EYFS at Eppleton

At Eppleton Academy Primary and Nursery School we believe that every child is unique and should be valued, allowing them the opportunity to develop and learn in a safe and nurturing environment. Our EYFS vision is to create a rich and exciting curriculum which provides practical and real-life experiences to engage all children and develop their love of learning. Our EYFS environment facilitates children’s independence, encouraging them to explore, investigate and question to develop a deep understanding of the world around them.  Communication and language is at the heart of our curriculum and a vital part of our daily education. We strive to build strong relationships through high-quality interactions to develop social skills which are vital for children’s early development. We ensure that learning opportunities are both fun and valuable. 

The Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum reflects the EYFS Statutory framework and Development matters guidance. 

The curriculum is based around four principles: 

  • Every child is a unique individual who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured. 
  • Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships. 
  • Children learn and develop well in enabling environments, in which their experiences respond to their individual needs and there is a strong partnership between practitioners and parents and carers. 
  • Children develop and learn in different ways. Practitioners teach children by ensuring challenging, playful opportunities across the prime and specific areas of learning and development. 

Follow the links below to find out more information:

EYFS Framework

Development Matters

 

 

EYFS Important Documents


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Nursery Prospectus

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Reception Prospectus

The EYFS Curriculum

Our curriculum is delivered through practical, playful approach to learning, based on the needs and interests of our children. It is delivered mainly through topic based planning using stories as a vehicle for learning. Children are taught individually, in small groups, and in whole class groups. Through a combination of adult led, child initiated, and continuous provision opportunities, learning is planned to encourage children to develop their learning independently through exploration and challenge. Our learning environments, both inside and outside, are stimulating and exciting, and relevant to the needs and age/stage of our children.  

Underpinning the EYFS curriculum are the characteristics of effective learning:

  • playing and exploring
  • engaging in active learning
  • creative and critical thinking

The EYFS is categorised into seven areas: three prime and four specific. Together they create a holistic learning experience. 

Prime areas are fundamental and lay the foundations for children's success in all other areas of learning and of life. The prime areas are: 

 

 

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Children’s personal, social and emotional development (PSED) is crucial for children to lead healthy and happy lives. It's a fundamental aspect of their cognitive development.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Physical Development

Physical activity is vital in children’s all-round development, enabling them to pursue happy, healthy and active lives. 

  • Gross motor skills provide the foundation for developing healthy bodies, as well as social and emotional well-being. 
  • Fine motor control and precision help with hand-eye coordination, which is later linked to early literacy. These skills support the later development of things like scissor and pencil control and handwriting. 

 

 

 

 

Communication and Language

The development of children’s spoken language underpins all of their learning and development. 

 

 

 

 

 

The four specific areas build on the prime areas and develop essential skills and knowledge for children to participate successfully in society, and provide important contexts for learning. The specific areas are: 

 

Literacy

This area is divided between 'Comprehension', 'Word Reading' and 'Writing'. Each of these sections focuses on different skills relating to reading and writing development 

  • Comprehension refers to children understanding and comprehending the words they read or the language they hear.  
  • Word reading involves both the speedy working out of the pronunciation of unfamiliar printed words based on the sounds of each letter, which is called 'decoding'. They should also be learning the speedy recognition of familiar printed words. 
  • Writing involves transcription, including both spelling and handwriting. It also involves composition, where children articulate ideas and structure them in speech, before writing. 

In Reception we follow the Read Write Inc synthetic phonics programme 

 

 

 

Mathematics

Mathematics is divided between 'Number' and 'Numerical Patterns'. 

  • Number concentrates on number work and number problems, supporting children in counting, addition and subtraction. 
  • Numerical Patterns focuses on recognising and representing patterns as they count, being able to compare numbers and see differences. 

 

 

Understanding the World 

Understanding the World covers three key topics, which include: 

  • People, Culture, and Communities - broadening understanding of different people including their cultures, religious beliefs, and their individual contributions to society. 
  • The Natural World - explores the natural world, seeking to help children understand the seasons and other living organisms. 
  • Past and Present - looking at the past and present, children should be beginning to understand and articulate differences. 

 

 

 

 

Expressive Arts and Design

This area gives children the freedom to express themselves using the media and outlets they resonate with the most, preparing them to become confident individuals who have a strong sense of self and explores: 

  • Creating with Materials - Children can experiment with different ways to make or present art. This includes looking at different media, like drawings or sculptures, and different materials, like colouring, painting, or building. 
  • Being Imaginative and Expressive - Children being able to come up with their own pictures, ideas, and ways to express themselves. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Approach to Learning 

Each area of the EYFS curriculum is carefully planned into our topic based approach to learning which has a balance of play- based and adult-led learning opportunities to suit the needs of all children. We also promote the development of characteristics of effective learning which focus on three key elements: engagement, motivation and thinking. We are passionate about delivering a curriculum that is engaging, creative and challenging for all. 


We want all children to enjoy their learning. We want provide children with exciting, stimulating activities that engage their curiosity and interest.

Partnerships with Parents, Carers and Families 

We recognise that children learn and develop well when there is a strong partnership between practitioners and parents and/or carers.  We use Class Dojo for staff and families celebrate their children's learning and development at school and at home. This helps practitioners plan for effective learning and helps them support parents in continuing their children's learning development at home. 

We like to welcome families into school for family craft activities, family story time, visits and workshops. 

We both really loved the session. Jayden still talks about to family and I think his confidence in wanting to write and do other things since has really grown, beforehand he didn’t want to learn or be shown how to do anything. I really loved seeing the environment and the tools that Jayden has been using in reception. 
If there are any other activities that will be going ahead I’m sure myself & Johnny will make sure we’re there for support for Jayden.

I thought it was great getting involved with Zak making his Easter egg creations. I think Zak enjoyed me being in his reception class also where he learns and plays with his friends. Zak was very excited during the session and I do believe it was an excellent experience for us both. I do recommend it to other parents, it's time to bond with your child in their school environment. I look forward to many more.

Useful links for Parents/ Carers and Families

Supporting learning to read at home in Reception:

On the Read Write Inc. page on Oxford Owl for Home you can find lots of free resources to support your child’s learning, including a sounds pronunciation guide.

Read Write Inc.

How to support your child with their learning at home


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EYFS Parents Supporting Writing

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EYFS Parents Supporting Maths

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EYFS Parents Supporting Reading

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EYFS Parents Supporting Phonics