The Characteristics of Effective Learning support these four principles and are a key part of our Early Years Curriculum. These are grouped into three categories:

• Playing and Learning
• Active Learning
• Creating and Thinking Critically

There are seven areas of learning in the EYFS curriculum.

All areas of learning and development are important and inter-connected.

There are three prime areas which are crucial for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning and for helping their capacity to learn.

• Communication and Language
• Physical Development
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development

There are then four specific areas, through which the three prime areas are strengthened and applied.

• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Arts and Design

We will ensure that:

• Supporting children’s language development underpins our practice across all curriculum areas
• Fostering a love of reading is an the heart of our curriculum with  much of the children’s learning stemming for a rich range of high quality of texts
• Children develop early reading skills through systematic and high quality phonics teaching
• High quality interactions between adults and children, develop and extend children’s learning
• Provision inspires children and fosters their curiosity and enthusiasm for learning
• Children are given opportunities to develop their own ideas, thoughts and opinions about their play activities
• Activities are extended/modified according to  the children interests and what they need further support with
• There are strong links between home and school

Follow the links to read the EYFS statutory framework and development matters:

• EYFS Statutory Framework (2021)
• Development Matters (2021)

Our Reception progression map outlines the aspects of the curriculum that we focus on during each half term. This document serves as a guide and is adapted  to meet the needs of individual children:

Reception Progression Map

Assessment is based on the Reception Teams’ in depth knowledge of each child.   This knowledge is developed through high quality interactions and informal observations of the children participating in a range of activities. Key aspects of the learning are captured  in individual journals on Tapestry( an online education platform).  Links between home and school are strengthened through these online journals, as parents are able to comment on their child’s learning and add their own contributions .  We also have books where we keep a record of key learning in Religious Education and Writing.