Early Years Curriculum

"We all need to remember the importance and power of play. Not just for today but for the future we have yet to create"

Alistair Bryce-Clegg

Vision and Rationale

At Mendip Green Primary School, our main aim is to give children the best possible start to their school learning journey and inspire a passion for life-long learning. In the Early Years Foundation Stage, we strive to give children a strong foundation to grow, explore and succeed as learners. We want the children to feel secure, safe and happy, in an enabling environment where every individual is respected and valued.

We are committed to developing positive relationships where children’s well-being is paramount. We want children to have a voice and develop a sense of belonging, both within school and the wider community. We also value Parents and Carers voice by working in partnership with families who know their child the best. In EYFS, we ensure that the opportunities we provide are inclusive for all. We have high aspirations for children and believe that every child has the right to achieve their full potential.

We believe that the provision we deliver should provide meaningful learning experiences that are exciting, curious and creative and that these should allow children to question, problem solve, collaborate and imagine. We ensure that the continuous provision that we offer in our learning environment is engaging, challenging and provides children with opportunities to develop both skills as well as knowledge and understanding in all areas of learning.

Play is central to learning and alongside first hand experiences, the school day is centred around a balance of structured and child-initiated learning, alongside high-quality adult interactions to support effective scaffolding and teaching.

Opportunities for outdoor learning are woven through the day and children are encouraged to explore and connect with the natural environment. Planned activities undertaken in Outdoor Explorer sessions provide children with forest school skills and develop children’s knowledge of the world around them.

Our Curriculum

The educational programmes of the EYFS Framework are delivered through our reception classes in line with the Extend Reception Curriculum. This covers the seven areas of learning and development:

Prime Areas

Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Communication and Language
Physical Development

Specific Areas

Literacy
Mathematics
Understanding the World
Expressive Arts and Design

Literacy

The educational programme for literacy is delivered in our reception classes using Extend Letters and Sounds – a complete curriculum for phonics, early reading and writing. Extend Letters and Sounds is a DfE validated systematic, synthetic phonics programme.

For further information about phonics and reading schemes visit Phonics and Reading Schemes.

Mathematics

The educational programme for mathematics is delivered in our reception classes using Mastering Number by NCETM and White Rose.

The Extend Reception Curriculum

Our Foundation Stage Policy can be found in the policy section of our website.