EYFS

Intent – why are we teaching this?

Here at Margaret Wix, we believe the Early Years Foundation Stage is of the utmost importance to children and is not only where a child’s first steps in education take place, it is also the basis for long term well-being and lifelong learning. We aspire to ensure our Early Years curriculum is inclusive and provides aspiring opportunities for all who attend here. We believe our practitioners directly shape children’s futures by following children’s interest and building on their personal lives. Here at Margaret Wix, we aim for all children to develop a passion for learning both inside and out of the classroom. Our curriculum includes increasing knowledge, phonic skills, developing a wide vocabulary, British values and an understanding of healthy lifestyle. As well as this, we develop the three prime areas in EYFS; Communication and Language, Physical Development, Personal, Social and Emotional Development and the four specific areas within EYFS; Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design.

Implementation – how are we teaching this?

We have designed a curriculum for our Nursery and Reception children that is relevant to our children and builds strong foundations for learning. These are underpinned by the recurring themes in topics such as ‘This is me’, ‘Let's celebrate!,’ ’Down at the farm’ and many others. These all feed into the Primary Knowledge needed to ensure all children are able to succeed when accessing our Curriculum in KS1 and 2. These overviews include suggested key vocabulary, concepts, texts and ideas that are taught within that topic, whilst ensuring progression and challenge. These are revised based on the individual needs of each cohort. This is to ensure we meet the needs of pupils with EAL, SEND, PP and those who are from vulnerable families. These overviews also detail potential visitors, trips and events that promote cultural capital and widen life experiences. Throughout EYFS, we cover all the areas of learning, both inside and out during continuous provision, planned enhanced provision and planned adult-directed activities. Our provision is language rich and provides challenge to all our learners.

Impact – what is the effect on the pupils?

Reflecting on assessment is how we ensure that the EYFS environment and planning is responsive to pupils’ needs. Practitioners are trained by leaders to ensure they understand the areas of learning through a clear induction process and ongoing monitoring and evaluation, where support is put in place as needed. All staff are trained to communicate effectively, promote positive learning attitudes and support children’s development and enjoyment. We work to ensure parents are actively involved through the use of Tapestry, our Share & Learn morning and parent workshops we offer.

We aim for all pupils to not only leave our Early Year Foundation Stage ready for a smooth transition into KS1, but as well-rounded individuals and passionate learners. We support our children through a diverse and exciting curriculum that prepares them for life and has challenged them building on our learning powers (Self-belief, Resilience, Curiosity, Kindness and Respect for others). All pupils, including those with EAL, SEND, PP and from vulnerable backgrounds, will have achieved their best and will have acquired a range of knowledge and vocabulary to allow them to continue this growth within KS1.

This is all underpinned by the principles detailed within Development matters;

· every child is a unique child, who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured;

· children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships;

· children learn and develop well in enabling environments with teaching and support from adults, who respond to their individual interests and needs and help them to build their learning over time. Children benefit from a strong partnership between practitioners and parents and/or carers.

· importance of learning and development. Children develop and learn at different rates.

For more details on how we cover these, please see our curriculum overview star for more information.

Upcoming tours and open mornings

Please see below for important dates for upcoming tours/open mornings:

If this date does not suit, please do contact the office to arrange a tour with our Headteacher Mrs Gibbs and meet our EYFS lead Mrs Ralph. In the meantime, feel free to access our video tours via the video tour star and take a look at our admissions information.