EYFS

Curriculum overview:

Here at St John's, we are use the educational programmes of study in the EYFS Framework to ensure the children receive a well planned, broad and balanced curriculum from their very first day at our school.

The Development Matters document is used as a curriculum reference to support practitioners with assessing children's knowledge, concepts and skills during their time in Foundation stage and to ensure all learning experiences match to the children's individual needs and next steps.

Each and every learning opportunity is planned to address the specific needs of each individual cohort which is continually addressed through accurate use of formative and summative assessment alongside children’s interests.

We have a long-term plan, medium term plans and individual lesson plans which are all flexible to meet the emerging needs of each child, building upon their prior knowledge, learning and knowing/doing abilities.

We recognise that teaching and learning Foundation Stage lays the foundations for the wider curriculum at Key Stage 1 and into Key Stage 2. Therefore by quality teaching of the prime and specific areas in the foundation stage, we are preparing children for their future learning throughout their primary education and on into secondary school.

Our EYFS Intent

• All staff and SLT have a clear vision for EYFS at St John's
• Children gain a love for learning as soon as possible which will establish a firm foundation for the next stage of their education.
• Children will learn a broad, balanced and stimulating curriculum which has an emphasis on the development of reading, children’s vocabulary and writing.
• Children deepen their learning through focused direct teaching and continuous provision.
• To ensure teaching of Phonics is at least ‘Good’ children have books closely matched to their reading development.
• All children to make at least expected progress in Phonics.
• For all children to have regular and high-quality opportunities to write.
• To increase the number of children who reach the ELGs by the end of the Reception year, particularly in Reading, Writing and Number.
• To increase the number of children achieving GLD each year.
• Baseline will be undertaken within the first 4 weeks to capture the child’s starting points accurately and will be used to plan to meet their emerging needs.
• For parents to be involved in their child’s online learning journey in EYFS and to have strong links with the school, this enabling us to gain a complete picture of their learning and developments.

More information about how we prepare children in Foundation Stage for accessing the National Curriculum can be found in each subject's progression map and individual subject planning under our curriculum tab.