Reception

THE EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE

The Early Years Foundation Stage is a national framework for 0-5 year olds and forms the basis for all teaching and learning within our nursery and reception classes.  There are seven areas of learning and development within this stage of early years education.  At Kirk Langley Church of England Primary School we strive to ensure that our Reception pupils' experiences are engaged in learning and build confident, articulate and questioning individuals.  We provide purposeful learning opportunities with staff that support their development, care and learning needs to ensure every child reaches their potential.

The Early Years Curriculum develops the 3 prime areas first.  These are:

Communication and Language 

Children will learn to express themselves effectively, showing awareness of listeners’ needs; to use language to imagine and recreate roles and experiences in play situations.  Listen attentively in a range of situations.  Give their attention to what others say and respond appropriately.

Physical Development

Children will develop coordination and control over their bodies enabling them to become active and interactive within their environment.  They will develop mastery over large and small movements becoming confident in using a range of equipment and tools effectively.  They will be encouraged to make healthy choices and develop independence in their self care skills.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Through sensitive, nurturing support children are helped to develop a positive self image and have confidence in their own abilities.  They will learn important life skills of resilience and perseverance to reach a goal or acquire new skills; to form positive relationships and develop respect for others; to develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings; to understand appropriate behaviour in different situations and have the confidence to make the right choices.

These prime areas are those most essential for your child’s healthy development and future learning.
As children grow, the prime area will help them to develop skills in 4 specific areas.  These are:

Literacy

Children will develop a love of literature in both the spoken and written form: linking letters and sounds to read and write simple words becoming early readers and writers; engage and play with language, stories, characters extending their vocabulary and imagination through drama, story telling and role play.

Mathematics 

Through practical and real life play opportunities children will develop and improve their counting, use of numbers, addition and subtraction, shape, space and measures.  They will develop an understanding of mastery maths through stories, songs, games and imaginative play, creating resilient mathematicians.

Understanding the world

Children will have the opportunity through a variety of exciting themes and topics to make sense of the world in which they live and how they can influence it.  Learning about their own lives and how they have changed in their own lifetime; making sense of the physical world, the local community, finding out about people, places, technology and the environment.

Expressive Arts and Design

Enables children to express feelings, emotions and extend their imaginations and ideas through exploration with a wide range of media and materials through art, music, dance, movement, role-play, design and technology.