Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
The overarching principles of the EYFS are:
- Every child is a unique child, who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured.
- Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships.
- Children learn and develop well in enabling environments, in which their learning responds to their individual needs and there is a strong partnership between teachers and parents and or carers.
- Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates. The framework covers the education and care of all children in the early years provision.
How we implement the EYFS Curriculum at Jacquie’s Place Communication, Language and Literacy
In both small and large groups, our children are encouraged to extend their vocabulary and fluency by talking and listening; and by hearing and responding to stories, songs and rhymes. Children are helped to understand that written symbols carry meaning, to be aware of their purpose, and when they are ready, to use drawn and written symbols for themselves. A well-stocked book corner gives every child the opportunity and encouragement to become familiar with books, to be able to handle them and to be aware of their uses, both for reference and as a source of stories and pictures.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Within a nurturing environment, our children are individually supported in developing confidence, autonomy and self-respect. They are encouraged to work and concentrate independently and also to take part in the life of the group, sharing and co-operating with other children and adults. Through activities, conversation and practical example, they learn acceptable ways to express their own feelings and to have respect for the feelings of others. All children are given the opportunity, as appropriate, to take responsibility for themselves and also the group, its members and its property.
Mathematics – Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
By means of adult-supported practical experience, our children become familiar with sorting, matching, ordering, sequencing and counting activities that form the basis of early mathematics. As they use their developing mathematical understanding to solve practical problems, children are assisted to learn and use the vocabulary of mathematics, identifying objects by shape, position, size, weight, volume and number. Songs, games and picture books help children become aware of number sequences and when they are ready, to use simple mathematical operations such as adding, subtraction and measurement.
Knowledge & Understanding of the World
A safe and stimulating environment allows our children to explore and experiment with a range of natural and manufactured materials. They learn to observe the features of objects and substances, recognising differences, patterns and similarities, and to share and record their findings. Children are assisted in exploring and understanding their environment, both within the group and also in the wider community. A range of safe and well-maintained equipment enables children to extend their technological understanding, using simple tools and techniques as appropriate to achieve their intentions and solve problems.
Physical Development
A range of equipment and opportunities, both indoor and outdoor, allow our children to develop confidence and enjoyment in the use and development of their own bodily skills. A very high level of adult supervision enables children safety to create and meet physical challenges, developing increasing skill and control in moving, climbing and balancing. At the same time, children are supported in the development of the fine motor skills required to use tools, including pens, pencils and scissors, and to handle small objects with increasing control and precision.
Creative Development – Expressive Arts and Design
Our children are encouraged to use a wide range of resources in order to express their own ideas and feelings and to construct their individual responses to experience in two and three dimensions. Art equipment, including paint, glue, crayons and pencils as well as natural and discarded resources, provide for open-ended exploration of colour, shape and texture and the development of skills in painting, drawing and collage. Children join in with and respond to music and stories, and there are many opportunities for imaginative role-play, both individually and as part of a group.
To deliver this curriculum we use the best of both traditional British teaching and Montessori methods. Within this the children will have many chances to experience structured play and free play which are both a very important part of their early learning experiences. In addition through our specialist subjects French, Music, Arts, and Structured Sport Sessions and also through drama, role-play, we seek to develop our children further.
If you would like to know more about the EYFS visit: www.direct.gov.uk/eyfs or www.education.gov.uk