EYFS

At Bracken Leas we believe that children should be at the centre of everything we do. This is our philosophy throughout the school and is particularly important in Early Years Foundation Stage.

Our Early Years Unit is a welcoming, stimulating and child-centred environment. We strive to enable every child to develop their full potential through providing a range of learning experiences. We encourage children to develop their existing skills, knowledge and understanding through exploration of child-centred provision, alongside more formal focused learning in groups and 1-1 when appropriate. During their time spent in Early Years we will help children to settle into the routines of school and ensure that they are making progress both academically and socially.

The Early Years Foundation Stage is the period of learning and development from birth to the end of their first year in school (Reception). It is called the Early Years Foundation Stage because it gives children secure foundations to make the most of their abilities and talents as they grow up. The Early Years Foundation Stage forms a holistic approach, which aims to develop the whole child socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually. Children are born ready, able and eager to learn. By taking each unique child and helping them to develop positive relationships within an enabling environment we will see them learn and develop.

Within Early Years we believe that every child is a Mathematician, Author, Illustrator, Artist, Engineer, Scientist, Storyteller, Actor, Composer, Singer, Dancer, Problem Solver and much much more. Throughout the day the children are able to access all areas and learning resources that the unit offers, allowing them to become who they want to be.

Our approach is underpinned by the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework which explains how and what children will be learning to support their healthy development.  At Bracken Leas, children in the Early Years will be learning skills, acquiring new knowledge and demonstrating their understanding through 7 areas of learning and development.

Throughout the EYFS there is a strong emphasis on learning through play, both child and adult initiated. In our Early Years classes we plan for learning opportunities as a whole class, in small adult-focused groups and through free-flow access to a variety of learning resources either indoors or in one of our two outdoor areas.

The EYFS curriculum is made up of three prime areas: Communication and Language, Physical Development and Personal, Social and Emotional Development, and four specific areas: Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design. Planning for children’s learning and activities is based on these 7 areas, using the children’s interests to engage and enthuse. The Early Years team make sure that all activities are suited to the children’s unique needs, ensure progress for all, and inspire awe and wonder. In addition to our daily activities, children’s learning is enhanced through weekly forest school, PE and cookery lessons.

At the end of the EYFS children are assessed against the Early Learning Goals, which indicate the level of development that ‘most’ children should achieve. Children will be assessed against each goal as meeting the expected level or working towards the expected level.

Above all our aim is that your child’s first year in school is a happy one that builds on their nursery or pre-school experiences. We are sure that they will enjoy making new friends, learning new skills and having lots of fun!

"Play is the work of childhood."  Jean Piaget

The document below sets out our plan for skills progression through our Early Years teaching during the children's first year at Bracken Leas. It sets out the key areas of learning and expected progress for children in this year group.

Progression of skills

Progression of Skills - Continuous Provision

This document summarises the Early Learning Goals for children at the Early Learning Foundation Stage.

Early Learning Goals

This document sets out the long term plan for Early Years Foundation Plan.

Long Term Plan - Parent Friendly