Intent:

Within our Early Years Classroom the curriculum is designed to recognise children’s prior learning from previous settings and their experiences at home. We respect that children have different starting points and we strive to provide a nurturing environment for all. We do this through providing a range of child led, hands on learning opportunities. We believe that the ability to learn is underpinned by the teaching of basic skills, knowledge, concepts and values. As such we provide many first hand experiences to underpin the children’s knowledge, with the aim of broadening their understanding of the world around them. We believe that our first experiences of school should be happy and positive, enabling us to develop a lifelong love of learning. In order to provide this climate we use positive language to build a positive sense of self. We provide an environment which will enable children to trust in themselves and in their peers, building resilience, ambition and integrity.

Implementation:

Across our EYFS, we follow the Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage and the New Development Matters: Non Statutory Curriculum Guidance. This Framework and Guidance specifies the requirement for learning and development in the Early Years and provides prime and specific areas of learning to be covered in our curriculum.

Prime Areas: Communication and Language, Physical Development and Personal, Social and Emotional Development.

Specific Areas: Literacy , Mathematics , Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design.

During the Autumn term, children focus on the prime areas. These form the foundation of a child’s learning. Once the children are secure in these areas they will begin to work on the specific areas of learning. The children are encouraged to follow their personal interests and explore the world around them. We are pleased to be able to offer the children a wide range of activities to promote their love of learning. We have a dedicated time focusing on health and self-care. We share a range of healthy snacks every day and we learn about the importance of a healthy balanced diet. We discuss the impact this can have on our bodies. We plan a broad and balanced curriculum which provides children with a range of first-hand experiences and opportunities to get out into the local community.

Impact:

The impact of our curriculum is measured by assessment procedures which allow us to measure outcomes against all schools nationally. This begins with all children accessing the Early Years Baseline assessment within the first six weeks of their time at school. We measure the percentage of pupils achieving a ‘expected level of development’ by the end of the Reception year.

The impact of our curriculum will also, in fact, be measured by how effectively it helps our pupils develop into well rounded individuals who embody our values and carry with them the knowledge, skills and attitudes which will make them lifelong learners and valuable future citizens. We aim to instill a sense of awe and wonder into every child. Making them curious and inquisitive about the world in which they are living. We want our children to ask questions, to dream big and most of all, to recognise the potential within themselves. When children leave our Foundation Stage Class, we not only endeavour for them to be Year One ready, but well-rounded individuals with positive attitudes towards learning for life.