Early Years Foundation Stage 

active learning trust vision and values in the eyfs 1 .pdf

Pakefield Primary Ethos

We believe that young children are uniquely individual and they have the right to flourish in a nurturing environment .  Our fundamental aim is to inspire curiosity and thinking through meaningful experiences. 

Provision

Our EYFS provision is located within the Rainbow Building. This consists of purpose built nursery and reception classrooms with a large outdoor environment, an activity area and 3 mixed age year 1 and 2 classes. 

In our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) we are committed to meeting the individual needs of all children. We have a 26 place nursery led by a qualified teacher and early years practitioner, as well as support from additional teaching assistants when required. Places in Nursery become available from the term following a child’s 3rd birthday. Parents should contact the school office if they wish their child to be allocated a place in our nursery.  

We have one Reception class that caters for up to 30 children led by a qualified teacher and teaching assistant. To maximise each child’s potential, we use a one-point-entry system. This means that all children due to start school within a particular year start at the same time as each other in the September. This gives them equal opportunities not affected by their birth term, and ensures they have the best opportunities to learn. Please see the admission section of the website for more information regarding applications for school places. 

The EYFS classes at Pakefield are set up with a variety of continuous indoor and outdoor provision areas that are enhanced regularly to meet the needs of all children. Provision within these areas are planned for each week and incorporate observations and assessments made during the week. 

There are areas within the classroom that are specifically planned to foster children's independence and imagination through children’s own selection of resources. 

The learning environment, both inside and outside is adapted to the children as they mature and progress across the year. All our staff are highly experienced in working with our youngest children. 

Curriculum and Planning

The EYFS curriculum follows the EYFS Statutory framework. This sets out the Characteristics of Effective Learning (How children learn) and the 7 Areas of Learning (What children learn) that all EYFS children have an entitlement to. 

These Areas of Learning 7 areas are divided into prime and specific areas. 

Prime areas of development and learning lay vital foundations in the early years. The three Prime areas are Personal, social and emotional development (PSED), Communication and language (CL), and Physical development (PD). The Specific areas of development and learning are Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World and Expressive Art and Design. 

 All areas of learning and development are important and inter-connected. Practitioner use Birth to 5 Matters to inform planning and assessment. Alongside these areas the Early Years team promote the Characteristics of Effective Learning throughout all interactions with the children. 

Nursery and Reception work closely together and follow similar themes and child initiated interests. Our approach enables children to be ambitious, feel excited and be prepared for their next stage of learning.  
 

Daily Routines

 Each day the children will take part in a variety of whole class, small group, 1 to 1 sessions. Direct whole class teaching that is kept to a minimum. All children are encouraged to initiate and develop their learning in continuous provision areas.  This approach allows for sustained, uninterrupted play and   social interactions to take place. Enhancements are added to an area of learning within continuous provision, allowing opportunities for rehearsal of skills and mastery. 

Outdoor Learning

The outdoor area with its unique characteristics and features provides our children with one of the best possible environments in which to learn. Children learn to take calculated risks and test their ideas. 

Children are inspired and encouraged by those around them to approach their learning in different ways and discover ways to solve problems while following their own interests.  

At Pakefield we regularly explore, work and celebrate achievements within our local community. As a beach school, children have the opportunity to play and learn in their coastal environment to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the world around them. 

Ofsted (September 2021) have graded our Early Years provision as Good.

"Leaders also place high importance on children’s development of language and communication in early years. Adults check children’s starting points quickly and use this information to plan learning that helps children learn well. Those who need additional support are provided with the help they need." 

"Pupils behave exceptionally well. They are kind, and look after each other and play together very happily." 

Foundation Stage Long Term Planning 

 
Starting Reception Information

starting reception information.pdf