Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

Our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides children aged 3-5 with a nurturing, stimulating and ambitious start to their school journey. We believe that children learn best when they feel safe, valued and inspired to explore the world around them. Through a carefully planned and sequenced curriculum, we provide rich opportunities for children to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding through a balance of child-initiated play and high-quality adult-led learning experiences.

A Curriculum Designed for Young Learners

The EYFS curriculum is different from the National Curriculum followed by children in Key Stage 1 and beyond. Instead, it is built around the seven areas of learning and development which recognise how young children learn and grow. Our curriculum is carefully designed to ensure children build knowledge progressively, revisit key concepts and develop the skills needed for future success.

Learning takes place through a combination of:

• Purposeful play opportunities both indoors and outdoors.
• Adult-supported activities that extend learning and deepen understanding.
• Direct teaching of key knowledge and skills.
• Exploration, investigation and hands-on experiences.
• Meaningful interactions with adults and peers.

By carefully planning experiences that match children's interests and developmental needs, we ensure that every child is supported to make excellent progress from their starting points.

Characteristics of Effective Learning

Alongside academic learning, we place great importance on developing the Characteristics of Effective Learning, which support children to become lifelong learners. These are:

Playing and Exploring

Children investigate, discover and actively engage with new experiences, showing curiosity and independence.

Active Learning

Children concentrate, persevere through challenges and take pride in their achievements.

Creating and Thinking Critically

Children develop their own ideas, solve problems, make connections and think creatively.

These characteristics underpin everything we do and help children develop resilience, confidence, independence and a positive attitude towards learning.

Nursery

Our school-based Nursery is the first step in this journey and naturally feeds into Reception. Because Nursery and Reception staff work closely together, children benefit from a seamless transition where learning, routines and expectations are consistently developed. Children become familiar with the school environment, key adults and daily routines, helping them feel secure, confident and ready for the next stage of their education. Information about each child's interests, strengths and next steps is shared between staff, ensuring continuity in learning and enabling every child to continue thriving from their very first day in Reception.

By choosing The Limes Nursery, families are investing in a high-quality early education that provides a strong foundation for future success. Children benefit from a nurturing environment where independence, communication, curiosity and confidence are developed from the outset, ensuring they are exceptionally well prepared for Reception and beyond. The strong links between Nursery and Reception mean children transition smoothly, settle quickly and continue their learning journey with enthusiasm, confidence and a genuine love of learning.

Reception Baseline Assessment

When children begin Reception, they take part in the statutory Reception Baseline Assessment, which is required by the Government. This assessment is completed within the first six weeks of children starting school and provides a snapshot of each child's starting point in language, communication, literacy and mathematics. The assessment is practical, interactive and carried out on a one-to-one basis by a familiar member of staff.

The information gathered helps schools understand children's individual needs and contributes to measuring progress throughout their primary education.

Good Level of Development

At the end of Reception, children are assessed against the Early Learning Goals. Children who achieve the expected level in the prime areas of learning, as well as literacy and mathematics, are said to have achieved a Good Level of Development (GLD).

The Good Level of Development is an important measure that indicates children are well prepared for the transition into Year 1 and the National Curriculum. Our goal is for every child to leave Reception as a confident, capable and enthusiastic learner.

Working in Partnership with Families

We believe that parents and carers are children's first and most important educators. Strong partnerships between home and school enable children to thrive, and we work closely with families throughout their EYFS journey.

There are many opportunities for families to join us in school, including:

• Story Cafés
• Maths Cafés
• Afternoon Teas
• Sports Days
• Picnic Lunches
• Themed days
• Cultural experiences
• Stay-and-Play sessions
• Celebrations of learning
• Visits and events within the local community

By working together, we can celebrate achievements, support development and ensure every child reaches their full potential.

Learning Through Community Connections

Children benefit enormously from real-life experiences and meaningful links with the local community. Throughout the year, we enrich learning through:

• Strong links with our local church.
• Visits from community professionals, including the dentist and other visitors.
• Educational visits within the local area.
• Opportunities to learn about the people and places that make our community special.

These experiences help children make connections between their learning and the world around them while developing confidence and a sense of belonging.

Promoting Independence

Developing independence is at the heart of our EYFS provision. Children are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning, manage personal belongings, make choices, solve problems and develop self-help skills. By fostering independence from an early age, we help children develop confidence, resilience and readiness for future learning.

Becoming Reception Ready

During the summer term, we work closely with children and families to ensure a smooth and successful transition into Reception. Our Reception Ready programme helps children become familiar with school routines, expectations and learning environments while supporting parents with practical advice and guidance.

Through transition visits, family events, information sessions and opportunities to meet staff, we aim to build children's confidence and excitement about starting school. By working together, we ensure every child begins their Reception journey feeling happy, secure and ready to learn.

At the heart of our EYFS are passionate staff who share a love and commitment to creating a joyful, inclusive and inspiring environment where every child can flourish. Through strong relationships, engaging experiences and high expectations, we nurture confident, independent learners who are well prepared for the next stage of their education.