EYFS
Our vision is that all children are happy, supported, thrive and succeed during their first year at school.
At Shoscombe, children are given the opportunity to learn through play-based activities both indoors and outdoors.
Early Years Curriculum
The EYFS curriculum is organised into seven areas of learning.
Prime Areas
- Communication and Language
- Physical Development
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Specific Areas
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts and Design
Teaching and Learning
Using the descriptors from the document Development Matters, we assess pupils on entry and map their progress throughout the year towards the Early Learning Goals. The EYFS curriculum is delivered with a careful balance between child initiated and adult led learning. Opportunities are provided for both indoor and outdoor learning and children are also able to choose their own environment. Although we do make observations and document learning, we feel that spending quality time talking to the children and being co-learners with the children is an important way of getting to know the children really well. Through observing, and interacting with, the children at work and play, we can plan their next steps, whether this be extra support needed, a challenge required, or adapting the environment to suit the children’s interests, passions and needs. A carefully planned curriculum, which is informed by the children’s interests, ensures children are active participants in their learning and development. The topics taught vary term to term and year to year depending on the children’s interests and needs.
The links below show how the children progress through the 7 different areas of learning, building on the skills they bring with them in September.
Communication and Language Progression Overview
Personal, Social and Emotional Development Progression Overview
Physical Development Progression Overview
Mathematics Progression Overview
Understanding the World Progression Overview
Expressive Arts and Design Progression Overview
We plan how the progression of skills fit into a year’s long-term plan. We plan with loose topics named for each term but are highly adaptable to suit the children’s interests and needs.
Children learn through a balance of adult led teaching and child-initiated learning. We call this Explore Time, as the children are exploring and discovering new environments, new resources and new skills. They have the opportunity to use, practise and apply the new skills and techniques learnt at an earlier date. The environment is easily accessible to all, with resources available for the children to create their own learning, rather than pre-planned ‘Blue Peter’ here’s one I made earlier! The environment is planned however, where new equipment and resources are introduced over the year, so the children can build on previously learnt skills.
Parental Partnerships
We are committed to building strong parental partnerships which support children’s learning. We work closely with parents throughout the year to ensure that their child has the best possible start to their school career. We run a parent phonics workshop during the Autumn term. Parents are invited into the classroom to find out how key skills are taught and how to support their child at home. We also invite parents to attend a new parent meeting and run other events such as Stay and Learn activities at different points throughout the year.
Each child in Reception is paired with a Year 6 Buddy while they are settling into the new school environment. Buddies offer support, guidance and reassurance during playtimes and lunchtimes.
