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Foundation Stage Curriculum PDF Print E-mail

In our recent Ofsted inspection, (October 2008) our Foundation Stage provision was graded “outstanding”

 

Effectiveness of the Early Years Foundation Stage

‘Children make an excellent start to their education in the Nursery and Reception classes. Staff quickly form very good relationships so children feel safe, confident and enjoy learning. An excellent curriculum provides children with exciting and interesting activities that support their outstanding progress. Careful ongoing assessment is used to make sure activities are matched to children’s particular needs. The outdoor area in particular has very good equipment that stimulates children’s interest and enjoyment. Standards in the EYFS have risen sharply over several years and, by the end of Reception, Children’s attainment is now broadly similar to that found nationally in most areas, despite their very low starting points. This constitutes outstanding achievement. Teachers have high expectations and manage children well, so they are relaxed and happy, and behave well. Staff work well as a team to provide a high standard of teaching. They intervene very effectively in children’s play to enhance their learning. ‘

 

The Early Years Foundation Stage is based around four themes:

 A unique child:Every child is  a competent learner from birth who can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured.

Positive Relationships where children learn to be strong and independent from a base of loving and secure relationships with parents and/or a key person.

Enabling Environments The environment plays a key role in supporting and extending children’s development and learning.

Learning and Development Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates and all areas of Learning and Development are equally important and inter-connected.

Underpinning the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum at Buxton is that learning is carefully planned with an emphasis on activities that are relevant and motivating for each child. The Early Years staff support children’s learning through planned play and extending and developing children’s spontaneous and self-initiated play.


Areas of Learning and Development and Early Learning Goals

The Foundation Stage focuses on the distinct needs of children aged 3,4 and 5. It is divided into 6 ’areas of learning.’

Each area of learning has equal importance to the children’s development and learning.


The 6 areas of learning are:

  • Personal Social and Emotional development
  • Communication Language and Literacy
  • Mathematical development
  • Knowledge and Understanding of the World
  • Physical Development
  • Creative Development


The broad headings relate to a specialist curriculum which emphasises learning through exploratory play and discovery

It offers the children a relevant and broad and balance curriculum which takes into account the individual needs and capabilities of children. These goals set out skills, knowledge and attitudes which we hope all children will reach by the time they leave the Reception Classes.

 

Planning

The Nursery and the Reception classes plan closely in a cross curricular topic approach to their learning to ensure continuity and development. All staff will take responsibility for planning the curriculum in each of the different areas

  1. The children contribute to the planning and their learning by talking about what they know and what they want to find out.

  2. The planning ensures that the children will gain new experiences, particularly through practical activities.

  3. At all times significant achievements and progress is recorded in a variety of ways i.e. photographs, observations, and annotations of work. 

 

The planned curriculum

This is taken from the 6 ’areas of learning’.

  1. Each activity has specific learning intentions.

  2. It Includes:

  3. Focussed teacher lead activities

  4. Activities that all children will complete, (differentiated according to ability)

  5. The teaching of specific skills

  6. Self-initiated activities are also a major focus and individual achievements are recognised.

Many of the activities, especially mathematical ones, will be practical. At times the children will be asked to record their results. As part of our ‘personalised learning’ the children will be asked to tell us what they already know about the topic they are about to experience.  They then will use first hand experience, each other,  Foundation Stage staff , the internet and reference books to find out more information.

Children are encouraged to become independent, interactive learners.

The children will have many opportunities to support their learning by using the computer.  The children are timetabled to use the two computer suites and they have access to use of the computer and interactive whiteboard in the classroom. We have computer programs which help to develop mouse and key board skills as well as develop interactive learning skills.

  

Outside Learning

An important part of the children’s curriculum is using the outdoor provision. This includes the environmental area, local shops and local park. Children should have access to the outdoor learning environment for at least 50% of the day.

Outside Learning  and physical movement is an important part of the Foundation Stage curriculum. It is essential that the children in the Reception Classes have  access to this kind of activity for at least 50% of the day.

Each day the children will have the opportunity to take their curriculum outdoors. They will be encouraged to explore, investigate and try out new ideas through a planned programme of learning opportunities. A member of staff will always be supporting their work. They will also make regular visits to the park next to the School

 

The offered curriculum

  • Opportunities for the children to consolidate and revisit activities
  • Is a range of supplementary activities to support planned learning
  • Opportunities to explore and use their imaginations
  • Opportunities to apply previous taught skills
  • Opportunities to show self-initiated work.

Creative work is an enjoyable learning activity

Creativity will be encouraged for all children. The children will experience many different creative learning experiences which will include drawing, painting, collage, model making, singing, dancing and representational play.The children will be encouraged to explore their five senses through their explorations (Knowledge and Understanding of the World)

Each ‘area of learning’ has been divided into experiences called ‘stepping stones’. Early Learning goals have been identified within the areas of learning and development. Children will be at different stages towards achieving these goals, depending on their age and stage of development.