Our aim within the Early Years Foundation Stage at Sutton Bonington (also known as the Reception year) is to give every child the best start to their early education by providing a stimulating environment which promotes high quality play-based learning. We want our children to be inspired through an ambitious and well sequenced curriculum alongside a balance of child initiated and adult led experiences which will prepare our pupils with the knowledge, skills and language for future success and for the next stage of their education. We ensure that we develop all children’s ability to self-regulate whilst working in partnership with our parents through strong and respectful relationships.
Our setting follows the curriculum as outlined in the latest version of the EYFS statutory framework.
The EYFS framework includes 7 areas of learning and development that are equally important and inter-connected. However, 3 areas known as the prime areas are seen as particularly important for igniting curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, and for building children’s capacity to learn, form relationships and thrive.
The prime areas are:
- Communication and language
- Physical development
- Personal, social and emotional development
The prime areas are strengthened and applied through 4 specific areas:
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the world
- Expressive arts and design
Our staff plan activities and experiences for children that enable children to develop and learn effectively. They also take into account the individual needs, interests, and stage of development of each child in their care, and use this information to plan a challenging and enjoyable experience. Where a child may have a special educational need or disability, staff consider whether specialist support is required, linking with relevant services from other agencies, where appropriate.
In planning and guiding children’s activities, staff reflect on the different ways that children learn and include these in their practice.
The planning within the EYFS is based on the Sutton Bonington EYFS curriculum which we have developed in line with the age related expectations statements from the Development Matters document and our curriculum for children in Year 1 (based on National Curriculum requirements). Topic planning takes place on a half-termly basis but planning is flexible and may be altered to take into account children’s interests and needs. Adult focused activities are planned on a weekly basis. Children have the opportunity to work in each of the learning areas within the classroom and outdoors. Whole class, group and individual activities are used to develop skills in all areas of the curriculum, as appropriate. This fostering of the children’s interests develops a high level of motivation for the children’s learning.