Our Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum

1. Our Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum

2. Seven Areas of Learningand Development Prime Areas: • Communication and Language • Physical Development • Personal, Social and Emotional Development Specific Areas: • Literacy • Mathematics • Understanding the World • Expressive Arts and Design

3. We believe every child is unique and provide a safe and stimulating environment in which each child can develop, grow and discover their strengths and interests. • Our classrooms, inside and outside, provide many opportunities for the children to practise the skills they learn in all areas of learning and development. • Children are encouraged to learn through play and through meaningful and exciting activities.

4. Areas inside and outside the classroom • Book areas • Writing table/resources • Construction/building area • Creative area • Investigation and exploration area • Sand/Water play area • Role Play area • Computer table • Maths table/resources • Small world activities • Log and climbing area • Texture kitchen • Garden/growing area

5. Early Learning Goals We carefully plan the curriculum, using the Development Matters document as guidance, to ensure every child’s needs are met, appropriate to their stage of development. Each area of learning and development contains its own early learning goals (you will find these in our curriculum booklet on our website). The children are observed and assessed throughout the year and supported so that they move towards achieving the early learning goals. Our classrooms are organised so that the children have many opportunities to show us their skills and achievements. We provide a balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities. Children are encouraged to work independently and initiate their own ideas, developing their knowledge, skills and understanding in each area.

9. Here are a few examples of learning taking place in different areas of the curriculum. Children are confident to try out new activities. They are confident to speak in a familiar group. They use simple tools and techniques competently and appropriately. They select appropriate resources and adapt their work where necessary. Children play co-operatively, taking turns with others.

10. Communication and Language and Literacy They link sounds to letters, naming and sounding letters of the alphabet. Children read words and simple sentences. They write their own name and other things such as labels and captions.

11. Literacy – Writing Children use some clearly identifiable letters to communicate meaning, representing some sounds correctly and in sequence. They attempt to write short sentences in meaningful contexts. They use their phonic knowledge to write words in ways which match their spoken sounds. Literacy – Reading Children enjoy an increasing range of books. Children begin to read and understand simple sentences.

12. Mathematics They use mathematical names for 3D and 2D shapes and mathematical terms to describe shapes. Children recognise, create and describe patterns. They recognise numerals. They find the total number of items in two groups by counting all of them. Children count reliably with numbers from 1 to 20. They use familiar objects and common shapes to create and recreate patterns and build models.

13. Points to remember! • Check the school website and find our curriculum booklet, tips for supporting your child at home, information and updates. • Working in partnership and ‘wow’ moments at home! • The prime areas. • Focus on playing games, reading and talking to children. • Savour and enjoy the moments!!!