The EYFS at Bishop Wilson

At Bishop Wilson C. of E Primary School, we understand the importance of building good foundations for future learning and our provision for Nursery and Reception aged children reflects this. We believe that each child is a unique individual and whilst it is important that children learn what is in the statutory curriculum, it is the needs of the children that should determine the emphasis of how and what is taught.

It is our role to create a happy, safe and nurturing environment where children develop their independence as learners. Across the Early Years Foundation stage we use the children’s interests to plan experiences which excite, motivate and promote their love of learning. This is facilitated by our planning in the moment approach which puts the children at the heart of the process and gives them ownership of their learning.

At Bishop Wilson C. of E Primary School our Early Years curriculum is language rich aimed at supporting children’s developing communication skills and increasing their vocabulary. We recognise the importance of the environment, we consider this to be ‘the third teacher,’ and we plan our continuous provision carefully to stimulate children’s interactions and promote their curiosity. Each part of our learning environment has been carefully planned to challenge the development needs of our children and create a love of learning. Children are provided with opportunities to actively participate, explore, and question things and their learning is facilitated by skilled professionals through quality interactions.

We place a strong emphasis on the social and emotional development of children and their relationships with other children, their families and staff. This collaborative approach is supported by Nursery and Reception being blended together to form one unit. Teachers have regular meetings with children’s families to discuss children’s learning and progress and to engage them in the planning process.

In addition, the children’s learning is supported by a variety of whole class, small group and one to one sessions allowing us to target and support the developmental needs of all children.

For the school’s approach to assessment in the EYFS, please see the school’s Marking, Feedback & Assessment Policy (2023).

THE EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE CURRICULUM

In Reception we provide an exciting, play based curriculum. Children’s learning is not divided into ‘lessons’, but one day will provide your child with opportunities to develop a number of skills, competencies and concepts across several areas of learning. We aim to help children discover and learn about their world. By extending vocabulary, listening and talking to children, giving praise and encouragement and above all, having FUN will support your child to develop intellectually, physically, emotionally and socially.

The curriculum is divided into seven areas of learning and development, including three prime areas. These are: -

Prime Areas

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Communication and Language
• Physical Development

Specific Areas

• Literacy includes reading and writing
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Arts and Design

These areas are taught or developed within a topic or theme e.g. ‘The Gruffalo’ or ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED)

Successful personal, social and emotional development is critical for very young children for all aspects of their lives. This includes activities that promote emotional, moral, spiritual and social development alongside intellectual development. The 3 areas include feelings and behaviour; making relationships and health and self-care. We will help your child to:-

• develop confidence, self-esteem, security and a sense of worth
• care for themselves and their personal safety
• make friends and get along with other children and adults
• care for other people and their surroundings
• be able to make choices confidently and tell others
• talk about what they do and do not like

Communication and Language

This area includes speaking and listening in different situations and for different purposes and concentrating during activities.

For example:

• listening to and talking with other children and adults
• learning and enjoying listening to stories, rhymes and other people
• listening to and recognising sounds and words
• have fun with words through familiar songs, rhymes and stories

Physical Development

The children grow in confidence and gain more control over the way they move in P.E, outdoors and when handling tools and equipment. It also increases their understanding of how their bodies work and what they need to do to be healthy and safe. The children will: -

• Draw, paint, use scissors, roll out pastry, build towers etc.
• Enjoy active play and become confident with movement.
• Develop skills like running, jumping, throwing and catching.
• Learn how to make delicate/smaller movements with fingers and hands e.g. completing jigsaws, using tools like scissors and glue sticks.
• Become aware of the importance of healthy eating and the need for exercise.
• Become independent when getting dressed.

Mathematics

This area of learning includes counting, sorting, matching, seeking patterns and working with numbers, shapes, spaces and measures. Mathematical understanding is developed through stories, songs, games and imaginative play, so that children enjoy using and experimenting with numbers. We will help your child to use and understand mathematical vocabulary. They will learn to solve simple calculations and solve problems.

Literacy including Reading and Writing

Your child will learn to:

• Enjoy reading and looking at books with an adult, with friends and on their own.
• Recognise familiar words, retell stories and understand rhyme.
• Make marks by drawing, painting and writing.
• Learn to write their name, simple sentences and stories.

We use a range of phonic strategies to teach children the sounds of letters and how to read and spell words independently. Please see website for more details.

We use Talk for Writing to teach the skills of writing and the children will learn stories and different types of text off by heart, to help them write their own stories and rhymes.

Understanding the World

In this area of learning children are developing the skills, knowledge and understanding that help them to make sense of the world. This forms the foundation for later work in science, history, geography, design and technology, and information and communication technology (ICT).

For example:

• To ask questions and use their senses to find out about the world.
• Find out about materials by playing with them.
• Find out about plants and animals.
• Use ICT and programmable toys to support his/her learning (we discuss the need for E-safety with children).
• Talk about events and people in their lives

Expressive Arts and Design

Creativity is fundamental to successful learning. The aspects covered in this area of learning include art, music, dance, role-play and imaginative play.

For example:

Learning to express ideas and feelings through:

• Painting, drawing and modelling.
• Acting out situations e.g. a shop, café or school.
• Singing and making music.
• Movement and dance.
• Constructing towers, models and buildings.

During the children’s time with us we aim to provide a structured and balanced programme with a variety of purposeful activities. Each day the children can choose activities, thus increasing independence. At other times the children work with and are directed or guided by staff. As the children’s concentration span increases they will be required to persevere for longer.