"Children in the Nursery and Reception classes learn the school’s routines and expectations quickly. The curriculum in early years is sequenced so that children build knowledge very well over time. Adults provide deliberately chosen opportunities for children to repeat what they have learned in earlier sessions. For example, when children’s successes are celebrated on their rewards charts, adults use this as an opportunity to embed children’s mathematical knowledge."
Ofsted Report, May 2024
In Nursery and Reception (EYFS), children study seven areas of learning which are divided into the Prime and Specific Areas, plus RE. At the end of the EYFS, children are assessed against the Early Learning Goals (ELGs). You will receive half-termly topic newsletters.
Prime Areas
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Children develop a positive sense of themselves and of others, respect for others, social skills and a positive attitude to learning. We provide support for children’s emotional well-being to help them to know themselves and what they can do.
“Children make outstanding progress in their personal, social and emotional development, which makes a significant contribution to their progress in other areas. Children confidently participate in all activities and play extremely well independently and with others.”
Ofsted Report, January 2010
Communication and Language
Children learn skills in communicating, speaking and listening. Children are encouraged to develop their vocabulary, expression, knowledge of tenses and to speak in full sentences while participating in conversation. We will provide a range of learning opportunities and encourage them to use their skills in a range of situations and for a range of purposes.
Physical Development
We provide opportunities for children to be active, interactive, and improve their skills in coordination, control, manipulation and movement. We support them in using all their senses to learn about the world around them. We also support them in their understanding of the importance of physical activity and making healthy choices in relation to food.
In addition, children in Reception classes receive weekly PE lessons from a specialist Sports Coach.
Specific Areas
Literacy
Children are introduced to reading and writing through a combination of adult and self-led activities. Daily phonics sessions support children's understanding of the sound system in English and support them when reading and writing independently. Children have extensive opportunities to read both books of their choice, and within the school's Guided Reading scheme, the Oxford Reading Tree, which is led by an adult.
Mathematics
Children are supported in developing their understanding of Mathematics in a broad range of contexts in which they can explore, enjoy, learn, practise and talk about their developing understanding. We learrn about number, calculating, and space, shape and measure.
Understanding the World
Children are supported in developing the knowledge, skills and understanding that help them to make sense of the world. We offer opportunities to a range of tools safely; encounter creatures, people, plants and objects in their natural environments and in real-life situations; undertake practical ‘experiments’ and work with a range of materials.
Expressive Arts and Design
We will extend children’s creativity by providing support for their curiosity, exploration and play. We will provide opportunities for children to explore and share their thoughts, ideas and feelings; for example through a variety of art, music, movement, dance, imaginative and role-play activities, mathematics and design and technology.
EYFS Topics
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Autumn A |
Ourselves/All About Me Black History Month |
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Autumn B |
Celebrations/Christmas |
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Spring A |
Fairytales/Fantasy |
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Spring B |
Growing/Easter |
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Summer A |
Animals |
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Summer B |
Our World |
In the EYFS, we endeavour to enrich the children’s learning experiences as much as possible through visits to museums and local places of interest, as well as inviting guests in to speak to the children. The Nursery and Reception classes have visited the Garden Museum, London Zoo, the Tower of London, the Science Museum, Brixton Market and Bird World amongst other places.
Visitors and School Trips
Parents are often invited into class to share their own area of expertise with the children or as part of our topic work.
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