In reception, we follow the EYFS Framework in which there are seven areas of learning and development made up of Prime areas and Specific areas:
The Prime Areas build a foundation for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, forming relationships and thriving. These are:
• Communication and Language
• Physical Development
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
The Specific Areas, through which the three prime areas are strengthened and applied are:
• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Arts and Design
Throughout all of these areas of learning and at the heart of the EYFS curriculum are the ‘Characteristics of Effective Learning’. We strive to develop the key characteristics of ‘Playing and Learning’, ‘Active Learning’ and ‘Thinking Critically’ in order to give the children the skills that they will continue to draw upon throughout their development and time at our school.
At St Margaret's, we have developed our own curriculum for our reception children which is very much child led, taking children’s interests into account.
This is from our recent Ofsted report: “Leaders have developed an ambitious curriculum that has many areas of strength. This begins in Reception where expertly designed learning opportunities introduce the vocabulary and knowledge children need for future learning.” “In Reception, adults design some outstanding learning opportunities which encourage positive interactions and develop children’s understanding of risk.” (Ofsted report, Feb 2022)
Our Early Years Curriculum develops children’s knowledge, skills and understanding through a combination of both play-based learning and more focused teacher led sessions. Pupils learn to share, work independently and play with others. A vital aspect in the development of essential knowledge and skills is the use of continuous provision. This means that children are using and developing taught skills throughout the year on a daily basis and supports children to develop key life skills such as independence; innovation; creativity, enquiry; analysis and problem solving.
In reception, we follow the EYFS Framework in which there are seven areas of learning and development made up of Prime areas and Specific areas:
The Prime Areas build a foundation for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, forming relationships and thriving. These are:
• Communication and Language
• Physical Development
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
The Specific Areas, through which the three prime areas are strengthened and applied are:
• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Arts and Design
Throughout all of these areas of learning and at the heart of the EYFS curriculum are the ‘Characteristics of Effective Learning’. We strive to develop the key characteristics of ‘Playing and Learning’, ‘Active Learning’ and ‘Thinking Critically’ in order to give the children the skills that they will continue to draw upon throughout their development and time at our school.
At St Margaret's, we have developed our own curriculum for our reception children which is very much child led, taking children’s interests into account.
This is from our recent Ofsted report: “Leaders have developed an ambitious curriculum that has many areas of strength. This begins in Reception where expertly designed learning opportunities introduce the vocabulary and knowledge children need for future learning.” “In Reception, adults design some outstanding learning opportunities which encourage positive interactions and develop children’s understanding of risk.” (Ofsted report, Feb 2022)
Our Early Years Curriculum develops children’s knowledge, skills and understanding through a combination of both play-based learning and more focused teacher led sessions. Pupils learn to share, work independently and play with others. A vital aspect in the development of essential knowledge and skills is the use of continuous provision. This means that children are using and developing taught skills throughout the year on a daily basis and supports children to develop key life skills such as independence; innovation; creativity, enquiry; analysis and problem solving.
EYFS Curriculum Map 2023
What to expect in the Early Years Foundation Stage: A guide for parents