Curriculum in the Early Years Foundation Stage at Westminster

Phase Leader: Debbie Langley         Deputy Phase Lead: Rebecca Dugdale 

 

                    

 

There are four overarching principles that underpin all the guidance in the EYFS:

  • Unique child  

  • Positive relationships

  • Enabling environments with teaching and support from adults

  • Learning and development

We also look for and encourage the development of the Characteristics of Effective Teaching and Learning , which thread through all areas of learning and support children to be effective and motivated learners.  They 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.

                         

Learning and Development

The early learning goals and the educational programmes are set out in the “Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage” document (Department for Education, 2021).

The three PRIME areas of learning and development are:

  • Personal, Social and Emotional Development 

  • Communication and Language 

  • Physical Development 

The four SPECIFIC areas of learning and development are:

  • Mathematics 

  • Literacy

  • Understanding the World

  • Expressive Arts and Design 

 

           
Learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage

In the Early Years at Westminster Primary Academy our children are happy.  They are excited and motivated to learn through rich and challenging learning experiences; opportunities to explore and take risks, and first-hand experiences.

We have high ambitions for all our children and recognise that children have different starting points to their learning. We plan according to the children's stage of development so all can thrive and develop. We aim for children to be well-rounded individuals who are independent, resilient, and confident in themselves and with others.

Our learning environment facilitates child-initiated play and provides children with carefully planned opportunities which allow children to explore, create and learn through exciting, stimulating, interactive and accessible resources.

In our department, we have two reception classes. The children are free to access both classrooms, the middle learning area and the outdoor provision throughout the day. We call this ‘Free Flow’. We ensure all areas of learning are accessible throughout the different areas.

 

   

Parents

Our partnership with parents means that parents have the opportunity to work closely with our Early Years practitioners to support children’s transition into the setting. We would like parents to feel secure in the knowledge that their child is well cared for and happy at school.

Our parents are welcome to be actively involved in their children’s learning in school and are able to share learning experiences through ‘stay and play’ sessions, parent workshops and by completing regular reading and homework projects with their child. 

We share homework and pictures of children's learning on Classroom Dojo. We encourage parents to use this platform to share their child's home learning and to contact staff in the department.

                                     
   

Reception curriculum overview to follow soon

(Please note that this may vary due to the developing interests of the children)

Reception Information Pack 2024

 

Useful Websites / Reading

Phonics Play - https://www.phonicsplay.co.uk/

Jolly Phonics - https://www.youtube.com/

Bug Club (Reading) - Personal login given

Top Marks - https://www.topmarks.co.uk/

 

Please click here for a link to the 'Development Matters in the EYFS' document.

Suggested books for your child