“Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil their potential. Children develop quickly in the early years and a child’s experiences between birth and age five have a major impact on their future life chances. A secure, safe and happy childhood is important in its own right. Good parenting and high quality early learning together provide the foundation children need to make the most of their abilities and talents as they grow up”
Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage - setting the standards for learning, development and care for children from birth to five. 2021
Intent
At St Peter’s, we understand that children learn best when they are engaged, interested and active. We understand that active learning involves other children, adults, objects, ideas, stimuli and events that aim to engage and involve children for sustained periods. We believe that Early Years education should be as practical as possible. Play is essential for children’s development across all areas. Play builds on children’s confidence as they learn to explore, to relate to others around them and develop relationships, set their own goals and solve problems. Children learn by leading their own play and by taking part in play which is guided by adults. We recognise that the foundation stage years are the beginning of a child’s school journey. So therefore, it is essential that strong foundations: academically, socially, physically and emotionally are instilled and curiosity and the love of learning is fostered.
We intend for our children to develop curiosity as an underlying skill for successful learning and the development of the unique child. We aim to foster children’s curiosity by establishing positive relationships, developing an enabling and supportive environment, by responding to their individual interests and needs and helping children build their learning over time. Every child is recognised as a unique individual; we acknowledge and promote children’s interests to provide them with the opportunities to follow their imagination and creativity. We celebrate the diversity in our school community, and always strive to promote a love for learning.
At St Peter’s we recognise children’s prior learning and various starting points, and create a holistic curriculum that maximises cross-curricular links and builds strong foundations for their future. Our EYFS curriculum is designed and evolves to provide children with important foundational skills and knowledge that will later be enhanced and embedded throughout KS1. We understand that children have a thirst for new experiences and knowledge, and should be provided with opportunities to engage their inquisitive minds. We provide reflective continuous indoor and outdoor provision that follows children’s interests, to support learners in investigating and developing their skills therefore supporting the development of the three characteristics of effective learning.
We strive to work in close partnership with parents and carers throughout the year to support their learning and to encourage children to reach their full potential. We also aim to promote a smooth transition from EYFS to KS1 by providing children with the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to succeed throughout their education.