The Early Years Curriculum
The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum guides children’s learning from 0-5 years old. We follow the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage. The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum is based on three prime areas of learning and four specific areas of learning.
The Prime Areas of Learning:
- Communication and Language
- Physical Development
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
The Specific Areas of Learning:
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts and Design
For each Early Learning Goal, teachers judge whether a pupil is meeting the level of development expected at the end of the Reception year (expected) or not yet reaching this level (emerging). To reach a Good Level of Development (GLD), pupils must achieve at least expected levels in the prime areas and in Literacy and Mathematics by the end of the Reception year.
Assessments are based primarily on observation of daily activities and events. Teachers and Teaching Assistants note, in particular, the learning which a pupil demonstrates spontaneously, independently and consistently in a range of contexts. Accurate assessment takes account of a range of perspectives including those of the pupil, parents and other adults who have significant interactions with the pupil.
