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Reception (EYFS)

When children begin their journey with us at Prestbury Church of England Primary School, whether it be in Nursery or Reception, we believe that they deserve the right to an engaging education which ignites excitement and curiosity, inspires them to want to learn, alongside learning purposeful knowledge and skills and develops resilience. We aim to provide the children in our care with memorable experiences and key life skills that will support them in their journey through their education. We want children to respect and care for others and to develop self-regulation and social skills through acts of kindness, courage and wonder.

EYFS Framework

In September 2020, we became early adopters of the Early Years framework which became statutory in all schools from September 2021.
The EYFS Framework explains how and what children in our EYFS will be learning to support their development. Our children learn skills, acquire new knowledge and demonstrate their understanding through seven areas of learning and development.

Children in the EYFS develop the three prime areas. These are:

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

The EYFS Prime Areas of Learning, play a significant role in encouraging children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. They are a driving force behind helping children as they learn to form relationships, moderate emotions and thrive in their day-to-day life, forming a crucial part of early development. Children are supported in their development during EYFS by underpinning skills they need to master in specific areas. These are:

  • Literacy;
  • Mathematics;
  • Understanding the World;
  • Expressive arts and design.

The EYFS Framework outlines four guiding principles which we embed to shape the practice for our children here at Prestbury Church of England Primary School:

  • every child is a unique child, who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured;
  • children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships;
  • children learn and develop well in enabling environments, in which their experiences respond to their individual needs and there is a strong partnership between practitioners and parents and/or carers;
  • children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates, including children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Characteristics of Effective Teaching and Learning

Effective teaching and learning in EYFS involves three key characteristics: playing and exploring, active learning, and creating and thinking critically. These characteristics describe how children engage with their environment and learning experiences, influencing their development and learning. 

  1. Playing and Exploring: Children actively investigate, experiment, and have a “go” at new things through play. This involves engaging in activities that spark their curiosity and allow them to make discoveries through experience. 
  2. Active Learning: Children demonstrate resilience, focus, and enjoyment of achievement when learning. They persevere through challenges, maintain concentration, and celebrate their successes. 
  3. Creating and Thinking Critically: Children develop their own ideas, make connections between them, and devise strategies for problem-solving. This involves generating ideas, making links between them, and developing strategies for tackling challenges. 

Our EYFS Curriculum

Our bespoke EYFS curriculum design here at Prestbury Church of England Primary School, is also informed by the following  non-statutory curriculum guidance:

  • Development Matters
  • Birth to 5 Matters

Our EYFS curriculum is designed to provide a broad and balanced education that meets the needs of all children, supporting them to develop personally, socially, emotionally and physically to reach their full potential. It builds upon prior knowledge, supporting children to progress from their individual starting points and preparing them for the next stage of their education.

As an EYFS team, we continually work to develop the areas further, using our children’s interests and current curriculum approaches and pedagogy as a stimulus. We support children to develop positive attitudes to learning, fostering their natural inquisitive natures and developing a language for them to be able understand and describe how they learn best. 

We passionately believe that young children learn best through play and exploration and we strive to provide practical first hand learning experiences through an exciting and engaging curriculum, centred around the children’s interests. Learning through play is a crucial part of children’s development, where they learn to make sense of the world around them. Play is one of the ways in which young children gain essential knowledge and skills, acquiring these at their own level and pace whilst making connections. Through play, children are developing their cognitive, physical and communication skills.

Common Play Behaviours

Common Play Behaviours are the natural, frequently observed patterns of exploration, investigation and expression that children engage in spontaneously through self-directed, open-ended play experiences. These behaviours serve as visible indicators of the underlying cognitive, physical, social, and emotional skills children are organically developing.

By identifying these behaviours, we can ensure our provision, here at Prestbury CE Primary School, is full of resources, experiences and opportunities to support and extend, creating an environment that truly responds to children’s developmental needs and interests.

Every child...

Every child is recognised as a unique individual and we are thrilled to celebrate their successes and value their achievements with them. We provide challenges within the provision to engage learning and believe that the children’s first experiences of school should be happy and positive, enabling them to develop a lifelong love of learning.

Teachers Say Hello!

Rachel Hardy
RECEPTION TEACHER

Deputy Head, EYFS / KS1 Lead, Geography Subject Lead

Michelle O'Brien
RECEPTION TEACHER

 

Our Vision…
Prestbury CE Primary School is a learning community of unique individuals made in the image of God, where everyone feels safe, respected, valued and encouraged to become everything God has created them to be.