EYFS Curriculum

Children in our Early Years (Reception) follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum (EYFS).

The EYFS Curriculum has seven main areas of learning

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Communication and Language
• Physical development
• Literacy (Reading and Writing)
• Mathematics
• Understanding the world
• Expressive Arts and Design

A practical, playful approach to learning, based on the needs and interests of our children, is delivered mainly through topic based planning. We teach children individually, in small groups, in class bases and in whole cohorts. Through a combination of teacher input and continuous provision opportunities, learning is planned to encourage children to develop their learning independently through exploration and challenge.

The “Characteristics of Effective Learning” are at the heart of the Early Years Curriculum and explore the different ways in which children learn. They highlight the importance of playing and learning, active learning and thinking critically.

All the learning experiences we plan for the children allow them to utilise and develop these skills. Our learning environments, both inside and outside, are stimulating and exciting, and relevant to the needs and age/stage of our children. Natural backing and resources promote a calm atmosphere conducive to learning, whilst easily accessible resources develop children’s ability to access the curriculum independently.

At Hedon Primary School, topics of learning are child led listening to their interests and taking into account their needs. As a result of this focus on out pupils’ interests, our Foundation Stage does not have a long term plan for the curriculum but does ensure planning covers all areas of learning through the themes chosen. Over the past few year topics have included Mini-beasts, Dinosaurs, Pirates, Autumn, Vehicles, Countries Around the World, Fairy Tales, Polar Express, Birds, Space amongst many others.