EYFS curriculum
What is EYFS?
The early years foundation stage (EYFS) sets standards for the learning, development and care of your child from birth to 5 years old. From 2021 all schools will follow the new statutory framework. All schools and Ofsted-registered early years providers must follow the EYFS, including childminders, preschools, nurseries and school reception classes.
The EYFS curriculum is split into 7 areas. These are all related to each other; however they are divided into Prime and Specific Areas.
Three areas are particularly important for building a foundation for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, forming relationships and thriving.
These are the prime areas:
• communication and language
• physical development
• personal, social and emotional development
Providers must also support children in four specific areas, through which the three prime areas are strengthened and applied. The specific areas are:
• literacy
• mathematics
• understanding the world
• expressive arts and design
The EYFS refers to the different ways that children learn as the 'Characteristics of Learning':
These are -
-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
Our Curriculum
Together with the Prime and Specific areas these comprise the knowledge, skills and experiences that are developmentally appropriate for children from birth to 5 years. EYFS must regard the educational programmes which are statutory. Educational programmes must involve activities and experiences for children, as set out under each of the areas of learning. Please see the Long Term Curriculum plans that sets out the learning that children in EYFS at St Stephen's will undertake.
Reception
Each half term children will follow an overarching topic which gives flexibility to follow their own interests.
Please click below to download.
EYFS SOW overview Autumn 1 - Into my toybox
EYFS SOW overview Autumn 2 Festivals and Celebrations
EYFS SOW overview Spring 1 To Infinity and Beyond
EYFS SOW overview Spring 2 Lets Grow
EYFS SOW overview Summer 1 Animals
EYFS SOW overview Summer 2 Heroes
At the end of EYFS, teachers will assess if children have met the Early Learning Goals. This is a snapshot of their attainment at the end of EYFS. Please click here to download.
In the EYFS, we use a piece of software/app called Seesaw. It allows us to take photos/videos of your child, link them to the areas of learning they are working in.
What to expect, when?
It is widely recognised the vital role that parents have in supporting their children’s learning and development. Parents need to know what to expect in relation to their child’s development through the different age bands of the EYFS.
A guide for parents explores what happens in the EYFS and what is typical development for your child. Click here to download the document.