In our Early Years Foundation Stage, children, relationships and language sit at the heart of everything we do. We believe that young children learn best through meaningful, real-life experiences, rich talk and purposeful play, supported by warm, responsive adults who know them well.

Developing communication and language is a key priority within our Early Years curriculum. We create language-rich environments where children are encouraged to listen, talk, ask questions and share ideas throughout the day. Through stories, songs, role play, exploration and first-hand experiences, children are introduced to new vocabulary and supported to use language confidently as they learn, play and build friendships.

Strong personal, social and emotional development underpins all learning. We help children to feel safe, valued and secure, enabling them to form positive relationships, manage their emotions and develop independence. Working and playing alongside others supports children to grow in empathy, cooperation and respect.

Alongside this, we place a strong emphasis on developing the foundational skills that prepare children for successful learning in Year 1. This includes a clear focus on early phonics to support reading and writing, as well as the development of gross and fine motor skills. Through carefully planned physical activities, play and practical experiences, children build strength, coordination and control, supporting their readiness for handwriting and wider learning.

Through a balance of adult-led and child-initiated learning, we nurture confident, curious and happy learners who are well prepared socially, emotionally and academically for the transition into Year 1. 

The Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum consists of the Prime Areas of Communication and Language, Physical Development and Personal, Social and Emotional Development, and the Specific Areas of Literacy, Mathematics, Understand the World and Expressive Arts and Design.

Communication and language development involves giving children opportunities to experience a rich language environment; to develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves; and to speak and listen in a range of situations.

Physical development involves providing opportunities for young children to be active and interactive; and to develop their co-ordination, control, and movement. Children must also be helped to understand the importance of physical activity, and to make healthy choices in relation to food.

Personal, social and emotional development involves helping children to develop a positive sense of themselves, and others; to form positive relationships and develop respect for others; to develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings; to understand appropriate behaviour in groups; and to have confidence in their own abilities.

Literacy development involves encouraging children to link sounds and letters and to begin to read and write. Children must be given access to a wide range of reading materials (books, poems, and other written materials) to ignite their interest.

Mathematics involves providing children with opportunities to develop and improve their skills in counting, understanding and using numbers, calculating simple addition and subtraction problems; and to describe shapes, spaces, and measures.

Understanding the world involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology and the environment.

Expressive arts and design involves enabling children to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials, as well as providing opportunities and encouragement for sharing their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of activities in art, music, movement, dance, role-play, and design and technology.

At Talavera Infant School we plan the children’s learning through their own interests and key topics. In the Early Years this year we have covered the following topics:

• Autumn 1 – All About Me
• Autumn 2 –  Celebrations
• Spring 1 –  Sticks, Stones and Dinosaur Bones
• Spring 2 – Superstars
• Summer 1 – Gardens and Growing
• Summer 2 – Out and about

Please see a copy of our curriculum overviews for Early Years. Further information about what the children will be learning in each topic will be provided in the half termly newsletter.