EYFS

Our aim

In our Nursery and Reception classes, we provide a warm, safe and stimulating environment where children feel they belong, thrive and achieve. We follow the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework for children from birth to 5.

What is the EYFS?

• The EYFS sets standards for learning, development and care from birth to 5.

• It includes learning and development requirements (areas of learning and educational programmes).

• It sets assessment expectations, including ongoing assessment and end-of-year reporting in Reception.

• It includes safeguarding and welfare requirements to keep children healthy and safe.

What children learn: 7 areas of learning

The EYFS curriculum is organised into 7 areas of learning. The prime areas are the foundations for learning; the specific areas build on these foundations.

Prime areas (the foundations)

• Communication and Language

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED)

• Physical Development

Specific areas (built on the foundations)

• Literacy

• Mathematics

• Understanding the World

• Expressive Arts and Design

How children learn in early years (our approach)

Children learn best through meaningful play, rich talk and expert teaching. We balance child-initiated learning with short, purposeful adult-guided teaching, and we use daily routines as powerful learning opportunities.

What this looks like day-to-day

• Language-rich classrooms: stories, songs, rhymes, talk and vocabulary building throughout the day.

• Purposeful continuous provision: carefully chosen resources that invite exploration, creativity and problem-solving.

• High-quality interactions: adults model language, extend thinking and support children to persevere.

• Outdoor learning every day: physical development, collaboration, curiosity and wellbeing.

• Positive routines: supporting independence, self-regulation and positive behaviour.

Assessment and progress (Nursery & Reception)

Assessment in EYFS is based mainly on observation and professional knowledge of children’s learning. It is used to inform teaching and provide the right support at the right time.

• Ongoing assessment: noticing what children know, can do and understand.

• Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA): completed at the start of Reception.

• Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (EYFSP): completed at the end of Reception and shared with parents/carers.

Supporting every child (Inclusion and SEND)

We are committed to inclusive practice. We identify barriers early, adapt provision and work closely with families and professionals so that every child can participate and make progress.

• Skilled adaptations in the environment, routines and interactions.

• Targeted support when children need extra help.

• Partnership working with parents/carers and outside agencies where appropriate.

Safeguarding, welfare and wellbeing

Children’s safety and wellbeing are our highest priorities. We follow the EYFS safeguarding and welfare requirements and our school safeguarding policies.

• Safer recruitment, training and a strong safeguarding culture.

• Clear routines and supervision indoors and outdoors.

• Support for children’s emotional wellbeing and positive relationships.

Statutory alignment 

Our EYFS provision is designed to meet statutory requirements and reflects current Early Years requirements

• Curriculum and teaching: a clear, sequenced curriculum implemented through high-quality interactions and purposeful experiences.

• Achievement: children build knowledge and skills over time, particularly through the prime areas.

• Inclusion: removing barriers so all children can belong and thrive.

• Behaviour, attitudes and routines: calm, consistent routines that support independence and self-regulation.

• Children’s welfare and well-being: safety, health, relationships and emotional security.

• Leadership and governance: continuous improvement and reflective practice.

Working in partnership with families

We work closely with families, because children learn best when home and school work together. We share learning, routines and next steps, and we welcome parents/carers into school life.