We are a not for profit Registered charity number: 1148519
Early Years Fountain Stage (EYFS)
Early Years Foundation Stage:
There are seven areas of learning and development that must shape educational
programmes in early years settings. All areas of learning and development are
important and inter-connected. Three areas are particularly crucial for igniting
children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, and for building their capacity to learn, form relationships and thrive.
These are:
- Communication and Language
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Physical Development.
Providers must also support children in four specific areas, through which the
three prime areas are strengthened and applied.
The specific areas are;
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the world
- Expressive arts and design.
Please see the Parents Guide to the EYFS below to learn how we work in partnership with you to deliver the EYFS. Your key person will discuss with you how we capture and share your child’s observations, assessments and next steps in their learning on our online Learning Journal system, Tapestry.
'What to expect When' provides further information about the EYFS learning and development stages. It allows you as parents to be aware of the seven areas of learning and what you can do to help your child at home.
Please note that the age bands overlap. This is because all children develop a different rates. This guide should only be used as a reference to highlight what you may see or hear your child doing at these stages. if, however you do have concerns about your childs development, please do not hesitate to speak to us.
We very much look forward to working in partnership with you.
Useful Links
Parents Guide
What to Expect When
What to Expect When
Please see the Parents Guide to the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework
What to Expect When
What to Expect When
What to Expect When
'What to Expect When' - a guide to your child’s learning and development in the Early Years Foundation Stage
Preparing your child for starting school
Transition
Our Transition to school programme runs throughout the year.
In Term 1 we start by providing advice for Families about local schools and how the admission process works. We work with the local school planning transition events for the year.
In Term 2 we focus on sharing information with parents about admission process and deadlines. We ensure we support the children and any additional needs have been identified and referrals made if needed. We hold a Parents evening to work in partnership with parents and supporting transitions.
In Terms 3 we set up meetings with the Schools in preparation for when admissions are confirmed.
In Term 4 we start really focusing on resilience, independence, confidence and self care skills, alongside letter recognition, number work, and really focusing on phonics.
In Term 5 we liaise with Parents and Schools regarding the school places children have received. We arrange meetings where needed and encourage lots of joint activities, reading days, Forest school, picnics, etc. We continue to build on the skills the children need to be school ready. We also hold a transition to school information evening for Parents to attend and ask any questions they may have.
In Term 6 we ensure the schools have a good understanding of where the children are in their development, working with them closely. We send transition to school summative assessments to the teachers and provide parents with information on how to help support the children over the summer holidays.
We feels Parent, practitioner, and teacher partnerships are key to supporting a successful transition process from Pre-School to Primary School and working together to prepare your child is the first part in this process. We are always happy to talk to you about the school transition, to help provide helpful activities and to answer any concerns you may have so please do not hesitate to speak to us.
Throughout the year we attend training sessions, engage in professional discussions with the local Reception class teachers, keep updated with the latest theory and thoughts on supporting school transition successfully. This information helps to inform our transition to school programme, enabling us to determine what skills and dispositions we should concentrate on developing during the summer term. Whilst some aspects change, the core foundations remain the same with a strong focus on supporting the learning and development within the prime areas of the EYFS.
Your Primary schools should be in touch with you to discuss their plans as to how they will be delivering their transition process. If you have not heard anything by mid-June, then it may be worth contacting them.
Preparing your Child for Starting School
Preparing your Child for Starting School
Starting school is an exciting time for young children and their parents. It can be a daunting time, too. But with a little preparation and encouragement, most children will settle in easily at school