What do the children learn in Early Years at our School?

In both our Nursery and Reception classes, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework which sets out the standards for the learning, development, and care of children from birth to age 5. This framework provides a clear structure for how children grow and learning in the early years and emphasises four key principles that guide our teaching and practice:

• 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 with adults and peers.

• 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 practitioners and parents and/or carers.

• Importance of learning and development. Children develop and learn at different rates, and we understand that each child’s journey is unique.

Teaching Through Play and Challenge

At our school, we ensure that the children are provided with both playful and challenging opportunities across the Prime and Specific Areas of Learning, which form the foundation of their early years education. These areas are designed to support holistic development, setting children up for future success in all aspects of life.

The Prime Areas of Learning are fundamental areas in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. These areas are considered essential for children’s development and provide a foundation for all other learning. The Prime Areas are:

1. Communication and Language
   This area focuses on developing children's ability to listen, understand, and communicate effectively. It includes skills such as speaking, engaging in conversations, and understanding stories and instructions.
2. Physical Development
   Physical Development helps children develop fine and gross motor skills. It includes activities that improve balance, coordination, movement, and control of their bodies. It also involves learning about personal health and self-care.
3. Personal, Social, and Emotional Development
   This area focuses on children’s ability to manage their emotions, form relationships with others, and understand themselves. It includes developing social skills, understanding boundaries, and building confidence and self-esteem.

The Specific Areas of Learning build on the foundation provided by the Prime Areas and focus on developing specific skills and knowledge in different subjects. The Specific Areas of Learning are:

1. Literacy
   This area focuses on reading and writing. It includes developing skills in understanding and using print, letter sounds (phonics), word recognition, and writing/mark making for different purposes.
2. Mathematics
   In this area, children learn about numbers, shapes, patterns, and measures. It focuses on developing early mathematical understanding, such as subitising, counting, addition and subtraction, understanding patterns, and using measurement in practical contexts.
3. Understanding the World
   This area involves developing knowledge and understanding of the world around them. It covers topics such as the natural world, technology, different cultures, people, and communities, as well as exploring their environment.
4. Expressive Arts and Design
   This area encourages children to explore and express themselves through art, music, dance, role-play, and imaginative activities. It helps children develop their creativity, fine motor skills, and ability to communicate through different forms of expression.

Together, these Prime and Specific Areas of Learning provide a well-rounded foundation that helps children develop into confident, capable, and curious lifelong learners.

Focusing on How Children Learn

In addition to focusing on key skills and knowledge, we also emphasize the Characteristics of Effective Teaching and Learning to help children develop the skills they need to become successful learners throughout their lives. These characteristics are the basis for how we teach and engage with the children in our school.