Early Years foundation stage Curriculum
At first glance, it can appear that the children are ‘only playing’ whilst in the Foundation Stage. However, the best Early Years Education is based on the understanding that whilst children are playing, they are learning. During the day there will be a mixture of adult initiated, child initiated and adult led activities as well as whole class, small group and individual activities.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is based on four themes and seven areas of learning. You can find out more about these in the Department for Education (DFE) EYFS website https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2
The four themes are:
The Unique Child
Positive Relationships
Enabling Environments
Learning and Development
The seven areas of learning that are defined as Prime or Specific areas. The Prime areas of learning and development are fundamental, work together, and begin to develop in response to relationships and experiences. They continue to underpin learning throughout the early Years. The three Prime areas of learning and development are:
The specific areas grow from these Prime areas to provide contexts for learning. Specific areas include essential skills and knowledge for children to engage with and participate in society. The specific areas are:
If you wish to find out more about how we develop learning in these areas please click on the area of interest.
Assessing your Child’s Progress
Each Area of Learning has a number of age-related stages which the children progress through; with the Early Learning Goals being the end of year assessment in Reception.
At All Saints, we use Tapestry https://tapestryjournal.com/ to evaluate children’s progress.
During your child’s time in the Early Years he/she will have an Online Learning Journal which will contain observations, specific achievements and set class work. Samples of your child’s work and photos are collected and are annotated to show the stage of development your child is at and the progress they have made. You can view a selection of observations and photos uploaded about your child on the Tapestry website. You are provided with access to the Tapestry website so that you can see the progress your child is making as well as being able to contribute to your child's learning journal.
Children learn best when there is a strong partnership between home and school and when parents and staff share their knowledge and skills. It is very important therefore for you to contribute to your child’s Learning Journal, about significant developments at home. You can do this by uploading information and photos to Tapestry.
