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EYFS

EYFS

Early Years Framework 2021

At Mersham, our Early Years curriculum has been developed and carefully planned with our children at the centre. We understand that all children learn differently and we adjust our practice accordingly. The three characteristics of teaching and learning are fundamental in our planning of a successful Early Years curriculum, these 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

Click here to see our Early Years progression document

Each term a new and exciting topic is introduced to the class, these may follow individual children’s interests or respond to specific events. Each week is planned around a theme and activities are designed and organised in order to provide a range of learning experiences. Within their learning, children will have the opportunity to take part in independent and guided work. This will include work they have chosen and completed on their own and specific tasks that have been completed with an adult. Interactions and evidence of learning will be recorded by staff and uploaded on to Tapestry for parents and carers to view.

There are 7 Areas of Learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) that activities are planned around:

  • Personal, Social and Emotional Development
  • Physical Development
  • Communication and Language
  • Literacy
  • Mathematics
  • Understanding the World
  • Expressive Arts and Design

These areas are broken down further into Prime and Specific Areas.

Prime Areas

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

Specific Areas

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

As part of the new Early Years framework 2021, children will take part in a statutory baseline assessment. This consists of a range of practical activities that will be completed on a one to one basis with the class teacher. The children are assessed throughout the year against the age related guidance and given a level at the end of reception of; emerging or expected. This information is discussed in transition to Year one so that their progress may continue as they move through the school.