Foundation Stage

EYFS at St Mark's CE Primary

Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil their potential.

A secure, safe and happy environment and high quality early learning together provide the foundation children need to make the most of their abilities and talents as they grow up.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the standards that all early years providers must meet to ensure that children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe.

There are seven areas of learning and development that must shape educational programmes in early years settings. All areas of learning and development are important and inter-connected.

Three areas are known as the prime areas of learning

• Communication and language
• Physical development
• Personal, social and emotional development

Four areas are known as the specific areas of learning

• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive arts and design

Early Learning Goals

The level of development children should be expected to have attained by the end of the EYFS is defined by the early learning goals (ELG’s). The ELG’s within the 7 areas of learning are as follows

1. Communication and Language

ELG – Listening, Attention and Understanding

ELG – Speaking

2. Personal, Social and Emotional Development

          ELG – Self Regulation

          ELG – Managing Self

          ELG – Building Relationships

3. Physical Development

          ELG – Gross Motor Skills

          ELG – Fine Motor Skills

4. Literacy

          ELG – Comprehension

          ELG – Word Reading

          ELG – Writing

5. Mathematics

          ELG – Number

          ELG – Numerical Patterns

6. Understanding the World

          ELG – Past and Present

          ELG – People, Culture and Communities

          ELG – The Natural World

7. Expressive Arts and Design

          ELG – Creating with Materials

          ELG – Being Imaginative and Expressive

Teachers consider the individual needs, interests and development of each child and use this information to plan a challenging and enjoyable experience for each child in all areas of learning and development. The forest school, church and local community are also used to enhance the quality of teaching and provide unique first hand learning experiences throughout the school.

‘staff plan activities and learning opportunities to match children’s needs and interests. Children make good progress from their starting points, developing skills including early reading, writing and mathematics ‘

Ofsted Inspection Report December 2017