EYFS Statement

EYFS

Our Goal                                                        Passion for Learning...

 At Bentley St Paul's, we want our all our children to have a passion for learning where they gain life – long learning skills; a sense of adventure; the ability to enquire and make emotional connections.  

Our Christian Values

Friendship, Forgiveness, Trust, Peace, Wisdom, Responsibility, Respect and Reverence underpin all that we do and are the foundations of our drivers.

Our Tools

EYFS, What we want the children to know:

At our Church of England primary school, the intent of our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum is to provide a nurturing environment that supports the holistic development of each child. We aim to promote:

• Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural Development: Inspired by our Church of England ethos, we encourage children to explore and respect their own beliefs and those of others, fostering a sense of community, empathy, and moral responsibility.

• Personalised Learning: Recognising that every child is unique, we tailor our approaches to cater to individual learning styles, interests, and needs, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to thrive.

• Strong Foundations for Lifelong Learning: We focus on developing the key skills of communication, language, physical development, and personal, social, and emotional skills. This is complemented by a stimulating curriculum that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity.

• Community Engagement: We actively involve parents, families, and the local community in our learning processes, fostering a sense of belonging and partnership that enriches children's educational experiences.

EYFS, How we teach:

Our EYFS curriculum is designed to engage children in active learning experiences across the seven areas of learning, meticulously crafted to reflect the principles of the EYFS framework:

• Play-based Learning: We promote child-led, play-based learning experiences that encourage exploration and discovery. Our classrooms are thoughtfully arranged to stimulate imaginations, with accessible resources that support collaborative and independent play.

• Staff Expertise and Continuing Professional Development: Our highly qualified staff engage in regular training to ensure that they are up-to-date with the latest pedagogical strategies and best practices. They understand child development and how to foster positive relationships, thereby enhancing children's learning experiences.

• Inclusive Practice: We strive to create an inclusive environment that accommodates the diverse needs of our children. Support strategies are in place for children with SEND, ensuring that all children receive appropriate resources and opportunities to learn and grow.

• Collaborative Learning: We promote cooperative play and learning through group activities, fostering communication skills and the ability to work harmoniously with others, which are fundamental in a diverse school community.

• Parental Involvement: We foster strong partnerships with parents through regular communication, workshops, and open days. Parents are integral to our educational approach, and their insights and involvement greatly enrich the children’s learning journey.

• Assessment and Planning: Observational assessments guide our planning. We regularly evaluate children's progress and adapt our teaching strategies accordingly, ensuring they make the best progress possible. Our assessment practices are robust, supporting the identification of individual next steps in learning.

EYFS Impact

The impact of our EYFS provision is evident in the progress and achievements of our children, preparing them for successful transition into Key Stage 1. Key indicators of our impact include:

• Holistic Development: Children demonstrate well-rounded growth across the prime and specific areas of learning, cultivating not only academic skills but also emotional, social, and spiritual development aligned with our C of E ethos.

• High Levels of Engagement: Children exhibit enthusiasm and a strong desire to participate in activities, showcasing curiosity and motivation, indicative of a positive attitude towards learning.

• Strong Foundations for Future Learning: The majority of children leave our EYFS ready to transition into Key Stage 1, evidencing strong literacy and numeracy skills, emotional maturity, and social readiness, as assessed against the Early Learning Goals.

• Confident and Independent Learners: Children learn to take initiative and manage their own learning, demonstrating resilience and self-confidence. They are well-prepared for future educational challenges.

• Positive Relationships: Our environment fosters strong relationships among children, staff, and families. Evidence from surveys and feedback indicates high levels of satisfaction from parents regarding the care and education their children receive.

• Community Involvement: A strong Christian ethos, alongside opportunities for community engagement, nurtures a sense of belonging and enhances children's understanding of the world, emphasising respect and compassion.