"There is a very strong ethos of tolerance and respect for others that is felt throughout the school."
Ofsted 2018

Foundation Stage

Welcome to the Early Years

At St Martin de Porres Primary we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum in both the Nursery and Reception classes. The key focus is about learning through play, creativity and discovery and most of all making learning fun!

‘If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn’

Ignacio Estrada

This is the earliest stage of a child’s education at school, and covers the Nursery and Reception classes. It is called the Foundation Stage because it gives the children secure foundations for later learning.

The Early Years Foundation Stage provides a secure and supportive environment where children can: settle into school life, learn to work and play as a member of a group, develop good relationships with other children and adults in the class and grow in self confidence develop a positive attitude to learning.

At St Martin de Porres Primary School we work as a team to ensure that the children’s first experiences of schooling are as happy and stress free as possible.

All children have a key worker that is assigned to them. This key worker will be their class teacher who will also be supported by the Early Years Practitioners based within each classroom.

Children learn through having opportunities to interact in positive relationships and enabling environments. We also aim to help children to develop in the characteristics of effective learning: playing and exploring, active learning and creating, and thinking critically.

Children are encouraged to select their own activities as well as join in activities with adults. These activities cover a broad range of learning, making the most of the indoor and outdoor environments.

Foundation Stage Curriculum:

 

 

EYFS Development Matters Statement

EYFS Curriculum Overview 2023-24

The Early Years Foundation Stage focuses on the three prime areas and four specific areas of learning and development:

Prime Areas:

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

The children learn to work, to play and co-operate with each other. We provide a warm, secure environment where children are valued, feel happy and confident. There are opportunities for children to play and learn alone and in small and large groups. Role-play is particularly encouraged both indoors and outdoors.

Physical Development

The children participate in activities that develop their control and co-ordination and their awareness of space and others. Their fine manipulative skills are increased by using a variety of tools, within a range of creative activities and small construction play. They use a range of small and large equipment and balancing and climbing apparatus both inside and outside.

Communication and Language

Through a variety of activities the children’s ability to listen attentively and communicate are supported and extended. We encourage children to join in rhymes and refrains and develop their understanding and use of questions. Use of talk in connecting ideas, explaining thoughts and role play is modelled and encouraged.

Specific Areas:

Literacy

A rich variety of books, puppets, story sacks and other resources are used to make stories come alive and to help children develop an interest in stories and books. Children are encouraged in mark making, recording and developing writing skills through a range of activities and resources available to them.

Mathematics

This area of learning includes counting, sorting, matching, seeking patterns, making connections, recognising relationships and working with numbers, shapes, space and measures. The children participate in counting songs, stories, rhymes, games and imaginative play, so that the children enjoy using and experimenting with numbers.

Understanding of the World

The children are given opportunities to observe, predict, explore, investigate, discuss and make decisions and to extend vocabulary. The children carry out topic based activities. These experiences form the basis of their learning in Science, Design and Technology, History, Geography and ICT (Information, Communication and Technology)

Expressive Arts and Design

This area of learning includes art, music, dance, role-play and imaginative play. Through creative activities the children handle a range of materials, experiencing texture, colour and form. The children have the opportunity to experiment and create freely and participate in organised activities. There are also plenty of opportunities to explore sound, make music, play musical instruments and join in with new and familiar songs.

If you would like more information on the Early Years Foundation Stage please look at the following website: www.foundationyears.org.uk

All children will be provided with a healthy snack (fruit or vegetables) during the school day. All children up to the age of 5 are entitled to free milk. Once your child turns five, water will be available. However if you would like to provide your child with their own water bottle this can be purchased from the school office for £1

Nursery children who stay for 30 hours need to bring a healthy packed lunch.

Healthier Families -https://www.nhs.uk/healthier-families/recipes/healthier-lunchboxes/

We believe that children learn best when we have a broad understanding of their achievements both at home and at school. This allows us to plan for their next steps in learning and can develop skills in all areas of the curriculum.

Top Tips for Parents
Getting ready for school

 

If you would like more information on how to support your child at home please come and talk to your child’s class teacher or refer to the handbook you were given at the Parent Workshop.

 

You must still apply for a place, even if the nursery is linked to your child’s current primary school. You must apply through your local council.



For school admission information please click here.