EYFS

At Ashchurch we work hard with our local pre-school settings to ensure that the children starting Reception with us have a smooth transition to Explorers class.

We value the Characteristics of Effective Learning and these are at the heart of our Early Years curriculum.

The Characteristics of Effective Learning describe behaviours children use in order to learn. 

To learn well, children must approach opportunities with curiosity, energy and enthusiasm. Effective learning must be meaningful to a child, so that they are able to use what they have learned and apply it in new situations. These abilities and attitudes of strong learners will support them to learn well and make good progress in all the Areas of Learning and Development.

Our Approach to Learning

We believe that play is the greatest gift we can give to our children. Play based learning provides opportunities for children to actively and imaginatively engage with people, objects and the environment. Children are naturally motivated by play. Our play-based curriculum builds on this motivation, using play as a context for learning. In this context, children can explore, experiment, discover and solve problems in an imaginative way.

We provide a balanced diet of adult-directed and child-led learning opportunities throughout the week. The children also have access to a variety of areas within the classroom and outdoors where they can independently choose and lead their own learning. We encourage children’s learning and natural curiosity through quality interactions that aim to stretch their thinking to higher levels.

Curriculum

The Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum is made up of seven areas of learning. We work towards our children achieving the Early Learning Goals by the time they complete their time in the EYFS. Our EYFS environment is carefully planned and well-resourced to cater for each of these areas. We offer a broad range of experiences for our children, both indoors and outdoors. Our Early Years team plan a range of purposeful activities which inspire and engage children as well as match the different levels of need.

The seven areas of learning that shape our Early Years curriculum are:

The 3 prime areas are:

• Communication and Language
• Physical Development
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development

The 4 specific areas are:

• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Arts and Design

Assessment

During the first few weeks of  Reception, we will find out what the children already know and can do and use this information to help us plan the children’s next steps.

Each child has their own electronic learning journal on an online app called Tapestry. We use this to keep evidence of their learning through photographs and commentary about what they have been doing. Parents also have full access to this at home and can contribute to this. Parents/ carers can upload photos and comments to their child’s learning journal which allows us to gain a holistic view of each child.

At the end of the academic year parents will receive a report for their child that outlines their successes throughout the year, as well as being able to download their child’s electronic learning journal.