Early Years Foundation Stage

At Southfields Primary School, we prioritise each child's well-being and learning in a secure setting. We celebrate individuality, build on strengths, and foster aspiration through a wonder-filled curriculum that caters to diverse experiences. Our children develop resilience, achieve success, and create lasting memories in stimulating indoor and outdoor spaces that encourage exploration and challenge.

We aim for all children to thrive physically, verbally, cognitively, and emotionally within an inclusive environment that values diversity. We nurture confident, independent learners who interact positively, question ideas, and understand the central role of play in their development. Our balanced approach to adult-led and child-initiated play cultivates self-regulation and executive function.

Warm relationships, consistent routines, and strong parent partnerships are fundamental. We recognise the vital role of early years education in laying solid foundations for future learning, preparing children to meet Early Learning Goals and make good progress.

EYFS Curriculum Intent and Implementation

Southfields Primary School provides a broad and balanced Early Years curriculum (EYFS framework, January 2024) through our personalised, progressive approach. Our teachers creatively integrate the seven interconnected areas of learning, ensuring both breadth and depth as children actively work towards the Early Learning Goals. These goals encompass three Prime Areas and four Specific Areas, broken down into 17 aspects. The Prime Areas are key to sparking curiosity, enthusiasm for learning, the ability to form relationships, and overall development.

• Communication and Language: We assess speech and language upon entry using WELLCOMM, providing targeted support and progressing to BLAST for enhanced skills. Reception utilizes NELI for those needing extra support. We offer a rich language environment with opportunities for expression and listening in various contexts. Teddy Talk intervention supports children working below expected levels and helps identify potential speech and language needs.

  Physical Development: Nursery and Reception offer active, interactive opportunities to develop coordination and movement. Nursery has teacher-led PE, while Reception uses specialist-led Real PE. We also teach the importance of physical activity and healthy food choices.

  Personal, Social and Emotional Development: Through the Jigsaw programme, children develop a positive self-image, build positive relationships, and learn respect. We foster social skills, emotional management, understanding of appropriate behaviour, and self-confidence.

During the Autumn Term, there is a particular focus on the Prime Areas to promote the well-being and involvement of our learners. We use Leuven Scale assessments to identify those children who need additional support, and these assessments are then followed up in the Spring and Summer terms

• Literacy: We build early readers through phonics (Read Write Inc.) and a love of books. Daily phonics in Reception is applied throughout the day, with weekly home reading matched to ability. Nursery develops speaking and listening via WELLCOMM, Teddy Talk, and BLAST, alongside stories. Phonics games start in spring, with RWI prep in summer. We prioritise oracy and create a language-rich environment.

  Mathematics: We develop confident mathematicians through exploration and direct teaching, applying skills to real life. Nursery focuses on early number skills (counting, formation using Ten Town/White Rose, patterns). Reception uses Maths Mastery to deepen understanding through practical activities.

  Understanding the World: Children explore past and present through engaging activities, learning about people, places, technology, and the environment. Visits enhance their understanding of the world around them.

  Expressive Arts and Design: Children freely explore diverse materials to express themselves creatively through art, music, movement, and drama. This fosters imagination, problem-solving, and communication of ideas and feelings.

Each area of learning and development is implemented through planned, purposeful play, and through a mix of adult-led and child-initiated activities. Staff respond to each child’s emerging needs and interests, guiding their development through warm, positive interaction. As children grow older, and as their development allows, the balance gradually shifts towards more adult-led activities to help children prepare for more formal learning, ready for year 1.

Characteristics of Effective Learning

Throughout Early Years, we prioritise learning through play, where children are encouraged to communicate about their experiences with peers and adults. Our approach combines:

• Child-initiated play: Providing opportunities for independent learning, where children can explore their own interests and ideas.
• Adult-supported play: Adults model, scaffold learning, and participate in children's play to extend their development, observe their progress, and assess their understanding.
• Adult-led activities: Introducing and teaching specific skills and knowledge in a more structured way.

We offer a rich variety of play-based activities and role-play opportunities both indoors and outdoors. This allows children to independently practice, apply, and further develop their skills and understanding with the consistent support and guidance of the adults in our setting.

Inclusion

In Early Years, we teach according to our school's inclusive policy, valuing the diversity of every child regardless of race, religion, or ability. We champion fairness and recognise the unique experiences and strengths each pupil brings, encouraging everyone to achieve their best.

We aim to provide equal opportunities for success, empowering children to make choices and understand their actions. Recognizing that children develop at their own pace, we offer praise and celebrate achievements both in and out of school to foster positive learning attitudes.

Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) participate in similar learning programs, with adaptations and support tailored to their individual needs. Aligned with Every Child Matters, we are committed to ensuring children have the opportunity to be healthy, safe, enjoy and achieve, make positive contributions, and achieve economic well-being.

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