Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

Welcome to Happy Hive and Early Years at Ellistown Primary School

At Ellistown Primary School and Happy Hive, we believe that every child is unique and should be valued, celebrated and encouraged to achieve their very best. Together, we believe, dream and achieve great things.

Our Early Years provision provides a safe, nurturing and inspiring environment where children develop confidence, independence and a love of learning. We aim to ensure that every child feels happy, secure and supported as they begin their learning journey.

Our Curriculum

Our curriculum is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework and is informed by Development Matters guidance. We provide a carefully balanced mix of play-based learning, adult-led teaching and child-initiated experiences that enable children to develop knowledge, skills and understanding across all areas of learning.

Learning is enriched through exciting themes, memorable experiences, educational visits, visitors and special events. While our themes ensure broad and balanced coverage of the curriculum, they remain flexible so that we can respond to children's interests, needs and curiosities.

We believe that young children learn best through first-hand experiences. Our carefully planned indoor and outdoor learning environments encourage children to explore, investigate, create, imagine and solve problems independently and collaboratively.

How Children Learn

The EYFS places great importance not only on what children learn, but also on how they learn.

Throughout their time in Nursery and Reception, children are supported to develop the Characteristics of Effective Learning:

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

Through high-quality interactions and carefully planned provision, children are encouraged to develop curiosity, creativity, resilience and independence.

Assessment

Assessment is an integral part of our Early Years provision. Staff continually observe children during their everyday learning, using these observations alongside professional knowledge to understand each child's strengths, interests and next steps.

Twice each year, every child participates in a Focus Child Week. This enables staff to gain a deeper understanding of each child's development, learning behaviours and individual interests. Parents and carers are invited to contribute their own observations and experiences from home, helping us to build a complete picture of each child's learning journey.

Photos, videos and observations are regularly shared through Class Dojo, allowing families to celebrate and support their child's learning both at school and at home.

Outdoor Learning and Forest School

Outdoor learning is an important part of life in Early Years.

Through our Welly Wednesday sessions and Forest School experiences, children have regular opportunities to explore and learn in the natural environment. These experiences help children to develop confidence, resilience, independence and self-esteem through practical, hands-on learning.

Children are encouraged to take managed risks, solve problems, work collaboratively and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. They learn to care for and respect the environment whilst developing new skills and practical knowledge through meaningful real-life experiences.

The Seven Areas of Learning

The EYFS curriculum is organised into seven areas of learning and development. These are grouped into Prime Areas and Specific Areas, all of which are interconnected and equally important.

Prime Areas

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

Specific Areas

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

Working in Partnership with Families

We believe that children achieve their best when schools and families work closely together. Strong relationships with parents and carers are at the heart of our Early Years provision, and we value the important role families play in supporting children's learning and development.

We look forward to working together to ensure every child develops the confidence, knowledge and skills they need to thrive both in school and beyond.

For further information about our Early Years curriculum, please contact the school office or speak to a member of the Early Years team.