The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Curriculum is the phase of education from birth to five, with the Reception year representing the final year of the EYFS. This year builds directly on the experiences and skills children bring from their pre-school settings.

There is a strong emphasis on learning through play, being both child-initiated and planned play. The curriculum is delivered through a combination of whole class activities, adult-led focused activities and child-initiated activities.

The curriculum is organised into seven areas of learning:

• Communication and language;
• Physical development;
• Personal, social and emotional development;
• Literacy;
• Mathematics;
• Understanding the world; and
• Expressive arts and design.

The EYFS provides firm foundations for future learning in Key Stage 1 and is consistent with the National Curriculum. We believe that children learn best from practical experiences and ensure the curriculum is delivered in this way as much as possible as well as being linked to the needs and interests of the children.

Communication and language

This area of learning and development involves giving children opportunities to experience a rich language environment; to develop their skills and confidence in expressing themselves; and to speak and listen in a range of situations.

Physical development

This area of learning and development involves providing opportunities for young children to be active and interactive; and to develop their coordination, control and movement. Children will also be helped to understand the importance of physical activity, and to make healthy choices in relation to food.

Personal, social and emotional development

This area of learning and development involves providing opportunities for children to develop a positive sense of themselves, and others; to form positive relationships and develop respect for others; to develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings; to understand appropriate behaviour in groups; and to have confidence in their own abilities.

Literacy

This area of learning and development involves encouraging children to link sounds and letters and to begin to read and write. Children will be given access to a wide range of reading materials to ignite their interest.

Mathematics

This area of learning and development involves providing children with opportunities to develop and improve their skills in counting, understanding and using numbers, calculating simple addition and subtraction problems; and to describe shapes, spaces and measures.

Understanding the world

This area of learning and development involves guiding the children to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology and the environment.

Expressive arts and design

This area of learning and development involves enabling children to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials, as well as providing opportunities and encouragement for sharing their thoughts, ideas and feelings.

How to help your child at home

The booklet below will give you an overview of what to expect from your child in their different developmental stages from birth to the end of Reception.  It also offers you helpful, practical ideas to work on with your child at home. You can also find some other resources to support your child’s development