EYFS
Last year, we had an EYFS Review which was heralded as showing some excellent practice and a well-thought out learning environment. We are proud to say, that as a result, we had a number of other schools visit our EYFS last year to see our good practice in action.
Playing, exploring, active learning, creating and thinking critically are all essential building blocks crucial for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, at Tardebigge CE First School. This is also vital for building their capacity to learn to form relationships and thrive. We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum where the ‘Seven Areas of Learning’ are an integral part of each day. We follow the children’s interests and set themes and topics to stimulate excitement and enthusiasm.
All children are valued as individuals and work at their own pace, with the support of knowledgeable staff who are able to differentiate activities specifically tailored to the needs of our children. Children learn and develop through opportunities to interact in positive relationships and enabling environments that is crucial to their spiritual, personal and academic development.
As well as following a structured approach to synthetic phonics through the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds approach, and a maths curriculum based upon the White Rose Scheme, there are many opportunities for children to participate in a very active timetable. Such activities may include music, PE lessons and free flow opportunities to explore and learn in our fabulous outdoor spaces. Depending on the theme or topic there are a variety of trips throughout the school year. The children have also enjoyed visits from people who help us in our community.
This link provides you with some information about the Phonics approach that we use:
We will add further content to this page, including our EYFS Policy which is currently being amended, throughout the year. But for the moment, we would like to share a poem which encapsulates are beliefs and reasoning behind our EYFS curriculum:
Just Playing - Anita Wadley
When I’m building in the block room, please don’t say I’m "just playing"
For, you see, I’m learning as I play; about balance and shapes.
Who knows, I maybe an architect someday.
When I’m getting all dressed up, setting the table, caring for the babies,
Don’t get the idea I’m just playing.
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I may be a mother or a father someday.
When you see me up to my elbows in paint, or standing at an easel, or molding and shaping clay,
Please don’t let me hear you say “she’s just playing.”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I’m expressing myself and being creative. I may be an artist or an inventor someday.
When you see me “reading” to an imaginary audience,
please don’t laugh and think I’m just playing.
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I may be a teacher someday.
When you see me combing the bushes for bugs, Or packing my pockets with choice things I find, don’t pass it off as JUST play.
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I may be a scientist someday.
When you see me engrossed in a puzzle, or some plaything at my school,
Please don’t feel the time is wasted in play.
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I’m learning to solve problems and concentrate. I may be in business someday.
When you see me cooking or tasting foods,
Please don’t think that because I enjoy it, it is just play.
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I’m learning to follow directions and see differences. I may be a cook someday.
When you see me learning to skip, hop, run, and move my body,
Please don’t say I’m JUST playing.
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I’m learning how my body works. I may be a doctor, nurse or athlete someday.
When you ask me what I did at school today, and I say, “I just played”,
Please don’t misunderstand me.
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I’m learning to enjoy and be successful in work. I’m preparing for tomorrow.
Today, I’m a child and my work is play.