EYFS

By creating a safe and happy environment, with motivating and enjoyable learning experiences, we enable children to become confident and independent learners. Because all our children are individuals, we work closely alongside all our parents and carers to meet each child’s needs, so that every child can reach his or her full potential.

Our curriculum is exciting and challenging and is based on our observation of children’s needs, interests, and stages of development across the seven areas of learning, which are:

• Communication and Language
• Physical Development
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Arts and Design

These areas are equally important and are taught through a cross-curricular, topic-based approach. Our children learn best by playing and exploring, so we plan specific opportunities to develop their critical thinking and to engage them in active learning.

Working in partnership with parents

Before children even start at Grinling Gibbons, we meet our children and families through home visits and welcome sessions. Once the children have started at school, we build on these relationships further, by continuing to work in close partnership working with parents and carers.

Assessments and Trackers

We observe our children across all areas of learning and this evidence is captured through photographs, notes and observations about their development and progress. These are then recorded in each child’s individual Learning Journey. We actively encourage parents and carers to be a part of this process by asking them to email in examples of their children’s learning, seen at home. 

In line with guidance from ‘The Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage’, children are assessed against the Early Learning Goals at the end of their Reception year – set out in Development Matters.