Early Years Foundation Stage
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) at Our School
In our Foundation Stage, we follow the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage, which sets the standards for learning, development and care for children from birth to five.
Our aim is to create a nurturing, stimulating environment where every child feels valued, confident and excited to learn.
Our EYFS Principles
Our approach is built on four key principles:
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A Unique Child – every child is valued as an individual
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Positive Relationships – children learn best when they feel safe, supported and connected
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Enabling Environments – rich, stimulating spaces help children explore and thrive
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Learning and Development – children learn through play, curiosity and meaningful experiences
Areas of Learning
We support children’s development across the seven EYFS areas of learning.
Prime Areas
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Personal, Social and Emotional Development – building relationships, confidence, independence and understanding feelings
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Communication and Language – listening, understanding, speaking and developing vocabulary
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Physical Development – gross and fine motor skills, coordination, health and self‑care
Specific Areas
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Literacy – early reading, phonics, mark‑making and writing
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Mathematics – number, pattern, shape, space and measure
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Understanding the World – people, communities, the natural world and early technology
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Expressive Arts and Design – creativity, imagination, music, art and exploring materials
Our Learning Environment
Our classrooms are designed to promote independence, curiosity and purposeful play. Children have daily access to:
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Writing area – tools, papers, envelopes and models of writing
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Book corner – fiction, non‑fiction, poetry and class‑made books
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Maths area – practical resources for problem‑solving
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Creative area – art, design, music and imaginative exploration
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Construction area – blocks and materials for building and collaborating
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Small world area – storytelling and imaginative play
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Sand, water and malleable materials – sensory exploration and investigation
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Role‑play area – themed spaces reflecting real‑life experiences
Our outdoor environment is open every morning. Children enjoy physical challenges, nature exploration, large‑scale construction, water play, mark‑making and imaginative play outside every day.
Wild Classroom
Every Monday morning, children take part in Wild Classroom, our outdoor learning session inspired by Forest School principles.
Wild Classroom gives children the chance to:
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Explore nature in all seasons
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Build confidence and resilience through outdoor challenges
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Develop teamwork, problem‑solving and communication
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Learn to care for the natural world
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Use tools safely under supervision
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Take part in activities such as den building, bug hunting, natural art, storytelling and sensory exploration
These sessions help children develop independence, curiosity and a deep connection with the outdoors.
Assessment and Development
Children learn best when they can:
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Play and explore
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Be active learners
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Think creatively and critically
Staff observe children during play, interactions and focused activities. We use:
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observations
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photos
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children’s work
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children’s comments
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parent feedback
These help us understand each child’s progress across the 17 areas of learning.
Assessment is guided by Development Matters, which outlines typical development pathways. We share information with parents and use it to plan each child’s next steps.
Planning for Learning
Our planning is flexible, responsive and child‑centred. Each half term has a theme, shaped by:
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children’s interests
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observations from the previous week
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developmental next steps
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seasonal events and meaningful experiences
Our Curriculum Themes Across the Year
Autumn 1 – Super Me
Settling in, building friendships, learning routines and exploring what makes each child unique. Children share baby photos, read Elmer and develop early fine‑motor skills.
Autumn 2 – Celebrations
Exploring festivals and traditions including Bonfire Night and Shrove Tuesday. Children learn simple history, bake gingerbread, enjoy winter sports and meet visitors from the community.
Spring 1 – Wonderful Winter
Investigating seasonal change, winter weather and freezing/melting. Children read winter stories, continue phonics and early writing, and take part in the Brush Bus programme.
Spring 2 – Farmyard Hullabaloo
A lively half term full of animals, life cycles and traditional tales. Children celebrate key events, learn The Three Little Pigs, explore farm animals, watch chicks hatch and observe caterpillars and frogspawn.
Summer 1 – In the Garden
Learning about plants, minibeasts and caring for living things. Children learn the story The Busy Caterpillar, write simple instructions and explore life cycles and planting.
Summer 2 – Transitions and Journeys
Preparing for Year 1 through stories, discussions and activities about change, journeys and growing up. Children build confidence and independence as they get ready for their next steps. The consider feelings and how best to name and tame them.
