Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

Our Approach

Our EYFS curriculum is progressively sequenced and carefully planned to build on children’s prior knowledge and experiences. We follow children’s curiosities and fascinations to shape learning, while termly topics introduce new experiences and opportunities. Mini-topics are interwoven across the year to acknowledge and celebrate learning opportunities as they arise.

All learning is underpinned by our curriculum drivers:

  • A vocabulary-rich curriculum that builds understanding of ideas, concepts, chronology and themes.

  • Thinking threads of “here, there and then, now, next” that connect learning meaningfully, helping children learn from the past and present while preparing them for an exciting future.

In EYFS, children explore their world here and now, building on early experiences from then, and developing the skills and curiosity to move confidently into the next stage of learning.

Guiding Principles

Our curriculum is shaped by the four guiding principles of EYFS:

  • Unique Child: Every child is unique and has the potential to be resilient, capable, confident, and self-assured.

  • Positive Relationships: Children flourish with warm, strong and positive partnerships between staff and parents/carers, promoting independence and community.

  • Enabling Environments: Safe, secure, and stimulating environments support learning. Adults respond to individual needs and passions, helping children build on learning over time.

  • Learning and Development: Children develop and learn at different rates. We provide tailored support for those who need it.

How Children Learn

We nurture the Characteristics of Effective Teaching and Learning:

  • Playing and Exploring – investigating, experiencing, and having a go.

  • Active Learning – concentrating, persisting, and celebrating achievements.

  • Creating and Thinking Critically – developing ideas, making connections, and solving problems.

These behaviours underpin everything we do and are celebrated daily.

Where This Sits in the EYFS Framework

Our curriculum is planned with reference to the Development Matters guidance, which supports children’s progress across the seven areas of learning. These statements guide our sequencing and progression, while also leaving space to follow children’s unique interests and fascinations.

Learning is carefully designed to ensure that, by the end of Reception, children are supported to achieve the Early Learning Goals (ELGs). These goals describe the knowledge, skills and understanding children should have to be ready for Year 1.

Intent, Implementation and Impact

Intent
To nurture confident communicators, curious learners, and kind friends, building strong foundations in language, literacy, mathematics, creativity and physical development.

Implementation
A balance of adult-led learning, child-initiated play, and carefully planned continuous provision, enriched with themes, key texts, and enhanced provision responding to seasons, celebrations, and children’s own interests.

Impact
Children leave Reception with the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need for Year 1 — resilient, independent, and ready to thrive.

End of EYFS Outcomes

By the end of Reception, children will:

  • Communicate confidently and listen attentively.

  • Read and write simple sentences with growing fluency.

  • Apply secure number knowledge, including subitising and early calculation.

  • Show curiosity about the natural world, communities and cultures.

  • Express themselves creatively through art, music, movement and role play.

  • Demonstrate resilience, independence, and respect for others.

Full Curriculum Detail
For a term-by-term breakdown of our EYFS provision, please see our EYFS Curriculum Overview for 2025-26