EYFS

At BISR DQ children actively learn through play. There is a careful balance of child-initiated and adult let activities, which take place both indoors and outdoors. We follow the UK Framework of the EYFS and the four guiding principles that shape practice within Early Years settings. 

• Every child is a unique child, who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured

• Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships

• Children learn and develop well in enabling environments, in which their experiences respond to their individual needs and there is a strong partnership between practitioners and parents.

• Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates

 We plan an exciting and challenging environment with a focus on loose parts play. The environment is  based on our observation of children’s needs, interests, and stages of development. We support the children’s progress and development in the seven areas of learning outlined in the EYFS Framework. 

Three areas are particularly important for building a foundation for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, forming relationships and thriving. These are the prime areas:

• communication and language 

• physical development

• personal, social and emotional development  

We also support children in four specific areas, through which the three prime areas are strengthened and applied. The specific areas are: 

• literacy 

• mathematics 

• understanding the world 

• expressive arts and design

 

All the seven areas of learning and development are important and inter-linked.

 Children are provided with a range of rich, meaningful first-hand experiences in which children explore, think creatively and are active. We aim to develop and foster positive attitudes towards learning, ourselves and others.

 Adults working with the youngest children in F1 will focus strongly on the three prime areas, which are the basis for successful learning in the other four specific areas. The three prime areas reflect the key skills and capacities all children need to develop and learn effectively, and become ready for school. The balance will shift towards a more equal focus on all areas of learning as the children move through the Early Years at BISR DQ and grow in confidence and ability within the three prime areas.

Children have whole group and small group times, which increase as they progress through the EYFS. In F2 these group times include a daily phonics session using ‘Read Write Inc’, mathematics and literacy, which includes shared reading and writing.

The curriculum is delivered using a play-based approach as outlined by the EYFS Framework:

‘Each area of learning and development must be implemented through planned, purposeful play and through a mix of adult-led and child-initiated activities’.

We plan a balance between children having time and space to engage in their own child-initiated activities, in particular through loose parts play and those that are planned by the adults. During children’s play, early years practitioners interact with the children to stretch and challenge them further.

We create a stimulating environment to encourage children to free-flow between inside and out.