Early Years Foundation Stage
Children in our Early Years (Reception) follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum (EYFS).
The EYFS Curriculum has seven main areas of learning
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Communication and Language
- Physical development
- Literacy (Reading and Writing)
- Mathematics
- Understanding the world
- Expressive Arts and Design
A practical, playful approach to learning, based on the needs and interests of our children, is delivered mainly through topic based planning. We teach children individually, in small groups, in class bases and in whole cohorts. Through a combination of teacher input and continuous provision opportunities, learning is planned to encourage children to develop their learning independently through exploration and challenge.
The “Characteristics of Effective Learning” are at the heart of the Early Years Curriculum and explore the different ways in which children learn. They highlight the importance of playing and learning, active learning and thinking critically.
All the learning experiences we plan for the children allow them to utilise and develop these skills. Our learning environments, both inside and outside, are stimulating and exciting, and relevant to the needs and age/stage of our children. Natural backing and resources promote a calm atmosphere conducive to learning, whilst easily accessible resources develop children’s ability to access the curriculum independently.
At Hedon Primary School, topics of learning are child led listening to their interests and taking into account their needs. As a result of this focus on out pupils’ interests, our Foundation Stage does not have a long term plan for the curriculum but does ensure planning covers all areas of learning through the themes chosen. Over the past few year topics have included Mini-beasts, Dinosaurs, Pirates, Autumn, Vehicles, Countries Around the World, Fairy Tales, Polar Express, Birds, Space amongst many others.
Our policy and curriculum plan relating to EYFS can be accessed below:
Please see the link to the EYFS Knowledge Organisers below.
Please use the link below to access the tricky words pupils are taught to spell whilst in the reception class. One or two of these will be sent home weekly.
Pupils in Reception undertake the Reception Baseline within the first 3 weeks of the term. Please click on the link below to read the privacy notice related to this baseline.
“Those with particular talents, and pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), are nurtured to achieve their very best.”
“You make learning fun so the children are interested.”
“Many pupils do special jobs, such as eco-warriors and reading ambassadors.”
“You have given my daughter courage and her joy back. She is smiling at the start and end of every school day.”
“They get on well with each other and with the adults in school.”
“Pupils are motivated and enjoy learning.”
“Thanks to all for keeping my son focused and happy at school.”
“Thank you so much for everything you have done, from teaching our children, to keeping them safe but also all the fun and laughter you have given them; every one of you is amazing!”
“This is a school where pupils can learn without being disrupted by the behaviour of others.”
“Pupils appreciate the many sporting activities, competitions and clubs on offer.”
“Keep up the outstanding work you are doing.”
“The school is a safe and friendly environment.”
“The school is aware of diversity and additional needs.”
“Pupils feel safe and well cared for.”
“Children in the Reception class get off to a flying start. Children are learning and thriving.”
“This is a happy, welcoming and inclusive school.”
“Pupils are polite and chatty. They listen carefully and show respect to adults and each other.”
“I value the caring, nurturing nature of the staff.”
“Staff have been fantastic. Especially in times of isolation and the understanding of situations and help and support they have offered.”
“My child feels happy going to school everyday.”
“I like the community environment; it feels very inclusive and all the teachers and staff are friendly and approachable.”