Intent

On entry to our Early Years Foundation Stage; within the 2-3 room, 3-4 room or Reception cohort, all our children have a natural curiosity and enthusiasm for learning that we aim to foster and develop.  Our EYFS team believe that we have an exceptional EYFS environment that enables all children to learn. We develop children’s language, thinking and problem-solving skills through an environment of nurture. Our EYFS environment is child-led and we personalise it to the needs of our children.  We see each child as an individual and make the most of their abilities and talents as they grow. This enables us to ensure that it is cohort specific to recognize differences. We focus strongly on building a rich vocabulary as we recognize that this is an essential element of learning.

Implementation

To ensure consistency and appropriate sequencing, we plan collaboratively but flex our planning to meet the needs of different children.   We use a variety of sources to build upon the core of ‘Development Matters’ e.g. a combination of Letters and Sounds program alongside the dandelion reading scheme to support all phonic teaching. The national ‘Development Matters’ provides an age-related progression map which ensures that there are no gaps in learning of skills and knowledge.  DMs is our foundation and we then select topics to meet children’s interests and needs, understanding that any topic can be selected as long as the skills and knowledge are the first step and that the topic is the vehicle to drive learning.

We use the ‘Learningbook’ tool which enables us to make in the moment next steps that lead to accurate formative assessments that informs future teaching and curriculum design. It also records children's daily learning moments and allow staff to track and assess children on a daily and weekly basis within all areas of the curriculum.

Impact

We want our children to leave the EYFS as confident, socially able children with the foundation of skills that they will build upon in KS1.  We know that we are successful because of positive feedback from parents and receiving staff and our EYFS outcomes.