The EYFS Framework

The Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is based upon four themes:
 

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

This policy explains how our practice is underpinned by these four themes.

A Unique Child

At Eastchurch we ensure that every child is a competent, happy learner who can be resilient, capable, confident, and self-assured. We recognise that each child is on their own learning journey as children develop in individual ways, at varying rates. Children’s attitudes and dispositions to learning are influenced by feedback from others; we use praise and encouragement, as well as celebration and rewards, to encourage children to develop a positive attitude to learning.

Positive Relationships

At Eastchurch we recognise that children learn to be strong, confident, and independent from being in secure relationships. We model and foster curiosity, determination, honesty and the ability to make connections within their learning and with their peers through our school values. Foundation Stage practitioners discuss class rules with the pupils and embed the school’s positive behaviour policy so that every child can be happy, safe and ready to learn.
 

Enabling Environments

At Eastchurch, we recognise that the environment plays a key role in supporting and extending children’s development.

We provide a rich and varied learning environment to support pupils’ focus, critical thinking skills and imagination. We use a range of resources to evoke children’s curiosity and increase their motivation to investigate, explore and to become involved. This extends their ideas and experiences. By providing an exciting, stimulating environment, the children become eager to explore their learning environment which builds independence and promotes active learning.

Our environment is carefully planned to reflect curriculum topics, chosen literary texts, as well as planned to reflect children’s interests and the next steps in their development. The learning environment both inside and outside is adapted throughout the year to meet the developing needs of the children. The Foundation Stage classrooms are organised to allow children to explore and learn securely and safely. There are areas where the children can be active, quiet, creative etc. 

The Prime Areas

• Personal, social and emotional development involves helping children to develop a positive sense of themselves, and others; to form positive relationships and develop respect for others; to develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings; to understand appropriate behaviour in groups; and to have confidence in their own abilities.
• Communication and language development involves giving children opportunities to experience a rich language environment; to develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves; and to speak and listen in a range of situations.
• Physical development involves providing opportunities for young children to be active and interactive; and to develop their co-ordination, control, and movement. Children must also be helped to understand the importance of physical activity, and to make healthy choices in relation to food.
   

These areas are fundamental to children’s development and work together to support development in all other areas and for that reason, in the Reception Year at Eastchurch, all learning is underpinned by these three prime areas of learning.
 

The Specific Areas

• Literacy development involves encouraging children to link sounds and letters and to begin to read and write. Children must be given access to a wide range of reading materials (books, poems, and other written materials) to ignite their interest.
• Mathematics involves providing children with opportunities to develop and improve their skills in counting, understanding and using numbers, calculating simple addition and subtraction problems; and to describe shapes, spaces, and measures.
• Understanding the world involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology and the environment.
• Expressive arts and design involves enabling children to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials, as well as providing opportunities and encouragement for sharing their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of activities in art, music, movement, dance, role-play, and design and technology.
   

These areas of learning include many essential skills and knowledge for children to participate successfully in society. We ensure that all children receive their key learning for Phonics and Maths in groups that are appropriate to their development level and targeted individual interventions are delivered to ensure that all children are able to fulfil their full potential.