The EYFS applies to children from birth to the end of the Reception year based upon four principles:

• A Unique Child
• Positive Relationships
• Enabling Environments
• Learning and Development

The Characteristics of Effective Learning support these four principles and are a key part of our Early Years Curriculum. These are grouped into three categories:

• Playing and Learning
• Active Learning
• Creating and Thinking Critically

All areas of learning and development are important and inter-connected.

There are three prime areas which are crucial for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning and for helping their capacity to learn.

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

There are then four specific areas, through which the three prime areas are strengthened and applied.

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

We will ensure that:

• teaching and learning activities engage and motivate children to learn, and foster their curiosity and enthusiasm for learning
• there are focused activities to support, develop and extend children’s learning at their own pace
• children are given opportunities to develop their own ideas, thoughts and opinions about their play activities
• activities are extended/modified according to what the children like/find tricky.
• there are strong links between home and school
• parental partnership in their children’s learning is recognised, valued and developed.

Follow the links to read the EYFS statutory framework and development matters:

• EYFS Framework from 1 September 2014
• Development Matters

Assessment in the EYFS is carried out through informal observations of the children participating in a range of activities and is recorded using Tapestry, an online learning journal. We also track pupil’s progress and attainment using Target Tracker.