Photo by Michael W. Gorth

Intent

At Dudley Wood Primary School we provide high-quality EYFS education, giving children a secure and confident start to their school life. We are committed to nurturing a lifelong love of learning alongside the aims of the EYFS statutory framework. We strive for high standards, consider the development of the whole child and seek to foster resilience and independence.

We aim to provide the essential knowledge that children need to prepare them for their future success and to give children the best possible start to their early education.

We provide inviting classroom environments both indoors and outdoors to stimulate learners and engage them in developing the three ‘Characteristics of Effective Learning’ as set out within the EYFS.

The EYFS curriculum encompasses our STARS Values

Sharing

Trust

Achievment

Respect

Safety

We carefully plan our EYFS curriculum to meet the following aims:

• Foster a love of learning which inspires curiosity.
• Provide experiences of awe and wonder.
• Ensure all children have access to high quality learning opportunities.
• Provide parents/carers with the opportunity to develop their child’s learning at home.
• Develop knowledge and understanding of the community and wider world.

Implementation

At Dudley Wood Primary School in the EYFS we implement:

• Quality first teaching across all areas of the curriculum.
• Stimulating learning environments indoors and outdoors.
• Well planned and organised continuous provision which allows children to learn through play.
• A carefully planned balance of adult-led and child-initiated learning opportunities.
• Strong parental partnerships which empower parents to support their child’s learning at home.
• Systematic approaches to teaching reading, to ensure all children learn to read.
• High quality phonics teaching is started as soon as children begin reception.
• Opportunities for children and families to develop a love of reading.
• Planned opportunities for outdoor learning through ‘Forest Schools’ and in the outdoor classroom.
• We promote a love of learning through real life experiences and opportunities to build on prior learning.

Impact

At Dudley Wood Primary School the impact of our EYFS curriculum, practices and pedagogy are reflected by:

• High levels of engagement and motivation demonstrated from children which supports them to become lifelong learners.
• Confident and capable readers who demonstrate a love of reading.
• Evidence of strong links with parents.
• Children who demonstrate the characteristics of effective learning and are well prepared for the next stage in their learning.
• Children who feel happy and safe and enjoy coming to school.
• All children who access a balanced and challenging curriculum regardless of their background, needs or abilities.
• Children who make strong progress from their starting points and are offered a broad curriculum which meets each child’s unique needs. 
• Adults who support children and who are well trained and passionate about providing the best education for every child.

Impact

Our Foundation Stage curriculum will have been successful if all our children have made significant personal progress across all areas of learning, from their various starting points, and are ready for their transition to KS1.

The impact of our curriculum will be evidenced in the children's learning journeys which will document a range of learning opportunities and both adult-led and child-initiated activities; teacher observations; and pupil voice, all of which will demonstrate a clear progression of knowledge and skills.

The impact of the curriculum is measured through assessment against age related expectations, at regular intervals throughout the year.  Supportive interventions are put in place where needed, following the analysis of outcomes at each data entry. 

By the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage, all children will have achieved their personal best; they will have reached the expected standard of the Early Learning Goals at the end of Reception so achieving a Good level of development (GLD); and have achieved excellent progress.

Characteristics of a child in EYFS

• Has a love of learning
• Feels safe
• Is inquisitive and curious
• Asks questions and discovers their own answers
• Is motivated and engaged
• Has their own views and opinions
• Takes risks
• Thrives on a challenge
• Has fun!

EYFS overview