EYFS
Purpose of Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) at Chiltern Primary School
At Chiltern Primary School our intent for Early Years Foundation Stage is to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment where children aged 4 to 5 can develop a strong foundation of knowledge, skills, and attitudes. We aim to support their holistic development, ensuring they are well-equipped for their future education and life experiences. Our EYFS curriculum aims to inspire a love for learning, promote independence and curiosity, and enable children to become confident, capable individuals who are ready for the challenges of Key Stage 1 and beyond.
Curriculum Design and Delivery
Our EYFS curriculum at Chiltern Primary School is carefully designed and delivered to align with the goals and objectives set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework. We ensure that children have access to a broad and balanced curriculum that covers all seven areas of learning: Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Physical Development, Communication and Language, Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World, and Expressive Arts and Design.
We provide a stimulating learning environment both indoors and outdoors, which offers a wide range of engaging resources and opportunities for children to explore and develop their skills across all areas of learning. We plan purposeful play-based activities that are carefully scaffolded to support children's development and challenge them appropriately. Our skilled and knowledgeable staff use a range of teaching approaches, including direct teaching, guided activities, and child-led investigations, to cater to the individual needs and interests of every child.
Assessment and Progress Monitoring
We use a robust and comprehensive system of assessment and progress monitoring to track children's learning and development in EYFS. We employ a combination of formative and summative assessment strategies to gain a holistic understanding of each child's progress across the seven areas of learning. Our skilled staff undertake regular observations, record children's achievements, and engage in ongoing dialogue with the children and their parents or carers.
Regular assessments are carried out using age-appropriate assessment tools, such as the Early Years Outcomes and the Early Excellence Baseline Assessment. These assessments provide valuable insights into children's achievements and inform future planning to ensure differentiated and personalised learning experiences. Our staff use this data to set targets, identify areas for improvement, and provide targeted interventions where necessary.
Working with Parents and Carers
We believe that strong partnerships with parents and carers are vital in supporting children's learning and development in EYFS. We actively involve parents and carers in their child's education by providing regular communication, workshops, and opportunities for meaningful engagement. We encourage parents and carers to contribute to their child's learning journey by sharing information, knowledge, and experiences.
In addition to regular parent-teacher consultations, we hold termly showcase events and celebration assemblies to celebrate the achievements and progress made by our EYFS learners. We also provide resources, guidance, and workshops for parents and carers to support their child's learning at home.
Outcomes and Achievements
The outstanding implementation of our Early Years Foundation Stage results in exceptional outcomes and achievements for our children at Chiltern Primary School. Our children consistently make strong progress across all areas of learning, and they develop a deep understanding of key concepts, skills, and attitudes that provide them with a strong foundation for future learning.
We ensure that children are well-prepared for the transition to Key Stage 1, and their attainment at the end of the Foundation Stage is consistently outstanding. Our children demonstrate high levels of personal, social, and emotional development, enabling them to form positive relationships, manage their feelings effectively, and take responsibility for their own learning and behavior.
Personal Development and Well-being
The positive impact of our Early Years Foundation Stage is also evident through the personal development and well-being of our children at Chiltern Primary School. They exhibit high levels of motivation, enthusiasm, and resilience, fostering a love for learning that extends beyond their time in EYFS. Our children develop a strong sense of self-identity, an appreciation for diversity, and an understanding of their rights and responsibilities as members of the school community.
Moreover, our children acquire essential social and communication skills, enabling them to engage confidently with peers and adults. They are collaborative and cooperative learners, capable of expressing themselves effectively, listening attentively, and working collaboratively to solve problems.
Smooth Transition to Key Stage 1
The exceptional implementation of our EYFS ensures a smooth and seamless transition for our children into Key Stage 1. They are well-prepared to cope with the increased academic demands and social expectations of the next phase of their education. They have developed a strong command of early literacy and numeracy skills and are equipped with a curiosity-driven mindset, enabling them to approach new learning experiences with confidence and enthusiasm.
Furthermore, our children exhibit high levels of independence, self-regulation, and resilience, which are essential for their continued success and well-being throughout their educational journey.
In conclusion, our Early Years Foundation Stage at Chiltern is implemented outstandingly, leading to excellent outcomes, personal development, and a smooth transition to Key Stage 1. By providing a nurturing environment, a well-designed curriculum, effective assessment strategies, and strong partnerships with parents and carers, we ensure that our children thrive and develop a lifelong love for learning.