Early Years
Vision Statement
At St Michaels, we intend to provide motivating first-hand experiences, whilst encouraging our children to build a life-long love of learning. We aim to provide a knowledge rich curriculum, which builds on children’s existing skills and knowledge, encouraging them to use what they already know to succeed and progress.
We recognise that all children are unique and we celebrate individual differences and skills, to enable all children to feel valued and have pride in their achievements. We also highly value child-led learning and will follow the interests and fascinations of the children in each cohort. The curriculum is rich in language and vocabulary, role-modelled by staff, to ensure children can communicate effectively.
Our children across Early years have access to a wide range of learning through play and enjoy a mix of child initiated and adult led activities. Pupils have daily Math's, Literacy and phonics sessions and free flow access to our newly developed outdoor area.
We have developed our own bespoke curriculum, based on the context of our school. We explore the Wider World and the wonders it has to offer, through a progressive programme of learning; matched to the children’s needs. Please see our curriculumn intent model.
Topics are planned that follow the children’s interests, capture their imagination and develop their learning in the following areas:
- Communication and Language
- Literacy
- Physical Development
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts and Design
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
The children engage in a range of activities, that are based on first-hand experiences around these areas of learning. The children can access these in both the inside and outside classroom environment.
We use Development Matters to support the curriculum. For each area of learning we plan exciting and engaging opportunities to continuously move the children’s learning and development forward. This includes following a topic or class theme, where we combine all areas of learning in a cross-curricular way, to develop a wide-ranging vocabulary which underpins the children’s learning.
This also includes following the children’s interests and making the most of those ‘in the moment’ teachable opportunities, where learning can be maximised if children are engrossed in an activity due to personal fascinations or interests.
Each year we will take into account the nature and needs of the class and create a blend of whole-class, guided, adult led and child led play, which suits our cohort. We follow the characteristics of effective learning and give opportunities to play and explore, be active and think critically and creatively.
Staff quickly identify children that need support in any area of learning and provide focused intervention. This t is targeted and age-appropriate to support individuals to make expected progress.
We embed our values of Service, Respect, Perseverance, Kindness, Joyfulness and Courage in everything that we do.
The following link is a guide about what to expect in the EYFS.
In the Early years at St Michaels CE (A) First School, we aim to impact our children, by creating the foundations to support them into Key Stage 1 and beyond. Our children develop a thirst for learning. They have a detailed knowledge and skills across all seven areas of learning in age appropriate ways. By the end of Reception, most children will achieve the early learning goals and will be ready to transition into Key Stage 1 as independent, resilient learners, with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed