Early Years Foundation Stage
At Furzedown, our little people start on a big learning journey adventure that continues as they grow and progress through the school! The children who join us in Nursery and Reception will discover a place where they truly belong in a safe and nurturing ‘home away from home’. We value a holistic approach that underpins our teaching and learning and focus on developing children’s curiosity as well as their social, emotional, intellectual and physical abilities.
Our experienced teachers ensure challenging and creative learning experiences, within a language rich environment, where children are placed at the heart of all we do. We aim to stimulate and encourage children’s development while establishing a love of learning within a safe and secure environment.
We provide safe and nurturing spaces for children to play and learn. Together, children learn about respecting other people, co-operating and sharing. They learn about being true to themselves and respecting the rights of others.
Children at Furzedown from the Early Years to Year 6 are supported as they grow up to be happy, healthy, curious and ready for the next stage of their education.
Learning and Development
Our Early Years education focuses on seven areas of learning and development:
The prime areas are:
- Communication and Language
- Physical Development
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
The specific areas:
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts and Design
There are four guiding principles that shape our practice in the Early Years:
A Unique Child
We recognise that all children are different, and can be resilient, capable and confident. We identify and celebrate their strengths and support their areas for development.
Positive Relationships
Our pupils interact positively with each other and with the adults in the school, learning to be strong and independent. We encourage a strong partnership between staff and parents and/or carers.
Enabling Environments
Our indoor and outdoor areas encourage exploration, investigation and independent learning. Our displays and resources are well maintained and reflect current learning.
Learning and Development
Pupils achieve well and make good progress from their starting points. Learning is playful, practical and purposeful and builds upon prior attainment. Our children enjoy coming to school.
Children learn through their play with a combination of child-initiated and teacher-led learning opportunities both indoors and outdoors. We use the EYFS Development Matters document to plan purposeful play opportunities, which create the enabling environment necessary for the children to develop three characteristics of effective teaching and learning: playing and exploring, active learning, and creating and thinking critically.
what to expect in the eyfs complete final 16 09 compressed.pdf