The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum at Beeston Fields

The Early Years Foundation Stage is the curriculum covering children’s development from birth until the end of the Reception year. We follow all aspects of the educational programmes as set out in the statutory framework. These are set out through the seven areas of learning as detailed below. We meet these through a range of taught sessions, small group work and carefully planned provision, both indoors and outdoors. Within all of these methodologies, the interactions between the practitioners in the unit and the children are the key to helping children make most progress.

As with all other year groups, we follow an enquiry approach within our learning. Each half term we have an enquiry question. We have dedicated taught sessions linked to this cross-curricular enquiry. We also link other lessons to the enquiry where this is relevant. We add enhancements into our learning environment to enable children to make links in their learning through play. At the end of the half-term, we reflect on the learning with the children and help them to answer the enquiry question.

Prime Areas of Learning:

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

This area involves helping children to build their self-confidence and to develop a strong sense of themselves. Children are supported to develop their social skills, to form positive relationships and respect for others. Children’s emotional well-being is nurtured by helping them to understand and manage their own feelings and behaviour such as using calming strategies. 

Communication and Language

This area develops children’s confidence and skills in listening, understanding, speaking and communicating. We will be having a big focus on developing children's vocabulary through quality interactions and conversations and a language-enriched environment. 

Physical Development

This area involves providing opportunities for young children to be active and interactive; developing their co-ordination, control, and movement. Children must also be helped to understand the importance of physical activity and to make healthy choices in relation to food. Children will be developing in both gross motor and fine motor skills. 

Specific Areas of Learning:

Literacy

This area focuses on learning the skills needed for reading and writing. Through a range of contexts children explore rhymes, songs, sounds, stories and mark-making opportunities. We will be teaching reading and writing through No Nonsense Phonics. Phonics is the tool that helps children to learn to read and write. It is the foundation of our English learning. 

Mathematics

This area supports children to develop their understanding of numbers, calculating, shape, space and measures. We follow the Mastering Number NCETM programme which focuses on having a deeper understanding of numbers to 10, the relationships between them and the patterns within those numbers. We will also be focusing on mathematical vocabulary and developing children's reasoning about number. Alongside Mastering Number, we have a long term plan to ensure all other aspects of EYFS maths are covered, including understanding of shapes and pattern. Children have opportunities to revisit this taught learning through the continuous and enhanced provision.

Understanding The World

This area supports children to make sense of their physical world and their community. Children have opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology and the environment. Ensuring children are aware of their community, family and significant figures (past and present) through a variety of experiences whilst enriching children's vocabulary throughout. 

Expressive Arts and Design

This area supports children in developing their creativity through exploring a range of materials and media to express themselves. Children are encouraged to explore and share their thinking, feelings and ideas in music, art, movement, role play and technology.  

For any further information on the EYFS curriculum, any member of our EYFS team would be happy to answer your questions.

Early Adopter Framework