Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum
Our Early Years Curriculum provides pupils with the opportunities to develop through child-initiated learning activities which are initially planned by the class teacher, Miss Horness. Miss Horness and pupils are supported by a full-time teaching assistant, Mrs Ham. As a team they work closely together to plan, monitor, assess and develop engaging areas of learning in which pupils progress at their own pace. Recently, the outdoor area has been updated with equipment and resources.
Children spend their first year of school in The Foundation Stage which makes a crucial contribution to children's early development and learning. We provide children with a stimulating environment and a range of exciting teaching and learning experiences that are appropriate to their needs. The Foundation Stage develops key skills such as speaking and listening, concentrating, perseverance and working with others through a play based curriculum.
During this time their curriculum is organised into seven areas of learning, split into Prime and Specific areas which lay secure foundations for their future here at Cowbit St Mary’s. We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework and refer to the Development Matters document.
The three Prime areas of learning are:
- Communication and Language;
- Physical Development;
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development.
The Specific areas of learning include essential skills and knowledge that children need to acquire in order to participate successfully in society.
The four Specific areas of learning are:
- Literacy;
- Mathematics;
- Understanding the World;
- Expressive Arts and Design.
The Foundation Stage curriculum also includes three Characteristics of Effective Learning which refer to how children learn. They underpin learning and development and support the child to remain an effective and motivated learner. These are considered carefully when setting up our learning environment and planning activities for the children.
The three Characteristics of Effective Learning are:
- Playing and exploring - investigating and exploring things, 'having a go';
- Active learning - concentration and perseverance leading to being proud of achievements;
- Creating and thinking critically - developing their own ideas, making links between ideas and developing strategies for doing things.
The outdoor environment is an integral part of the Foundation Stage curriculum; it is planned for, used and thoroughly enjoyed as much as possible.
Miss Horness and Mrs Ham carry out observations every day. This allows us to carefully track children's abilities and interests in order to ensure that our provision is appropriately challenging and engaging. Children's profiles/learning journey books are always available for parents/carers to view and discuss. Parents/carers are encouraged to contribute to these profiles/ learning journey books.
More information: Parent guide for EYFS: