Overview of EYFS Framework

EYFS CURRICULUM
 
The school follows the Early Years Statutory Framework, 2021.
 
The curriculum for the Early Years Foundation Stage is made up of six areas of learning and development. All areas are connected and equally important. All areas will delivered through planned, purposeful play with a balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities. They make up the skills, knowledge and experiences that young children should acquire by the end of Reception.
 

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Children will be provided with experiences and support which will help them to develop a positive sense of themselves and of others; respect for others; social skills; and a positive disposition to learn. We will support children’s emotional well-being and help them to know themselves and what they can do. We spend a lot of time encouraging and promoting independence within the classroom and around the school. We also promote self control by helping the children to develop a growing understanding of what is right and wrong and why, together with learning about the impact of their words and actions on themselves and others.

 

Communication and Language

CL is made up of a variety of aspects including Language for Communication, Language for Thinking, Linking Sounds and Letters, Reading, writing and Handwriting.
We will support all children as they become competent communicators, this will develop as children interact with others, listen to and use language, extend their vocabulary and experience stories, rhymes, songs and poems. The children will also be encouraged to use talk to clarify their thinking and ideas as well as events they have observed or are curious about. Phonics is a part of CL where we help children to link sounds and letters and be able to understand the link between spoken and written sounds and learn to link sounds and letters to read and write simple words by sounding out and blending. In writing and handwriting, we initially encourage children to ‘make marks’ and talk about their ‘writing’, ascribing meanings to marks. As they become more knowledgeable about linking sounds and letters they will start to form recognisable letters and words. Reading in reception is about children understanding and enjoying stories, books and rhymes, knowing that print carries meaning whether in fiction or non-fiction texts.

 

Physical Development

Opportunities will be provided for the children to be active to improve their skills of co-ordination, control, manipulation and movement. They will learn to move with confidence, imagination and safety, with an awareness of space, themselves and others. They will develop an understanding of the importance of keeping healthy.

 

Mathematics

We teach mathematics using 'White Rose Maths' and 'NECTM Maths Mastery'. Children use numbers and counting in their play and progress to using numbers reliably in a variety of contexts. We will help the children become aware of the relationship between numbers and amounts and know that numbers can be ‘added together’ and can be separated by ‘taking away’ and that amounts can be compared. They will develop appropriate mathematical vocabulary which they will use when developing their mathematical ideas and solving problems.

 

Understanding of the World

We will support the children as they develop knowledge, skills and understanding that will help them make sense of the world. There three aspects within this area: Past and Present, People, Culture and Communities, The Natural World. They will be offered a variety of opportunities to use a range of tools safely; encounter creatures, plants, people, plants and objects in their natural environments and real life situations; undertake practical ‘experiments’; and work with a range of materials.

 

Expressive Arts and Design

In order to develop the children’s creative development we will support their curiosity, exploration and play. They will explore and share their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of art, music, movement, dance, imaginative play and role play activities and design and technology.

 

Characteristics of Effective Learning
The Early Years Foundation Stage has always highlighted the important how children learn as well as what children learn.  The Tickell Review in 2011 pledged to strengthen the important of how children learn as fundamental to effective practice and Play and Exploration, Active Learning and Creativity and Critical Thinking have been strongly recognised as 'The Characteristics of Effective Learning'.  
To find out more information about 'The Characteristics of Effective Learning' please click the following link: The Characteristics of Effective Learning; Effective Practice in the Early Years Foundation Stage: An Essential Guide