Early Years at Westlands

Intent

At Westlands Primary School we believe that the Early Years Foundation Stage is crucial in securing the foundations upon which children build the rest of their lives. It is our intent to provide a safe, caring and happy environment where children are recognised as individuals and are provided with a range of learning experiences that build on their existing knowledge, skills and experiences. With this is mind, we provide a broad and balanced curriculum that enables all children to develop personally, socially, emotionally, spiritually, physically, creatively, and intellectually to their full potential.

early years

Implementation

We adhere to the EYFS Statutory Framework, which has seven main areas of learning.

The Prime Areas:

  • Personal, Social and Emotional Development
  • Communication and Language
  • Physical Development

The Specific Areas:

  • Literacy
  • Mathematics
  • Understanding the World
  • Expressive Arts

At Westlands Primary, we recognise that all seven areas of learning and development are important and interconnected. The teaching and learning of these areas are practical and play based and are implemented through a range of topics which are carefully planned with children’s interests in mind and are designed to inspire and challenge children. There is a balance of adult-led sessions and child-initiated activity, and the environment is regularly adapted to meet the different and developing needs of all children as they progress through their EYFS journey.

We ensure that our environment and delivery of the curriculum incorporates the three ‘Characteristics of Effective Learning’.

  • Playing and exploring – children investigate and experience things, and ‘have a go’
  • Active learning – children concentrate and keep on trying if they encounter difficulties, and enjoy achievements
  • Creating and thinking critically – children have and develop their own ideas, make links between ideas, and develop strategies for doing things.

Impact

Within the Reception class, staff carry out regular observations of children to identify their achievements, interests, and their next steps for learning. These observations make take the form of written observations or digital observations which will form part of the child’s individual ‘Learning Journal’. These on-going observations, along with more formal evidence-based assessments contribute to the child’s overall end of year attainment, which is closely monitored throughout the year, and they enable staff to ensure that children continue to reach their full potential within the EYFS setting and in preparation for the next stage of their learning journey.

 

Policies and Action Plans

Westlands Primary EYFS Policy