Early Years Foundation Stage
At Northway Infant school we recognise and value the importance that EYFS plays in securing foundations for life-long learning, development and success. EYFS is crucial in setting children up for the next stage of their education, and indeed for life. A love of learning, success that challenges and motivates learners to develop independence, responsibility and respect is at the heart of what we do. A broad and stimulating curriculum and environment that inspires and facilitates that, valuing and meeting children’s individual needs is central to that. We also value the teaching of fundamental skills in reading, writing, phonics and mathematics, so these aspects are taught daily.
During the first year at school, children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Curriculum. This statutory curriculum is for children from birth to five years of age.
Seven key features of effective practice underpins our EYFS curriculum
- The best for every child
- High quality care
- The curriculum: what we want the children to learn
- Pedagogy: helping children to learn
- Assessment: checking what children have learnt
- Self-regulation and executive function
- Partnership with parents
The EYFS curriculum is organised into Prime and Specific areas of learning.
The three Prime Areas are:
- Communication and Language
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Physical Development
Strands for these areas of learning underpin and run through the Specific Areas of learning, which are:
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts and Design
Characteristics of Effective Teaching and Learning
We ensure that our environment and delivery of the curriculum incorporates the three characteristics of effective teaching and learning:
- Playing and Exploring (Engagement) - children will have opportunities to investigate and experience things, and ‘have a go’.
- Active Learning (Motivation) - children will have time and space to concentrate and keep on trying if they encounter difficulties and enjoy their achievements.
- Creating and Thinking Critically (Thinking) - we encourage and support children to have and develop their own ideas, make links between ideas, and develop strategies for doing things.
Useful Documents and Links:
DFE guidance for parents about the EYFS and what to expect
Reception Baseline Assessment - Information for Parents 2023
Reading (Read, Write, Inc) in Reception at Northway - presentation for parents/carers 2023
Maths in Reception at Northway - presentation for parents/carers
Writing in Reception at Northway - presentation for parents/carers
Homework in Reception at Northway - expectations
Northway Top 10 Books to Read in Reception
