EYFS Curriculum

At St. Peter’s CE Primary Academy, we are using the revised EYFS framework.

To enable children to develop the seven areas of learning are followed:

Prime areas of learning:

• Communication and Language (Listening, attention and understanding; and Speaking)
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development (Self-regulation, Managing Self and Building Relationships)
• Physical Development (Gross motor skills and fine motor skills)

Specific areas of learning:

• Literacy (Comprehension, Word reading and Writing)
• Maths (Number and Numerical patterns)
• Understanding of the World (Past and present; People, culture and communities; and The natural world)
• Expressive Arts and Design (Creating with materials and Being imaginative and expressive)

Through all of our areas we aim to develop the children as they Play and Explore, be an Active Learner and to have Creative and Critical Thinking.
 

The inside learning environment will include areas which are developed and change throughout the year. They include

• a writing area containing various writing implements and papers as well as envelopes and examples of good writing
• a book corner containing a range of  fiction, non-fiction, poetry and class-made books
• a maths resource area which allows children to select appropriate items to help them solve practical problems
• a creative area containing resources for a range of art, design, music and technology activities
• a construction area containing resources for developing fine motor skills, social interaction and problem solving
• a small world area which allows children to extend fine motor skills, engage in imaginative play and develop language
• an area for malleable materials (e.g. play dough) where children can engage in practical investigations
• a role play area which can be developed along themed line to cover several aspects of learning in “real life” scenarios

The outside learning environment

The outside area is another place where we develop our children as learners. Being outside allows the children to become active and engaging learners who can move and explore in their environments. It is a place where children can choose and move resources for their learning so that become independent by either working on their own, in pairs or in groups. It is a place where we develop not only fine and gross motor skills but social and emotional skills. Through active, physical play children experience a range of emotions. They develop the skills of co-operation, collaboration and turn taking within a developing sense of community. It is also an area for developing confidence and self esteem where children can excel. We value the outside learning environment as equal to the inside learning environment.

Assessment

The staff are constantly assessing the children in their everyday activities, play and through more focussed adult-led interactions and sessions. We use observations of the children, photos, the work that they do, feedback from parents and comments made by the children to assess where the pupils are working.  Evidence is recorded on Tapestry.

The new EYFS Framework and Development Matters documents are used to inform the curriculum, the enhancements in the provision and next steps for pupils.  The new Development Matters gives statements for the ages of the children. We share this with parents and base the next steps for the children on this.

The planning focus for each term and each week is taken from the Long Term Plan, the agreed focus, the previous week’s findings, the interests of the children and the next steps.

There are 4 key principles that underpin our practice in the EYFS class and EYFS/Year 1 class at St. Peter’s CE Primary Academy. These are

A Unique Child

We recognise that all children are different. We identify and celebrate their strengths and support their areas for development.

Positive Relationships

Our pupils interact well with each other and with the adults in the school. We encourage parents to be involved with their child’s education.

Enabling Environments

Our indoor and outdoor areas encourage exploration, investigation, and independent learning. Our displays and resources are well maintained and reflect current learning.

Learning and Development

Pupils achieve well and make good progress from their starting points. Learning is playful, practical, and purposeful and builds upon prior attainment. Our children enjoy coming to school.