Early Years Foundation Stage
Intent
Intent: The EYFS is a crucial time in a child’s life as it is the beginning of their understanding of themselves and their world. It is the time when their curiosity and fascination begins, and it is vital that these attributes are encouraged and developed so that every child loves to learn, values the importance of life-long learning and is self-assured, confident and resilient to do so.
Learning is separated into six overriding themes which support development.
Jolly Phonics is used to develop children’s reading and language skills and this is embedding across all learning, every day as well as
being taught specifically so that reading begins at an early age. White Rose Maths leads our mathematics learning alongside a
wide range of resources and purposeful, real-life learning. All classes are well-resourced to support the development of all areas of learning including children’s physical, expressive and emotional development. A range of cultural and spiritual events and festivals
are celebrated throughout the year.
The EYFS is about what children learn, as well as how they learn. Effective practice is a mix of different approaches. Children learn through play, by adults modelling, by observing each other and through adult-guided learning. All areas of learning and development are
important and inter-connected. Three prime areas are particularly important for learning and forming relationships as they build a foundation for children to thrive and provide the basis for learning in all areas.
These are the prime areas:
• Communication and language
• Physical development
• Personal, social and emotional development
Four specific areas, which help strengthen and develop the three prime areas, and ignite children’s curiosity and enthusiasm are:
• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the world
• Expressive arts and design
