Foundation Stage Curriculum

When children commence their educational journey in our Foundation Stage Class, they engage with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Curriculum. This foundational period is pivotal for children’s overall development, and we at Sandringham & West Newton Primary School are dedicated to providing a high-quality educational experience that nurtures their growth and enhances their learning potential.

A strong emphasis is placed on fostering partnerships with parents throughout the learning process. On-entry assessments are conducted, alongside reviews of records from our Pre-School Group and other early years settings. This information is invaluable as it helps us to understand each child’s individual stage of development. Throughout the academic year, we utilise the Foundation Stage Profile as an essential assessment tool, ensuring that all children make progress in their learning. At the conclusion of the Foundation Stage year, the Profile serves as a crucial basis for each child’s school report, reflecting their achievements and areas for development.

We firmly believe that the early years are critical to a child’s development. Our foundation stage prioritises the cultivation of key learning skills such as listening, speaking, concentration, persistence, and the ability to collaborate with others. Moreover, it encompasses the development of early communication, literacy, and numeracy skills that serve as a solid foundation for Key Stage 1 of the National Curriculum.

At the core of our curriculum lies the development of the 17 early learning goals. A key aspect of the EYFS curriculum revolves around well-structured play, both indoors and outdoors. Play is an essential mechanism through which young children learn, as it encourages enjoyment and challenges them to explore the world, practise skills, and develop their understanding in a safe and secure environment. Through play, children can engage in risk-taking, creative thinking, and imaginative expression while fostering important social skills.

The early years foundation stage curriculum predominantly focuses on three prime areas that are vital for children’s holistic development:

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

In the Reception class, an outline of the planning for each term can be easily accessed, providing insight into the topics we cover, starting with “All About Me” in the first autumn term.

In terms of literacy, we follow the Little Wandle phonics scheme. This effective programme systematically introduces the reading of phonemes and the writing of graphemes through its structured phases. Each day, we dedicate approximately thirty minutes to phonics instruction as the first lesson, usually introducing three new sounds weekly. This is complemented by activities aimed at consolidating prior learning and familiarising children with Common Exception Words. Individualised support is available for children who require additional assistance, including one-to-one interventions conducted every Friday.

Parental involvement plays a crucial role in supporting children’s phonics education. Regular updates are provided via email to keep parents informed about their child’s progress and to offer suggestions for home support. As part of our reading programme, initial books sent home feature pictures only to support comprehension skills. Once children demonstrate an understanding of blending sounds, they receive text-based reading materials that align with the phonics phases taught in class.

In conclusion, our commitment at Sandringham & West Newton Primary School is to provide an engaging and supportive environment during the Early Years Foundation Stage. By equipping children with essential skills and fostering a love for learning through play and structured activities, we aim to lay a robust groundwork for their future educational journey.