Intent:

At Leyland St. James, our intent is to create a literacy-rich and diverse curriculum and learning environment which motivates and inspires children in their learning to prepare them for life at Leyland St. James, building resilience inside and outside the classroom and enhancing their understanding of their impact on the wider world around them. We do this by ‘shining like stars as children of God’.

At St. James Leyland, our EYFS consists of 3 rooms;

• Nursery (2–3 years)
• Pre-School (3–4 years)
• Reception (4–5 years)

The Early Years curriculum across our setting is designed to provide a broad and balanced education that meets the needs of all children. It facilitates them to gain the skills, knowledge and understanding as they start out on their educational journey, supporting them to progress from their individual starting points and preparing them for the next stage of their education. At Leyland St James’ we want our children to develop a love for learning, a sense of pride in themselves and respect for others and the world around them.

We will provide an ambitious curriculum which enables children to develop their curiosity and problem-solving by creating an engaging and stimulating environment, both inside and outdoors, which supports and challenges learning. Through the seven areas of learning, we provide topics that excite and engage children, building upon own interests and developing their experiences of the wider world around them. We recognise that children enter into our setting with varied experiences and all staff work hard to ensure that the learning opportunities provided widen their knowledge and understanding of the world.

Through developing learning behaviours such as playing and exploring, active learning and creating and thinking critically, we hope for children to become independent with their own learning, giving encouragement to develop resilience and manage risks. This will prepare children to reach the Early Learning Goals at the end of the Foundation Stage and ensure children make good progress from their starting points.

Implementation

How EYFS is structured through our school:

The EYFS curriculum follows the EYFS Statutory framework. Our curriculum design ensures all of our children, regardless of need and background, learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe.  We weave our whole school curriculum drivers throughout the delivery of the Early Years Curriculum, as well as our vision of; ‘shine like stars as children of God’.

Four overarching principles shape the practice in our early years settings. These are:

• Every child is a unique child, 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 with teaching and support from adults, who respond to their individual interests and needs and help them to build their learning over time. Children benefit from a strong partnership between the practitioner and parents/carers.
• Importance of learning and development. Children develop and learn at different rates. The EYFS framework covers the education and care of all children in early years provision, including children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

At Leyland St James’ Primary School, we promote the learning and development of all children to ensure that they are equipped with the skills, knowledge and foundations to start their educational journey, benefitting fully from the opportunities ahead of them.

Impact

The unique child has every opportunity to learn and achieve and develop a sense of self-awareness and become confident in their own abilities. We are empowering children to develop the essential skills and attributes they need to thrive and reach their full potential. We are committed to continuing to build on these successes and to ensure that every child has the best possible start in life. Our children develop the love of reading; a large emphasis is given to communication and language, extending their range of vocabulary and language comprehension. By the end of EYFS children will:

• Have strong communication skills.
• Demonstrate self-regulation, emotional resilience and perseverance.
• Be kind, respectful and honest.
• Enjoy school life.
• Make secure friendships