Early Years Foundation Stage at Birstwith CE Primary School
Our Reception children follow the EYFS framework as their curriculum within Class One.
We are driven to deliver quality first teaching within exciting, rich environments. We take advantage of our beautiful, rural setting and outdoor space by visiting our local church, being involved in community events and enjoying walks in the villages, whilst ensuring children are exposed to a range of wider curriculum experiences. It is of huge importance to us that we broaden our children’s understanding and acceptance of the variety within our diverse world, such as trips to larger towns and cities to visit places of worship, taking part in a range of cultural celebrations, raising money for charities and sharing texts which normalise diversity and prepare them for life in modern Britain.
Reflected in our school logo, we passionately believe that every child joining us from their very first year of school is treated as a special and unique ‘rainbow’ of possibilities. Our aim is for each child to feel safe, valued and enthused to explore their own fascinations, develop their confidence and imaginations and acquire the skills and knowledge they will need as they take their very first steps on their learning journeys, preparing them to be school ready, for life in modern Britain and the wider world.
By the time our children finish their Reception year, they are able to play cooperatively with others, behave respectfully, demonstrate confidence and resilience and can manage their impulses and ranging emotions. They make plans, adapt, take risks, seek challenge, display high levels of independence and are good problem solvers. They are school ready, equipped with a rich vocabulary, skills and a wide range of first-hand experiences to carry with them. They have taken their first successful steps on their lifelong journey with love in their hearts and exciting plans in their minds.
Oral Health
We have been working with North Park & Beech Park Dental Practices to implement their 'Teeth Team' programme to promote positive oral health and tooth brushing in school. The children each have their own toothbrush and love brushing their teeth and gums to a special song! The Teeth Team visit school twice per academic year to check their teeth and apply a flouride varnish (with permissions).
Starting School
Starting school is a huge transition, not only for children but their families too! We are so excited each year to meet our new starters and take great care in ensuring a positive and smooth transition for them to make the experience as exciting as possible! We arrange visits to the child's nursery or their home to meet them in a setting they are comfortable with including having a discussion with familiar adults to build our knowledge about each individual. We then organise two visits into school, one with parents accompanying and one to join with the class for 'Moving Up Day'. In addition, to support the parents and carers in the transition, we host a parents information evening to support families in sharing all the key knowledge and information they need as their child starts school.
Once children start school, they are assigned a Year 6 buddy to support them as they learn the routines and settle which is always so special and they build wonderful relationships!
Curriculum
The curriculum for EYFS aged children is planned by a qualified and experienced teacher, and is line with the Early Years Framework.
Phonics - Children follow the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds scheme, which has provided a strong and secure start as children learn to read and write.
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Maths - We follow guidance from White Rose Maths for our progression and incorporate Numberblocks. We recognise and value the importance of play within maths in children of this age and support this through interactions as they play, progressing learning with skilled adult guidance.
Wider Curriculum - We have worked to carefully curate curriculum opportunities that link to what the KS1 children are learning, but that are developmentally appropriate and play-based. This has been developed in conjunction with our Long Term Planning and Subject Leaders to ensure high-quality learning opportunities that enrich the children's experiences. We provide discrete sessions for the following subjects for EYFS:
PSHE - Kapow
Religious Education - NYCC Agreed Syllabus 2024.
PE is provided as a whole class lesson either by school staff or Sporting Influence.
Our indoor and outdoor environment supports and facilitates high quality learning through play that is a balance of continuous and enhanced provision. Adults interact with children and follow their interests to progress learning, make discoveries and creating moments of awe and wonder.
Key Person
The children are assigned Miss Erwin, Class 1 Teacher, as their key person when they begin Reception. In class, children build strong and positive relationships with the other adults who are Mrs Johnson (Teaching Assistant), Mrs Plant (Teaching Assistant) and Mrs Paxton (HLTA).