The National Curriculum for EYFS

The curriculum for EYFS stems from the 'Statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage.' These are the standards that all school and childcare providers must meet for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5. 

The framework:

• sets the standards that all early years providers must meet to ensure that children learn and develop well
• ensures children are kept healthy and safe
• ensures that children have the knowledge and skills they need to start school

Please click on the link below for the full document 'Statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage'.

Our EYFS Curriculum at Berkswich

The Framework splits the curriculum into 'Prime Areas' and 'Specific Areas'. In our Early Years, none of these areas can be delivered in isolation from the others. They are equally important and depend on each other. All areas are delivered through a careful balance of adult led, child initiated and enhanced provision activities. 

 
Prime Areas:  

1. Communication and Language Development

2. Physical Development  

3. Personal Social and Emotional Development  
 
Specific Areas:  

1. Literacy  

2. Mathematics  

3. Understanding of the World

4. Expressive Arts and Design  
 
Throughout the Early Years, children experience and investigate the world through quality hands-on experiences and creative opportunities. An inclusive approach ensures individual needs of both boys and girls, children with special educational needs, children who are more able, children with disabilities, children from all social and cultural backgrounds, children of different ethnic groups and those from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Communication and Language

This covers all aspects of language development and provides the foundation for their literacy skills. Berkswich aims to develop children’s competence in speaking and listening by extending and enriching the children’s vocabulary through story time, rhymes, child led role-play and group discussions. Children are encouraged to share their own experiences through speaking and acting out events in imaginative play and talking about their own ideas. They are encouraged to take part in class activities such as working with puppets, being involved in music sessions, saying rhymes and singing songs together.  

Physical Development

Children always have a variety of opportunities, both indoors and outdoors, to develop and practise their fine and gross motor skills using a wide range of natural resources, purpose-built equipment and through imaginative play. They increase their understanding of how their body works and what is needed to be healthy in mind and body. 

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Berkswich fosters, develops and nurtures relationships between home, school, community and places of worship, through shared events, strong communication and planned opportunities. Children are encouraged to learn to work, share, take turns and co-operate with others through a wide variety of experiences. They learn to be sensitive to the needs of others and to respect other cultures and beliefs. Children are inspired to become confident, independent and to develop a positive self-image.

Literacy

The teaching staff aim for children to be inspired to mark-make, record and write in all areas of provision by capturing the children’s own interest and creating pockets of awe and wonder. Children can access these both independently and during focused teacher-led experiences. These activities include daily phonics, reading and writing sessions as part of the whole class and in small focused groups.  

 
Mathematics

Berkswich aims for children to achieve a firm mathematical understanding and build a strong foundation of vocabulary, mathematical creativity and willingness to problem solve.  Through a range of hands-on activities, open-ended questions and group discussions, children develop simple mathematical ideas.  
 
Understanding the World

All children are given immersive, engaging opportunities to solve problems, investigate, make decisions and experiment. They will learn about living things, their environment, the world around them and the people who are important in their lives. In all areas of provision, children are given the opportunity to enhance their computing and technology skills. 

Expressive Art and Design

Through a variety of art, design, technology, music, drama, movement, dance and imaginative play activities, we provide opportunities for all children to explore and share their thoughts, ideas and feelings. Children engage in painting, drawing, collage, model making and are creative with musical instruments. At regular times during the year, children are given the opportunity to participate in school productions and assemblies.