EYFS

Life in the Early Years Foundation Stage  at St Clement's

At St Clement’s CofE Primary School we offer an Early Years curriculum that is rich in wonder and memorable experiences. We work hard to provide a stimulating environment that provides exciting opportunities, promotes challenge, exploration, adventure and a real love of learning. 
 

It is our intent that all children develop physically, verbally, cognitively and emotionally in an environment which values all cultures, communities and people. We aim for our children to be confident and independent and to believe in themselves, developing the ability to interact positively with others. 
 

We understand that play is an integral part of learning, and this is at the heart of our early year’s curriculum. We recognise that children have a thirst for knowledge and should be provided with opportunities to engage their inquisitive minds. Therefore, we provide vibrant continuous indoor and outdoor provision, that follows the children’s interests to support learners in investigating and developing their skills. We believe that the correct mix of adult-led and child-initiated play ensures the best outcomes for pupils. Warm and positive relationships between staff and children, consistent routines and strong relationships with parents are key. We recognise the crucial role that early year’s education has to play in providing firm foundations upon which the rest of a child’s educational journey is successfully based. 

Intent  

At St Clement’s CofE Primary School we provide high-quality EYFS education, giving children a secure and confident start to their school life. We are committed to nurturing a lifelong love of learning alongside the aims of the EYFS statutory framework. We strive for high standards, consider the development of the whole child and seek to foster resilience and independence. We aim to provide the essential knowledge that children need to prepare them for their future success and to give children the best possible start to their early education. We provide inviting classroom environments indoors and outdoors to stimulate learners and engage them in developing the three ‘Characteristics of Effective Learning’ as set out within the EYFS. 

The EYFS curriculum encompasses our school values -  sharing, trust, achievement, respect and safety 

We carefully plan our EYFS curriculum to meet the following aims:  

• Foster a love of learning which inspires curiosity. 

• Provide experiences of awe and wonder. 

• Ensure all children have access to high quality learning opportunities.  

• Provide parents/carers with the opportunity to develop their child’s learning at home. 

• Develop knowledge and understanding of the community and wider world. 

Implementation 

At St Clement’s CofE Primary School in the EYFS we implement  

• Quality first teaching across all areas of the curriculum.  

• Stimulating learning environments indoors and outdoors.  

• Well planned and organised continuous provision which allows children to learn through play.  

• A carefully planned balance of adult-led and child-initiated learning opportunities.  

• Strong parental partnerships which empower parents to support their child’s learning at home.  

• Systematic approaches to teaching reading, to ensure all children learn to read.  

• High quality phonics teaching is started as soon as children begin reception.  

• Opportunities for children and families to develop a love of reading.  

• Planned opportunities for outdoor learning through ‘Forest Schools’ and in the outdoor classroom.  

• We promote a love of learning through real life experiences and opportunities to build on prior learning.  

Impact 

At St Clement’s CofE Primary School the impact of our EYFS curriculum, practices and pedagogy are reflected by 

• High levels of engagement and motivation demonstrated from children which supports them to become lifelong learners.  

• Confident and capable readers who demonstrate a love of reading.  

• Evidence of strong links with parents. 

• Children who demonstrate the characteristics of effective learning and are well prepared for the next stage in their learning. 

• Children who feel happy and safe and enjoy coming to school.  

• All children who access a balanced and challenging curriculum regardless of their background, needs or abilities.  

• Children who make strong progress from their starting points and are offered a broad curriculum which meets each child’s unique needs.   

• Adults who support children and who are well trained and passionate about providing the best education for every child.