Early Years Foundation Stage

Our Curriculum

Intent

In Reception at Newcroft Primary Academy, the curriculum is designed to recognise children’s prior learning from previous settings and their experiences at home. We provide first-hand learning experiences, whilst allowing the children to build independence, resilience and to be aspirational. Every child is recognised as a unique individual and we celebrate and welcome differences within our school community; our children learn to be inclusive and proud of themselves, where they come from and of our school. We offer experiences to develop children’s cultural capital and recognise and value diversity in the wider community. We guide children to recognise their own strengths and achievements, through experiencing success and developing their confidence to work towards their areas for development.  

Throughout their time in Reception, the children develop a sense of belonging to our school community, ready for their transition to Year 1. They have the confidence and skills to make decisions and self-evaluate, make connections and become lifelong learners.

We work in partnership with parents and carers to encourage independent, happy learners who thrive in school and reach their full potential from their various starting points.  Our fundamental aim is to ensure that pupils make excellent progress from their starting points and develop a love of school and of learning.  

Implementation

At Newcroft Primary Academy, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework. Our curriculum is taught through topic themes, which are enriched with classroom enhancements, trips and visitors. Topics are supported by high quality key texts. Our curriculum is flexible and responsive to children’s needs and may be adapted, dependent on children’s interests.  

Through our topic themes, we tailor the curriculum to follow children’s interests and provide opportunities, support learning, consolidate and deepen knowledge, and ensure children meet their next steps. 

We prioritise creating a ‘language rich’ environment through the use of songs, nursery rhymes, stories, key vocabulary and providing time for quality interactions between adults and between peers. Children are encouraged to become early readers through enjoyment of books, the schools’ rigorous approach to reading, and the systematic teaching of phonics. 

A vital aspect in the development of essential knowledge and skills is the use of continuous provision. This means that children are using and developing taught skills on a daily basis. The children are supported to learn to work together, manage their feelings and ask questions through skilled adult facilitated play.

Impact

Our curriculum and its delivery ensure that children, from their own starting points, make excellent progress from their baseline assessments, both academically and socially. Class teachers and Early Years staff use formal and informal observations to make formative assessments, which inform future planning and ensure that all children build on their current knowledge and skills at a good pace. End of term summative assessment compares children’s attainment to age related, on track, expectations using the Development Matters statements. At the end of their reception year children are assessed in relation to their progress towards the Early Learning Goals. The children leave reception with the skills and attitudes they need to be ready for to move into Year 1 and the National Curriculum.

Our Curriculum 

Subject Leaders and class teachers hold detailed plans and skills and knowledge progression maps from which they plan from. Our curriculum is designed for our pupils and reflects the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework and Development Matters. 

Please see the Year Group Curriculum Maps, which outline what topics, themes and books will be taught in Reception. Please also see our detailed skill and knowledge progression map, from our Pre School through to the end of the Reception year.

Policy

Click to read our EYFS Policy