Early Years foundation stage (eyfs)

“Play is often talked about as if it was a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play really is the work of childhood.” – Fred Rogers

Our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) classroom is a calm and nurturing environment where every child is valued, celebrated, and empowered to reach their full potential. Grounded in the principles of holistic development, child-centred learning and fostering curiosity, our vision is to create a foundation that ignites a lifelong love for learning and exploration.

We believe in educating the whole child - intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically. Our EYFS setting provides a holistic approach to learning, recognising and supporting the diverse needs, interests, and strengths of each individual child. Through a balanced curriculum that integrates play, exploration, and structured learning activities, we aim to nurture every aspect of a child's development, laying a solid foundation for future success.

At the heart of our EYFS class is the belief that children are active participants in their own learning journey. We value and respect each child's unique perspectives, ideas, and experiences, and we strive to create an environment where they feel safe, supported and encouraged to explore, question and discover the world around them. Our curriculum is flexible and responsive, tailored to meet the evolving needs and interests of the children, with opportunities for child-initiated and adult-guided activities that promote autonomy, creativity and critical thinking.

We believe that curiosity is the driving force behind learning and discovery. Our EYFS class is a place where curiosity is nurtured, celebrated and encouraged to flourish. We provide rich and stimulating learning environments both indoors and outdoors, filled with open-ended resources, natural materials and provocations that invite children to wonder, experiment and make sense of the world. Through hands-on exploration, investigation and inquiry-based learning experiences, we inspire a sense of wonder and awe, sparking curiosity that extends beyond the classroom and into all aspects of life.

We are committed to providing an inclusive, supportive and enriching educational experience that lays the foundation for lifelong learning, resilience and well-being. Together with our dedicated staff, supportive families and engaged community, we strive to create a nurturing and inspiring environment where every child can thrive and reach their full potential.

The Early Years curriculum emphasises three prime areas of learning:

- Personal, Social and Emotional Development

- Communication and Language

- Physical Development 

The curriculum breaks down into four specific areas of learning:

- Literacy

- Mathematics

- Understanding the World

- Expressive Arts and Design

We follow the 2020 Statutory framework of the EYFS and the four guiding principles that shape practice within the Early Years classroom:

- Every child is a unique child, who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured.

- Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships.

- Children learn and develop well in enabling environments with teaching and support from adults, who respond to their individual interests and needs and help them to build their learning over time. Children benefit from a strong partnership between staff and parents/carers.  

- Children develop and learn at different rates. The framework covers the education and care of all children in the early years, including children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). 

Teaching in the EYFS is organised through a range of approaches and provides a balance of child initiated and adult-led activities:
- Opportunities for teachers to work alongside children as they develop their own interests in particular areas of the curriculum.
- Planned focused activities where adults work with a small group of children at a time. Teachers will differentiate the activity to meet the needs of every child participating.
- Small group teaching of early reading and writing through a phonics based programme called Little Wandle.
- Whole class teaching for short periods of time such as shared storytime, direct teaching (for example in mathematics), songs and rhymes, discussions and sharing work.

Characteristics of effective learning

The characteristics of effective teaching and learning are statutory and are referenced in the EYFS (2023). In planning and guiding what children learn, the EYFS staff reflect on the different rates at which children are developing and we adjust our practice appropriately. 

Playing and Exploring (Engagement) 

Children investigate and experience things and ‘have a go’.

Active Learning (Motivation)

Children concentrate and keep on trying if they encounter difficulties and enjoy achievements.

Creating & Thinking Critically (Thinking)

Children have and develop their own ideas, make links between ideas and develop strategies for doing things.