“Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil their potential. Children develop quickly in the early years and a child’s experiences between birth and age five have a major impact on their future life chances. A secure, safe and happy childhood is important in its own right.” Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage, Department for Education 2021

At Ryvers School, we recognise that a child’s early years journey is the start of shaping the person and learner that they will become. Our EYFS curriculum is broad and balanced. It provides children with a safe and stimulating environment that will allow them to thrive. We aim to develop curiosity and nurture children into becoming independent and resilient learners. As part of the EYFS curriculum we ensure children have access to learning experiences that lay strong foundations for them to develop the characteristics of an effective learner. It also ensures that the children have the knowledge and skills to be ready for the key stage 1 curriculum.

The EYFS curriculum is purposeful and engaging and it maps out progress. It also recognises that learning in the early years is not always neat and orderly and considers that pupils learn best in different ways. The areas of learning and development are implemented through planned, purposeful play, and through a mix of adult-led and child-initiated activities. Teachers and learning support assistants respond to each child’s emerging needs and interests, guiding their development through positive interaction in order to move their learning forward. We ensure that our teaching practise is adaptive and responsive to the needs of the pupil and believe all pupils can succeed.

As outlined in Development Matters September 2021 “When we give every child the best start in their early years, we give them what they need today. We also set them up with every chance of success tomorrow.”

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework is based on four guiding principles: 

At Ryvers we place a strong emphasis on providing an inclusive, nurturing environment that encourages growth and development for all children.

The Unique Child: By recognising that every child has their own way of learning and developing, Ryvers focuses on personalising education to meet individual needs. This fosters a sense of self-worth and motivates children to embrace their learning journey.

Positive Relationships: The focus on fostering positive relationships is vital. When children have strong connections with their teachers, support staff and peers, they feel secure, which in turn helps them build the confidence to explore, ask questions, and develop independence.

Enabling Environments: Creating an environment that is tailored to meet each child's needs and interests promotes meaningful learning experiences.

Leaning and Developing: The framework covers the education and care of all children in early years provision, including children with special educational needs and disabilities. At Ryvers we ensure all children have access to learning and developing in all areas of learning.

There are seven areas of learning and development

The Nursery and Reception follow the curriculum as outlined in the latest version of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) 2021.The EYFS framework includes 7 areas of learning and development that are equally important and inter-connected. However, 3 areas known as the prime areas are seen as particularly important for igniting curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, and for building children’s capacity to learn, form relationships and thrive.

Three of the areas are referred to as the Prime areas. These are particularly important for building a foundation for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, forming relationships and thriving (Early Years Framework 2021)

These three areas are the prime areas:

Communication and Language: Listening and Attention, Understanding and Speaking

Physical Development: Gross Motor Skills and Fine Motor Skills

Personal, Social and Emotional Development: Self-Regulation, Managing Self and Building Relationships

Children are also supported through the four specific areas, through which the three prime areas are strengthened and applied.

The specific areas are:

Literacy: Comprehension, Word Reading and Writing

Mathematics: Number and Numerical Patterns

Understanding the World: Past and Present, People, Culture and Communities and The Natural World

Expressive Arts and Design: Creating with Materials and Being Imaginative and Expressive

Characteristics of Effective Teaching and learning

The EYFS also includes the characteristics of effective teaching and learning. The Nursery and Reception teachers plan activities within the classrooms with these in mind. They highlight the importance of children’s attitude to learning and their ability to play, explore and think critically about the world around them.

The three characteristics are:

Playing and Exploring – children investigate and experienced things and have a go.

Active Learning – children concentrate and keep on trying if they encounter difficulties and enjoy their achievements.

Creating and Thinking Critically – children have and develop their own ideas, make links between ideas, and develop strategies for doing things.