Early Years

Early Years....
Year R at Hatch Warren Infant School provides a programme of learning especially devised for young children in a safe and caring environment. The children are provided with the experiences to enable them to build their own self-esteem and independence. They are encouraged to explore and make sense of their own surroundings using a variety of ways, particularly through play, both inside and outside the classroom. All of our children are encouraged to develop a wide range of skills within Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. The adults are there to support the learning, to observe and ask questions. Part of the day is more structured to ensure a balanced curriculum, with more adult-led activities. We have three classes in Year R, each with its own class teacher and classroom assistant. The classes run parallel to each other and planning is undertaken by the teachers together so that there is consistency of opportunity and experience for all the children.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Curriculum is the statutory framework that sets out children’s learning and development in the Foundation Stage.  It gives children a broad range of knowledge and skills that provide the right foundation for good future progress through school and life. Your child will be learning skills, acquiring new knowledge and demonstrating their understanding through seven areas of learning and development.

Children should mostly develop the three prime areas first:

• Communication and language;
• Physical development;
• Personal, social and emotional development

These prime areas are those most essential for your child’s healthy development and future learning.   As children grow, the prime areas will help them to develop skills in four specific areas:

• Literacy;
• Mathematics;
• Understanding the world; and
• Expressive arts and design

These seven areas are used to plan your child’s learning and activities which are tailored to suit your child’s individual needs. 

The curriculum is designed to be really flexible so that staff can follow your child's unique needs and interests. Children in the EYFS learn by playing and exploring, being active, and through creative and critical thinking which takes place both indoors and outside.

At the end of the EYFS – in the summer term of the reception year in school – teachers complete an assessment which is known as the EYFS Profile. This assessment is carried out by the reception teacher and is based on what they, and other staff caring for your child, have observed over a period of time.

We consider ourselves partners in your child’s learning.  The activities that you do with your child at home are important in supporting their learning and development, and have a really long lasting effect on your child’s learning as they progress through school.  For example, talking, listening, reading, singing nursery rhymes, cooking and baking or playing outside with them. 

What is included in each area of learning?

Communication and language

Opportunities are provided for pupils to experience a rich language environment; to develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves; and to speak and listen in a range of situations.

Physical development

Opportunities are provided for young children to be active and interactive; and to develop their co-ordination, control, and movement. Children are also helped to understand the importance of physical activity, and to make healthy choices in relation to food.

Personal, social and emotional development

Children are helped to develop a positive sense of themselves, and others; to form positive relationships and develop respect for others; to develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings; to understand appropriate behaviour in groups; and to have confidence in their own abilities.

Literacy

This involves encouraging children to link sounds and letters and to begin to read and write. Children are given access to a wide range of reading materials such as books, poems, and other written materials to ignite their interest.

Mathematics

Children are provided with opportunities to develop and improve their skills in counting, understanding and using numbers, calculating simple addition and subtraction problems; and to describe shapes, spaces, and measures.

Understanding the world

Children are guided to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology and the environment.

Expressive arts and design

Children are enabled to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials, as well as being given opportunities and encouragement for sharing their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of activities in art, music, movement, dance, role-play, and design and technology.

Please see all of the photos of activities in Year R by following this link.