Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Reception

Welcome to our Reception provision, where children are supported to become confident, curious and independent learners. We provide a nurturing, stimulating and highly ambitious learning environment that ensures every child gets the very best start to their school journey.

Our Approach to Learning

In Reception, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework, which sets the standards for the learning, development and care of children in their first year of school.

Our curriculum is delivered through a carefully planned mixed pedagogy approach, combining high-quality adult-led teaching with purposeful child-initiated learning. This enables children to develop key knowledge and skills whilst also following their interests, exploring new ideas and becoming active participants in their own learning.

Learning is highly intentional, with adults skilfully interacting with children to extend thinking, develop language and strengthen understanding. Opportunities are carefully designed to ensure children build knowledge sequentially and make strong progress across all areas of learning.

The EYFS Curriculum

Children's learning is organised through seven areas of learning and development:

Prime Areas

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

Specific Areas

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

These areas are woven throughout our provision, both indoors and outdoors, ensuring children learn through meaningful experiences, play and direct teaching.

Reception Baseline Assessment

Within the first six weeks of starting school, all children take part in the statutory Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA). This is a short, practical assessment carried out one-to-one with a familiar adult.

The assessment provides a starting point from which children's progress throughout primary school can be measured. There is no preparation required, and children usually view the activities as games and enjoyable learning experiences.

Early Years Foundation Stage Profile

At the end of Reception, teachers complete the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (EYFSP) for every child. The profile is based on teacher assessment and reflects children's learning and development throughout the year.

Children are assessed against the Early Learning Goals, and parents receive information about their child's attainment and readiness for Year 1.

Sharing Learning Through Tapestry

We use Tapestry, a secure online learning journal, to record and celebrate children's learning and achievements throughout the year.

Tapestry enables parents and carers to:

• View photographs, videos and observations of their child's learning
• Gain an insight into their child's experiences at school
• Celebrate achievements and special moments
• Share learning and milestones from home
• Strengthen the partnership between home and school

By working together through Tapestry, we can build a rich picture of each child's development and ensure that learning is celebrated both at school and at home.

Working in Partnership

We recognise that parents and carers are children's first educators. Strong partnerships between home and school are at the heart of our Early Years provision, and we value working together to support every child to thrive, achieve and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Through our nurturing environment, carefully sequenced curriculum, highly intentional teaching and strong relationships with families, we ensure children leave Reception as confident, resilient and enthusiastic learners, ready for the next stage of their education. 🌟