Teaching and Learning in the Foundation Stage

The Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum provides the basis for teaching and learning, and this is focussed on 4 key principles:

• Every child is a unique child
• Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships
• Children learn and develop well in enabling environments
• Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates

The areas of learning and development are:

Prime areas (focussed on especially in Nursery)

• Communication and language
• Physical development
• Personal, social and emotional development

Specific areas

• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding of the world
• Expressive arts and design

The curriculum is delivered through a long-term plan specifically designed for the Nursery children, based on key themes, celebrations and stories. A summary of each half-term’s theme and learning focus is sent home at the beginning of each half term, and is also available to view on the school’s website. The curriculum is based around the 7 key features of effective practice.