Little Acorns and Acorns
Early Years Foundation Stage
Welcome to our EYFS page.
Our EYFS unit is made up of our Little Acorns (Nursery) and Acorns (Reception). Children can start in our unit the term after their 3rd birthday.
Our EYFS unit is the foundation of our school, children explore provision both inside and outside and our curriculum is built around our We ROCK values and children’s own ideas and interests.
Our We ROCK values:-
Respect – We aim to have respectful learners, of their environment, of each other, of the world and of the views of others too
Open minded – We want children to be open in trying new things, having a go and persevering when things become difficult
Curiosity – We encourage children to be more curious, ask questions, develop their understanding, try out new things and want to find out more
Kindness – We develop kind children who care for others, themselves and the world around them
Our EYFS curriculum uses the Characteristics of Effective Learning as the foundations upon which to build.
These are:
Playing and exploring: – Children investigate and experience things and ‘have a go.’ Children who actively participate in their own play develop a larger store of information and experiences to draw on which positively supports their learning.
Active learning: – Children concentrate and keep on trying if they encounter difficulties. They are proud of their own achievements. For children to develop into self-regulating, lifelong learners they are required to take ownership, accept challenges and learn persistence.
Creating and thinking critically: – Children develop their own ideas and make links between these ideas. They think flexibly and rationally, drawing on previous experiences which help them to solve problems and reach conclusions.
Unique child: – Every child is unique and has the potential to be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured.
Positive relationships: – children flourish with warm, strong and positive partnerships between all staff and parents/carers. This promotes independence across the EYFS curriculum. Children and practitioners are NOT alone, we embrace our community.
Enabling environments:- Children learn and develop well in safe and secure environments where routines are established and where adults respond to their individual needs and passions and help them to build upon their learning over time.
Learning and development: – Children develop and learn at different rates. We must be aware of children who need greater support than others.
Our curriculum is split into 7 areas of learning:
3 prime areas
- Physical development
- Communication and Language
- Personal, social and emotional development
4 specific areas
- Literacy
- Maths
- Understanding the world
- Expressive arts and design
Our curriculum interweaves all of these areas of learning to ensure that by the time the children leave reception they are confident, independent learners who are willing to have a go and persevere.
Our main aim is to send pupils into Key Stage 1 who just have a real love and passion for learning.
Further information:
‘There are consistent routines and high expectations.’
‘Pupils feel safe in school. Bullying is rare.’
‘Pupils enjoy taking part in a wide range of extra-curricular experiences, such as rugby club and choir.’
‘There are respectful relationships between adults and pupils.’
‘Pupils learn to develop their independence from an early age.’
‘Learning builds on what pupils already know. Teachers have strong subject knowledge and support pupils to develop their reasoning skills.’
‘Across
the school, pupils behave well both in lessons and during social times.’
‘The safeguarding of pupils is a priority in school. Staff know pupils and families well.’
‘Staff have given careful thought to what
children will learning each term.’
‘Pupils enjoy attending this school.’
‘Pupils move around the school sensibly.’
‘One group of pupils is supporting the community to develop a sensory garden in
the local area.’
‘Leaders encourage pupils to take on responsibilities in school.’
‘One pupil, typical of many, said, ‘We should treat others as we expect to be treated ourselves.’
‘Children enjoy exploring the purposeful learning environment that staff have created for them.’
‘Leaders ensure that staff have the training and support to meet the needs of pupils with SEND’
‘Leaders know how important it is for pupils to enjoy reading.’
‘ Children learn to read as soon as they start at school. Welltrained staff skilfully help children to read with increasing confidence.’
‘ The early years staff know their children well.’
‘Pupils are supportive of one another’
‘Teachers encourage pupils
to read in a variety of ways.’
‘Pupils are confident that staff will help them if they have any concerns.’
‘Leaders are working to further improve their curriculum.’
‘ Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), are given extra support if
they fall behind.’
‘In
mathematics, the ‘small steps’ of knowledge that pupils must learn are clearly identified.’
‘Leaders and teachers promote a respect of different cultures and ideas.’
‘Pupils are respectful of people with different backgrounds or beliefs.’
‘Pupils enjoy their role as ambassadors for the school, welcoming visitors and organising fundraising events.’
‘Pupils learn how to stay safe, including when using the internet.’
‘Pupils listen carefully to other people’s opinions.’
