Little Acorns and Acorns
Early Years Foundation Stage

We follow the Statutory Framework from the Department for Education with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.

This has four principles that we follow:

  • A Unique Child
  • Positive Relationships
  • Enabling Environments
  • Learning and Development

To enable children to develop:

  • Personal, Social and Emotional Development, (making Relationships, Self-confidence and self awareness, Managing feelings and behaviour)
  • Communication and Language , (Listening and attention, Understanding and speaking)
  • Physical Development, (Moving and handling and Health and self-care)
  • Literacy, (Reading and Writing)
  • Maths, (Number and Shape, space and measure)
  • Understanding of the World, People and communities, The world, Technology)
  • Expressive Arts and Design, (Exploring and using media and materials, Being Imaginative)

Areas within the Nursery and Reception classrooms:

  • a writing area containing various writing implements and papers as well as envelopes and examples of good writing
  • a book corner containing a range of  fiction, non-fiction, poetry and class-made books
  • a maths resource area which allows children to select appropriate items to help them solve practical problems
  • a creative area containing resources for a range of art, design, music and technology activities
  • a construction area containing resources for developing fine motor skills, social interaction and problem solving
  • a small world area which allows children to extend fine motor skills, engage in imaginative play and develop language
  • an area for sand, malleable materials (e.g. play dough) and water play, where children can engage in practical investigations
  • a role play area which can be developed along themed line to cover several aspects of learning in “real life” scenarios.

Development & Assessment

The outside area is seen as an extension of the classroom and the above opportunities will be available outside as well as inside.
Through all of our strands we aim to develop the children as they Play and Explore, be an Active Learner and to have Creative and Critical Thinking.

The staff are constantly assessing the children in their everyday activities, play and through more focussed work. We use observations of the children, photos, the work that they do, feedback from parents and comments made by the children, as well as a new ipad app to decide where we believe the children are working in the 17 areas of learning.

This is based on the Development Matters document which gives statements for the ages of the children. We share this with parents and base the next steps for the children on this.

The planning each term and each week is taken from the previous week’s findings, the interests of the children and the next steps.

Further information:

‘All the staff are great with my child.’

Parent testimonials

‘Our boys have gone through the last 18 months aware of what goes on the world currently but not scared or overwhelmed by it. This definitely goes back to being a credit to your staff and the environment you have created.’

Parent testimonials

‘Our child has settled really well into the school. She has made great progress already. Her teacher has recognised her strengths and is really passionate about these with her which we think is great and is really allowing her to develop and progress even further.’

Parent testimonials

‘Communication is good and works well for my child.’

Parent testimonials

‘Mrs Tracey and Miss Allanson are very supportive. All the staff are brilliant and Mrs Murrey is wonderful and always very helpful.’

Parent testimonials

‘My child has always been happy at school – could not have wished for a better primary school!’

Parent testimonials

‘We’re very happy to be part of your wonderful school community.’

Parent testimonials

‘Our observations are that your school is a wonderful nurturing environment and the teachers and other staff are always friendly, caring and understanding and nothing ever seems like too much trouble they are a real credit to the school.’

Parent testimonials

‘My child enjoys the clubs after school especially with Mr Elder and Miss Sellar. Such a lovely school.’

Parent testimonials

‘We are looking forward to more normal times ahead when we might get to see more of what our children are doing each week from hopefully inside the school gates but until then a big thank you from us for all that you’ve done so far and everything you will continue to do.’

Parent testimonials

‘My children look forward to going to school every day – I am happy with the support and communication from the teachers.’

Parent testimonials

‘This is our 2nd year within the school community and we have 2 children who attend the school now. Both are settled and happy and always talk so highly about their teachers, friends and the environment.’

Parent testimonials

‘My children love school and their teachers.’

Parent testimonials

‘It’s a brilliant school and staff are absolutely lovely and welcoming.’

Parent testimonials

‘This is a caring school where staff try their hardest for the pupils and families.’

Parent testimonials

‘The school has gone above and beyond with my daughter who has SEN. Nothing is too much trouble. The EHCP is followed and tailored to her needs.’

Parent testimonials

‘My children receive a broad and balanced curriculum at Leconfield.’

Parent testimonials