Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum & Assessment

The Early Years Foundation Stage is the curriculum followed by Nursery and Reception children. It covers a range of skills and subject areas. In our setting we have a vibrant and dynamic learning environment, both indoors and outdoors, which is used to decvelop play, exploration, active learning, creativity and critical thinking. A key part of our provision planning, and the Early Years Foundation Stage, is to ensure that children develop their characteristics of effective learning. This manifests itself within:

• Playing and Exploring: how the children investigate things.

• Active Learning: how well the children concentrate and remain focused on their goal.

• Creating and Thinking Critically: how the children develop their own ideas and make links between their ideas and experiences.

There are three prime areas of learning and development in the Early Years Foundation Stage:

Communication and  Language
We support the children in the development of their speaking and listening skills in a language rich environment.

 Physical Development
 We aim to provide opportunities for the children to develop their co-ordination, control   and movement, as well as helping them to understand the importance of healthy living

 Alongside these three key areas are four specific areas which are integrated into the   activities we complete to ensure we develop the whole child.

Literacy
We aim to spark the children’s interest in reading and writing through a range of fun, practical activities.

Mathematics
We  encourage  the  development  of   counting  skills,  using  numbers for problem  solving  and  also  understanding  of  early  concepts  of  shape,  space and measure.

Understanding the World
The children have opportunity to explore their world through technology, the environment and the wider community.

Expressive Arts and Design
The children experience a range of media and materials and enjoy music making, art work, dance and role play activities.

Assessment

When the children start with us we complete a Baseline Assessment which enables us to really get to know the children and their skills and understanding. Our planning is then based upon this assessment and the children's objectives are personal.

We complete on-going assessments during the year and assess children against the Early Years Foundation Stage. These assessments feed into the statutory Foundation Stage Profile at the end of the Reception year. We keep you informed about your child's progress on a regular basis through parents' evenings and our on-line Learning Journey. We use the 'Tapestry' on-line Learning Journey. We have an open door policy and are happy to discuss your child's progress at any time.