Early Years Foundation Stage
Download our termly curriculum overviews:
Further information:
We follow the Statutory Framework from the Department for Education with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.
This has four principles that we follow:
- A Unique Child
- Positive Relationships
- Enabling Environments
- Learning and Development
To enable children to develop:
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development, (making Relationships, Self-confidence and self awareness, Managing feelings and behaviour)
- Communication and Language , (Listening and attention, Understanding and speaking)
- Physical Development, (Moving and handling and Health and self-care)
- Literacy, (Reading and Writing)
- Maths, (Number and Shape, space and measure)
- Understanding of the World, People and communities, The world, Technology)
- Expressive Arts and Design, (Exploring and using media and materials, Being Imaginative)
Areas within the Foundation classrooms:
- a writing area containing various writing implements and papers as well as envelopes and examples of good writing
- a book corner containing a range of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and class-made books
- a maths resource area which allows children to select appropriate items to help them solve practical problems
- a creative area containing resources for a range of art, design, music and technology activities
- a construction area containing resources for developing fine motor skills, social interaction and problem solving
- a small world area which allows children to extend fine motor skills, engage in imaginative play and develop language
- an area for sand, malleable materials (e.g. play dough) and water play, where children can engage in practical investigations
- a role play area which can be developed along themed line to cover several aspects of learning in “real life” scenarios.
Development & Assessment
The outside area is seen as an extension of the classroom and the above opportunities will be available outside as well as inside.
Through all of our strands we aim to develop the children as they Play and Explore, be an Active Learner and to have Creative and Critical Thinking.
The staff are constantly assessing the children in their everyday activities, play and through more focussed work. We use observations of the children, photos, the work that they do, feedback from parents and comments made by the children, as well as a new ipad app to decide where we believe the children are working in the 17 areas of learning.
This is based on the Development Matters document which gives statements for the ages of the children. We share this with parents and base the next steps for the children on this.
The planning each term and each week is taken from the previous week’s findings, the interests of the children and the next steps.
“The school is accessible and involves parents – The teachers are passionate about their work – Our children and their friends enjoy attending the school .”
“We think the stay and play mornings are brilliant as it gives us an insight to how our daughter’s are taught and what kind of environment they learn in.”
“My children both have great relationships with their teachers and it’s really lovely to see.”
“Our son excitable and positive about school and I love the fact that he has settled so well. It’s always a worry for a parent but I was at ease from my sons first ever day. Thank you St Nicholas School.”
“My children both have great relationships with their teachers and it’s really lovely to see.”
“As soon as you walk into the school you notice how much time the staff put in to make it as comfortable a learning environment as possible for the children. Thank you..we really appreciate it.”
“I love that the Headteacher is very present and visible at the school. She knows all the children by name and connects with them. The school has a nurturing feel.”
“EYSF staff are absolutely fantastic! Cannot praise them enough!! My older child has a new teacher this year who has also been brilliant with her encouragement, my child has come on so much since her return in September. I just love that the staff are all so approachable and friendly.”
“I like the atmosphere of the school. It is a positive and happy place. I am extremely grateful for the quality of nurture in school, my child benefits greatly from its care and understanding.”
“Staff are approachable, caring and friendly. I’m confident my child is receiving a good education at this school.”
“The staff have a really good caring relationship with the children and they get lots of opportunities for different learning.”
“The teachers are very approachable and regularly take the time to inform me if they have concerns about either of my children- I trust them to take care of them both and notice if they need any extra attention.”
“Since joining our children have been happy and made to feel as though they weren’t the new kids buy had always been at this school. They have improved with so much.”
“My son has come on leaps and bounds since starting in September. He comes home and has been taught something new every day which he can’t wait to share with us.”
“The staff from my experience are friendly and helpful. I have grown with confidence since my children started here. It is an amazing school and the teaching is amazing too.”
“We also think the work the teaching and support staff put into activities out of school hours is fantastic. They keep our girls active and driven to do better.”
“Also I love The Ark on Friday morning you get to meet parents and guardians of different children and chat and drink tea or coffee and Miss Hamlyn is such a lovely lady.”
“Support from teachers has been fantastic and without a doubt has been key to my child’s success. I have always felt confident in approaching school and have always had your full co-operation.”
