EYFS

Early Years Foundation Stage

In the Early Years at Earls Colne Primary School and Nursery, we aim to provide the highest quality care and education for all our children, thereby giving them a strong foundation for their future learning.

We create a safe and happy environment with motivating and enjoyable learning experiences that enable children to become confident and independent.

We value the individual child and work alongside parents/carers and others to meet their needs and help every child to reach their full potential.

We plan an exciting and challenging curriculum based on our observation of children’s needs, interests and stages of development across the seven areas of learning to enable the children to achieve and exceed the early learning goals. 

The Statutory Framework for the Early Years identifies three prime (Communication and Language; Physical Development; Personal, Social and Emotional Development) and four specific (Literacy; Mathematics; Understanding the World; and Expressive Arts and Design) Areas of Learning. These are then subdivided into Aspects of Learning and then again into the Early Learning Goals which children are assessed against.

All seven areas of learning and development are important and inter-connected and are therefore taught with a cross curricular approach. It is important that the Characteristics of Effective Learning that underpin these curriculum areas are specifically planned for. The Characteristics of Effective Learning are: engagement through playing or exploring; being motivated through active learning; and creating and thinking critically.

We value independence, curiosity, creativity, teamwork, perseverance, trying our best and recognising that mistakes are part of learning. Our children develop an open, growth mindset and are effective, happy learners.

Children and families meet school staff before children join Nursery and Reception, allowing children to make relationships and feel secure in their new environment. School adults work in partnership with parents, passing information about learning progress between home and school through face-to-face conversations, on-line ‘Tapestry’ learning journeys, reading diaries and in our weekly newsletters.

In Reception, Monkeys are taught by Mrs Robinson and Elephants by Ms Fitzgerald. They are supported by an incredible team of LSAs: Mrs Rusby, Mrs Ayre, Mrs Hollingdale and Mrs Hughes.

Hippos Nursery is run by Mrs Wade, Mrs Parsons, Miss Allen and Miss Ball.

Areas, Aspects and Early Learning Goals

Characteristics of Effective Learning