The Early Years Foundation Stage
The EYFS
- sets the standards that all early years providers must meet to ensure children learn and develop well
- ensures children are kept healthy and safe
- ensures children have the knowledge and skills they need to start school
The statutory framework also includes the early years qualification requirements and standards document.
Our Approach
Our three Pillars of Learning sit within the wider Early Years Foundation Stage.
We support children across all seven areas of learning:
Prime Areas
- Communication and Language
- Physical Development
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Specific Areas
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts and Design
Children do not learn these areas separately. A simple activity can support communication, mathematics, creativity, physical skills and social development all at the same time.
Preparing Children for School
For us, school readiness is about much more than being able to write a name or count to a certain number.
We want children leaving Meadows to be:
- confident communicators;
- increasingly independent;
- curious and willing to explore;
- able to build positive relationships;
- able to express their needs and feelings;
- resilient when things are challenging;
- physically confident;
- interested in books, numbers and the world around them;
- creative thinkers and problem-solvers.
Most importantly, we want children to approach their next stage feeling confident, capable and ready to learn.
Working With Families
Parents and carers know their children best, which is why partnership with families is such an important part of our curriculum.
We encourage families to share children's interests, achievements, experiences, cultural traditions and any changes that may affect them.
By working together, we can ensure each child's learning is meaningful, individual and built around who they are.