Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

 

“Children are not things to be moulded, but people to be unfolded.” — Jess Lair

 

At Clapham and Patching CofE Primary School, we passionately believe that the Early Years Foundation Stage lays the foundations for a child’s whole future. Quality early years experiences help our children build confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning, while developing the social, emotional, and communication skills they will use throughout their lives. In our small, supportive and personal environment, our youngest children learn how to play, explore, share, and make sense of the world around them. We know that when our children feel safe, valued, and encouraged from the very start, they will grow into happy, resilient learners.

Our little school is unique, and so are our children. Through our high quality provision, and our excellent relationships with families, our youngest children can flourish. 

Our Early Years Intent

We aim to provide a happy, inclusive and play-based curriculum where every child feels valued and supported to become a confident, capable and curious learner.

Rooted in our Christian vision ‘Learn, Love and Flourish with God’, we nurture each child as a unique individual, recognising their interests, strengths and potential. We believe children learn best when they feel safe, loved and encouraged to explore the world around them.

We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, with a strong focus on the Prime Areas of learning – Communication and Language, Personal, Social and Emotional Development, and Physical Development – as these are the building blocks for all future learning.

Our curriculum is rich, engaging and carefully planned to develop all areas of learning through purposeful play, first-hand experiences and meaningful interactions. We are committed to ensuring that all children, including those with SEND and those from vulnerable groups, make good progress from their individual starting points within a nurturing and inclusive environment.

 

Implementation

In our Early Years setting, children are supported through a balance of child-initiated play and adult-guided learning, allowing them to explore their interests while being gently challenged and supported to move their learning forward.

Communication and language sit at the heart of everything we do. Children develop their speaking, listening and storytelling skills through high-quality interactions, shared stories, Drawing Club, the Message Centre and Helicopter Stories.

Early reading and phonics are taught using the Little Wandle programme, helping children to develop strong foundations for reading and writing. Little Wandle Handwriting is introduced to further support fine motor skills and early writing.

We use Arc Pathway to assess children’s learning, helping us identify their strengths and next steps so that planning is carefully tailored to meet individual needs.

Our environment is calm, welcoming and inclusive, with access to both indoor and outdoor learning spaces that encourage independence, creativity, collaboration and exploration.

Transitions are carefully planned and supported. Nursery visits, stay-and-play sessions and home visits help children to feel confident when starting Reception, and strong links with Key Stage 1 ensure a smooth move into Year 1.

Impact

Children leave our Early Years setting happy, confident and eager to learn. They show high levels of wellbeing, independence and resilience.

They communicate confidently, listen carefully and build positive relationships with adults and peers. Children make strong progress across all areas of learning, including communication, physical development, early reading, writing and mathematics.

Children with SEND and those who are vulnerable are supported effectively through early identification and targeted support, enabling them to make sustained progress.

As a result, children are well-prepared for the next stage of their education, moving into Key Stage 1 with a love of learning and as valued members of our school community.

Assessment

Assessment is ongoing and forms a natural part of everyday learning. School staff use observations, interactions and play to understand each child’s development and plan next steps.

Arc Pathway allows us to track progress clearly and visually, ensuring no child is overlooked. We value pupil voice and work closely with parents, using their contributions to build a full picture of each child’s learning journey.

Assessment information is shared regularly with parents and supports smooth transitions and future planning for each unique child. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please see below and the attachment below to take you to our EYFS planning: