Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
At St Joseph’s, we believe that every child is a unique gift from God. We provide a nurturing, stimulating and inclusive environment where children feel safe, valued and inspired to learn. Our Early Years curriculum is designed to develop confident, independent learners who are curious about the world around them and excited by new experiences.
Intent
At St Joseph’s, we aim to provide children with the strongest possible foundations for future learning and life. Through high-quality interactions, purposeful play and meaningful experiences, we support every child to flourish academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.
As adults, we support our children by:
- Fostering a love of learning through curiosity, exploration and discovery.
- Nurturing children’s communication and language skills through meaningful conversations and storytelling.
- Encouraging children to express their thoughts, ideas and feelings confidently.
- Developing resilience, independence and confidence through praise, encouragement and challenge.
- Providing opportunities for children to learn through play, investigation and first-hand experiences.
- Building strong foundations in reading, writing, mathematics and communication.
- Developing children’s understanding of themselves, others and the wider world.
- Promoting Gospel values through all aspects of school life.
- Creating a culture where every child feels valued, respected and successful.
Our Curriculum
Our Early Years setting follows the curriculum outlined in the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage.
We provide a broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum which develops children’s knowledge, skills and understanding through engaging experiences and high-quality interactions.
There are seven areas of learning and development, all of which are interconnected and equally important.
The Prime Areas
The Prime Areas underpin all future learning and development and are at the heart of our curriculum.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Children learn to:
- Build positive relationships
- Develop confidence and independence
- Manage their feelings and behaviour
- Understand and respect others
Communication and Language
Children learn to:
- Listen attentively
- Understand and follow instructions
- Develop vocabulary
- Express themselves clearly and confidently
Physical Development
Children learn to:
- Develop gross and fine motor skills
- Build strength, coordination and control
- Manage personal care needs
- Develop healthy lifestyles
The Specific Areas
Literacy
Children develop:
- A love of books and stories
- Early reading skills through systematic phonics
- Writing skills through meaningful opportunities
- Communication through mark making and writing
Mathematics
Children develop:
- Number sense and counting
- Pattern, shape and measure
- Mathematical reasoning
- Problem-solving skills
Understanding the World
Children learn about:
- Their local community
- People and cultures
- The natural world
- Technology and how it is used
Expressive Arts and Design
Children develop:
- Creativity and imagination
- Artistic and musical skills
- Design and construction skills
- Role play and storytelling
Learning Through Play
At St Joseph’s, we recognise that young children learn best through play, exploration and active learning.
Our carefully planned continuous provision allows children to:
- Investigate and explore independently
- Develop curiosity and creativity
- Practise and apply new skills
- Solve problems and take risks
- Collaborate and communicate with others
- Build confidence and independence
Children have opportunities to access:
- Sand Play
- Water Play
- Construction
- Role Play
- Small World
- Creative Area
- Reading Area
- Writing and Mark Making
- Investigation Area
- Malleable Materials
- Mathematics Provision
- Indoor and Outdoor Learning Environments
Outdoor Learning
Our EYFS children benefit from access to stimulating outdoor learning environments throughout the year.
Being outdoors allows children to:
- Explore nature and the world around them
- Develop physical skills and confidence
- Investigate and problem solve
- Engage in imaginative play
- Build resilience and independence
- Apply learning in meaningful contexts
We believe outdoor learning is an essential part of children’s development and provides opportunities that cannot always be replicated indoors.
Characteristics of Effective Learning
Alongside the seven areas of learning, we actively develop the Characteristics of Effective Learning, helping children become lifelong learners.
Playing and Exploring
Children:
- Investigate and experience new things
- Explore resources independently
- Show curiosity and enthusiasm
Active Learning
Children:
- Concentrate and persevere
- Keep trying when things become challenging
- Take pride in their achievements
Creating and Thinking Critically
Children:
- Develop their own ideas
- Make connections in their learning
- Solve problems and find solutions
- Reflect on their learning experiences
Implementation
Our Early Years provision is built upon the four guiding principles of the EYFS.
Every Child is Unique
We recognise that every child develops at their own pace and brings unique strengths, experiences and interests to school.
Positive Relationships
Strong relationships between children, staff and families are central to everything we do.
Enabling Environments
We provide rich learning environments that inspire exploration, curiosity and independence.
Learning and Development
Children learn in different ways and at different rates. We carefully sequence learning and provide opportunities for children to revisit, practise and apply skills throughout the school day.
How We Teach
We use:
- High-quality interactions and questioning
- Well-planned continuous provision
- Direct teaching and modelling
- Systematic synthetic phonics
- Storytelling and language-rich experiences
- Practical mathematics
- Outdoor learning
- Child-initiated play
- Observation and responsive planning
Impact
The impact of our Early Years curriculum is seen through happy, confident and successful learners who are well prepared for the next stage of their education.
Through our EYFS provision:
- Children make strong progress from their individual starting points.
- Children develop secure foundations in communication, reading, writing and mathematics.
- Children demonstrate independence, resilience and confidence.
- Children are enthusiastic, engaged learners.
- Children achieve the Early Learning Goals and are well prepared for Year 1.
- Ongoing observations and assessments ensure learning builds on children’s current knowledge and skills.
- Strong partnerships with parents support children’s development both at home and in school.
Enriching Our Learning
We believe children learn best through memorable experiences.
Throughout the year, children enjoy opportunities to:
- Visit places within the local community
- Welcome visitors into school
- Explore the natural environment
- Participate in themed learning days
- Celebrate religious festivals and events
- Take part in charitable activities
- Engage in outdoor learning experiences
- Develop an understanding of the wider world
These experiences enrich our curriculum, broaden children’s horizons and help create lifelong memories.