Intent

At Lydbrook Primary School we offer a curriculum rich in exploration and memorable experiences. By providing a stimulating environment which allows for exciting and engaging opportunities that promotes challenge, exploration, adventure and a real love of learning. It is our intent that all children develop physically, verbally, cognitively and emotionally in an environment that values all cultures, communities and people. Our curriculum is underpinned by a firm foundation of language and communication experiences. We promote our learners to be independent and confident to take risks with their learning. This is achieved through a balance of independent and adult focussed activities, with an emphasis on learning through play and explorative experiences.

The curriculum recognises children’s differing starting points, as well as their individual prior learning. We work in partnership with parents, carers and other settings to provide the best possible start for children, ensuring each individual reaches their full potential from their various starting points, including children with SEND. Our curriculum has been designed to enable children to succeed through cooperative and collaborative learning principles. As such, there is a strong emphasis on the prime areas of learning; personal, social and emotional development and communication and language, including oracy.

The learning environment is designed to facilitate learning through carefully selected resources and the skilful interactions of adults to support and challenge children. By the end of the Reception year we enable all children make at least good progress from their starting points and are equipped with the skills and knowledge to have a smooth transition into Year 1.

Implementation

• To ensure children are safeguarded and staff
• To ensure planning is effective we use nursery data and a class administered baseline assessment to make professional judgements against the Foundation Stage Profile.
• Pupils learn to share, work independently and play with others.
• We also focus on speaking and listening and improving their communication skills.
• Pupils have access to an enriched learning environments, including regular Forest School’s area.
• At Lydbrook Primary School we are keen to promote the diversity of life and celebrate differences and respect for all.
• Through our teaching and behavioural expectations, we give pupils the knowledge and understanding of how discrimination and prejudiced behaviour is dealt with.
• We aim to provide a secure and accessible environment in which all our children can flourish and in which all contributions are considered and valued.
• We also include and value the contribution of all of their families to improve the children’s

understanding of equality and diversity.

• The particular needs of pupils with Special Needs are catered for with additional in class support and resources.
• Our aim is to help close any individual learning gaps.
• Assessment is used to identify children’s progress and establish the areas where they are less confident. These assessments inform the teacher’s lesson planning.
• Assessment is carried out across the curriculum through questioning and specific assessment tasks and observations.
• Continuous provision encourages independence and consolidation of the child’s ability to explore and extend their interests.
• Enhanced provision encourages the children to make choices by initiating their own play, which develops the characteristics of effective learning, giving the children the opportunity to experiment with skills and knowledge previously taught.

Impact

The impact of our curriculum is also measured by how effectively it helps our children develop into well-rounded individuals who and carry with them the knowledge, skills and attitudes which will make them lifelong learners and valuable future citizens. We ensure children make rapid progress with their language and communication skills throughout the foundation stage. We have high expectations to ensure that all children make strong progress across all the areas of the EYFS curriculum. Progress is evident in learning journeys and data. We strive for children to make at lead good progress throughout the foundation stage and reach the Early Learning Goals at the end of Reception. We endeavour for our children to be prepared for Year 1 by the end of their Reception year. Our children make strong progress academically, emotionally, creatively, socially and physically.

To find out more information about the Early Years Foundation Stage please see the policy below.

EYFS Policy 2023

[pdf 144KB]