Aims
At Ark Blacklands, our EYFS curriculum is designed to be ambitious for all pupils and ensures that children are active participants in the learning process; they are challenged to think, question, reflect and analyse. The EYFS framework covers the development and learning of children from birth to the end of their reception year in school. We aim to build on children's previous experiences as they enter our school from several local nurseries, to ensure a happy and purposeful year in reception. This enables our children to be ready and confident for Key Stage 1.
In our EYFS setting we provide a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment which supports the growth of independence, resilience, collaboration and reflects our Habits of Success. At Ark Blacklands we place a high value on vocabulary and experiences which prepare children for the rest of their school journey.
Curriculum Approach
Children in Reception follow our EYFS curriculum, which gives children a broad range of knowledge and skills which provide the right foundations for good future progress through school and life. Our curriculum is language rich and each of our topics uses inspiring stories and nursery rhymes to underpin all learning. Children learn and hone new skills and knowledge, and demonstrate their understanding through seven areas of learning and development:
Prime Areas:
- Communication and Language
- Physical Development
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Specific Areas:
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts and Design
These seven areas are used to plan children’s learning and activities and are tailored to suit each child’s individual needs. The curriculum is designed to be flexible so that staff can follow each child's unique interests.
Children in the EYFS learn by a daily mix of direct instruction; independently playing and exploring; being active and creative, and solving problems in and outside the classroom. Our specially designed EYFS outside play area gives children the chance to play safely and freely whilst simultaneously learning to assess risk and develop the skills to manage new situations. Our extensive school grounds also provide opportunities for outdoor exploration. We supplement the curriculum further with enrichment activities including visits to the local community and inviting visitors into school to engage with the pupils.
EYFS teachers quickly identify children who may need additional support and early interventions take place to ensure all children progress in their learning. Our dedicated speech and language specialist supports children with any individual speech and language needs.
Special ‘wow’ moments in each child’s journey through EYFS is recorded in their electronic ‘Learning Journey’ which parents are encouraged to contribute to, allowing us to celebrate learning at home as well as at school.
At the end of the EYFS, in the summer term of the Reception year in school, teachers complete an assessment which is known as the EYFS Profile, using the Early Learning Goals. This assessment is carried out by the Reception class teachers and is based on what they, and other staff, have observed over a period of time.
Early Reading
We firmly believe that all of our children can become fluent readers and writers, the direct teaching of which, starts with Phonics.
Outcomes
Pupils make excellent progress from their baseline to reach a Good Level of Development enabling our children to be ready and confident for Key Stage 1.
Please see here for further detail of the impact of our curriculum.