St Augustine's Catholic Primary School

EYFS Intent, Implementation, Impact 

Intent

At St Augustine’s School we are committed to ensure that all children receive an education which allows them to be the best they can be.

We acknowledge the importance of giving our children the best possible start to their education by planning and implementing teaching and learning opportunities that support them in reaching their full potential.

The EYFS education programmes underpin our curriculum. We work in partnership with parents, carers and other settings to provide the best possible start at St. Augustine’s, ensuring each individual reaches their full potential from their various starting points. Our curriculum has been designed to enable children to succeed through cooperative and collaborative learning principles. As such, there is a strong emphasis on the Prime Areas of learning; Personal, Social and Emotional Development and Communication and Language, with an emphasis on developing vocabulary and oracy.

We want to provide a solid foundation for our young learners so they can develop the skills, attitudes and understanding to become lifelong learners and active members of our ever-changing society.

It is our intention to make every child’s first experience of school happy, enjoyable and rewarding. We achieve this by valuing all the different personalities, talents, experiences and interests that each one of us brings. Our priority is to ensure that all children feel safe and supported. We place a huge emphasis on nurturing them, and helping them to make sense of this huge experience that is starting ‘big’ school!

Implementation

We recognise that children will learn most effectively when they are healthy, safe and secure, when their individual needs are met and when they have positive relationships with the adults who care for them. We aim to provide a setting that encompasses a safe and stimulating environment where children are able to enjoy learning and grow in confidence that helps them to achieve their potential.

We cover the seven areas of learning from the Statutory Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage.

These consist of the Prime areas:

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Communication and Language,
• Physical Development   

and the Specific areas:

• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Arts and Design

Our eighth area of Learning is Religious Education, called the RED – Religious Education Directory for EYFS.

Reading and Writing is an integral part of our EYFS Curriculum. We use the Little Wandle Phonics scheme as a resource to provide the children with an excellent starting point for Reading and Writing. Phonics activities happen daily. These give the children a firm foundation and an opportunity to challenge themselves.

Mathematics is taught in a multi-sensory and practical approach. The children have ample opportunities to explore Number, Shape, Space and Measures using various equipment and objects. They are taught different strategies to solve problems and develop their mathematical reasoning skills. We aim to support each child to develop a solid grasp of numbers up to 10, which will give them a solid foundation for their future mathematical learning. We use the White Rose Maths Hub Resources when planning the curriculum. We are also taking part in the NCETM Mastering Number project which is supported by the BBC programme, Numberblocks.

The curriculum is planned and implemented using a thematic approach.  This approach gives children the opportunities to apply learning from across the curriculum that gives their work practical context and also opportunities to apply knowledge and skills they have learned through a variety of learning opportunities.  As seen on our Curriculum Map, children will cover several topics across the year.  Each topic is then delivered through a staged approach incorporating an initial engagement stage to capture the children’s imagination in their new topic or theme of learning. This learning then develops through a series of lessons that build skills, knowledge and understanding within that topic of learning.

Our children will be actively engaged in their learning and the enjoyment of this learning will be apparent in their daily provision.  All children will have experienced a curriculum that provides exciting and enriching learning experiences. They will be able to take risks as this is an opportunity to learn.  

Impact

Through careful assessments and observations, including information provided by parents and other settings, children’s development levels are consistently tracked by:

· Baseline assessment- statutory baseline assessment in the first half term of Reception

· Consistent observations and careful questioning. Any ‘wow moment’ observations are recorded on to Tapestry

· Constant communication and questioning with the children

· Little Wandle half termly phonic knowledge assessments

· Data collection, which informs our planning and interventions.

· Summative assessment in the final term directly related to Early Years Foundation Stage Profile

· EYFS class teachers to meet near the end of Summer term to communicate children’s individual needs and development to ensure continuity and transition

· 2 parent evenings to discuss each child’s progress and development

· Yearly Individual Report to parents on their child’s attainment and progress

During the final term in Reception, the EYFS Profile is completed for each child. The Profile provides parents and carers, staff and teachers with a well-rounded picture of a child’s knowledge, understanding and abilities, their progress against expected levels, and their readiness for Year 1.

Curriculum map Click here

In Reception we aim to make every child’s first experience of school happy, enjoyable and rewarding. We achieve this by valuing all the different personalities, talents, experiences and interests that each one of us brings. Our priority is to ensure that all children feel safe and supported, and we place a huge emphasis on nurturing them, and helping them to make sense of this huge experience that is starting ‘big’ school! Reception is all about learning how to be at school, and we strive to give children a solid foundation to build on their learning as they move through the school.