The EYFS Curriculum
Our nursery and Reception children follow the statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage. Our teaching is delivered through a multi-sensory, investigative, play-based approach and we aim to create a happy, secure and inspiring learning environment, both inside and out, which will enable the children to become confident and independent learners. Our children sing, dance, play and learn outside, go on trips, cook delicious and healthy food, experiment, paint, read, count, use construction toys and generally have a fantastic time!
There are 7 areas of learning covered by the EYFS; these comprise of three prime areas and four specific areas:
The three prime areas, essential for the children’s healthy development are:
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Communication and Language
- Physical Development
The four specific areas include:
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts and Design
These areas are taught through an objective-led curriculum, based around the children’s interests and their individual next steps in learning.
Characteristics of Effective Learning:
In addition to the EYFS curriculum above, we also strive to enable children to develop Characteristics of Effective Learning (CoEL):
When planning and guiding children’s activities, we take into account the different ways that children learn, and then reflect these in our practice. A child’s individual learning characteristic will determine the way they respond to both the teaching and learning taking place in the environment. Three characteristics of effective teaching and learning identified by the EYFS are:
- Playing and Exploring - children investigate and experience things, and ‘have a go’;
- Active Learning - children concentrate and keep on trying if they encounter difficulties, and enjoy achievements; and
- Creating and Thinking Critically - children have and develop their own ideas, make links between ideas, and develop strategies for doing things.
The focus of the CoEL is on how children learn rather than what they learn i.e. process over outcome. Underpinning the CoEL is the understanding that during their earliest years, children form attitudes about learning that will last a lifetime. Children who receive the right sort of support and encouragement during these years will be creative, and adventurous learners throughout their lives.
