EYFS

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

At All Saints, we recognise the importance of the Early Years Foundation Stage in laying the foundation for lifelong learning. Our EYFS curriculum is designed to provide children with rich, engaging, and meaningful experiences that foster curiosity, independence, and a love for learning.

We are fortunate to have access to wonderful outdoor learning spaces, including an outdoor classroom and natural areas. Surrounded by beautiful woodland, we offer children opportunities to connect with nature and develop a sense of wonder about the world around them. In the second half of the summer term, children attend Forest School, where they build confidence, resilience, and teamwork skills through hands-on experiences in the natural environment.

Our curriculum is further enriched by a range of exciting activities, such as workshops, theatre productions visiting the school, educational trips, and special school traditions. These opportunities help to develop children’s sense of belonging, spark their curiosity, and create lasting memories that support their personal and social development.

We follow the EYFS Framework, using Development Matters and Birth to 5 Matters to inform our practice. The White Rose Maths scheme supports the delivery of high-quality mathematical learning, and we use the Monster Phonics scheme to build strong foundations in early reading and writing. Additionally, we follow the Kapow Primary schemes for Art and Design, Design and Technology, Music, and Computing, ensuring a broad and balanced curriculum.

Intent

At All Saints, our intent for the EYFS curriculum is to:

• Provide a stimulating, child-centred environment that enables children to thrive across the seven areas of learning.
• Support children’s development as independent, resilient, and confident learners.
• Build strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, communication, and social skills.
• Develop children’s creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Promote physical health, well-being, and personal growth through a rich variety of indoor and outdoor learning experiences.
• Foster a deep connection with the natural world through regular outdoor learning, including Forest School sessions.
• Enrich children’s experiences with workshops, trips, and special school traditions that develop their sense of belonging and community.
• Prepare children for a successful transition to Key Stage 1, ensuring they meet the Early Learning Goals (ELGs) by the end of the Reception year.

Implementation

Curriculum Design

Our curriculum is designed around the seven areas of learning, which are divided into prime and specific areas:

• Prime Areas:
• Communication and Language: Developing listening, attention, understanding, and speaking skills.
• Physical Development: Building gross and fine motor skills, coordination, and an understanding of health and self-care.
• Personal, Social, and Emotional Development: Nurturing confidence, self-regulation, and positive relationships.
• Specific Areas:
• Literacy: Developing early reading and writing skills using the Monster Phonics scheme, which provides a structured and multisensory approach to teaching phonics.
• Mathematics: Focusing on numbers, numerical patterns, and spatial awareness using the White Rose Maths scheme.
• Understanding the World: Encouraging exploration and curiosity about people, communities, and the natural world.
• Expressive Arts and Design: Inspiring creativity through art, music, movement, role-play, and design using the Kapow Art and Design and Kapow Music schemes.

Subject-Specific Schemes

• Art and Design: Using the Kapow Art and Design scheme, children explore a variety of materials, techniques, and processes, developing their creativity and self-expression through hands-on activities.
• Design Technology:
• Music: The Kapow Music scheme introduces children to rhythm, melody, and musical expression through singing, movement, and instrument play, fostering a love for music.
• Computing: Kapow Computing lessons introduce children to foundational technology skills, including safe and responsible use of devices, coding basics, and exploring digital tools.

Mathematics

• We follow the White Rose Maths scheme, using structured units to develop children’s understanding of numbers, shapes, space, and measures.
• Learning is hands-on and engaging, using manipulatives and practical activities to build strong conceptual knowledge.
• White Rose Checkpoints assess children’s progress at the end of each unit, providing opportunities for further support or challenge.

Phonics

• We use the Monster Phonics scheme, which introduces children to phonemes and graphemes through fun and engaging characters, colours, and stories.

Assessment

• We complete a Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA) within the first six weeks of the academic year. This provides a snapshot of children’s starting points in language, communication, literacy, and mathematics.
• Ongoing observations and assessments are carried out throughout the year, informed by Development Matters and Birth to 5 Matters, to track progress and plan next steps.
• Progress towards the Early Learning Goals (ELGs) is carefully monitored, with a focus on ensuring all children meet or exceed expectations.

Learning Environment

• Our indoor and outdoor provision offers a wide range of resources and activities designed to inspire exploration, creativity, and learning.
• Continuous provision is enhanced with planned provocations and challenges to embed learning and promote skill development.

Impact

The impact of our EYFS curriculum is measured through a range of strategies to ensure all children achieve their potential and develop a secure understanding of foundational concepts.

• Prime Areas: Children develop strong foundations in communication, social interaction, and physical development, enabling them to access all areas of the curriculum confidently.
• Specific Areas:
• Phonics and Literacy: Through the Monster Phonics scheme, children develop early reading and writing skills, becoming fluent in phonics and confident in using these skills across the curriculum.
• Mathematics: The White Rose Maths scheme ensures children build strong numeracy skills, including understanding numbers, patterns, and spatial reasoning.
• Creativity and Computing: Kapow schemes for Art, Design Technology, Music, and Computing enrich children’s experiences, fostering creativity, cultural awareness, and digital literacy.
• Assessment Outcomes: By the end of Reception, children are assessed against the Early Learning Goals (ELGs). Most children meet or exceed the expected level of development, ready for the challenges of Key Stage 1.
• Baseline to ELGs: Progress from the Reception Baseline Assessment to the ELGs demonstrates the effectiveness of our curriculum and its ability to meet the needs of all children.

We also measure impact through:

• Parent feedback: Regular communication ensures parents feel involved and informed about their child’s learning journey.
• Learning walks and observations: Carried out by leaders to ensure high-quality provision.
• Pupil voice: Listening to children’s thoughts and feelings about their learning and environment.

Our EYFS provision prepares children to transition confidently to Key Stage 1 as resilient, independent, and curious learners with a love for learning that will support them throughout their educational journey.

EYFS Policy