Birchwood C of E Primary School

In Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), you will find our Nursery & Reception children.

Children can join our Nursery provision as soon as they turn 3. Speak to the office or Mrs Patterson about securing a place for your child. Morning Nursery sessions are 8:30 – 11:30. Afternoon sessions are 12:00 – 3:00. We also offer 30 hours for eligible children which are 8:30 – 2:30. Parents can pay to top up these hours if required and Nursery children are also welcome at our before and after school provision, Birchwood Bears.

Starting Nursery or Reception can often be the first time a child has left their parents and their first experience of education. We aim to provide a happy, safe and stimulating environment where children learn, have fun and enjoy the first stages of their education.

Curriculum

Our Curriculum is based around the understanding that children learn best through play and their interests. Our carefully tailored planning allows us to teach across all 7 areas of learning and development. These being:

PSED - Personal Social and Emotional Development

PD - Physical Development

CL - Communication and Language

L- Literacy

M - Maths

UW - Understanding the world

EAD - Expressive Arts and Design

Planning in the Early Years is unique. We have a long term plan which shows the ‘loose themes’ we will be working on throughout the year. However, it is important to note that our planning aims to follow the interests of the children. Often, the direction for our planning can happen in the moment. We believe that children will become more absorbed in their leaning if they are excited and engaged by the content.

Children in Nursery predominantly learn through child initiated activities and some adult led sessions. Children in EYFS have access to a large, well resourced classroom and a vast outdoor area. The indoor and outdoor spaces provide stimulating continuous provision where children make independent choices and learn through play. In Reception, children participate in more adult led activities but also access continuous provision.

In EYFS, one of the ways we record evidence of children’s learning is through the Learning Journey app, Tapestry. Once you are registered on Tapestry, you will receive observations of your child’s achievements at school and also be able to record their learning at home.

Below is the EYFS Statutory Guidance, which shows all 17 areas of learning and the end of year expectations for Reception class.

The EYFS Development Matters document is non statutory curriculum guidance to support planning and assessment.