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EYFS

‘Children need the freedom to appreciate the infinite resources of their hands, their eyes and their ears, the resources of forms, materials, sounds and colours.’ – Loris Malaguzzi

At Woodchurch CE Primary School, we believe that a child’s first experiences of school should be filled with wonder, discovery, and joy. In our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), we provide an education that is rooted in play, curiosity, and exploration while preparing every child for the next stage of their learning journey.

Our Intent

We want every child to feel safe, secure and uniquely valued, and to leave Reception confident, resilient, and ready for Year 1.

Our curriculum is carefully planned around the seven areas of learning in the EYFS Framework and is designed to:

  • Build on each child’s individual starting point.

  • Encourage independence, creativity and problem-solving.

  • Develop strong foundations in communication, literacy, maths and personal, social and emotional skills.

  • Foster a love of learning that links seamlessly into the Year 1 National Curriculum.

  • Weave in our Christian values of compassion, hope, forgiveness, thankfulness and love so that children flourish both academically and personally.

Implementation: How We Teach

At Woodchurch, learning happens through a rich blend of play-based exploration and carefully structured teaching.

  • Daily Phonics, English and Maths sessions provide a solid foundation for early literacy and numeracy.

  • Whole-class, group and individual work ensures that teaching is matched to each child’s needs.

  • Exploration and play in our vibrant indoor and outdoor environments allow children to follow their interests, practise new skills and make sense of the world around them.

  • Cross-curricular learning means that children experience art, music, nature, role-play, construction and investigation as part of their everyday learning.

  • We use Tapestry, an online learning journal, to record observations, photos and videos of children’s progress. Parents can see and celebrate their child’s learning in real time and contribute with updates from home, making them true partners in their child’s journey.

Impact: What Children Achieve

By the end of Reception, children at Woodchurch will have developed the knowledge, skills and confidence to take their next steps into Key Stage 1. We measure impact by:

  • Monitoring progress against the Early Learning Goals (ELGs).

  • Observing children in their play and learning to see how they apply new skills.

  • Talking with children to understand their ideas and interests.

  • Working in partnership with parents to create a full picture of each child’s development.

Our aim is that every child leaves EYFS with strong foundations, a love of learning, and the ability to shine.

The Early Learning Goals (ELGs)

The EYFS framework is built around Prime Areas (Communication and Language, Physical Development, Personal, Social & Emotional Development) and Specific Areas (Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World, Expressive Arts & Design).

By the end of Reception, children will:

  • Communicate clearly and listen attentively.

  • Develop fine and gross motor skills, from climbing to holding a pencil correctly.

  • Regulate their emotions, build friendships and show resilience.

  • Read and write simple sentences using phonics.

  • Understand number to 10 deeply, and spot patterns in numbers.

  • Talk about their world, including past and present, cultures and nature.

  • Express themselves creatively through music, role play, art and design.

Working With Families

We recognise parents as a child’s first and most important educators. We hold parent meetings to explain how phonics, maths and the EYFS curriculum are taught, and invite families to contribute to their child’s "learning journey" throughout the year.

In Summary

Our EYFS curriculum at Woodchurch is broad, balanced and play-based, giving every child the opportunity to explore, create, question and grow. By the time children move into Year 1, they are confident, curious learners with the secure foundations needed to thrive in the National Curriculum and beyond.