EYFS

Welcome to the Early Years Foundation Stage.  At Holme Valley, we understand the importance of high-quality provision and teaching within the EYFS. We believe that the Early Years Foundation stage is crucial in building solid foundations that pupils can continue to build upon throughout their education.

It is our intent that pupils are given the best opportunities to grow in all areas of their development whilst embedding a positive attitude to school and learning.   We understand that our pupils start school from a wide range of different settings and with varied life experiences, therefore we spend time getting to know our children and their families before they even start school.

From September 2021, we will follow the reformed Early Years Foundation Stage Framework.

The EYFS framework focuses on seven areas of learning. 

The prime areas of learning, which are important for building a foundation for enabling children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning are:

• Personal Social and Emotional Development
• Communication and language 
• Physical Development 

The specific areas of learning, through which the prime areas are strengthened and applied are:

• Literacy
• Mathematics 
• Expressive arts and design
• Understanding the world

There are 4 key principles that underpin our practice in the EYFS:

A Unique Child  

We recognise that all children are different and we believe in celebrating their strengths and ensuring that we support each one of  them to achieve their potential. We encourage the children to be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured.

Positive Relationships

Our children interact well with their peers and also we spend time ensuring that they build positive relationships with adults in school. We recognize the importance of parents and carers and the impact they can have on a child’s learning. We encourage parents and carers to be involved fully  in their child’s education.

Enabling Environments with teaching and support from adults  

Our learning environments, both inside and outside are well equipped, stimulating and provide challenge and increasing independence for our pupils. We regularly adapt and enhance the provision to meet the interests and developing needs of the children.  We ensure that it is always well organized and interesting and that it is accessible to all pupils, including those with SEN.  Staff support the children through guided activities as well as interacting alongside them whilst they are engaged and learning through play in the classroom. 

Learning and Development 

Our aim is for all pupils to achieve well and to make excellent progress from their starting points, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Learning is purposeful, practical and playful and builds upon the prior attainment of each child. We recognize that each child learns and develops at a different rate. Our children enjoy coming to school.