What are the different areas in the EYFS Curriculum?
‘There are seven areas of learning and development that must shape educational
programmes in early years settings. All areas of learning and development are
important and inter-connected’ (The Statutory Early Years Framework 2021/1.3)
Prime Areas
- Communication and Language – Listening, Attention and Understanding/Speaking
- Physical Development – Gross motor skills and fine motor skills
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development – Self-regulation, managing self and building relationships
Specific Areas
- Literacy – Comprehension, word reading and writing
- Mathematics – Number and numerical patterns
- Understanding the World – Past and present, people, culture and communities, the natural world
- Expressive Arts and Design – Creating with materials, being imaginative and expressive arts
The EYFS at Stoke Bishop C of E Primary School
We believe in giving the children in Explorers a sense of adventure and fun. We understand how play contributes to a child’s imagination and individual passions allowing them the autonomy to flourish and grow. Through this, they learn essential skills such as problem solving, working with others and independence. During their time in Explorers, children receive a purposeful and engaging curriculum that is accessible and challenging for all. We believe that children deserve the opportunity to explore the world around them so they can develop both socially, emotionally and academically. Our curriculum is flexible and holistic and we recognise when we need to adapt our approaches to meet the needs of the children.
The children in Explorers are taught about the importance of grace and how to build positive and fulfilling relationships. Every child is encouraged to listen to each other, resolve conflicts and show kindness to all. We create an ethos and culture where all children belong.
Our expectation is that all children will quickly become a member of the wider school community and this begins in the summer term with a detailed induction programme and introduction to our buddy system.
We provide an environment where children develop high level oracy skills which enable them to articulate their feelings and ideas. We inspire children to have the courage to believe it’s possible for them to achieve their goals, no matter how small. Through gentle encouragement, children are taught not give up and develop a positive outlook and to seek challenge independently. We expect children to take responsibility for their learning environment and themselves by developing an understanding of integrity and passion.
We prioritise in creating a language rich environment through stories, songs, rhymes, role-play and promoting high quality interactions between all adults and children. We create a calm, welcoming and happy atmosphere where children feel safe to take risks and challenge their independence. We offer children quiet spaces to refocus and opportunities for spiritual reflection. Our PSHE scheme enables children to take part in activities which promote self-worth, individuality, empathy and respect through circle times and role-play. We focus on children’s emotional development as soon as they start school. The EYFS team offers emotional support when a need arises through comforting, setting boundaries and reflecting on the children’s interests to make the child feel comfortable in their environment.
We value the importance of children’s physical development and our curriculum offers daily opportunities to strengthen both children’s fine and gross motor skills through activities such as threading, weekly cutlery challenges, doh-disco and the daily use of bikes and scooters. All these activities contribute towards children developing the skills to become early writers. Children begin to form letters in term 1 through our phonics scheme Unlocking Letters and Sounds. Throughout the day we provide opportunities for purposeful mark making and adults lead small groups on focused writing tasks during the week.
Our EYFS outdoor environment provides children with a range of opportunities to explore and have fun. The children have the access to water play, large construction, reading dens and a muddy kitchen and herb garden.
As a school we believe reading can open a child’s world and can allow them to explore concepts both imaginary and real. The children in Explorers are our very own early readers. We use language rich texts that spark interests and develop vocabulary and knowledge. Through our whole school phonics approach and regular assessments, we provide the children with decodable books which match their reading ability so that all children are able to read.
We teach mathematical concepts through direct teaching and allow daily opportunities for children to explore these concepts through our provision as well as focused maths afternoons. We use manipulatives and real-life situations such as cooking and measuring minibeasts to support children to become independent and confident mathematicians who can apply what they have learnt to real life experiences.
Independence, responsibility and integrity is a key focus within our curriculum to enable them to be ready to move to Year 1. We encourage independence through routines such as self-registration and meal choices and managing their outdoor personal belongings.
Yearly Overview
Partnership with Parents
We believe in strong, honest and respectful relationships with parents where the children’s developing needs are jointly nurtured. We host a range of Hub Events across the year ranging from phonics workshops and teddy bear picnics to craft afternoons. This will enable you to come into the school to see how we teach and work with the children on a day to day basis.
Reading and Phonics at Stoke Bishop Primary School
Please see the presentation below for information on how we teach phonics at our school. If you have any questions, please speak to a member of the Reception team.
Below are the letter formation and rhymes to help children form their lower case letters correctly.
Communication and Language
This underpins all seven areas of learning and development. A language rich environment at home and school is crucial. We believe in high quality interactions between adults and children at all times. This can include commenting on their interests, engaging actively in reading stories, echoing back what children say with new vocabulary and giving children the opportunities to share ideas. The video below is from the National Literacy Trust which shares parents views about the importance of talking to their children.