The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Curriculum begins at birth and continues until a child reaches the end of Reception year. The skills learnt through these foundations are crucial in enabling children to develop into resilient, independent learners who are school ready. Through the Foundation Stage curriculum, we believe children have the right to reach their full potential and to be the best they can be.
Play is a large part of the EYFS curriculum as we believe children learn through doing and talking. Our Reception classroom is equipped with a wide range of learning resources that support the seven areas of the EYFS curriculum. Staff plan for these to provide meaningful learning opportunities for pupils, both indoors and out. Alongside our enabling environment, we ensure that children learn through a balance of child-led and adult-led activities; adults work alongside pupils to model skills, encourage independence, scaffold learning, challenge thinking and also provide opportunities to rehearse and embed new skills and knowledge.
Themes are set each half term to provide real-life contexts for children. This enables them to develop their understanding about the world, as well as their own key skills. Each theme is reflected in the environment, with a focus on stories, vocabulary, and wonder. Our themes are flexed around particular interests of the children, so that they are provided with opportunities to impact their own learning and share their interests with their peers. Should a pupil or pupils require additional support or differentiated tasks, these are provided for through an adapted curriculum, catering for each individual child.
In line with effective practice, we annually review our EYFS offer against the seven principles outlined in the Early Years Statutory Framework (2021). Our curriculum is constantly reviewed and reflected upon, to ensure that children are developing the skills needed not only to achieve curriculum outcomes for the end of the Reception year, but also to be school and future ready.
The curriculum in Reception builds upon skills children have developed in their Nursery settings, or at home, and so transition into school is a key part of the learning journey. Transition meetings are planned carefully so that staff can communicate with parents and Nursery care providers to ensure information is shared in an effective manner, supporting smooth change for the children. Parents remain an important part of a child’s learning journey, and are able to capture and share learning moments witnessed at home or on holiday through use of the Seesaw tool.
At Tibberton, we want to ensure that children leave Reception ready for the years ahead. Our ambition is for them to have a rich vocabulary, deep knowledge of stories and language, and be equipped with learning attitudes that will support them in becoming successful learners. Aligned with this, we aim to foster happy children, who are good citizens and friends, who love to learn and believe in ‘Being the best we can be, because with God all things are possible’.