Westbury Leigh Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
At Westbury Leigh Primary School we believe that every child should have the opportunity to develop as a happy, confident learner. We provide stimulating play opportunities which reflect the children’s interests and stage of learning and development. We believe in the value of an environment that enables children to be independent, and is well resourced with inviting opportunities that support children to follow their ideas and interests.
There is one class in Foundation Stage and we have the opportunity to move across two rooms as well as a large outdoor space. There is a full time teacher and they are supported by a full time teaching assistant. The children have a week part-time induction period when they start in September, before starting school full time. This allows for the children to become familiar with the school routines and activities in a smaller group. It also allows the adults to carry out initial assessments in order to plan for the individual’s needs.
The Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum has seven areas of learning which are divided into Prime and Specific areas. They are:
Prime areas of learning
- Communication and Language
- Physical Development
- Personal, Social, Emotional Development
Communication and Language covers the areas of speaking, listening, attention and understanding. These areas are about the child making sense of the world around them, being able to express ideas and communicate with others.
Physical Development covers both fine motor skills such as being able to hold a pencil to form letters correctly and gross motor skills such as throwing and catching a ball.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development develops the children’s social skills. We develop how children make relationships and relate to others, their confidence and self-awareness and how they are able to manage their own feelings and behaviour. In this area of learning they are also developing the skill of managing their own personal hygiene.
The Prime areas of learning and development are universal to all children. Learning in the Specific areas is dependent on a secure foundation in the Prime areas, for example if a child is not able to hold a pencil correctly they will find writing in Literacy difficult. The Prime Areas are strengthened and applied through the 4 Specific Areas.
Specific areas of learning
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Art and Design
Literacy covers Comprehension, Word Reading and Writing. Children are supported to develop and use a range of vocabulary linked to a selection of quality texts and their cross curricular learning. The children learn to decode and write simple sentences using their phonic knowledge.
In Mathematics children learn to count, as well as developing a deep understanding of numbers and the relationships between them. The children are provided with frequent and varied opportunities to explore Maths through a plethora of practical activities.
Understanding the World covers the areas of Past and Present; People, Culture and Communities and The Natural World. The children learn about events that have happened in the past, about different cultures and about the world around them.
Expressive Arts and Design allows children to express themselves through art, music, drama and dance. They experiment with colour and design, representing their own ideas.
During the school day the children learn through a mixture of short teacher directed sessions, adult initiated activities and child initiated learning through play sessions. All the children in the Foundation Stage follow a theme based approach. The themes covered are:
Term 1 - All About Me
Term 2 – People - Who Help Us
Term 3 – Transport and Local Environment
Term 4 - Welcome to Spring
Term 5 - Under the Sea
Term 6 – Africa and Space (Wider World)
We have a large outdoor learning environment leading off from the classroom. There are planters for growing seeds and plants, a large sand are and space for water and messy play. We have lots of building resources, physical equipment and bikes. There is also a stage area with props to encourage imaginative play. All learning areas are well resourced and there is lots of space where teachers can work with both individuals and groups. We welcome parent helpers in school, and we believe in engaging with parents and carers on their child’s learning journey.
How to support your child at home
Maths Reading and Writing
Early Maths songs, rhymes and games Early Writing
Article 29 Your education should help you use and develop your talents and abilities. It should also help you learn to live peacefully, protect the environment and respect other people.
