Our Early Years Foundation Stage consists of Year R (Ages 4-5).

Each day children in Year R have teacher directed sessions for phonics, literacy and numeracy.  Phonics sessions follow the Read Write Inc. scheme. 

During child initiated sessions the children are supported to learn through play; consolidating what  they have been taught in adult-led sessions or exploring their own creative ideas. Year R children have daily access to an outside area  suitable for all weathers, where their learning is able to be continued and opportunities for exploring  the natural world are available. 

Children are also taught in large and small focus groups throughout the day, these groups cover all aspects  of the Early Years Curriculum. 

Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil their  potential.  Children develop quickly in the early years and a child’s experiences have a major impact  on their future life chances.  There are four principles which underpin our Early Years and Foundation Stage (EYFS) Curriculum: 

A unique child – every child is a competent learner from birth who can be resilient, capable,  confident and self-assured. 

Positive relationships - so that children feel safe and cared for. 

Enabling environment – we provide a rich and varied environment which supports children’s  learning and development. It gives them the confidence to explore and learn in a secure and  safe, yet challenging, indoor and outdoor space. 

Learning and developing – children develop and learn in different ways and at different  rates. In their play, children learn at their highest levels. We provide wide ranging and varied  interests that engage and involve children for sustained periods. 

The EYFS curriculum is divided into seven areas of learning and development. The Prime Areas, Communication and Language, Physical Development and Personal, Social and Emotional  Development, are particularly crucial for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, and for building their capacity to learn, form relationships and thrive.  The Specific Areas, Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design, help to strengthen and apply the prime areas. 

As part of a Church of England School, RE is taught as a discrete lesson in addition to the EYFS curriculum, and Christian values are modelled and encouraged in our daily practice.  We follow the Southwark Diocese RE scheme of work, and by the end of the year join the rest of the school in Collective Worship several times a week. 

More information about Early Years Education can be found here