Our Curriculum

Both the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework and the Forest School ethos are what makes up our curriculum. This is delivered through both child initiated and adult led activities. We follow Vygotskys theory on ‘scaffolding’ children’s learning, which means we build on what they already know. This is gathered through our partnership with parents and our observations. Staff support children’s learning by, following children’s own interests, resourcing the environment, being positive role models and expanding on children’s knowledge and vocabulary. Assessment is carried out using our own extensive knowledge along with the Early Years Outcomes. This then helps us to plan for the next steps in learning and to put additional support in place when/wherever possible.

Teaching children ‘How to think, not what to think’ supports children to become independent learners and builds their confidence and self esteem. 
 
This supports children to become ‘ready for school’ 

Parents evenings, daily feedback, newsletters and our ‘Interactive evening on the muddy mound’ are some of the ways we share our curriculum with parents/carers.

EYFS Framework 

There are seven areas of learning and development that shape the educational programme within the Early Years Foundation Stage framework that we work towards.

We use our individual observations of children to plan for their next steps of learning and their own interests to ensure their day is challenging, exciting and fun. Daily feedback is given so learning can be extended and discussed at home and ideas for home activities along with a lending library are available.

All areas of learning and development are important and inter-connected.

Prime Areas of Learning and Development

These areas are specifically crucial for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning and for building their capacity to learn, form relationships and thrive.
  • Communication and Language Development

    Involves giving children opportunities to experience a rich language environment to develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves and to speak and listen in a range of situations.

  • Physical Development

    Involves providing opportunities for young children to be active and interactive and to develop their coordination, control, and movement. Children are helped to understand the importance of physical activity and to make healthy choices in relation to food.

  • Personal, Social and Emotional Development

    Involves helping children to develop a positive sense of themselves and others to form positive relationships and develop respect for others, to develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings, to understand appropriate behaviour in groups and to have confidence in their own abilities

The Specific Areas
  • Literacy

    Development involves encouraging children to link sounds and letters and to begin to read and write. Children are given access to a wide range of reading materials (books, poems, and other written materials) to ignite their interest.

  • Mathematics

    Involves providing children with opportunities to develop and improve their skills in counting, understanding and using numbers, calculating simple addition and subtraction problems, and describing the shape.

  • Understanding the World

    Involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology, and the environment.

  • Expressive Arts and Design

    Involves enabling children to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials, as well as providing opportunities and encouragement for sharing their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of activities in art, music, movement, dance, role-play and design and technology.