EYFS

The Early Years Foundation Stage

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) here at St Paul’s C of E Primary School consists of the Nursery and Reception Classes.

The Early Years Foundation Stage is the first stage prior to the National Curriculum, focusing on the distinct needs of children aged three to the end of the Reception year. Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfill their potential. Children develop quickly in the early years and a child’s experiences between birth and age five have a major impact on their future life chances. A secure, safe and happy childhood is important in its own right. Good parenting and high quality early learning together provide the foundation children need to make the most of their abilities and talents as they grow up.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the standards that all early years’ providers must meet to ensure that children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. It promotes teaching and learning to ensure children’s ‘school readiness’ and gives children the broad range of knowledge and skills that provide the right foundation for good future progress through school and life

The EYFS learning and development requirements comprise:

• the seven areas of learning and development and the educational programmes (described below: 3 Prime & 4 Specific)

• the early learning goals (ELGs), which summarise the knowledge, skills and understanding that all young children should have gained by the end of the Reception year; and

7 areas of learning

3 Prime Areas:

Communication & Language  CL

Physical Development   PD

Personal, Social & Emotional Development  PSED

4 Specific Areas: through which prime areas are strengthened and applied

Literacy

Mathematics

Understanding the world

Expressive arts and design

ELG—Prime Areas

CL—Listening & attention, Understanding, Speaking

PD—Moving & Handling, Health & Self-care

PDED—Self confidence & Self awareness, Managing Feelings&

              behaviour, Making Relationships

 ELG—Specific Areas

Literacy—Reading, Writing

Mathematics—Numbers, Shape Space & Measure

Understanding The World—People & Communities, The World, 

                                                  Technology

Expressive Arts & Design—Exploring and using Media and Materials, Being Imaginative

This period is important and prepares children for later learning. Children encounter new experiences; they explore the world around them, ask questions, extend their skills, develop confidence and build on what they already know. Staff in the EYFS plan a wide range of opportunities for children to learn both indoors and outdoors. The planning is built on what the children know and can do. Sometimes activities are planned for particular learning needs and sometimes the children initiate and develop their own learning. Both provide opportunities for children to work together and share experiences. The children have an individual Profile, where the stepping stones are assessed and their progress is noted.