The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is made up of Nursery and Reception classes. Children can apply for a place in our nursery at any time from birth and children start as soon as they turn 3 years old. All children are entitled to 15 hours of free education and many also go on to apply for 30 hours funding. Children apply for a place in our reception class through the normal admissions process and start in the September after they turn four years old. Throughout EYFS we work hard to create a safe and happy environment which provides engaging and challenging learning experiences. These experiences enable the children to become confident and independent learners and start their learning journey as members of Team GD.

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The Early Years Curriculum

In Early Years we deliver a curriculum based on the framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage this describes the seven areas of learning and development which are ‘implemented through planned, purposeful play.’ Development Matters states that:

Children are born ready, able and eager to learn. They actively reach out to interact with other people, and in the world around them. Development is not an automatic process, however. It depends on each unique child having opportunities to interact in positive relationships and enabling environments.

We aim to foster a sense of enquiry and a real thirst for developing new skills and knowledge through creative and critical thinking which takes place in both the indoor and outdoor environments. The curriculum is organised so that children learn through a combination of child and adult-led activities. Phonics, reading, writing and mathematics are taught through adult-led activities in discrete lessons. Our core scheme for phonics is Letters and Sounds. In addition, we plan for individual needs, different learning styles and the interests of our children. Ongoing observations of the children’s attainment and progress inform ‘next steps’ on a daily basis. We are committed to play-based, active learning. We know that rich, memorable contexts for learning connect with the children’s interests and inspire children and promote greater levels of involvement. Children have ownership of their learning, providing them with the motivation to use their independent skills and their creative, imaginative and investigative thinking.

Click here to find out more about the Early Learning Goals. 

Click here to see our Long Term Planning for Reception