Early Years Curriculum – Eastfield Infants School

At Eastfield, our Early Years consists of Nursery (Fox class) and our two Reception classes (Rabbits and Squirrels). Children can join our Nursery the term after they turn 3 and can access morning and afternoon sessions.

Intent

By the end of the children’s time in EYFS, we want our children to be well-rounded, happy and confident pupils who have learnt how to become curious and excited learners. Our aim is to provide the best possible start to the children’s educational journey, helping to develop a life-long love of learning and ensure the children are prepared for the next part of their learning journey as they move into Key Stage 1.

Implementation

For this to be possible, we have made sure our curriculum is ambitious in its knowledge content and tailored to suit the needs and next steps of all learners. The knowledge our children gain from our enriching and challenging curriculum gives children the start they need to succeed in life. The Characteristics of Effective Teaching and Learning underpins our curriculum and supports the children in knowing how to learn, along with the skills they will need to help them embed their learning.

In both our Reception and Nursery settings, our timetables are carefully planned to allow the children a balance of time spent in child initiate learning, as well as discreet teaching and adult led time.

All of our Early Years staff are highly qualified and motivated to ensure that each and every child is able to make progress and achieve. We get to know every child, where they are currently working at and how to support them in being able to achieve their next steps.

We tailor our learning and our topics to suit the needs and interests of the children. Our learning environments are highly engaging and help to inspire the children to want to take part in the learning activities. The environment set up encourages the children to trial and apply their new learning, use their communication and language skills as well as their personal, social and emotional skills.

Outdoor learning is also a key part of our curriculum and both our Nursery and Reception classes have their own outdoor learning spaces. All areas of the curriculum are planned for and accessed by the children both inside the classroom and outside. We are also very lucky to have access to the wonderful school grounds which includes a playground, field area, adventure playground, pond area and a small wooded area called ‘The Spinney’. By teaching some of our lessons outside, the children are able to apply many different skills from across our curriculum.

We also use our local community to develop our children’s cultural capital. We build in opportunities for trips, visitors and hands on experiences to aid the children in being able to make secure links in their learning.

Impact

Through our carefully planned curriculum and engaging and inviting learning opportunities, all of our children will be able to become successful learners. Staffs’ in-depth understanding of the children’s starting points and current attainment, will help ensure that children make progress at every stage of their time within Nursery and Reception.

Our children will be able to make links in their learning and begin to understand how they can transfer skills, knowledge and vocabulary into other areas of their learning.

They will become resilient learners, who value the benefits of self-challenge and how this helps us to grow, both as learners and as a whole.

They will learn how to be respectful of one another and appreciate and understand the world around them, including how special our local community is.

If you are thinking of applying for a space in our Nursery or Reception classes, please feel free to contact the main school office to arrange a visit.