Welcome to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

Our EYFS classes are:

Paddington Class: Mrs Parker 

Fantastic Fox Class: Mrs Fulton

Teaching Assistants: Mrs Loak, Ms McCarthy and Mrs Gordon.

Thematic Approach:

This term our theme is ‘The Story of Me’. Activities may include: an introduction to the reading scheme, sharing stories from home, self-portraits and making new friends.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old. All schools and Ofsted-registered early years providers must follow the EYFS, including childminders, preschools, nurseries and school reception classes.

Development Matters in the EYFS

This is the framework that we base our curriculum around and it supports us to assess learning. It have been updated and amended in 2021

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1007446/6.7534_DfE_Development_Matters_Report_and_illustrations_web__2_.pdf

Information on Communication and Language 

Oracy is of high importance nationally and therefore a priority for us as a school.

• Language at age 5 is the single most important factor in influencing literacy levels at age 11.
• Poor language at age five means you are four times more likely to struggle with reading at age 11.
• Children struggling in language development at 5 are six times less likely to reach expected in English at age 11, and eleven times less likely to achieve the expected in maths.
• Early language skills at five are linked with employment outcomes at age 34.
• Early language ability at two years predicts later emotional and behavioural ability
• Good language skills at 7 predict better quality friendships at age 16

DfE English Hubs

We are always discussing new words and actively plan opportunities to extend their vocabulary to close the word gap for our children.

We wouldn't necessarily expect the children to think of their own words but are asking you to support them through discussion and then begin to use these new words when talking to your children. E.g. "I am feeling ecstatic about going to the cinema." 

Homework 

(Homework will be sent home on a weekly basis once the children are ready for the extra challenge)

Homework helps to practise and reinforce classroom learning and also gives opportunities to develop key skills. We believe that homework only works if we have the support and enthusiasm of parents and children and should be key to an effective partnership between school and families. Please support your child to complete their homework but do not do it for them.

In Reception children are set weekly challenges in their homework books. Completed homework is rewarded with a Homework Hero sticker. Additional phonics activities are also provided on a weekly basis to reinforce our phonics teaching at home, these are in each child’s home school reading record. 

Examples of the children's homework are on display on the boards outside Paddington and Dahl classrooms.

Useful Websites

Phonics Play

This website offers some free to play phonics games to support reading and writing

https://www.phonicsplay.co.uk/Phase2Menu.htm

Oxford Owl

You can register for free to use online reading books.

https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home/find-a-book/library-page/ 

Alphablocks

Video clips of the alphabet telling stories and making words using phonics. 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/shows/alphablocks

Topmarks

Lots of games to support early maths, reading and writing.

https://www.topmarks.co.uk/ordering-and-sequencing/shape-patterns

Numberblocks

Sing along and learn all about numbers with the Numberblocks.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/shows/numberblocks