Overview
Our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum is carefully designed to give every child the best possible start to their school journey. It is rooted in the EYFS Statutory Framework and Development Matters, and is underpinned by high expectations, strong relationships and a belief that all children are capable, curious and eager to learn. Learning is thoughtfully structured to ensure children develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions they need to become confident, independent learners.
The EYFS curriculum is delivered through a balance of high-quality adult-led teaching and purposeful, play-based learning. Daily teaching in phonics, early reading, writing and mathematics ensures that key skills are introduced, practised and embedded, while carefully planned provision allows children to explore, apply and deepen their learning across all seven areas of the EYFS. Topics are chosen to reflect children’s interests while ensuring broad coverage and progression, helping children to make meaningful connections in their learning.
Play is central to our approach. Through engaging, hands-on experiences indoors and outdoors, children are encouraged to explore, investigate, create and problem-solve. Adults play an active role as facilitators of learning, skilfully modelling language, extending thinking and scaffolding learning before stepping back to promote independence, resilience and perseverance. The learning environment is treated as a ‘third teacher’, thoughtfully organised to promote curiosity, independence and high-quality outcomes.
Strong emphasis is placed on personal, social and emotional development. Children are supported to manage their own behaviour, take responsibility for themselves and their environment, and develop positive relationships with others. Independence is actively encouraged in all aspects of daily routines, including self-care, organisation, tidying and caring for shared resources, helping children to build confidence, self-belief and a strong sense of responsibility.
Our EYFS curriculum values inclusion, diversity and enrichment. Children are introduced to a wide range of cultural experiences, celebrations and real-life opportunities through visitors, trips and meaningful first-hand experiences. These opportunities broaden children’s understanding of the world and help them to see themselves as valued members of the school and wider community.
By the end of Reception, children have developed strong foundations for future learning. They leave the EYFS as confident, resilient and enthusiastic learners who are well prepared for the transition into Key Stage 1, equipped with the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to succeed both academically and socially.
Key topics across the year:
Autumn term
- What is it like at school?
- What does my family look like?
- What is special to me?
- What is harvest?
- What is my favourite story?
- How is Christmas celebrated?
Spring term
- Do bears live in Totley?
- How do people celebrate around the world?
- Which comes first: the chicken or the egg?
- Where does it live and how does it grow?
- How is Easter celebrated?
Summer term
- What makes our world super?
- How do we keep our world super?
- What makes me super?
- How does art make the world a better place?
- Children’s Choice (e.g. Pirates)
- How have I changed in a year?