Early Years Foundation Stage
Children in their first year of school are in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) or 'Reception' Classroom.
In Reception at Park, we are split into two classes, the Hedgehogs and the Badgers but we all enjoy doing our learning together, both in the classroom and outdoors.
During your child's time in Reception, they will meet lots of new friends, learn many new skills and grow in confidence every day. We are proud to provide our pupils with many rich opportunities and experiences to prepare them for the next phase of their education and life beyond our school.
The Characteristics of Effective Learning are promoted throughout our curriculum, allowing children to explore, investigate, solve problems, question and think critically.
Characteristics of Effective Learning
- Playing and exploring – Engagement
- Finding out and exploring
- Playing with what they know
- Being willing to ‘have a go’
Active learning – Motivation
- Being involved and concentrating
- Keeping trying
- Enjoying achieving what they set out to do
Creating and thinking critically – Thinking
- Having their own ideas
- Making links
- Choosing ways to do things
EYFS Curriculum
Our EYFS Curriculum is focused around providing our children with language-rich experiences, through the Oxfam Global Themes. In each of our half-termly topics, vocabulary and literacy is at the forefront of our curriculum, which provides children with the language they need to be successful learners.
Through our ‘Big Brain’ learning, children are encouraged to become independent and curious learners. The Characteristics of Effective Learning are promoted throughout our curriculum, allowing children to explore, investigate, solve problems, question and think critically. Personal and social development is central to all we do, giving our children the skills, vocabulary and knowledge they need to prepare them for the Key Stage One curriculum.
Our children thrive when they have quality first-hand experiences that help them connect language to each topic and area of learning. By engaging with the local community, we equip them with the cultural capital they need to succeed. Through enriching visits, inspiring visitors, and creative activities, we ensure that learning is not only meaningful but also memorable, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world around them.
Promoting spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness is also an essential part of our curriculum. We believe that through quality Religious Education teaching, our children are encouraged to be inquisitive, respectful and understanding of other religions, cultures and traditions.
The EYFS curriculum provides no limits or barriers to the children’s achievements regardless of their backgrounds, circumstances or needs. Our curriculum ensures that all Prime and Specific Areas are well balanced throughout the year, giving children opportunities to progress in developing their knowledge, skills and language that allow them to meet the Early Learning Goals.
EYFS Learning Environment
A Day in the Life of a Park EYFS Child
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
In Reception, we know that learning cannot take place until a child has good personal, social and emotional skills. We encourage sharing, taking turns and finding compromise with others.
Children grow in self-confidence and independence in our Reception classes and learn how to follow the school rules, manage their behaviour and form positive relationships with others. This is how to be a ‘Park Child’! We have Circle Time sessions, where we talk, listen, and show sensitivity to our friends. We follow Coram SCARF and in conjunction with our Global Themes, we talk and learn about our own lives and the lives of others, helping our children to become happy and healthy members of society.
Important Documents for EYFS
These are the documents provided by the DFE and other organisations to support the development of school’s EYFS practice.
2024 EYFS Statutory Framework for Schools Development Matters
