1. What is the Early Years Foundation Stage? The Early Years Foundation Stage (E.Y.F.S.) is the stage of education for children from birth to the end of the Reception year. It is based on the recognition that children learn best through play and active learning.

2. Within the Reception curriculum there are 7 areas of learning. All areas are connected to one another and are equally important. Personal, Social and Emotional Development Communication and Language Physical Development Literacy Mathematical Development Understanding the World Expressive Arts and Design

4. Personal, Social and Emotional Development become self-confident; take an interest in things; know what their own needs are; play co-operatively, taking turns; become independent; know the difference between right and wrong. The children will be learning to:

5. Communication and Language talk confidently and clearly; enjoy listening to stories, songs and poems and respond to them;.show awareness of listeners needs; introduce storylines or narratives in their play. The children will be learning to:

6. Physical Development move with confidence and control; find new, imaginative ways of moving; handle tools, objects and malleable materials safely; use a pencil and hold it effectively to form recognisable letters; know how to stay healthy and safe; dress themselves and manage own hygiene

7. Literacy hear and say sounds, and link them to the alphabet; read and write familiar words; write simple sentences; learn to form letters correctly.

8. Mathematical Development Count, recognise and order numbers to 20, add/subtract, solve problems involving doubling/halving; Use language to talk about weight, size, capacity, time, distance, position and money; Be able to recognise and create patterns and describe and name shapes.

9. Understanding the World explore and find out about the world around them, asking questions about it; know about everyday technology and learn what it is used for; find out about past events in their lives and their families' lives; find out about different cultures and beliefs.

10. Expressive Arts and Design colours, shapes, design, texture; how to make things; materials, tools and techniques; role play; making music. The children will explore:

11. Daily routine The school day starts at 8.55. Gates open at 8.45. Worship in hall. After worship we begin our lessons. Lunchtime 11:45 – 12:45. Playtime 2:15 – 2:30. Home time 3:15.

12. Themes A different theme is covered each term. All About Me is our theme for Term 1. Home/ School activity books will include details of the curriculum.

13. Reading Shared reading Group reading Individual reading - children will be given a book to take home when they are ready. These are changed once a week. Please write a comment in the reading diary after you have heard your child read. Sound books – please practise all of the sounds with your child and ensure their sound book is in their book bags every day.

14. Writing In Term 1, emphasis is placed upon; holding pencil correctly - snappy fingers! forming letters correctly - chalking outside, damp sand, tracing, handwriting books etc. writing first name correctly. This progresses onto writing simple words and simple sentences…

15. Phonics Daily session Letters and Sounds used alongside Jolly Phonics actions – the children respond well to this active style of learning Each letter sound has an action Pure sound

16. Six Phases from Nursery to Year 2 Phase 1 completed during Nursery. Children start on Phase 2 in Reception. Children are expected to have completed Phase 4 by the end of Reception. Some children may even start Phase 5. Generally Phase 5 and 6 are taught throughout Y1/2.

17. Learning the letter sounds children hear a story about the sound children say the sound identify words containing this sound write the letter sound play games/ complete activities to reinforce sounds children can start blending sounds to read and write words early on

18. Assessment In the Foundation Stage, assessment is carried out through spontaneous and focused observations and adult led activities. Photographs and videos are also taken as a record of the children completing various activities.

19. General Information Fruit is available each morning for the children’s snack. Water bottles – named please. Lunchtime is at 11.45-12.45. The children have their sandwiches or hot meals in the hall.

20. Show and Tell every Wednesday. Parents always welcome to come and see me any time with any queries or concerns. Please let us know if anything is bothering your child. Please could your child bring their book bag each day - letters put in etc. ‘Wow’ tickets.

21. Clothes clearly labelled. Parent/Teacher meetings will be held in October and March. Children are never sent out at the end of the school day unless I can see who is picking them up. Sparky the dog…

22. Phonics workshop?