and to have confidence in their own abilities.

Literacy development is delivered through Bug Club, an approved synthetic systematic phonics programme. This encourages children to link sounds and letters and to begin to read and write. Children must be given access to a wide range of reading materials (books, poems, and other written materials) to ignite their interest.

Mathematics involves providing children with opportunities to develop and improve their skills in counting, understanding and using numbers, calculating simple addition and subtraction problems. Children develop a deep understanding of number, to set the foundation for future mathematical learning.

Understanding the world involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places and the environment. We also explore changes by comparing past and present.

Expressive arts and design involves enabling children to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials, as well as providing opportunities and encouragement for sharing their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of activities in art, music, movement, dance, role-play, and design.