Early Years Foundation Stage
Our Curriculum
Our vision is that we provide a reading based curriculum that is ‘serious fun’. We aim to teach the children that although learning has to be taken seriously, the enjoyment comes from success in our endeavours.
In Early Years we have explored the same cognitive science research as KS1 and KS2 and this tells us lots of things that can help support even the youngest of our learners. For example:-
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learning is tricky and takes time;
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forgetting is a normal part of learning;
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learning new things is easier if we already know a little bit;
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knowing a little bit about a lot of things can help us to make sense of the world around us and ultimately what we read
We made use of these findings when we designed our curriculum to support the children to know more and remember more over time.
As we have a mixed nursery, foundation stage class, our curriculum is split into year A and year B.
2023-24 will follow year B.
Communication and Language
Communication and language is one of the prime areas of learning and covers listening, attention and understanding, as well as speaking. The children are encouraged to listen attentively, hold back and forth conversations, offer explanations and take part in nursery rhymes, action songs and role play.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
As a prime area of learning this covers self-regulation, managing self and building relationships. In this area children are exploring the skills of independent dressing, toileting, building relationships with peers, adults and beginning to develop sensitivity towards the needs of others.
Physical Development
In this prime area of development the children will explore the fundamental skills of running, jumping, dancing, hopping, skipping and climbing. They will also learn how to hold a pencil correctly for fluent writing and to use a range of small tools e.g. scissors, paint brushes and cutlery.
Literacy
This area of learning covers comprehension, word reading and writing. We aim to give the children a deep knowledge of phonics - using the Phonics International Scheme- that will allow them to read words and sentences consistent with their phonic knowledge. In writing we aim to give children the opportunity to learn to write correctly formed letters, words and sentences consistent with their phonic knowledge. The reading rich curriculum also gives children ample opportunity to hear a wide variety of stories, non-fiction texts, rhymes, poems and action songs. From these texts the children learn to retell stories and experience new vocabulary.
Mathematics
In this area of learning we follow the NCETM mathematics mastery scheme and all children are encouraged to develop a deep understanding of number to 10, to subitise, to recall number facts including odds and evens, as well as to identify number patterns and simple 2d shapes.
Understanding the World
We aim to give the children an understanding of the world around them through exploration of their local environment, planting and cultivation of our vegetable garden. Through observational drawings, the children learn about processes and changes in the natural world as well as change over time. Stories provide a window into different races and cultures. The use of maps, non-fiction texts and field trips allow the children to explore their local environment.
Expressive Arts and Design
In this area of learning the children will be given many opportunities to learn and perform a wide variety of nursery rhymes, songs and poems. The children will learn how to retell known stories and rhymes using toys and props within the setting. Our art and design area aims to allow the children to safely use and explore a wide variety of materials, tools and techniques. Through exploration the children will experiment with colour, form, texture and function. The children are encouraged to share their creations and explain the processes they have used.