Early Years Foundation Stage
Child led learning at Carterhatch Infant School
Making Cakes in Nursery
Early Years Foundation Stage
Running through our early years is the principle of learning through play, we believe this is the most meaningful way for young children to learn. We offer a number of open ended learning experiences, and the structure of our day includes extended periods of uninterrupted play, so that children can get deeply involved in their own learning. We provide rich, enabling learning environments, indoors and outdoors, which promote independence and a love of learning. Children can access resources by themselves, make choices, follow their own interests and extend their own learning independently. This all leads to greater involvement and deeper learning. As we move through the year our curriculum balance shifts to include some motivating adult led activities, core experiences, and targeted phonics and math sessions.
Our curriculum is designed to give children the foundational knowledge and understanding needed to prepare them for year 1 and beyond. This is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework and ‘Development Matters’ guidance, along with children’s interests and developmental needs, and the context of our school.
A priority in our school is the development of children’s language and vocabulary. We do this through the stories we read, our interactions with children, and our language and communication rich environment. We provide lots of opportunities to develop children’s familiarity with stories, songs and rhymes throughout, Nursery and Reception.
Phonics in the Early Years
As of January 2022 we introduced Little Wandle Letters and Sounds. This is a complete systematic synthetic phonics programme. We follow this programme to teach phonics and early reading skills across Nursery and Reception. If you would like further information please click here Little Wandle Phonics.
Maths in the Early Years
We deliver daily teacher led maths sessions, following the White Rose Schemes of Learning. During the Spring Term we introduce short focus group sessions where we are able to meet the child's individual mathmatical developmental needs. If you would learn to learn more about the White Rose Schemes and supporting resources please click here White Rose Maths.
Core Books in Reception
In our daily class Core book sessions we teach and model the following reading strategies:
- Summarising (S)
- Predicting (P)
- Clarifying/Investigating (I)
- Questioning (Q)
- Visualising (E for Eyes)
We spend several weeks focusing on a text where we explore new vocabulary and different themes such as animals, astronauts, vehicles, habitats. We link learning across Understanding the World, Expressive arts and Design, Personal, Social and Emotional development.
Early Years Foundation Stage Theme Webs
- Nursery Theme Web Spring 2023
- Nursery Theme Web Autumn 2022
- Reception Theme Web Spring 2023
- Reception Theme Web Autumn 2022
Links to help support your child in Nursery and Reception
The Magic Coat Flip
On colder days, we encourage children to wear a coat for outdoor play. To support them to become more independent with putting on their own jacket, we are teaching the children the magic coat flip!
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Why Play Matters
Play is one of the main ways in which children learn and develop. It helps to build self-worth by giving a child a sense of his or her own abilities and to feel good about themselves. Because it’s fun, children often become very absorbed in what they are doing.
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Phonics Play
A useful link to help you practise your phonics.
Teaching and Learning Policy for the EYFS