EYFS
| Class Name | Hedgehogs (Nursery) | Rabbits (Reception) |
| Teacher | Ms C Cannon | Miss K Thatcher |
| Learning Support Assistant |
Mrs C Hancock Miss G Cave Miss J Knight |
Miss Mitchell
|
EYFS Curriculum at Merstham Primary School
At Merstham Primary School our vision statement A community, growing, learning and achieving together clearly sets out what we wish to achieve as a school community. Embedded in our vision are our values Community – Aiming High, Learning to Learn, and wellbeing.
EYFS Curriculum
At Merstham we believe that ‘Play’ is how children learn best. Through play our children explore and develop learning experiences, which help them make sense of the world. They have the opportunity to practice skills, develop ideas and think creatively alongside other children as well as individually. The children communicate with others as they investigate and solve problems. They have the opportunity to express fears or re-live anxious experiences in controlled and safe situations.
Each area of learning and development is implemented through planned, purposeful play. We also teach through a mix of adult-led and child-initiated activities. Staff respond to each child’s emerging needs and interests, guiding their development through warm, positive interaction.
Our early years setting follows the curriculum as outlined in the latest version of the EYFS statutory framework that applies from September 2021.
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:
The prime areas are strengthened and applied through 4 specific areas:
All areas of learning are interlinked and are dependent on each other. They are all of value and important for a child’s development. The 7 areas of learning are underpinned by the ‘Characteristics of Effective Learning’, which show the learning styles of individual children.
The Characteristics of Effective Learning are;
- Playing and exploring
- Active learning
- Creating and thinking critically
The EYFS is based upon four principles:
- A Unique Child
- Positive Relationships
- Enabling Environments
- Learning and Development
Each half term we have a new topic which are closely linked to children’s first hand experiences and to their interests. Topics may change to meet the needs of the children. Possibly lines of enquiry this year are:
| Term | Topic |
|---|---|
| Autumn 1 | My World |
| Autumn 2 | Celebrations |
| Spring 1 | Into the Woods |
| Spring 2 | Paws, Claws and Jaws |
| Summer 1 | In the Garden |
| Summer 2 | Pirates and the Seven Seas |
Working in partnership with parents
We recognise that children learn and develop well when there is a strong partnership between staff and parents and/or carers.
Parents and/or carers are kept up to date with their child’s progress and development. The progress check and EYFS profile helps to provide parents and/or carers with a well-rounded picture of their child’s knowledge, understanding and abilities.
Each child is assigned a key person who helps to ensure that their learning and care is tailored to meet their needs. The key person supports parents and/or carers in guiding their child’s development at home. The key person also helps families to engage with more specialist support, if appropriate.
The school acknowledges that it is a requirement for each child to be assigned a key person. In nursery we will assign a key person for each child and for reception the key worker is the teacher.
We have an ‘Open Door policy’ which allows parents and teachers to talk regularly in order to discuss information. Parents are also welcome to request a meeting with the class teacher or Early Years Lead to discuss their child’s learning and development. Parents are also able to access their child’s learning via the Tapestry app. Parents are also updated regularly via class newsletters and the whole school newsletter.
There is a formal meeting for parents in the Autumn and Spring terms at which the teacher and the parents discuss the child’s progress with the teacher. Parents receive a report on their child’s attainment and progress at the end of the Summer term. All staff involved with the EYFS aim to develop good relationships with all children, interacting positively with them and taking time to listen to them.
Useful Websites:
Reception Baseline Assessment https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1025098/Information_for_parents_reception_baseline_assessment.pdf
What to expect when
https://foundationyears.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/What-to-expect-in-the-EYFS-complete-FINAL-16.09-compressed.pdf
