Redlands Primary and Nursery School
Foundation Stage Curriculum
Our vision for the EYFS children at Redlands is that, no matter what their starting points, life experiences thus far or social background, children will thrive, enjoy and develop a deep love of learning and exploration, through a play based, explorative and exciting curriculum. We want our children to achieve their full potential, developing the skills they need to continue to learn throughout life with exploration, problem solving, resilience and critical thinking at the core.
At Redlands, we aim to provide the highest quality care and education for all our children, thereby giving them a strong foundation for their future learning. We create a safe and happy environment with motivating and enjoyable learning experiences that enable children to become confident and independent learners. We value the individual child and work alongside parents and carers to help every child reach their full potential.
We plan an exciting and challenging curriculum based on our observations of children’s needs, interests, and stages of development across the seven areas of learning to enable each child to reach their full potential.
All seven areas of learning and development are important and interconnected.
Three areas are particularly crucial for igniting children's curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, and for building their capacity to learn, form relationships and thrive, both in the EYFS and into Key Stage 1. These three areas are the prime areas:
- Communication and Language
- Physical Development
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Children are also supported through the four specific areas, through which the three prime areas are strengthened and applied:
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts and Design
In planning and guiding children’s activities, practitioners reflect on the different ways that children learn and reflect these in their practice.
Three characteristics of effective teaching and learning are:
- Playing and exploring - children investigate and experience things, and ‘have a go’
- Active learning - children concentrate and keep on trying if they encounter difficulties
- Creating and thinking critically - children have and develop their own ideas, make links between ideas and develop strategies for doing things
Children are provided with a range of rich, meaningful first-hand experiences in which they can explore, think creatively and be active. We aim to develop and foster positive attitudes towards learning, confidence, communication and physical development.
We create long term and medium term plans based on a series of topics which offer experiences in all seven areas of learning.
We always remain flexible to allow for unplanned circumstances and children’s responses. Our planning is continually evaluated by all staff to ensure that children’s individual next steps in learning and personalised learning needs are met.
During their journey through the foundation stage children will engage in whole group and small group activities alongside independent learning. There are also allocated times for key group and whole class daily carpet learning sessions. We plan a balance between children having time and space to engage in their own child-initiated activities and those which are planned by adults. During children’s play, the adults in class interact when appropriate to stretch and challenge children further.
Our nursery takes children from the age of 3, and is an excellent way to transition your child into school life. Whilst being child led, with an engaging and nurturing environment, we also support the children in preparing for their next step in full time education. The Foundation 2 teachers are a big part of the nursery children’s lives, supporting transition to the full.
We offer flexible nursery sessions for children, offering between 15 and 30 hours a week (eligibility criteria must be met for receiving 30 hours funded childcare). We are also pleased to be able to offer the nursery children affordable wraparound care at our excellent breakfast and twilight club, starting at 7.30am and ending at 5.30pm.
Prior to children starting, we offer a stay and play session, home visit and a transition meeting for parents, to ensure you are fully informed and that you and your child are happy and comfortable to start your journey with us.
We understand that choosing the right nursery and school for your child is of utmost importance and therefore we encourage you to come and visit us and see just what we have to offer! At Redlands we pride ourselves on putting children first and we would love you to come and join our Redlands family.
For more information about our foundation curriculum or to book a visit please contact the school office on 01909 473655.