The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the framework that all practitioners working with 0-5 year old children use to set the standards for learning and development, and also safety and welfare.

We aim to provide children with a secure start in their school lives, so that they are confident, happy and ready to learn.

There are 7 areas of learning and development in the EYFS...

The three prime areas, Communication and Language, Physical Development and Personal, Social and Emotional Development.

The 4 specific areas, Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design.

We plan activities to fit in with the Early Learning Goals (ELGs) which we aim to achieve by the end of the reception year. It is very flexible curriculum, and we can adapt our topics to meet childrens interests. In EYFS, most of our learning is done through (carefully planned!) play. We will set up activities for children to explore and extend their knowledge with an adult, and allow opportunities for them to consolidate this independently. As it is stated in the EYFS guidance, 'Children learn by leading their own play, and by taking part in play which is guided by adults.'

We operate a 'freeflow indoor outdoor classroom', meaning that (weather permitting) the classroom door is open at all times, leading to our secure outdoor area where the activities reflect those in class.The EYFS states that:

'Being outdoors has a postitive impact on children's sense of wellbeing and helps all aspects of children's development'

'Being outdoors offers opportunities for doing things in different ways and on different scales than when indoors.'

'Outdoor environments offer children freedom to explore, use their senses, and be physically active and exuberant.'

We are continuously assessing and monitoring the childrens progress, and planning next steps for their learning. We do this by observing and collecting evidence of childrens work. We also use Orbit, which is photographic evidence linked to the Early Learning Goals. Orbit is shared with parents, and we also hold regular parents evenings. Our door is always open if you have any questions or comments about your child's learning.

If you would like more information on the Early Years Foundation Stage you can look at:

http://www.foundationyears.org.uk/eyfs-statutory-framework/

http://www.4children.org.uk/Targets/Parents

http://www.foundationyears.org.uk/files/2014/08/EYFS_Parents_Guide-amended.pdf

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/335504/EYFS_framework_from_1_September_2014__with_clarification_note.pdf

or you can come and see Mrs Binns or Mrs English.

Today we had lots of fun in P.E. with some beanbags, a ball and a parachute! The children had listen and follow instructions, which they did very well!

Our theme this week has been Goldilocks and the Three Bears. We set up the Three Bears Cottage in our role-play area, where the children can measure out porridge for the bears, and we've done lots of counting, measuring and size comparison in our maths. 

In Literacy we have written a sorry letter from Goldilocks to the bears, to apologise for eating their porridge and breaking baby bear's chair!

We also had a go at making and tasting some porridge, which the children really enjoyed, they all asked for seconds!

We have had great fun exploring in our outdoor area this week. We have tyres and crates for building and counting, sticks and branches for measuring, a sensory herb garden, a vegetable patch, sand and water and lots more. We are currently setting up a 'mud kitchen' where the children can experiment and make potions! If you have any old pots, pans, utensils or kitchen equipment you no longer need or use we'd gratefully take it off your hands!

We do also have a supply of wellington boots for the children to use, however if you'd like to send your own in please do.

The children have only been in for 4 mornings, but already they seem to have settled in so well. They will continue doing part time sessions this week, starting full time on Monday the 21st September.

Over the next few weeks we will be spending lots of time getting to know the children, with some lovely activities and games. We will be teaching the rules and routines of our classroom, and the school, and finding our way around.

We really enjoyed sharing the 'All about me' bags that you'd put together over the weekend. It gives the children some nice props to tell us and their friends a little more about themselves. Thank you for taking the time to complete them.

Keep checking the website for photographs, news, homework help, and lots more. We try and update it as often as we can.