Building Firm Foundations for Lifelong Learning

At St Giles' and St George's Academy, we believe that the Early Years provide the foundations for every child's future. We are committed to giving children the knowledge, skills and experiences they need to become confident, resilient and independent learners, preparing them not only for Year 1 but for the opportunities and challenges of later life.

Our curriculum is carefully designed to provide meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that inspire curiosity and encourage children to explore, question and discover. We know that young children learn best when they are actively involved in their learning, so we provide a balance of purposeful play, practical experiences and high-quality adult-led teaching throughout the school day.

Children learn in a stimulating indoor and outdoor environment where they are encouraged to investigate, solve problems, take risks, work collaboratively and develop their independence. Every experience is carefully planned to help children build secure foundations in their learning while developing confidence, resilience and a love of learning.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum is organised into seven areas of learning and development.

The Prime Areas are:

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Communication and Language
• Physical Development

These areas provide the essential foundations for children's learning and support them to become confident, capable learners.

These areas are a key focus throughout our Nursery provision and during the Autumn Term in Reception. As children develop confidence and independence, they build on these foundations by extending their learning across the four Specific Areas. 

The Specific Areas are:

• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Arts and Design

These areas build on the Prime Areas and broaden children's knowledge, understanding and skills across the curriculum.

Our teaching is underpinned by the Characteristics of Effective Learning which encourage children to:

• play and explore;
• actively engage in their learning; and
• think creatively and critically.

These characteristics help children develop the confidence, perseverance and curiosity that will support them throughout their education and beyond.

Assessment is an integral part of our everyday teaching. Our staff use skilled interactions, observations and children's independent and adult-supported learning to build a clear picture of each child's development. This ongoing assessment enables us to celebrate achievements, identify next steps and adapt our teaching to ensure that every child is supported, challenged and able to thrive. At the end of the Reception year, children are assessed against the Early Learning Goals, which describe the expected level of development by the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

We value the partnership between home and school and believe that parents and carers play a vital role in their child's learning journey. By working together, we can ensure that every child develops the firm foundations they need to flourish both now and in the future.

 

Our Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum

At St Giles' and St George's Academy, our Early Years curriculum is designed to provide children with the knowledge, skills and experiences they need to thrive. Inspired by our Christian faith and values, we nurture every child as a unique individual, supporting their development in mind, body, heart and spirit.

Our curriculum is responsive to children's interests, experiences and individual starting points, ensuring that learning is meaningful, memorable and ambitious for all. We provide rich opportunities for children to explore, investigate, create and problem-solve, developing the skills they need to become confident, independent and active learners.

Through carefully planned learning experiences, children are encouraged to think deeply, communicate effectively and develop a love of learning. Our adults support children's learning through skilful interactions, questioning and modelling, helping children to extend their thinking and build their understanding.

Our curriculum is delivered through:

• purposeful play and exploration;
• high-quality adult-led teaching and small-group learning;
• carefully planned continuous provision and enhanced learning opportunities;
• rich indoor and outdoor experiences;
• opportunities to develop independence, collaboration and problem-solving skills.

The Early Years curriculum supports children's development across all seven areas of learning, ensuring children build a broad foundation of knowledge and skills. Alongside developing core skills in communication, physical development and personal, social and emotional development, children are supported to develop their understanding of literacy, mathematics, the world around them and creative expression.

The Characteristics of Effective Learning are central to our provision. We encourage children to play and explore, actively engage in their learning, and think creatively and critically. These skills help children become motivated, resilient learners who are ready for future challenges.

Assessment is woven throughout our teaching and learning. Through ongoing interactions, observations and a strong understanding of each child, staff identify strengths, celebrate achievements and plan appropriate next steps. This enables us to ensure every child receives the support and challenge they need to make progress.

By the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage, we aim for every child to have developed the confidence, skills and knowledge needed for a successful transition into Year 1 and beyond. We want children to leave EYFS as curious, capable and enthusiastic learners, ready to continue their journey through school and life.