Learning and development
INTENT, IMPLEMENTATION AND IMPACT OF THE EYFS AT OAKE, BRADFORD AND NYNEHEAD PRIMARY SCHOOL
Intent
Our curriculum is designed to recognise children’s prior learning, both from previous settings and their experiences at home. We work in partnership with parents, carers and other settings to provide the best possible start at Little Acorns, ensuring each individual reaches their full potential from their various starting points. Within Little Acorns, there is a strong emphasis on the Prime Areas of learning: Communication and Language, Personal, Social and Emotional Development and Physical Development. Our enabling environments and skilful adult interactions support the children as they begin to link learning to their play and exploration right from the start. We seek to provide an engaging curriculum that maximises opportunities for play-based and explorative learning experiences, as well as promoting the uniqueness of each individual child. We consider children’s current interests and ideas in order to foster a lifelong love of learning both in and outside of school.
Implementation
Each half term, EYFS staff introduce a new theme to provide inspiration for learning, whilst providing the flexibility for children to follow their own interests and ideas. Children learn through a balance of child-initiated and adult-directed activities. The timetable is carefully structured so that children have directed teaching during the day. The timetable changes throughout the year to take into consideration the changing needs of the children. These sessions are followed by small focused group work. This means the staff can observe children closely, checking their understanding and respond 'in the moment' to support the children's learning. Children are provided with plenty of time to engage in ‘exploration’ throughout the variety of experiences carefully planned to engage and challenge them in the provision. The curriculum is planned for the inside and outside classrooms and equal importance is given to learning in both areas.
Impact
We strive for all children to make progress in all 7 areas of learning in EYFS from where they were when they started at Little Acorns Pre-school, particularly in the prime areas of learning. They will be curious about the world around them and love learning. Children will be ready for their transition to school by showing their independence, resilience and positive attitudes towards learning opportunities.