Hale CE Primary School- Curriculum Design- Early Years Foundation Stage

Our vision is founded on Matthew 5: 14-16

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

At Hale CE Primary School, our Early Years curriculum aims to provide a strong foundation for lifelong learning by supporting children’s development across all seven areas of learning, as set out in the Statutory EYFS Framework and informed by Birth to 5 Matters.

We recognise that children learn best through:

• Positive relationships

• Enabling environments

• Meaningful play and first‑hand experiences

Our curriculum is carefully designed to ensure children:

• Feel safe, secure and confident

• Develop independence, resilience and curiosity

• Build secure foundations in communication, physical development and personal, social and emotional development

• Are prepared for a smooth transition into Key Stage 1

This enables children to “Be the Light” by developing confidence in themselves, respect for others and responsibility within their community.

Be Ready

Be Respectful

Be Responsible

Our EYFS curriculum ensures children are ready for future learning by developing the prime areas of learning first:

• Communication and Language

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development

• Physical Development

Through high‑quality adult interactions, purposeful play and well‑planned routines, children develop the skills, confidence and attitudes needed to access learning across all areas of the curriculum.

Respect is embedded through daily practice in EYFS. Children learn to:

• Form positive relationships

• Take turns and listen to others

• Show kindness and empathy

• Respect routines, resources and each other

Through stories, discussion, play and reflection, children begin to understand the importance of rules, fairness and respect within a Christian community and the wider world and local community.

Children are supported to take increasing responsibility for themselves and their learning. Through carefully structured independence and choice, they learn to:

• Make decisions

• Manage self‑care routines

• Look after resources

• Persevere when learning is challenging

These early experiences help children develop confidence, resilience and pride in their achievements.

Curriculum Approach

The EYFS curriculum is delivered through a balance of:

• Adult‑led learning

• Guided group work

• Continuous provision

All learning is carefully sequenced and planned using children’s interests, prior knowledge and developmental stages, drawing on Birth to 5 to ensure appropriate progression.

The prime areas form the foundation of our EYFS curriculum and are prioritised throughout the day.

• Communication and Language is developed through high‑quality talk, storytelling, singing, role‑play and interaction.

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development supports children’s confidence, emotional awareness, self‑regulation and relationships.

• Physical Development enables children to build strength, coordination and control through both fine and gross motor experiences.

As children develop, the specific areas are introduced and strengthened through meaningful contexts and play‑based learning:

• Literacy

• Mathematics

• Understanding the World

• Expressive Arts and Design

These areas are carefully integrated into continuous provision, ensuring learning is engaging, purposeful and accessible for all children.

At Hale CE Primary School, we believe every child can succeed. Teaching in EYFS is inclusive and responsive, with adults adapting provision to meet the needs of all children, including those with SEND, EAL and those requiring additional challenge.

Support includes:

• Targeted interventions

• Adapted resources and environments

• Close partnership with parents and external agencies

Impact

The impact of our EYFS curriculum is evident when children:

• Are happy, confident and motivated learners

• Communicate effectively with adults and peers

• Show curiosity, independence and resilience

• Make strong progress from their starting points

• Meet or exceed the Early Learning Goals by the end of Reception

By the time children leave the EYFS at Hale CE Primary School, they have developed the essential knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to thrive in Key Stage 1 and beyond.