What is the Early Years Foundation Stage?
In EYFS, we strongly believe in the importance of practical, child-led learning, enabling children to investigate the world around them, ask questions and being there to help them to extend their skills, knowledge and understanding. We would like a child’s early experience of school to be that of joy, excitement and positive memories, the time that initiated a love of stories, early maths skills and pleasure of celebrating their individual achievements.
At our school the EYFS continues from their time at their Nursery and now continues until the end of their time in Reception, Oak Tree Class. The EYFS is a framework for child development from birth to the end of Reception Year of primary school. There are seven themes within the EYFS framework.
These seven themes are used to underpin the learning and development that your child will experience during their time in the EYFS. Children learn in many different ways: watching others, talking, asking questions, listening, exploring and investigating.
Development matters
Development matters is the tool we use to plan and assess in Early Years.
Please feel free to explore this document. (Development Matters 2021 document)
The Importance of Play
Play underpins the EYFS. It also underpins learning and all aspects of children’s development. Through play, children develop language skills, their emotions and creativity, social and intellectual skills. For most children their play is natural and spontaneous although some children may need extra help from adults. Play takes place indoors and outdoors and it is in these different environments that children explore and discover their immediate world. Play is also a memorable activity. Children’s memories are still developing as they grow and learn a massive amount of new information every day. Play in the Early Years Foundation Stage gives children a chance to use all their senses and more of their brain to engage with this new idea. Plus, it gives children a chance to explore brand-new topics and ideas in their own way. The interactive nature of play gives them a deeper understanding of what they are learning. And as more senses are used, their brains are working harder and build more and more pathways. These pathways help to create memories and the more children use them, the stronger those memories are
Our Classroom Environment
In our classroom environment, both inside and outside, we have lots of fun activities. These activities cover all areas of the EYFS curriculum.
We complete these independently and we call this busy learning!
EYFS Long Term Plan 2023-2024
Please see below for Reception’s long term plan. Feel free to explore this document
Curriculum Maps
Take a look at our half termly curriculum maps to see the key skills we are learning…
Our topic is……
Being an Explorer
The EYFS recognises the importance of parents and carers working in partnership with the school to support their child’s learning. The most important way you can help your child is by talking, listening, playing and just having fun with them.
Phonics.
We teach Phonics in Reception from September. We follow the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Phonics programme.
If you would like any support with Phonics please let us know.
