Early Years

Intent

At Golborne St Thomas’, our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum is designed with a clear intent to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment that fosters a love for learning and promotes the holistic development of every child. Our primary goals include:

• Personal, Social, and Emotional Development: We prioritise building children’s confidence, self-esteem, and resilience, enabling them to form secure relationships with peers and adults and to manage their feelings effectively.
• Communication and Language Development: We aim to enhance children’s communication skills through rich, meaningful interactions and an expansive vocabulary embedded in our daily routines and activities.
• Physical Development: We believe in the importance of developing both fine and gross motor skills through a range of indoor and outdoor activities, supporting children in developing a healthy lifestyle.
• Literacy and Numeracy Skills: Our curriculum promotes a love of reading and mathematics by integrating these subjects into play, ensuring that children develop crucial skills through engaging and purposeful activities.
• Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design: We promote the exploration of different cultures, the natural environment, and creative expression, facilitating children’s curiosity and innovation through hands-on experiences.

We seek to foster diversity, inclusivity, and respect within our community, ensuring every child’s individual needs and backgrounds are acknowledged and celebrated.

Implementation

Our EYFS programme is underpinned by a carefully structured approach that encompasses a combination of child-initiated and adult-led experiences. Key strategies include:

• Tailored Curriculum Planning: We design our curriculum to respond to the interests and developmental stages of the children, ensuring a balance of teacher-led instruction and child-initiated play. Continuous assessment informs our planning, allowing for responsive adjustments to meet the needs of all learners.
• High-Quality Interaction: Our highly trained staff foster strong relationships with children, utilising techniques such as asking open-ended questions, modelling language, and providing rich narratives during play. This supports language acquisition and critical thinking.
• Positive Learning Environment: Our EYFS classrooms and outdoor spaces are thoughtfully organised and well-resourced, encouraging exploration and independent learning. We ensure the environment reflects the diverse backgrounds of children, providing opportunities for authentic engagement.
• Parental Engagement: We recognise the vital role of families in a child’s development. We actively involve parents through regular communication, workshops, and opportunities to share in their child’s learning journey. Our ‘Stay and Play’ sessions help strengthen the home-school connection.
• Assessment and Progress Tracking: We employ a robust assessment system that tracks individual progress against the EYFS framework. Regular formative assessments enable us to identify strengths and areas for growth, ensuring all children, including those with additional needs, are supported to thrive.

Impact

The impact of our EYFS provision is evident in the exceptional outcomes achieved by our children, demonstrating that they are well-prepared for the next stage of their education. Success indicators include:

• Progress in Developmental Areas: Children make substantial progress from their starting points in all areas of the EYFS curriculum, with a high percentage achieving a good level of development. Our data indicates that children surpass national expectations in key areas, including communication and language, personal and social development, and early literacy and numeracy.
• Children’s Confidence and Independence: Observations show that children exhibit high levels of confidence and independence, demonstrating their ability to make choices and engage in collaborative play. This self-assuredness is vital as they transition to Year 1.
• Parental Feedback: Positive feedback from parents highlights their satisfaction with the school’s commitment to individualised learning and effective communication. Many express how their children are eager to learn and share their experiences at home.
• Inclusive Practices: We effectively support children with additional needs, ensuring that they are fully included in all aspects of learning. Our practices promote equality and diversity, fostering an inclusive ethos that benefits the entire community.

In conclusion, the EYFS at Golborne St Thomas’ our intent, implementation, and impact reflects a commitment to excellence, a deep understanding of child development, and an appreciation for the unique qualities of each child. We remain dedicated to continuous improvement, ensuring that we consistently provide an exceptional foundation for learning and personal growth.