The period from age three to the end of the Reception year is described as the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). It is a distinct stage and important both in its own right and in preparing children for later schooling. At Wansdyke Primary School we have an intake of up to 30 children in our Little Acorns class as we are a one form entry school. The intent of our Futura curriculum is to ensure that every child develops the necessary skills, knowledge and attitude to achieve fulfilling lives. Great Oaks grow from Little Acorns!

Our vision is through exploring and learning together our children will be united together, have a sense of belonging and through key values of commitment, enthusiasm and determination we will rise from strength to strength together. To succeed in this we will:

• Provide a happy and safe environment where children feel safe to explore the world around them, independently and with friends, and develop their curiosity, ideas and imagination
• Provide a space where children can become lifelong learners, discovering the full potential of all they can be through exciting enrichment activities (gymnastics, eggmobil days, vocational workshops, visitors, trips etc.) and quality provision and sharing these with the wider school community
• Provide an enabling environment which develops each child’s independence and critical thinking skills ready for their future educational journey and their journey through life-ready to question, challenge and inspire.

In Reception we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. This curriculum is broad and varied and enables the children to learn how to be learners through engagement, enthusiasm, curiosity and play. We are guided by, and highly value, the four themes that make up the principles of the EYFS:

• A unique child
• Positive relationships
• Enabling environments
• Learning and development

The EYFS is based on seven areas of learning:

• Communication and language
• Personal, social and emotional development
• Physical development
• Maths
• Literacy
• Understanding of the world
• Expressive arts and design

At Wansdyke, we use the EYFS curriculum to identify the Characteristics of Effective Learning. This shows us how each child engages with other people and their environment, how they play and explore, if they are active learners and if they are creating and thinking critically. Ee provide opportunities for children to explore and take risks through child initiated play and teacher directed activities indoors as well as outdoors. Our aim is to help each child reach their full potential.

We observe children through child initiated play as well as teacher led activities. We use these observations to assess each child using the EYFS curriculum which informs us for each individual’s next steps.  We use Tapestry, an online learning journal, to document learning and the most special moments to them both at school and home and capture the child’s voice and perspective of their own learning. Tapestry offers a valuable communication tool between parents, who are able to access this securely, and school.