EYFS
Early Years Foundation Stage
At St James's CE Primary, we have a natural learning environment filled with real and authentic materials. This approach allows our children to learn and develop in an environment that is rich of natural resources that develop children's curiosity and language through imaginative play.
Our units are driven by key texts. Topics have been specifically selected to provide the best foundations for learning. To view our EYFS long term plan - click here
Our Early Years Vision
Within our Early Years, we strive to provide a happy, calm and caring environment. We carefully plan for a balance of 'adult led' and 'child led' learning which focuses heavily on children's interests and individual learning styles. The 'Curiosity Approach' influences our everyday practice within class. The philosophy behind the approach brings curiosity, awe and wonder into early childhood. The approach allows children to become immersed in natural resources with an open ended learning outcome. Thus allowing for them to use their imaginations to create exciting play situations that develop their communication skills whilst introducing them to new vocabulary that extends their knowledge further. This wonderful approach allows children to become the 'thinkers and doers' of the future.
We carefully plan our environment and curriculum to provide a range of stimulating opportunities to promote children's development in all of the following areas, which are outlined in the Early Years Foundation Stage Reform guidance produced by the Department of Education:
Prime Areas of Learning
- Communication and Language
- Physical Development
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Specific Areas of Learning
- Literacy
- Mathematical Development
- Understanding of the World
- Expressive Art and Design
All of those areas of learning are connected together. The characteristics of effective teaching and learning weave through them all. That's because children in the early years are becoming more powerful learners and thinkers. These characteristics develop as they learn to do new things, acquire new skills, develop socially and emotionally and become better communicators (Development Matters 2020)
The Characteristics of Effective Teaching and Learning 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
- Creating and Thinking Critically - children have and develop their own ideas, make links between ideas and develop strategies for doing things
We also ensure that children receive the best start in their education by ensuring we follow the seven key features to effective early years practice:
- The best for every child
- High quality care
- The Curriculum: what we want children to learn
- Pedogogy: helping children to learn
- Assessment: checking what children have learnt
- Self-regulation and executive function
- Partnership with parents
Please click here for more information on the Reception Baseline Assessment
Please click here 'What to Expect in the Early Years Foundation Stage: a guide for parents'
