Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Nursery and Reception
Our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides a high-quality start to education in a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment. We welcome children from three years of age and place children’s well-being, curiosity, confidence, independence and love of learning at the heart of everything we do.
Our EYFS curriculum is ambitious, inclusive and carefully designed to give every child the best possible start to their educational journey.
Our EYFS Curriculum
Our curriculum is based on the EYFS Statutory Framework and reflects our high expectations for all children.
The curriculum is designed to:
- Build knowledge and skills progressively over time
- Secure strong foundations in communication, personal development and physical development
- Enable children to remember more and apply what they have learned
Children learn through a carefully balanced approach that combines:
- High-quality adult-led teaching
- Purposeful play and child-initiated learning
- Rich indoor and outdoor learning experiences
Our staff carefully plan experiences that are engaging, challenging and responsive to children’s interests, while also supporting the development of key skills and knowledge.
Outdoor learning is a key strength of our EYFS provision. We are proud to offer large, dedicated outdoor learning environments, including a separate outdoor area for Nursery children and a distinct outdoor space for Reception children.
Children access the outdoors regularly throughout the year, enabling them to explore, investigate, take risks and develop physical confidence while learning across all areas of the curriculum.
Areas of Learning and Development
Learning in EYFS is organised into seven interconnected areas.
The Three Prime Areas
These areas are fundamental and underpin all learning:
- Communication and Language – developing listening, attention, understanding and speaking
- Physical Development – developing movement, coordination, strength and healthy habits
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development – building confidence, self-awareness, relationships and emotional regulation
The Four Specific Areas
These areas help children to develop essential skills and knowledge:
- Literacy – reading and writing, including phonics and comprehension
- Mathematics – number, numerical patterns, shape, space and measures
- Understanding the World – learning about people, communities, the natural world and technology
- Expressive Arts and Design – exploring creativity, art, music, movement and imaginative play
Assessment
Assessment in EYFS is ongoing and purposeful. Staff observe children regularly to understand what they know, can do and remember, using this information to plan next steps and ensure progress.
At the end of Reception, children are assessed against the Early Learning Goals, which describe the expected level of development by the end of the EYFS.
Partnerships with parents
Strong partnerships with parents and carers are central to our success. We value open communication and work closely with families to support children’s learning and development both at home and at school.
Inclusion and Support
We believe every child is unique. Our EYFS curriculum is inclusive and accessible to all learners. We work closely with parents, carers and external professionals to ensure children with additional needs are supported and able to thrive.
