How we teach in EYFS
We strive to provide a stimulating and challenging learning environment where children feel secure, are valued as individuals and are excited to learn and explore the world around them. Children form relationships with new friends, experience fun and laughter, and bond with key adults who will support them throughout their time in the EYFS. The welfare, individual needs and interests of pupils are carefully considered by adults, enabling children to access activities that engage and challenge them. We work alongside the important people in children’s lives and the wider community to support them to achieve their full potential. Children have opportunities and support to achieve specific learning goals, with the aim that no child is left behind.
Enjoyment, connection and meaning underpin quality learning experiences, and therefore play is an essential vehicle for learning in the EYFS. Children’ natural creativity and curiosity are nurtured through the use of open-ended, authentic and natural resources, enabling them to make links with their own experiences and learn about the world. Many resources can be explored endlessly and can expand children’s vocabulary and understanding of many concepts. Well-planned provision is considered to be children’s ‘third teacher’ and children learn different skills from having access to indoor and outdoor environments, as well as working within the school grounds and beyond the setting.
The Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage
We adhere to the Statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage and the four guiding principles that shape practice within Early Years settings:
Every child is a unique child, who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured;
- Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships;
- Children learn and develop well in enabling environments with teaching and support from adults, who respond to their individual interests and needs and help them to build their learning over time. Children benefit from a strong partnership between practitioners and parents and/or carers.
- The importance of learning and development. Children develop and learn at different rates.
We plan the curriculum around the seven areas of learning for the Early Years Foundation Stage:
The Prime Areas:
- Communication and Language
- Physical Development
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
The Specific Areas:
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts and Design
Each area of learning and development is implemented through planned, purposeful play-based activities and curriculum content is developed and supported by the school’s curriculum leaders.
