EYFS
The Early Years Foundation Stage (F1 and F2)
The Early Years Foundation Stage refers to our F1 and F2 classes. This is a very special time in a young child’s school life, which literally lays the foundation for their lifelong learning journey.
At BISR BAE Schools 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.
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Every child is a unique child, who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured
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Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships
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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.
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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:
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communication and language
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physical development
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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:
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literacy
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mathematics
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understanding the world
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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.
The three prime areas, which are the basis for successful learning reflecting 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 Foundation stage at BISR BAE schools and grow in confidence and ability within the three prime areas.
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’.
The school day offers a balance of child initiated play as well as adult led learning. 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.
Our environments are planned to enable children to follow and develop their interests as well as challenge and engage our young learners. Children are encouraged to access the indoor and outdoor environments on a daily basis.
Teacher led activities include daily RWINc phonic sessions. As the children progress through the foundation stage group times evolve to meet the needs of the children.