Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) at Sandling Primary School

At Sandling Primary School, we recognise that the Early Years form the foundation for all future learning. Our intent is to deliver a curriculum that not only meets the statutory requirements but also reflects the unique needs, interests, and backgrounds of the children in our care. We strive to provide our children with ‘Thrill, Will & Skill’.

We aim to provide our children with a thrill to capture and harness their attention; which in turn gives them the will to want to engage; resulting in their skill development and learning.

Our curriculum fosters essential skills in areas such as reading, writing, and mathematics, while also focusing on social, personal, creative, communication, and physical development. How we provide our children with ‘Thrill, Will & Skill’ is guided by the four principles of the EYFS framework.

The four principles of the EYFS:

• Unique Child- Each child is a unique child, who is constantly learning and who can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured.
• Positive Relationships - Children learning to be strong and independent through positive relationships.
• Enabling Environments - Children learn and develop well in enabling environments with teaching and support from adults, who respond to their individual interests and needs and help them to build their learning over time.
• Learning and Development - We recognise the importance of learning and development and that children develop and learn at different rates.

Our Foundation Stage program strikes the right balance between teacher-led instruction and child-initiated learning. We create an encouraging and stimulating environment both indoors and outdoors, where children can engage in play, exploration, learning and reflection. We place great value on children’s interests being at the heart of their progression which is why we allow a ‘Free-flow’ environment between indoor and outdoor activities. This approach helps children build confidence, make independent choices, and develop a curiosity about the world around them. It's during the EYFS that we establish the core of our curriculum throughout the school.

‘Thrill, Will & Skill’ runs throughout all aspects of our school day, both child-initiated and adult-directed learning. Below is an example of a routine day in EYFS at Sandling.

• Our Curriculum Progression and Milestones
• EYFS links to national curriculum foundation subjects
• How to establish independence
• How to encourage language development

Please contact the EYFS Lead via the school office if you have any further questions.