Early years curriculum

Learning In Nursery and Reception Early Years foundation Stage (EYFS)

In Early Years our children start on what we hope will be their life-long journey of discovery, exploration and learning as they become increasingly curious about the world around them. We follow the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (2021) working towards children meeting the Early Learning Goals at the end of the Reception year. At its heart, the EYFS focuses on children learning through play, exploring the world around them, building relationships and developing key early skills. It supports children to become confident, curious and independent learners.

At Howard Park Community School, we are committed to providing a play-based, active learning environment that nurtures curiosity, resilience and a love of learning. Through our EYFS curriculum, we promote collaborative learning, independence and confidence, enabling every child to thrive. We have high expectations while recognising each child’s unique starting point, supporting them to become resilient, reflective and self-aware learners. Our inclusive environment promotes positive learning behaviours, wellbeing, cultural capital and British values, preparing children to succeed in our diverse world.

The curriculum is organised so that children learn through a combination of independent and focused activities.In Nursery, there is a strong focus on the Prime Areas and Characteristics of Effective Learning. As a result, pupils leave our Nursery setting with well-developed play skills, self-confidence, awareness of the feelings of others and strong communication skills. They are curious and independent learners who are confident to select and direct their own learning. 

In Reception, whilst we ensure the emphasis on developing the Prime Areas is continued, the balance between these shifts as the children progress through the Reception year in readiness for Key Stage 1. Phonics, reading, writing and maths are taught through adult-led activities in discrete lessons and have the opportunities to practise their newly-acquired skills in our carefully planned and resourced areas of provision.

Our curriculum offers a wealth of opportunities to consolidate and deepen children’s knowledge and understanding to enable them to achieve the end of Reception expectations (ELG’s) as set out in the Statutory Framework. In addition to the Prime and Specific areas of learning, our curriculum recognises that the ‘Characteristics of Effective Learning’ underpins all seven areas of learning and development and play a central role in becoming an effective learner, which is an essential aspect of EYFS.These early basic skills are crucial in unlocking a whole world of learning. On-going observation of the children’s attainment and progress informs our planning and their ‘next steps’. We plan for individual needs, different learning styles and the interests of the children.