Intent:

Our Foundation Stage intent is:

• To create a happy, safe and nurturing environment where the children develop their independence as learners.
• To provide a curriculum which excites and motivates the children to love learning.
• To create an environment where children develop resilience, friendships and positive relationships.
• Prepare the children for the next stage in their school life.

Overarching principles in the EYFS:

There are four guiding principles that shape our practice in the Early Years. These are:

Implementation:

Across the EYFS, we follow the Early Years Statutory Framework (2024). This framework specifies the requirement for learning and development in the Early Years. The curriculum provides prime and specific areas of learning, which are covered through a range of activities.

In the Nursery, we recognise that personal, social and emotional development, communication and language and physical development underpin all areas.

These areas of learning develop children’s thinking and understanding, which in turn promotes building relationships, self-confidence and independence, which supports the children’s well- being. Our supportive environments and skilled adult interactions enable children to connect learning through play and exploration.

As the children move through to Reception, we focus on the specific areas, as well as the prime areas. The children are provided with an engaging curriculum that maximises opportunities for cross curricular links and learning experiences, as well as promoting the unique child. Phonics and reading is a priority within the Early Years, as well as across the school. Phonics and reading are prioritised, to encourage a love for reading, expand the children’s vocabulary and establish a strong foundation in phonics.

Prime Areas:

Specific Areas:

We also incorporate the Characteristics of Effective Learning into all teaching and learning experiences. The children are taught the skills required in the EYFS, through weekly activities and half termly topics, which are planned to build upon the children’s current knowledge.

Characters of Effective Learning:

Impact:

Through the delivery of a well-planned curriculum, the pupils leave the Early Years Foundation Stage emotionally, socially and academically ready for their future school life. The children develop as independent learners, with skills needed to start Key Stage 1. Children leave the EYFS, with foundational skills, knowledge and vocabulary to succeed in the national curriculum. At Birchfield Primary School, our children achieve in line with the national curriculum, as a result of our high expectations and quality provision.