EYFS Curriculum (Reception Year)

Children in Reception follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Curriculum. This is the same curriculum your child will have followed at their pre-school or nursery. The curriculum is separated into seven areas of learning (three Prime areas and four Specific areas). These are:

Whilst the seven areas are separate, many are interwoven when it comes to teaching, for example, communication and language development can take place in every area. 

Teachers are also careful to ensure the 'three characteristics of effective teaching and learning' are planned for and evident across the setting:

1. Playing and exploring - children investigate and experience things and 'have a go'
2. Active learning - children concentrate and keep on trying if they encounter difficulties, and enjoy achievements
3. Creating and thinking critically - children have and develop their own ideas, make links between ideas, and develop strategies for doing things

Throughout Reception year, children are also taught about our school values (confidence, happiness, excellence, respect, resilience and you) and learn how these apply to their learning attitude as well as their relationships with both others and themselves. Further information about our school values is here.

For more information about how this relates to teaching and learning, visit the Reception Class Page by clicking here. Take a look at the topic overviews and newsletters for examples of the sort of learning activities children will experience.

Assessment of the EYFS Curriculum

Throughout Reception year children are assessed against the Early Learning Goals (ELGs). The ELGs set out the required standard children are expected to achieve by the time they leave Reception. Mrs Hanks, Mrs Wright and the Reception team make on-going assessments of each child by observing them in their learning environment and working alongside them. Tests are not given in Reception class but 'checks' will often be used, for example, to see if your child can read certain words or count fluently.

The Early Learning Goals are as follows:

Tapestry

We capture our observations of the children using Tapestry which is an online journal for every child. Parents are able to view their child’s progress whilst also uploading their own comments and media.

Curriculum Planning and Mapping

The planning of rich and engaging experiences takes time! Below you will see an example of our EYFS curriculum planning. Each term, these plans are adapted and changed to continually meet the needs and interests of each cohort.

Keeping You Informed of Your Child's Progress

There are three main points in the year when we will communicate with you about your child's progress.

• Autumn term 1 - parent / teacher meeting to discuss how your child has settled and our initial impressions of their achievement
• Spring term 2 - parent / teacher meeting to discuss your child's progress and achievement
• Summer term 2 - written report detailing your child's achievements against the Early Learning Goals. For each Aspect your child will be judged as either: Emerging (working below the ELG) or Expected (working in line with the ELG)

You are welcome to come and discuss any questions you may have about your child's learning or progress at any point in the year - simply speak to Mrs Hanks or Mrs Wright to make an appointment.

Newsletters are sent out every term by the class teachers and are also saved on the class page of the website which you will find here.

Phonics

Phonics are the corner stone of reading. We teach phonics from early on in Reception and use the Little Wandle scheme which not only provides a detailed and comprehensive programme for the children, but also provides a number of support materials for parents, for example helpful videos about pronunciation and how to form written letters correctly. You will find them here.

Personal, Social and Health Education

Personal development is a critical part of any child's development and none more so than in the Reception year. At Cherry Garden, we teach a wide range of personal development skills, knowledge and understanding using a fantastic resource called Jigsaw. If you would like to know more about the themes and how we teach them, please speak to the class teachers or follow this link.