Hovingham Primary School

EYFS Curriculum

Within Hovingham’s EYFS our core focus of giving our children the best experiences we can, is to initiate children on an enriching educational journey, nurturing a life-long love for learning.

The Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage.’ DfE March 2021, shares that “Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil their potential. Children develop quickly in the early years and a child’s experiences between birth and age five have a major impact on their future life chances. A secure, safe and happy childhood is important in its own right. Good parenting and high quality early learning together provide the foundation children need to make the most of their abilities and talents as they grow up”. (‘The Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage.’ DfE March 2021). 

To achieve this ensure we lay a robust groundwork, which fosters growth and success while ensuring each child feels secure, happy, and valued in an inclusive, respectful environment.

A Unique Child

At Hovingham Primary School we recognise that every child is a competent learner who  can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured. We know that children develop  in individual ways and at varying rates. Children’s attitudes and dispositions to learning are influenced by their school and home environments and we begin to build links with the families. We observe how each child learns to gain an understanding of the characteristics they develop to become effective learners. We use questioning, praise and encouragement to develop a positive attitude to learning and high self-esteem. 

We prioritize cultivating positive relationships, placing children's well-being at the forefront, allowing them to find their voice and a sense of belonging, not only within the school but also in the broader community. Collaborating with families, acknowledging their invaluable insights, is a fundamental aspect of our approach. Inclusivity is a cornerstone, as we hold high aspirations for every child to reach their utmost potential.

Inclusion 

All children and their families are valued within our school. We value the diversity of individuals within the school and do not discriminate because of differences. All children at Hovingham Primary School are treated fairly regardless of race, religion or stage of learning. We do not group children based on notions of fixed ability. We teach the children that practice and effort lead to learning and improvement. In the early years the children begin to learn to take responsibility for their learning and begin to understand the concept of challenge. 

 We give our children every opportunity to achieve their best by taking account of our children’s range of life experiences when planning for their learning. Planning for children with additional needs is in line with the Special Educational Needs & Disability policy. 

In the EYFS we have realistic and challenging expectations and meet the needs of all our children through: 

planning opportunities that build upon and extend children’s knowledge, experience and interests and develop their self-esteem and confidence 
a creative curriculum and learning environment using a wide range of teaching strategies based on children’s learning needs 
providing a wide range of opportunities and environments to motivate and 
supporting children and to help them to learn effectively 
providing a safe and supportive learning environment in which each child’s contribution is valued 
monitoring children’s progress and taking action to provide support as necessary

Our EYFS curriculum aims to offer immersive, curious, and creative learning experiences, encouraging children to inquire, problem-solve, collaborate, and dream. We ensure that our learning environment is filled with engaging, challenging, and continuous provisions that enhance both skills and knowledge across all areas of learning.

Enabling Environments 

Central to our educational philosophy is the significance of play, coupled with a mix of structured and child-led learning. High-quality interactions and effective guidance from adults form the backbone of our educational approach, alongside ample opportunities for outdoor learning to connect children with the natural world.

At  Hovingham Primary School we recognise that the environment plays a key role in supporting and extending the children’s development. The role of both the indoor and outdoor environment in learning/organisation of learning provides opportunities for child initiated activities reflecting the topic where they can develop gross motor skills, social skills etc. We provide stimulating resources which are accessible and open-ended so they can be used, moved and combined in a variety of ways. We plan a curriculum around key, enriching texts, both fiction and non-fiction to engage the children and enrich their vocabulary and language. 

 EYFS Framework

Our learning approach is aligned with the EYFS Framework, encompassing the seven key areas of learning and development, addressing both prime and specific domains.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) applies to children from birth to the end of the Reception year. In our school children join our nursery in the term after they are 3 years old. They join our reception classes at the beginning of the school year in which they are five. 

The EYFS is based upon four principles: 

Every child is a unique child, who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured 
Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationship
Children learn and develop well in enabling environments, in which their experiences respond to their individual needs and there is a strong partnership between practitioners and parents and/or carers
Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates.

Prime Areas