EYFS

The Early Years Foundation Stage

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to five years old. It is built around four key themes:

• A Unique Child – recognising that every child develops in different ways and at their own pace
• Positive Relationships – helping children to become strong and independent through warm, supportive relationships
• Enabling Environments – providing safe, stimulating spaces where children can explore and learn
• Learning and Development – understanding that children learn and develop in a variety of ways

How Children Learn

The EYFS is guided by the Characteristics of Effective Learning, which describe how children approach learning:

• Playing and exploring – finding out and trying new things

• Active learning – concentrating, keeping on trying, and enjoying achievement
• Creating and thinking critically – developing ideas, making links, and choosing ways to do things

Areas of Learning

The EYFS curriculum is made up of seven areas of learning and development.

Prime Areas:

Personal, Social and Emotional Development – building confidence, managing emotions and forming positive relationships

• Communication and Language – developing listening, attention, understanding and speaking skills
• Physical Development – strengthening coordination, control and movement, and learning how to stay healthy and active

Specific Areas:

• Literacy – developing early reading and writing skills through stories, sounds and mark-making

• Mathematics – developing a strong understanding of number and numerical patterns
• Understanding the World – learning about people and communities, the natural world, and how things change over time
• Expressive Arts and Design – exploring media, materials, music and movement to express ideas and creativity

Our Approach in Reception

In Reception, learning is carefully planned around children’s interests and developmental needs. We provide a balance of child-initiated play and adult-led activities to support independence, curiosity and confidence.

Children work towards the Early Learning Goals by the end of the EYFS. Ongoing assessment ensures teaching, activities and the learning environment are tailored to each child.

We believe children learn best in a safe, happy and stimulating environment where they feel valued and supported to reach their full potential.

Partnership with Parents and Carers

We value the essential role parents and carers play in children’s learning. Strong home–school partnerships help us support every child’s development and celebrate their achievements together.

Faith and Values

As a Catholic school, children in Reception also follow the Religious Education programme ‘To Know You More Clearly’, helping them to grow spiritually as well as academically and socially.