EYFS
Click Here to go to Class One Page and see what our EYFS children in action.
Intent
Here, at Hapton CE/Methodist Primary School we understand, promote and develop the religious, spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of all our pupils. We have identified a clear set of values that underpin expectations for behaviour for all members of our school family. Every child is recognised as a unique individual.
At Hapton C/E Methodist Primary School, the EYFS curriculum is designed to recognise children’s prior learning, provide first hand learning experiences, allow the children to develop interpersonal skills, build resilience and become creative, critical thinkers. Our curriculum is based around the community, in which it is situated, recognising local history, geographical position and most importantly, the aspirations of all children.
The ability to learn is underpinned by the teaching of basic skills, knowledge, concepts and values. We provide a wide range of enhancement opportunities to engage inquisitive minds and believe that childhood should be a happy and fun, investigative and enquiring time in our lives where there are no limits for new experiences and knowledge.
The EYFS curriculum at Hapton is designed to develop the characteristics of effective learning:
- Creating and thinking critically – children have and develop their own ideas, make links between ideas, and develop strategies for doing things.
- Active learning – children keep on trying if they encounter difficulties, and enjoy their achievements.
- Playing and exploring – children investigate and experience things, and ‘have a go’.
Implementation
Community involvement is an essential part of our curriculum as we celebrate local traditions, learning new skills to enable the children to take an active role in events throughout the year. Children leave the school with a sense of belonging to a tight community (with a lipstick ‘H’ on their forehead!) where they have the confidence and skills to make decisions, self-evaluate, make connections and become lifelong learners.
Our EYFS Curriculum engages all children and ensures that all children make good progress from their starting points. The EYFS teacher visits the children in nursery before the end of term to help gain information from the professionals to inform their planning. They also carry out home visits on the first 2 days of term to help smooth transition and support parents who are worried and nervous about their children starting school. A number of key resources are used support the development of the curriculum including Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage, Development Matters and most importantly the children’s own interests.
The school has recognised the use of clear, focused learning intentions as an effective tool in gaining intended learning outcomes. Staff working within the EYFS receives regular training to ensure their interactions with the children reflect current best practise, are valuable, support each individual child and move learning on. We are now using target tracker in school which helps to show a clear picture of where the children are and how we can move them on.
Where possible the children’s own interests are used by the adults to engage the children in higher level thinking and deeper learning. Child initiated learning is valued and encouraged. Through adult led learning we introduce new concepts and knowledge, the progression of which can be led by the children through enabling environments and continuous provision.
Each half term topic is enhanced through a variety of first hand experiences, our ‘Hooks’ at the beginning of each topic give the teachers opportunity to find out what previous knowledge the children already have and also engage the children in the topic they are going to be learning about. These give all of the children a shared experience through which to explore and develop language, knowledge and skills.
Parents are valued as first educators and every effort is made to inform them of the EYFS curriculum whilst providing them with the tools to continue in school learning at home. Parents are also encouraged to inform school of their child’s interests and achievements at home as these are an essential part of each child’s learning journey. Strategies to include and inform parents include, ‘Stay and Play’ sessions, Phonics Workshops, Reading Records and also special days to celebrate the children’s outcomes.
Impact
At Hapton CE/Methodist Primary School the impact of the EYFS Curriculum is that all children make good progress from their individual starting points. All children get the best possible start to their school life and develop the knowledge and skills to reach and exceed their potential in KS1. They develop and nurture strong, positive attitudes where they become proud and respectful of themselves, others and their environment.