Early Years Foundation Stage
What to expect in the EYFS
The Department for Education has published a new guide for parents, ‘What to expect in the Early Years Foundation Stage’ (formerly ‘What to expect when’) which guides parents through what to expect in their child’s development at different ages.
It aligns with the new Development Matters to help practitioners engage with parents about their child’s development and to advise them of what skills or concepts their child will be learning at each stage.
Please click on the link below to view this useful document.
If you would like to know any other information about our Early Years' curriculum, please contact our EYFS lead, Miss Hewitt.
Long Term Planning in the Foundation Stage
In the Early Years Foundation Stage, we base a lot of our learning on the children's interests, following sparks of curiosity to ensure engagement and excitement. Learning in the early years is mostly play based, with structured activities included more as the year goes on. We aim to create a love of learning through practical, fun, purposeful play. Our themes are very broad to enable this flexible style of learning.
Our long term plan is split over two years, with two main changes, ensuring a variety of opportunities are available to the children.
Plan A covers the themes; Magical Me, Awe and Wonder, The Earth and Beyond, Through The Secret Garden, All Creatures Great and Small and We're Off On A Journey.
Plan B covers the themes; Magical Me, Awe and Wonder, Everyday Superheroes, Through the Secret Garden, Once Upon a Time (traditional tales) and We're Off On A Journey.
Please click on the link below to see what the children will be learning over the academic year.
Assessment
Our assessment in the Foundation Stage is on-going. We are always assessing through observation and interactions with the children, through teacher led phonics, maths, themed topic sessions and continuous provision. We use two assessment platforms called Evidence Me and OTrack.
Parents are able to look through the observations that we have collected by signing up to Parent Share which is part of Evidence Me. We recognise parents are a child’s first teacher and much of their learning may take place within activities that they take part in outside of school. Therefore, if a child achieves anything which could accompany our assessments, please share it with the Foundation team by adding photographs or notes to their online profile.
We share assessment data and next steps during parents’ evenings twice per year.
Although, we are always happy to share any learning and targets throughout the year. If you have any concerns or general questions regarding your child's development, please do not hesitate to speak to a member of staff.
We had the best time on our school trip to Matlock Farm Park!
Here are some of the photographs we have of the children learning about different farm animals.
How does a child become a writer?
A child begins their journey to become a writer as soon as they are able to move their bodies as a baby.
It is a key part of a child's physical development to master many skills before they are even able to hold a pencil. Skills such as; climbing, balancing, pulling, lifting, holding and using a variety of tools etc.
Look at the leaflet below for more information about strengthening muscles ready for writing.
If the images are too small, click on the link underneath the images, to download the pdf.
Here are some images of different activities that can be used to encourage physical development.
Pencil Grip
Useful Websites and Apps
Websites and Apps to support at home with Phonics and Early Reading
Maths
Other Areas of Learning