Early Years Curriculum

Ofsted has graded our EYFS curriculum as GOOD. This is a judgement on the hard work that has gone into Pixie class in the last few years from the staff. Comments such as;

'Reception children develop positive attitudes to learning. They are curious and able to concentrate for sustained periods of time. Adults skilfully extend children’s learning through thoughtful questioning, encouraging children to think deeply as they play. The impact of this was seen in the outdoor area as children counted boys and girls and then created charts to record their counting. They also enjoyed using the ‘building-site’ role-play area.'

'Children have a positive start to their education in early years because they are taught effectively by well-trained and enthusiastic staff. Activities are carefully planned to meet children's specific needs and ignite their interest.'

'The early years team are ambitious for all children to achieve well and be happy.'

Show our vision for all of our children and led to 'in 2018, the proportion of children achieving a good level of development at the end of their Reception Year was above that seen nationally.'

What is EYFS?

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is how the Government and early years professionals describe the time in your child’s life between birth and the age of 5. This is a very important stage, as it helps your child get ready for school, as well as preparing them for their future learning and successes.

From when your child is born up until the age of 5, their early years experience should be happy, active, exciting, fun and secure and support their development, care and learning needs.

Nurseries, pre-schools, school reception classes and childminders registered to deliver the EYFS must follow a legal document called the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework.

The EYFS Framework exists to support all professionals working in early years to help your child, and was developed with a number of early years experts and parents. In 2012, the framework was revised to make it clearer and easier to use, with more focus on the things that matter most. This new framework also has a greater emphasis on your role in helping your child develop.

The EYFS Framework explains how and what your child will be learning to support their healthy development. Your child will be learning skills, acquiring new knowledge and demonstrating their understanding through seven areas of learning and development.

Children should mostly develop the three prime areas first. These are:

Communication and language

Physical development

Personal, social and emotional development

These prime areas are those most essential for your child’s healthy development and future learning.

As children grow, the prime areas will help them to develop skills in four specific areas. These are:

Literacy

Mathematics

Understanding the world

Expressive arts and design

These seven areas are used to plan your child’s learning and activities. The professionals teaching and supporting your child will make sure that the activities are suited to your child’s unique needs. This is a little bit like the curriculum in primary and secondary schools, but it is suitable for very young children, and is designed to be really flexible so that staff can follow your child’s unique needs and interests. Through the EYFS, children learn by playing and exploring, being active, and through creative and critical thinking, which takes place both indoors and outside.

To read more about the EYFS, please visit www.foundationyears.org.uk.