EYFS

In the Foundation Stage (Nursery and Reception), our curriculum follows the national Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework so that children learn, develop and are kept healthy and safe from birth to five.

 

Four guiding principles

Our practice is shaped by the EYFS’ four principles:

• A Unique Child – every child is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self‑assured.
• Positive Relationships – children learn to be strong and independent through warm, supportive relationships.
• Enabling Environments (with teaching and support from adults) – children learn and develop well when adults respond to their interests and needs and build learning over time, in strong partnership with parents/carers.
• Learning and Development – children develop and learn at different rates; the framework covers the education and care of all children, including those with SEND.

 

The seven areas of learning

We teach and assess through the EYFS prime and specific areas of learning:

 

Prime areas (foundations for all learning)

• Personal, Social & Emotional Development (PSED) – feelings, relationships, self‑regulation and independence.
• Communication & Language – talk, listening, vocabulary and conversation.
• Physical Development – movement, coordination, health and self‑care.

 

Specific areas (building on the prime areas)

• Literacy – phonics, early reading and writing.
• Mathematics – number, patterns and spatial reasoning.
• Understanding the World – people, place, culture, technology and the natural world.
• Expressive Arts & Design – creativity, music, art, design and imagination.

 

How children learn: the characteristics

We plan rich, play‑based experiences that nurture the Characteristics of Effective Teaching and Learning:

• Playing and exploring – having a go, investigating and experiencing things.
• Active learning – staying focused, keeping on trying and enjoying success.
• Creating and thinking critically – developing ideas, making links, and choosing strategies.

These characteristics run through all seven areas and help ensure a smooth transition into Year 1.

 

At Roby Park, we bring these to life through our Roby Park Behaviour for Learning Heroes, which help children recognise and talk about the skills great learners use every day.

 

What this looks like in our classrooms

• Warm relationships and high‑quality interactions that extend children’s vocabulary and thinking.
• Enabling indoor and outdoor environments with purposeful provision and playful learning, guided by skilled adults.
• Responsive planning and assessment—we notice what children can do, build from their interests, and adapt teaching so every child progresses at their pace.
• Inclusive practice—the EYFS framework applies to all children, including those with SEND, with support tailored to individual needs.

 

Working with families

We believe children thrive when school and home work together. We share learning, celebrate successes and agree next steps with parents and carers—building strong partnerships from the very start.