Welcome to Early Years - the first step into primary education
The team strive to provide the very best start to your child's education experience here. We balance the needs to children to explore, learn and be nurtured while developing strong healthy life habbits and emotional intelegence. Each learning opportunity is carefully designed to meet the needs of all of our children, enabling a strong foundation for further knowledge and skills to be build upon as they progress through their school years.
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Structure of the EYFS
At Appleton Thorn Primary School, the EYFS provision is within the Reception class (children aged 4-5 years old) Children attend school on a full time basis after an initial transition period from local Nursery and Pre-School settings. There is a full time teacher and Teaching Assistant in the setting with access to indoor and outdoor provision throughout the day
Planning
Staff plan activities and experiences for children that enable children to develop and learn effectively. In order to do this, practitioners working with the youngest children are expected to focus strongly on the 3 prime areas.
Staff also take into account the individual needs, interests, and stage of development of each child in their care, and use this information to plan a challenging and enjoyable experience. Where a child may have a special educational need or disability, staff consider whether specialist support is required, linking with relevant services from other agencies, where appropriate
Curriculum
Our early years provision encompasses the curriculum as outlined in the 2021 statutory framework of the EYFS.
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.
The prime areas are:
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Communication and language
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Physical development
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Personal, social and emotional development
The prime areas are strengthened and applied through 4 specific areas:
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Literacy
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Mathematics
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Understanding the world
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Expressive arts and design
Important Dates
Extra Curricular Activities for Reception Class
Thursday 3:20 - 4:20 - Mini Dribblers Football Club (External Provider)
Teaching
Each area of learning and development is implemented through planned, purposeful play, and through a mix of adult-led and child-initiated activities. Practitioners respond to each child’s emerging needs and interests, guiding their development through warm, positive interaction.
As children grow older, and as their development allows, the balance gradually shifts towards more adult-led activities to help children prepare for more formal learning, ready for year 1.
Uniform
Wearing of school uniform shows the commitment to the school’s aims and values as set out in the Home School Agreement.
Learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage is active and, at times, messy! Children in Reception class are asked to wear our ‘active’ uniform which allows for greater freedom in play and is easy to change and wash at the end of the school day. Uniform consists of a white t-shirt, grey or black (non-branded) tracksuit bottoms/leggings, a green jumper, plain black trainers, a green puddle suit and plain coloured wellies. This uniform is comfortable to wear all day and allows for outdoor learning in all weathers. There is no need to provide a separate PE kit.
Other Items
PE Hoodie (Green) - optional
Spare underwear – in case of accidents to be kept in school bag
Appleton Thorn Reading Folder/Book Bag – no rucksacks please as these are difficult to store.
These are used to take home school work, reading books and school communications.
Children do have accidents so remember to include spare underwear in your child’s book bag too.