Big Ideas:

Our EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) Philosophy

At Violet Way Academy, we take time to get to know each individual child well, building good relationships so that we can best understand their needs. Our approach gives the children opportunities to learn, make choices and decisions and develop self-awareness, confidence and independence. This learning takes place in an atmosphere of care and warmth, where each child and their individual needs and achievements are recognised, valued and praised.

EYFS Curriculum

The Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum in Reception incorporates the statutory requirements of the ‘Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage’, which sets the standards for care and learning in the early years. Our EYFS curriculum offer ensures that pupils in Reception experience a range of learning opportunities which best meet their developmental needs while taking into account their individual interests. 

Prime Areas 

Communication and Language 

Children develop language through talking, thinking, and listening in different situations. To support early reading and writing, children are given opportunities and encouragement to listen to a wide range of stories, books and rhymes, mark-make and link sounds and letters. 

Personal, Social and Emotional Development 

Our goal is for all children to feel good about themselves and others and to develop positive relationships. Children are supported to become independent, excited and motivated learners. 

Physical Development 

Children are supported to develop and refine fine and gross motor skills, to enable them to gain control and coordination, which is an essential step towards writing. Children will also feel the benefits of being healthy and active. 

Specific Areas 

Literacy 

Children develop the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to enjoy the world of print. This is done through daily story times, Little Wandle phonics and reading sessions, and challenges and opportunities during continuous provision.  

Mathematics 

Children develop mathematical skills and understanding through: stories, songs, games, everyday activities, and imaginative play. This helps children to enjoy experimenting and become confident and curious about numbers, shapes, patterns, and measures. 

Understanding the World 

Children develop knowledge, skills and understanding that help them to make sense of the world. This is the foundation for later work in history, geography, RE, science, design technology, and ICT. 

Expressive Arts and Design 

Children are free to explore art, music, dance, drama, and imaginative play. There are opportunities for children to try new experiences and express themselves in a variety of ways. 

Learning Through Play

Learning though play is a fundamental part of our curriculum. Children have opportunities to practise and refine taught concepts in engaging activities set out in the provision. ‘Continuous Provision time’ is where the children have access to a wide range of resources and activities which meet individual interests and learning needs. 

The children also have daily access to a well-resourced outdoor area. Children enjoy engaging with activities and resources which offer different learning opportunities from the ones inside the classroom. Examples of these include navigating the playground on the balance bikes, lifting and building large scale constructions using wooden blocks, interacting with natural materials in the mud kitchen and observing changes and growth in the planting area.  

Tapestry

In Reception, we use Tapestry to record children’s learning achievements. We also encourage parents to share children’s victories or special events from home.  

 

Mrs Newton EYFS lead.